After what has been one of the hottest summers in recent memory, it seems as though mother nature finally turned on the Air Conditioning last night... Can't blame her for doing her part to keep the a/c off for most of the summer to help combat climate change but what a difference today was. I for one welcome the change and the more comfortable sleeping conditions. When I woke up this morning, I noticed something a little different in the air, something almost a little crisp.  It reminded me of my favourite time of year... Fall. While there is still time to getaway this summer (and still some resort availability for the weekends leading up to and including labour day. Call us at 1-800-363-7227 for a list of resorts with availability.) While the next season may still be several weeks away there are some great benefits to it.

• Bugs tend to be less active. Not sure about others but at my place, the deer flies were bigger and meaner than ever this summer and it seems their season is coming to an end. I think the hot, dry July also did it's part to lower the mosquito population... I am happy to say I have only had 1 bite in over a week and I live in a very low-lying, swamping area.
• The beautiful colours on the trees. Our most northern resorts typically start seeing the colour changes around the middle of September, Algonquin usually starts changing the last week of September and with the Kawarthas and Eastern Ontario getting colour peaks into October.
• Wildlife viewing and hearing. Have you ever heard a moose during the rutting season? A loon call during a fall morning canoe ride? A wolf howling? Once labour day passes, resort country tends to be quieter allowing for opportunities to hear the natural surroundings. And as the leaves drop, the forest is more exposed allowing for more viewing opportunities.
• The smell. Fall has that unique smell (caused by decomposing leaves and plants,) but combined with the cooler air it provides a fresh scent.
• Fishing. With fewer people out on the lakes, that means less pressure on the fish meaning more opportunities to catch the big one. The less boat traffic also makes casting more enjoyable without the constant up and down motion.
• Hikes become even more enjoyable. It is a lot easier to hike in the fall when you aren't drenched in sweat from the extremely hot humid days. Again because of fewer people traveling to get away, the trails are less busy providing more wildlife viewing possibilities.

While the summer has been great, with lots of fun had; the fall season opens up new opportunities. With summer's end unofficially only 4 weekends away it might be time to start planning your great fall escape. We are here to help; give us a call, visit our website or send us an email.