Chasing the last remains of autumn

Although the official start of winter doesn’t happen until the 22nd of December this year, there’s something about the 1st of December that induces my mind to change seasons completely. Does it happen to you too? (I guess our US friends have a stronger trigger with the Thanksgiving tradition, right?) Hence, before this happens I would like to share a few pictures we took on a hike with friends to chase the last remains of that beautiful orangey and yellow autumn colors. Shall we chase them together?

We met Gerard during University and have remained best friends since those busy (but fun!) times, his fiancé Marcela is also the cutest, and we love spending time with them! (psst.. we are looking forward to their wedding soon). I remember that during University Gerard talked several times about a hike near his hometown to the “Father beech tree”, as it is (fondly) called the 250 years old ancient tree, but I really don’t know why, we never ended up doing the hike until a couple of weekends ago. Coincidentally we all talked about it again during a date last October, and decided that it was time to finally meet the tree. Gerard is a really good hiker and mountain lover, but reassured us that it was quite easy to walk, so the deal was done!

The road towards the beginning of the trail was quite bumpy, scary for height worriers like me, but Gerard drove a 4×4 car very nicely and we were safe all the time. The walk, instead, was indeed quite easy and pleasing. Temperatures were a little lower than anticipated at around -3ºC in the shadow, but we were lucky to find some autumn colors, and lots of beautiful leaves.

Autumn quest challenge conquered! It was lovely to finally do this hike that was meaningful for our friend, we learnt a lot about the trees and mountains of his area, and ended the day with hot chocolate and traditional pastries in his hometown.

Until next time, we need to plan together another outing soon!