I used to hate this time of year. September was always traumatic for me. September=NEW SCHOOL YEAR. Oh, how I dreaded it! For so many reasons. The last day of August always brought anxiety and depression. It has taken most of my adult life to deal with that trauma. I now fully embrace autumn. I've fallen completely in love with this time of year. The cool evenings and the warm sunshiney days! One of my favorite things to do during this magical season is to walk through the woods. I love dappled sunshine on the forest floor. It makes everything dreamy.
I remember when I was in elementary school, as soon as I got home, I would change my clothes and head for the woods. The earthy melancholy scent brings me right back.
Recently my dad and I headed to Scenic Hudson-Esopus Meadows Preserve. He'd never been before, which surprised me. It's on the banks of the mighty Hudson River, so I've spent much time there through the years. I usually walk along the river's edge, the Esopus Meadows Point Trail, to see as much of the river as I can and the white egrets at this time of year. This time I decided we would take the Phenology trail first. It's a beautiful trail. Placards at their bases identify the trees and bushes. There is also information about the flowers you might see along the way.

What is phenology?
Phenology studies seasonal changes that plants and animals exhibit throughout the year. Key phases, such as breaking leaf buds, changing leaf color, or migration, are known as phenophases. Phenophases are observed to record when these changes are taking place each year.
You can study phenology at Esopus Meadows Preserve.
Click here for more information: https://www.scenichudson.org/our-work/environmental-education/phenology/.

While walking, we noticed that there wasn't a speck of trash. Not a plastic water bottle. Not a wind-blown wrapper. Not even dog poop. In the distance, there was some hammering every so often. We could still hear the birds and the geese on the river. The sounds together were soothing. I felt at home.
We finally reached the descent to the Esopus Meadows Point Trail.


I still get excited at the first glimpse of the river! As I said in an earlier blog post, I'm rheophilic. I prefer living on or by flowing water. Everything is better when you are on or near an ocean, river, or crick. Negative ions create positive vibes.

I'm so happy that I can have this time walking with my dad. I love it when I can share a new spot with him! I'm glad my mindset about fall changed, and I can finally bask in the warm autumn sunshine with no anxiety, living in the here and now.
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