This is a first for the Easy Hikers: in this post, we will not tell you where we went for our walk. Not because this is some sort of game and we want you to puzzle it out, but because it does not matter.
The scene for your autumn walk is everywhere and anywhere – just around the corner in your neighbourhood, wherever that may be (provided, of course, it is in the northern hemisphere).
Today’s post will not tell you where to go but simply to go and to experience the autumn rhythm for yourself.
Because this is the time of the year when ordinary streets shed their usual greys and put on a coat of many colours – some sort of street carnival, if you like …
… and when suburban side streets turn into art galleries.
This, for example, could be seen as a cubist-constructivist kind of work, …
although – admittedly – someone would have to straighten out the lines a little with a hacksaw.
While this could be one of Jackson Pollock’s. Even the format is just about right, and I already have a title: let’s call it Autumn Rhythm No. 2.
Better still than urban avenues and suburban side streets, however, are municipal woodlands and parks.
I am sure there is one in your area, too. Go now, before the first November storm blows away all the colours and the golden phase of autumn shades into its mournful successor.
Three simple rules
To get the best out of your trip, I would suggest three simple rules.
First of all: pick a sunny day. The more sun you can get, the better, because the bright light – much like a dose of salt in a meal – cranks up the volume and brings out the colours. Also, the rich yellows of the leaves look so much better against a backdrop of blazing, brilliant blue.
Secondly, bring a camera. The need to look out for a good motive makes you much more aware of what is going on around you and sharpens your perception. You will see things that would otherwise have flown under your radar.
You can take my word for it. I had walked this particular route on many a day before, but it was only this time – when we had brought a camera – that I noticed how tall some of the trees were.
Thirdly, whenever you see a footpath, …
… follow it. You never know what you will find.
In this case, it was a small piece of the Amazon jungle which had miraculously found its way to northern Europe. Who would have thought!
You see, you don’t need to travel halfway around the world for a journey of awe and wonder. There are many exciting things to discover and many amazing things to see almost literally in your backyard, particularly at this time of the year.
The autumn rhythm is back. Seize the season!
