Fall is my favourite season. Correction, “early fall” is my favourite season. That means before the weather turns cold, all the leaves fall and the feeling of summer is just an afternoon away.
There is a crispness in the air, the mornings are cool but the afternoons are warm, the forest colours are vibrant and varied and it is the last kick at doing some of my favourite outdoor activities. Really what is there not to like?
Unfortunately early fall is very fleeting. It comes in one week and then seemingly gone just as quick as it came. Then we are in limbo until the snow flies.
So given that we are at the end of September we have about four weeks before early fall comes to a rapid close. With only four weekends to do our favourite activities we better get cracking. The following is a list of some of the early fall ideas you can check off.
**5 things to add to your bucket list this fall**
- River Valley Players Zombie Run Oct. 3. – I have never attended the Annual Zombie Run event but I am told it is very popular and really fun for the whole family. This year the event is being held down at Willey West campground. Which is exciting because if you decide to head down there you can also check out the river, the playground and the assorted walking trails that are not infested with zombies.
- This brings us to our second must do before the season is through, camping. It has been a wonderful summer and come the end of September many people are winterizing their trailers and storing them away. But if you are of an optimistic mindset take the first part of October to get one last, close to home, family camping trip in. Some provincial parks and campgrounds are beginning to close at the start of the month, so double check before you head out.
- Another activity you may have to cram into the first week of October is golfing. Last year the first weekend of October was a balmy +20 so the temperature was right. As long as you have some bright balls or balls with gps then you will have no trouble finding them under the fallen leaves. But obstacles or not, you cannot beat getting out on the links in this gorgeous fall weather.
- With the time sensitive stuff out of the way you have a little bit of breathing room to hit up the Pembina Nordic Ski Trails mountain single track trails. The Pembina Nordic Ski trails close to walking and biking when the snow flies so take advantage during this window of opportunity. However, the Hilltop and Hillside trails on the east side of the Eagle Point Provincial Park are open year round to walking and biking. Fat tire biking, anyone?
- When we think of summer we think of long lazy days at the beach. Well the water is not inviting any more, but a day at the beach is always a welcome adventure for the kiddos, and a great way to enjoy a long cup of morning java. The community beach at the Seba Beach Community Centre is a nice spot to hang out for a young family with kids as there is a nearby playground. Or if you are looking for something more rugged head out to the Brazeau Dam.
- Moving water is usually the last to freeze, which means that kayaking, canoeing, the Pembina River and the North Saskatchewan River can be something you can enjoy into mid-fall. Be careful though, changing weather and cold water can make for a tippy ride. In fact one time my friend and I headed out the Brazeau Dam, and the weather changed very quickly to strong winds and white caps. My buddy tipped her kayak, and got a really cold bath. Luckily we were really close to shore and were able to get her back and warmed up quickly.
- Shopping Day. Okay technically you can do this all the time but, let’s face it, it’s more enjoyable to walk around town when the weather is nice. Doing some pre-holiday shopping before the weather turns really cold is what I consider, just good planning. It also is a nice way to spend some time with my family.
So this takes care of your October and gets you right ready for late fall. We will talk about that at a later date because I just don’t want to think about it.
Fumbles and bumbles at Rose Creek
We were about 45 minutes into what turned out to be a very thick bushwack. I was mid-lunge and my ski was looking like a “U” as I tried to get over a fallen tree when my aunt asked, “How much weight do you think we can put on our skis before they break?” I paused, unweighted my ski and looked around to see if there was another way through.
Five scenic bike rides near Drayton Valley
Here are five rides that are moderate in length, located on quiet secondary highways, and offer a variety of views not more than 40 minutes from Drayton Valley.
Experiencing the finer arts in the valley
Art galleries can be an inspiring place to visit but they can also be baffling.
DV100 a personal ride
Finally, seven years after I was first introduced to the DV100 I completed the 100km race.
I was first introduced to the event as a planner when I worked for the Drayton Valley Community Foundation.
Driving the Sunchild Road
Drayton Valley to Lake Louise via the Sunchild Road is the most scenic route to the Rocky Mountains.
Drayton Valley’s best photo spots
Natural Locations
This list could go on forever but if we limit it to three general location ideas we have; The lookout point overlooking Willey West from the Pembina Rotary Community South Trails, viewpoints along the Pembina Nordic single track trails, any number of playgrounds and bridge points along the walking trails located in Drayton Valley.
Don’t be afraid to lace up your hiking boots and get out in the great outdoors. Some of the best shots around the area are only accessed by foot. But, getting off the beaten path is not limited to nature walks; it can also mean meandering down a back alley, or an industrial area.
From rural to urban, natural to industrial Drayton Valley has much to offer for your next photo shoot.
