On Monday our family got up early, had breakfast, dressed in layers and took off for “Fourth of July Campground.” This spot is a nook and cranny of New Mexico, where big tooth maple, pine and oak still flourish just a hop skip and a jump from the more typical dry plains dotted with cactus and juniper that surround it.
This place is not just a campground, but a glorious region full of hiking trails and wildlife, including bear, big cats and wild turkey. Autumn is the season I love best there, with maple trees ranging in color from yellow to orange-red, and oak trees aglow with a golden light. To me it’s magical, especially during the week when the autumn-color seekers are limited to a few retirees and entrepreneurs like ourselves with schedules flexible enough for week-day outings.
I’ve heard it said that Fourth of July campground is a holdover from thousands of years ago, before New Mexico acquired it’s current (mostly) dry climate. It’s a pocket of rugged mountains, babbling brooks, hiking trails and a practically eastern-forest like climate. We’ve even picked wild raspberries on some of the trails during late summer hikes.
Today the kids picked autumn leaves as if they were jewels for the taking, piles of them, to press in books. I don’t know where these will eventually end up. Probably scattered around the house, lost behind book cases and under the refrigerator.
But I know where I’ll put the polka dot feather my grandson found and quietly gifted me. It will be tucked into the band of my husband’s straw cowboy hat that hangs on a wall near the kitchen stove. I thought of sweet Ed today, and how just a year ago we walked under the cathedral of glowing trees holding hands.
Enjoy the changing season and the ones you love, and remember to keep them close in all ways. Life, like Autumn, is a transient gift.
Your animal loving artist,
Merry
Debby says
Fall is my favorite season of the year. Beautiful color changes and lower temps (also humidity) make it a wonderful time of year to be outside. Glad you’re able to enjoy it with family.
Merry says
I agree! This is the best time of year in my opinion. – Merry
Jennifer Schori says
Such a beautiful post, Merry – brought tears to my eyes. Those bittersweet kind that seem somehow the best. Thank you.
Merry says
Thank you, Jennifer! I hope you and your family are doing well. – Merry