Is Fall coming early to Porter Lake?

Fall season- 2023

Imagine the breathtaking scenery of Upper Michigan during fall - it's the perfect time to escape to our off-grid cabin by the lake. While summer is great for lake activities, I've realized that fall is the best time to be there. After spending Labor Day weekend at our cabin, I couldn't help but wonder - is fall coming early this year?

When Fall arrives in the Upper Peninsula, a myriad of changes unfolds, most notably the shift in temperature. Our off-grid cabin lacks air conditioning, making the summer months quite intense. This is especially challenging as we currently reside in the loft space above the garage, essentially a studio apartment while awaiting the completion of our main cabin. Here, the age-old adage "heat rises" couldn't be truer, as the temperature in our little space can reach unbearably high levels. Thankfully, the UP experiences short-lived periods of intense heat and as Fall unfolds, the weather becomes just right. There's a sense of contentment in donning a cozy sweater on a crisp morning, relishing the refreshing air as I step outside.  In anticipation of our cabin's completion, I am looking forward to immersing myself in all the wonders that Fall has in store! I am especially excited about the thought of savoring my morning cup of coffee on the tranquility of the screened-in porch, gazing out over the serene lake, cocooned in my cherished blanket, and engrossed in the pages of my favorite book.

Our view from the porch

The sight of the leaves changing colors is breathtaking! It's impossible not to adore the stunning beauty of the vibrant hues, especially when they're reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake. Exploring the lake on our pontoon boat, solely to marvel at the changing colors, has become one of our favorite pastimes. We also love venturing through the woods in our side-by-side to fully immerse ourselves in the intimate and captivating beauty that surrounds us. And let's not forget the delightful fragrance that accompanies the changing of the leaves – it's truly something special.

The view from the woods- 2023 fall season

Indulging in our favorite Labor Day activities, as I gazed around at the surroundings, I couldn't help but contemplate whether Fall was arriving earlier than expected. Speculations from various sources had hinted at this possibility. It's been an unusual summer, with the weather feeling indecisive. It seemed like summer couldn't make up its mind whether to stay or leave. I can't recall the last time I experienced such mild temperatures up here in the middle of Summer – it barely even reached 90 degrees! Moreover, the incessant rain made it feel like the downpours were never-ending.  During the summer months, we typically love nothing more than to spend leisurely hours floating in the lake, basking in the gentle breeze and invigorating cool water. However, this summer left us with limited opportunities to indulge in this cherished activity. As Fall approaches, we will miss this relaxing pastime.

The subtle signs of an impending change in the season have not escaped my notice. The leaves in the trees are starting to shift ever so slightly in color, heralding the arrival of autumn. It's easy to overlook, but if you pay close attention, you'll spot the occasional vibrant orange leaf among the foliage during a leisurely stroll in the woods. Combined with the refreshing crispness that lingers in the air throughout the day, it's becoming increasingly evident that Fall is making an early entrance.

Colors are changing!

 

Picture from Labor Day weekend 2024

So if Fall is early, what does this mean for our visits to the cabin?  Matt and I are eagerly anticipating our upcoming week at the cabin, which we usually spend in late September. We're looking forward to immersing ourselves in all that Fall has to offer. I just hope that the early arrival of Fall won't result in us missing out on the peak of the season's vibrant colors. It's always a treat to witness the gradual transition of the foliage throughout the week. Nonetheless, we're both excited about the prospect of spending time during the Fall season.  I mean we aren't at work, right?

So now that I've embraced this beautiful timeline, I think it's ok to embrace everything Fall has to offer.... excuse me while I go buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte...