On Nature column: Don’t resist the temptation of a late summer adventure

As summer rolls from July to August, I’ve been thinking about my favorite things. The extra hours of summer sunlight have been coaxing me to stay out late and get up early. Perhaps you too have felt the lure of a late-summer adventure calling.

You have to set the alarm early to get up before sunrise in July. Beating the sun, and the traffic, was my recent goal as I traveled to a local farmers market. I bought a freshly made breakfast wrap to enjoy as I perused other booths for treasures. I came home with fresh peaches, dried lavender, and pie for the next day’s dinner. That lemon-blueberry scone barely made it past the parking lot before it became the second half of my delicious, locally-sourced breakfast.

I’ve been to many farmers markets over the years. I think July and August are my favorite months to go. The largest amount of local produce is in its prime, and people seem to relax and enjoy the outing more than they do during May or September.

I enjoy people watching and seeing all the kids, and dogs, that are simply enjoying life in the moment. Watching their joy reminds me to appreciate all the small things, because they end up being the big things in life.

Cool mornings and warm afternoons give me plenty of time to enjoy my outdoor hobbies. I’ve hiked in the woods, relaxed on the beach of Lake Michigan, and stopped to pick wildflowers along the paths. What I saw along my journeys inspired me to paint a piece entitled “The Colors of Summer.” It became my entry in the Indiana State Fair non-professional category.

Speaking of the fair, I’m ready to explore what has been happening all round the state this year. I’ve always viewed the Indiana State Fair as a great culmination of the best things from across the Hoosier State. Exploring the award-winning animal competitions, produce displays, delicious food, fine arts, music, and more will all be on my to-do list when I visit the fair later in August.

Even though they are now adults, I try to always plan at least one trip to the fair with my kids. Seeing their favorite childhood areas and exploring something new together helps us keep building family memories. The dairy bar will definitely be a stop we all appreciate on a hot August afternoon.

Summer is far from over. There are still so many fun things to do outside. Last night I joined friends as we sat and listened to soul music at an outdoor concert. Spending the evening relaxing without any to-do list was a much-needed reprieve after a long week at work.

What about you? What outdoor activities have you been enjoying this summer? What fabulous find did you take home with you? Was it a new recipe from the farmers market, a selfie from the park, or something entirely different?

Learn to appreciate an occasional evening thunderstorm. It grants us time to catch up on sleep before the next summer adventure.

Carol Noel is a founding director of Heart of the River Coalition.

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