I don’t know why it always surprises me so much. Woosh. Suddenly it’s Fall. It’s OK actually, Fall might be my favorite season, but I still drag my feet when everything switches up. (I know I’m not supposed to capitalize the seasons, but I happen to think that particular grammar rule is wrong. If Wednesday gets to be a proper noun, then I personally think Fall ought to be one too)

Anyhow, Labor Day weekend was lovely, now the kids are in school, the woods are oh-so-quiet. We send a few groups out every day—people who have discovered the secret, and are willing to bring their warm clothes for fall camping–for the chance at spectacular stars, sharp colors, silent woods.

We have a tradition that marks the last day of summer. We do a little hiking, a little swimming, a little playing, a little eating, and hang around the campfire –and I love it for a number of reasons.
1. It has always been fun.
2. These are really really nice families.
3. The woods are great, but sometimes in the summer I forget that Lake Superior and the North Shore are beautiful too.
4. The kids still swim—even when the water is freezing.
5. It’s really fun.
6. These are really nice people……………………………………………………………………………

In a life that seems to change so much, I sure do like traditions.