By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — As we approach the end of August many of us sense that fall is near.
Recent nights here near Crescent Lake have brought below-freezing temperatures, and daylight is growing shorter. Both trends jolt us to realize that, yes, August truly is like the Sunday of Summer.
Many of us welcome fall for many reasons while simultaneously looking back on the best days and times of another Oregon summer. It’s not fall yet, we will still have many sunny days as we enjoy those days as well as we can.
Fall officially begins on Sept. 22. Kids will soon be off to school, temperatures will continue to moderate after a record number of hot days. Days will get shorter. Mosquitoes will be far fewer or nonexistent. Football and other fall sports will begin. Bow Hunting season opens this weekend for deer and elk.
Many who enjoy outdoor recreation consider fall and late summer as their favorite season. I know I sure do. We welcome cooler evenings, brisk mornings and all the usual outdoor activities without the summertime crowds.
Fishing is often excellent in many locations as we progress into fall. For instance, Odell Lake has recently begun turning out a few healthy limits of kokanee to those trolling at 60 to 65 feet. Paulina Lake, Diamond Lake and many other lakes are certainly worthy of a few more fishing trips.
Many of our hike-in lakes are a good bet for a successful trip as well. The off-shore fishing along the coast has been great for coho salmon, Halibut, bottom fish and tuna for those able to get out to where the tuna are, typically 25 to 40 miles offshore.
Everyone venturing out and about in our Highway 58 corridor and beyond should continue to be aware of the campfire ban and other fire precautions such as not parking a vehicle on dry grass. Remember, several of the most devastating and destructive fires in Oregon history “blew up” last year on Labor Day weekend, fueled by strong east winds. Those fires destroyed not only our forests but several communities here in Oregon.
Hiking and exploring the high country of the Cascades is a favorite activity this time of year as well.
Even though late August seems like the Sunday of Summer, there is still plenty of time to get out and enjoy our great outdoors. As John Wayne famously said, “We’re burnin’ daylight, Pilgrims.”
Get out and enjoy it while it lasts!
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