For as long as I can remember, the end of summer has been bitter-sweet.
On one hand, it meant the end of long days, vacations, sleeping-in and staying up late. That was the life!
On the other, it signaled the beginning of frosty mornings, turning leaves, blue-bird skies and my favorite pastime of all. Hunting.
There is something magical about the woods in the fall. The intense coloring of leaves brought on by shorter days and cool nights. The smells. It all keeps me returning to the woods time and time again.
Since I was a boy, I have tagged along on my Dad’s hunting and fishing trips. Every trip to the woods serves as a reminder of the things he has taught me and time spent together exploring. Dad doesn’t get to the woods anymore, but he’s always there with me in spirit.
For the past 18 years I have made the New River Gorge area my home. I have been exploring its woods from day one. In that time, I’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to see. While it would take another lifetime to see all she has to offer, I intend to keep trying to see all I can.
Whether hunting & fishing, hiking a historic trail or biking along an old rail-grade, fall is my favorite time to play in the New River Gorge.
