By Ed Block –
So what happens in the Driftless that is so different than most other places?
There are the typical fall chores. Outside, we take down the gardens, bring in the plants moved outdoors earlier in the year, fill up the wood bins, exchange the pitchforks, garden spades and lawnmowers for shovels, snow melter (environmentally friendly – of course!) and snow blowers & plows. Get the bird feeders set up and put garden ornaments and furniture into the shed. Now is the time (until ground freeze, but sooner is better) for planting garlic, flower bulbs and other spring blooming things, not forgetting transplanting shrubs and trees.
On the house, put up storm windows (good time to clean them to enjoy the upcoming views) to seal any air leaks or places where mice could get in (they don’t need much, as they can flatten out just like in a cartoon).
Inside, ensure the wood stove and chimney are clean, swap out the shorts and t-shirts for sweatshirts and big boy pants.
Make sure you have any contact or service phone numbers you might need readily available.
Fall is harvest season in the Driftless.
By now, most of the harvest and “putting up” is being finished, except for fall plantings, which can continue to be harvested for an extended period. Many towns have festivals for appropriate harvests. The Apple Festival in Gays Mills features a variety of outdoor vendors in the center of town, plus mile after mile of Apple Orchard with not only everything apple, but all sorts of fun and enticing goodies. You’ll find a giant outdoor corn maze (for kids of any age) and other activities. Each one is different!
Purely for pleasure – experience nature. Walk the streets and neighborhoods in any town, hike thru the woods, bicycle, camp out in the country or carpool and take the whole family on a nature day trip. Remember to bring your camera -and snacks! Fall colors – spectacular fall color shots from state park overlooks ry Wyalusing, just south of Prairie du chien or Trempealeau State Park, just outside Fountain City – requires a decent hike in, though! And, of course, there’s always time for fishin’!
Please leave every place you visit a little better, cleaner than you found it. Plan your trip with mindfulness toward keeping pollution to a minimum.