The Changing of the Colors
The color shift of the deciduous trees of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan represents many things to the people of the Midwest. There is the obvious transition from summer to fall with its characteristic shift to cool comfortable weather. This cool respite after the summer’s intense heat and humidity will give way to bonfires, plaid flannels, and the occasional cup of warm cider, or perhaps a glass of whiskey for those who enjoy the stronger stuff.
Morning Rituals: The Tree Stand
On this night, as I move up to the creek and into the clearing that edges it, I feel that familiar awareness build. The wind is mostly blocked in this corridor and the ambient noise has died down to a whisper. The moon is illuminating me at the edge of the trees. I turn west and point myself into the wind before setting off cautiously toward my stand. I move 80 yards west along the creek and I am about to turn into the woods to make the final move into the stand when I hear it. A snort wheeze cutting through the dark morning air.