October Mornings

We are into the latter part of October with Halloween just around the corner. The days are noticeably shorter and we’re entering a period of darkness, cold and hibernation. I personally have a problem leaving home until I can see a glimmer of sunrise over the eastern shore. This means that I don’t leave home until 9:00 AM for most of October and get an even later start for the remainder of winter.

There have been some gratifying mornings watching the days arrive over Lake Laberge. It begins with the hesitant light of dawn revealing the expanse of the lake blanketed in water-level wisps of steamy cloud. As the morning progresses the eastern shore is backlit by the rising sun. This also highlights the scattered clouds above Joe Mountain in shades of orange, red and blue so that the view out of our front window resembles the vibrant landscaping of a Ted Harrison painting.

The last of the large swans passed overhead about a week ago. A lot of these birds used to lay over in Jackfish Bay but it seems they’ve found a better place. I am told that the grain fields at the south of the lake have now become the favorite lunch stop.

The Grosbeaks and Whiskey Jacks have returned to spend the winter and have by now checked out the feeders in our front yard. The squirrels are busy harvesting the acorns at the top of the spruce trees and in the process take delight in dropping them down onto the two dogs that are patiently sitting at the bottom of the tree thinking they’re actually going to catch the little devils.

For several nights the Northern Lights have been spectacular made even more so when accompanied by the Hoo Hoooot Hoo Hoo of our resident owls that take delight in answering each other throughout the night. The whole country seems to be breathing a sigh of relief now that the hustle and bustle of summer is over and everyone including myself is digging in for the languishing times of winter. It may get dark and cold out there but it is a time of true northern camaraderie and a northern Christmas and Holiday season is unforgettable.