Here comes October

The final migrations will occur this month. Geese are usually the last to leave—but when they do—they don’t sneak away silently. They will flock up and honk loudly as they head south. I know I’m not the only one to wave and wish them well. It’s many little things that announce the collision of autumn and winter. The foggy morning windshield is a daily reminder. Seeing your breath is a continual adjustment. Sunlight seems to be more golden and at a different angle. We’re still enjoying the crunch of leaves. I personally go out of my way to walk through leaves; I actually slow down and try to feel the tactile crackle. We have had the nippy air for a few weeks. I am still awaiting that wonderful smell of rot that comes only after the vegetation has laid down to rest. Friends of mine have the aroma of canning foods and meat preservation. And now we can finally begin to appreciate our night sky.

Palmer’s Matanuska River Park—This is the best time of year to take a hike among Palmer’s ancient cottonwoods. The Park pedestrian walking trail has been improved this year and it is a wonderful forest excursion….full of big leaves and mushrooms under the cottonwood canopy. This park is close to the cemetery and across from the Forestry Building on S. Arctic. It is maintained by the Mat Su Borough. Their information says there are approximately 1.6 miles of trails, which form a loop from the parking areas to the river. The trails connect the campground, day use area, and athletic fields to the riverside. Most of the trail network traverses gentle rolling terrain through a forest of cottonwood, birch and spruce. When snow cover is sufficient, the park roads are groomed for skate and track skiing. The restroom in the lower campground loop is open year round. The trail system is not groomed in winter due to its narrow width and low hanging branches, however it provides a place to snowshoe.

Sneak peak of Snow—We had our first real snowfall last week. Children were thrilled and puppies were excited. But it felt way too early. We expect snow by Halloween but not in September. Most of us have a number of “getting ready for winter” projects that are incomplete. This week is a gift of grace and sun to catch up on some of those important necessary chores.

Before the Snow flies Again—Visit the farms, do the last cruises, and pump the last bike rides. Prepare yourself for icy walking with a walking stick, good footwear, and spikes. Use a headlamp or flashlight along with reflective clothing. We don’t have to hide from winter or the dark. We just need to be prepared.

MILK on Mainstreet—Palmer is so fortunate to have fresh Alaskan cream topped milk locally available from Alaska Range Dairy at NonEssentials on Main Street. Their actual address is 728 S Alaska Street and this shop is across from the train depot and next to Fireside Book Store. NonEssentials is a Palmer specialty grocery store with daily offerings of delicious foods. It also has baskets, mittens, gifts, huge tea and oil selection and it also has some pretty nice art and chocolate. Yum…..milk and chocolate.

This weekend in the Palmer area—offers a full cornucopia of activities. Walkabout Wednesday is over at the Farm. The Thursday night series, LET’S GO RUN is running at Crevasse Moraine this week. Check with Aktive Soles for details. It’s First Friday at Poppy Lane. Wrestling is at the Palmer Depot this weekend. There is an open house at the Trinity Barn Plaza. There is a First Saturday market at the depot this weekend. Pyrah’s Farm is having a large fall festival and tickets are required. City voting is now open. The weekly Happy Runs are always on Monday and the whole darn community participates at Aktive Soles. 203 Kombucha has open mike and trivia night. Open Stage Karaoke is at Klondike Mikes on Tuesday. And the big Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce annual auction is this weekend. Have fun and be safe.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “2022 Palmer Buzz Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops and museum in October. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222