Hunting For Autumn

 Anyone who has ever poured a glass of cold milk only to discover upon their first sip that it was actually orange juice, understands what a seventy five degree day in the middle of October feels like to a Vermonter.  Vernon's Halloween decorations are out, pumpkins are perched and some leaves are on the ground; yet the month seems to be slipping by without a nod to the winter months to come. 

My summer shirts are still in the closet and Wayne is still wearing shorts as if he were a high school student waiting for a bus in November. Marigolds, Zinnias, Blackberries, Queen Ann's Lace, Azaleas (yes Azaleas) and a lovely butter yellow wildflower that I don't yet know the name of are blooming even as our Asters and Sedum have gone to seed. How can anyone be expected to commence with Fall chores with all of this going on?

We took a drive last weekend on Rt 100 and found that the license plates had already peaked up North. We saw hills full of NY yellow, CT & DE blue,  MA red, and even some Midwest white. We stopped by an apple orchard, where oddly enough Maple Creemees were still in high demand and the only apples left to pick (fittingly enough) were Empires.

While we were walking the dogs yesterday after sunset, Don pulled over in his truck to talk. It seems that Don and the Vernon Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club had been working on replacing a bridge. Don told me to look in the bed of his truck and sure enough the remains of the old bridge were there. Don explained that Fall is the last chance to get the trail work done and though the trails are open to all, they rely on a yearly thirty dollar membership fee to cover their expenses. Now I know Don to be an avid hunter, and so clearly doing chores during deer season for the benefit of his winter activities, must come at some personal cost as well. I think it's fitting that all who utilize the trails, chip in one way or another for their upkeep.

Now I know what people with fishing licenses like me and those with hunting licenses are thinking, because I used to think the same thing. Our licenses already pay for conservation of VT lands and wildlife so why should I have to thank a Trailbreaker, kick in my time or money to the local snowmobile club? Well, the answer lies in the back of that Vernon Vermonter's pickup. 

Don also mentioned that he opened up the gate on West road to the powerlines and just so you know, this is the reason our chores are left undone and my blog is late going to press. I'll take up that hike in part two of Hunting For Autumn which I will post next Sunday. 

Until then, enjoy Vernon's trails but be respectful out there. You wouldn't want to get into trouble on the trail! - Norma Manning