Inspirations for my Octobers walks has always been top of mind for me after reading Hal Borlands “Twelve Moons Of The Year” daily. Hal was America’s best-loved writers on nature and published a weekly report in the New York Times editorial page on the day-to-day events for everyday through the four seasons captivating the rhythm of change on the daily observations in Litchfield County here in Connecticut. Thanks to Hal Borland my walks on the meandering trails throughout our state made me closely aware of the subtle changes in nature from one season to next. Hal’s words would always resonate the messages he inscribed within me on the beauty of the 10th month of the year. The enhanced blue skies, spectacular woodland color, a cidery tang in the air from the nearby apple orchards, all the folklore about the upcoming winter from the wooly bear caterpillars predicting a mild or cold winter by the color and width of their bands. And of course, the falls perennial wildflower white and purple Asters on edges of paths and country roadsides. You notice that summer is finally over after your walk is completed and you look up to see and hear the migrating geese flying in a symmetrical V formation to their southern destination.
Thanks, Hal for showing me the way this October.