We're about a three to six weeks away from hiking season now but it's cooled down and it's been feeling like Autumn with the remnants of Gustov hanging around for the past few days. My neighbor's son-in-law said he's going to spend tonight in the forest behind our house with some of his friends. I think they're jumping the gun a bit but it will be fun to see how they do. If they don't get bit by ticks, chiggers, and snakes, or roll in the poison ivy, they should be fine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I can't blame them, everyone I know is getting anxious to get out into the forests here. It was hard to be out last season and we've had a lot of violent weather here this year too.

It should be a great hiking season this year though. There are lots of waterfalls still running and springs that have been dry for years are still perking out water. The oaks should be loaded with acorns and the walnuts, hickories, and pecans are loaded with nuts already so the deer will be good and fat. Turkeys will too.

I think I'll start gathering up and dusting off the gear.

Bill