Walking In A Forest: Discoveries And Encounters
Autumn is the perfect time to explore natural wonders. I do not visit museums etc. when the weather is so inviting. Forests, mountains, hiking are the keywords for an excellent escape.
As the leaves begin to change and the air becomes crisp, there's no better time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Autumn walks in the forests and mountains offer a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and find peace and tranquillity away from the stresses of everyday life.
I had a hard time in autumn and spent days and nights studying. Practically, more than 2 months closed in my house. I love to stay here, but it’s really hard. So, I needed to walk.
The best idea was to visit a new for me castle not far from Carema. From the XI century, it was the most important fortress in the area because comfortable to collect taxes from the merchants who were forced to pass along the Road of Gaul under the rock.
In the forests, the vibrant colours of the changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the earthy scent of damp soil and decaying foliage add to the sensory experience of being in the woods. As you meander along the forest trails, you may encounter wildlife such as birds preparing for migration, and perhaps even a deer or two grazing in the distance.
I have seen three species of artiodactyls (what a terrible word, :-) ): roe deer, fallow deer and big deer. They have a bad habit of crossing your path. They are relatively numerous. But do not come near you, normally. Only once did two curious roe deer approach me in the woods under my house, but you can see that they are quite used to people.
They become dangerous when they suddenly go out into the open and throw themselves under the car. I know different cases when they damaged the cars. Personally, I had this bad experience once, but I have seen them in time to stop.
More challenging adventures for autumn hikes are in the mountains. The crisp mountain air invigorates the senses, and the numerous panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking. Scaling rocky peaks or traversing rolling hillsides, the mountains' rugged terrain and rugged beauty offer you very strong feelings. Especially if you are alone and feel somewhat like a Little Red Riding Hood waiting to meet a wolf (yes, there are wolves in Biellese and Aosta Valley). I have even seen one on the road near my house 2–3 years ago.
I do not believe the wolves could get close to people, in this sense vipers are more dangerous as they are quite numerous here. But they definitely already sleep in their burrows at this time. The only animals I met this time were donkeys.
But you don’t need to stay in Italy to enjoy the autumn forest. With the changing seasons, the forests and mountains everywhere in the world come alive with a new energy. Autumn is the perfect time to explore these natural wonders. So, pack your hiking boots, grab a warm jacket, and escape to the great outdoors for a rejuvenating autumn walk.