Do You Have an Autumn Ritual?
October 3, 2009 Posted by Painted Hen's Rooster
The crisp cool air, changing foliage colors, and the smell of warm cider. Yes, autumn is certainly in the air. Today, the Painted Hen and I took our two boys on our autumn ritual in the Rocky Mountains. Every year at the beginning of October, the elk in the Rocky Mountains begin to rut. And that means they all come down to the low meadows to put on their annual mating display of crashing antlers and incredible bugling. It’s quite a show set against the amazing backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in their splendid fall foliage of glowing yellow aspens. To us, the ritual sort of signals the real beginning of autumn. The kids never tire of it and love to see the elk. It’s usually on these trips that conversations turn to questions like “What should I be for Halloween?” It’s one of our favorite times of year, and I hope our boys remember these special times of year and our trips to the elk meadows as they grow older.
Growing up back east, we didn’t have elk or towering yellow and orange mountains to signal the start of fall, but we had other rituals that my parents took us on every year when the seasons changed. These rituals have remained with me for my entire life and to me they mark special memories that always return as the leaves begin to fall. Do you have a special autumn ritual you share with your children? If you do, share them with us, we’d love to hear them.
Lynne says:
October 3rd, 2009
The Rocky Mountains sound lovely. I was born and raised on Nantucket Island. For me, autumn was always ushered in by the cranberry harvest. It is always so colorful, and as crisp a reflection of any season. That sea of red is so vibrant that your taste buds come alive just anticipating the tart recipes. I have been taking my children to the Cranberry Festival at Milestone Bog every October. That has become our own family tradition that starts off the autumn season.
Samantha Hayes says:
October 4th, 2009
We live in Phoenix and not much changes there in the fall. But every year we drive a few hours north to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon to see the beautiful fall colors. If you’re ever in Arizona in the fall, make sure you hit these spots.
Kathryn says:
October 4th, 2009
Yes I have a tradition that my folks did with us when we were young,and I carried it on with my children
Every mid October,we go to our local mountain area,packing a picnic. We all walk slowly on trails,looking for the infamous “Woolly”caterpillar,and see who counts the most. Counting how many have more black showing,then make predictions of the winter to come 
It’s fun to do,and we meet other families that notice them and we exchange predictions.Then back to picnic area and enjoy our pincic and talk about everything we each seen and who will become the new Woolly champion !
Data Entry Lady says:
October 5th, 2009
We head for the North Georgia mountains for the apple harvest, boiled peanuts sold on the side of the road, fall colors and a chance to spend some quality time together on the lovely ride. Hmmm, its almost here and I’m looking forward to it now!