There is something about the end of summer that makes me start looking for little signs of fall everywhere. The mornings feel a bit different, the woods seem quieter in their own way, and suddenly pumpkin spice starts sounding good again. Even when the afternoons are still warm, my mind is already wandering toward cozy sweaters, warm mugs, falling leaves, and all the wildlife getting ready for the changing season.
Around the cabin, the animals do not need a pumpkin spice latte to know autumn is coming. They seem to have their own little seasonal calendar.
Deer may start becoming more active as the temperatures slowly cool.
You might notice them appearing earlier in the evening or wandering through familiar trails more often. This is also an important time for them nutritionally, because they are taking advantage of natural foods such as acorns, berries, grasses, leaves, and other plants while they are available. Our cameras have captured deer quietly passing through, wild turkeys exploring, squirrels going about their very important squirrel business, and black bears making appearances of their own.
Squirrels are another sure sign that fall is getting closer.
They suddenly seem very busy, racing through the trees and across the ground with nuts in their mouths. Squirrels often cache food, which means they hide nuts and seeds in different places so they can return to them later. Of course, they do not always remember every hiding spot, which actually helps the forest. Forgotten nuts can sometimes grow into new trees. So that frantic little squirrel burying an acorn may accidentally be planting part of tomorrow’s woods.
Wild turkeys are fun to watch this time of year too …
They spend much of their day walking and scratching through the forest floor looking for seeds, insects, berries, nuts, and other natural foods. When a group of turkeys wanders through the yard, they always look as though they have somewhere extremely important to be.
And Then There Are the Bears…
Fall is an especially important feeding season for black bears. During this period, bears can spend a great deal of time searching for calorie-rich foods as they prepare for the colder months ahead.
That can include acorns, nuts, berries and other natural foods—but it also means human food sources can be particularly tempting.
If you live in bear country, this is a good time to be extra careful about securing garbage, pet food, grills and other things that might attract a curious bear.
Around here, seeing one on the wildlife camera certainly gets our attention. No pumpkin spice required.
Now for Our Pumpkin Spice
The animals have their acorns, berries and seeds.
We have pumpkin spice. 🧡
The Comfy Cabin Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup vanilla creamer
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Extra pumpkin pie spice, for sprinkling
To make it: Combine the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice and whisk or froth until smooth and warm. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla creamer.
Pour it over ice for an iced pumpkin spice latte, or keep it warm for a cozy hot version. Finish with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Cabin Tip: Make it your own. You can substitute almond milk or oat milk and use your favorite sweetener to suit your taste.
Maybe that’s what I enjoy most about this time of year. Fall doesn’t arrive in the woods all at once. It sneaks in. So grab a warm mug, watch a little wildlife, and enjoy this beautiful season.
Sip slow. Breathe deep. Enjoy the woods. 🍂☕🦌🐿️🦃🐻
Debra Roinestad