October On Cape Cod – A New England Fall

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October on Cape Cod is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Summers are great, don’t get me wrong, but New England in the fall is something to behold.

Everyone talks about the New England falls, and October on Cape Cod is no different. The beauty this time of year can quite literally take my breath away.

As care partners, sometimes it’s not that easy to get outside for some stress relief and fresh air. Our loved ones may have dementia or Alzheimer’s, or they may be a fall risk and require 24/7 care.

I empathize with these care providers because over time this kind of top level attentiveness can take its toll on the provider. That is why it is so important to continually look for ways to take a break. Even if it’s only for 15-minutes.

October on Cape Cod brings out color everywhere you look. It seems to start out ever so slowly, that one leaf that has changed color and fallen to the ground. Oh boy, you see it and you stare, and you know fall is right around the corner.

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Shortly thereafter, you step outside into the early morning air and you feel it, just a hint of a cool breeze on your face. Another reminder that fall is coming.

In the fall the vacationers head home, off Cape Cod to once again jump back into their daily routines. The bustling little village towns begin to breathe and settle down again and, what seems to be the whole length of the Cape, takes a deep sigh of relief and satisfaction.

Fall is coming and the pace of this beach community begins to rest. Summers on the Cape are filled with fun, excitement, beach days, and sunshine. Fall is more quiet. As the leaves begin to change, a peaceful hush beings to wash over this part of the world.

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.

Jim Bishop

Reasons To Love October On Cape Cod

There are many reasons to love October on Cape Cod but here are some of my favorites.

Color, color everywhere

The leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow. And the green sea grass sways in the wind. The deep browns of the earth and soil, along with the crisp whites and greys of weathered wood fences, and homes cedar shake shingles. Color is everywhere.

Cool, crisp, gentle breezes

Stepping outside into a gentle breeze is my idea of refreshing. When the sun is bright, and there is just enough breeze for you to quickly grab that light scarf…well, that is a perfect day for me.

Vibrant sky and sunsets

The crisp clean air, and the vibrant sky’s make sunsets this time of year spectacular. Sunrises and sunsets on the Cape are always beautiful but in October on Cape Cod, the sunsets are stunning.

Cranberry harvests

Cape Cod has some of the most beautiful cranberry bogs in the country, and buying fresh cranberries and watching them harvest the berries is a treat to be seen. The first time I saw it, Doug was driving and I excitedly told him to pull over so I could watch. I think I shocked him and almost got us into an accident because I was so excited to see the farmers using their machinery to harvest the cranberries. I had never seen anything like that, and it made me feel like a child again, with all of the wonder it beholds.

Quiet beach walks

This is one of my favorite things to do all year round but in October, in the fall, the beaches are quiet and beautiful. At low tide one could walk for miles, AND dogs are allowed back on the beaches so my Portuguese Water Dog, Morris Cape Dunkin, is a happy boy.

Apple & blueberry picking

Coming from Wisconsin and farm country you would think I had my fair share of picking fruit and other crops. But the first time I ever picked fresh fruit off a tree or vine was two summers ago here on Cape Cod. And I am in love. There is nothing like fresh picked apples to make those fall favorites, like apple pie and apple crisp. And when I went and picked blueberries, I had enough to make all kinds of blueberry treats, from pancakes and scones to salads and smoothies.

Enjoying The Fall Season Wherever You Are

October on Cape Cod is special, and I may hold an affinity toward this enchanting place, but truth be told, fall is just a beautiful time of year and can be enjoyed no matter where you live.

Fall represents courage and is symbolic of plenty, abundance and harvest. It’s time to refresh and renew, and enjoy time outdoors before winter sets in.

Find your spot and what is special in your little area of the world. Take some time to explore.

And if you are a busy care partner finding it difficult to get out of the house, open those windows, or take a brief step outside to breathe in deep. Think about making something fall-ish, like apple cider, or an apple crisp, or even a sweet butternut squash and more.

One tiny thing will be a good start, and don’t be shy about asking for help. It is not always easy but I promise it gets easier the more you reach out. Friends and family can, and should, help so that you can take a moment for yourself.

She ran into the early-October afternoon. The light came at a low slant through the oaks across the street, gold and green, and how she loved that light. There was no light in the world like you saw in New England in early fall.

Joe Hill

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Fall

According to this article, here are some fun facts about fall.

• Fall is an American term – the season was originally called harvest, and then the term autumn originated in the 1300s.
• More people fall in love in the fall – it is thought that the cooler weather makes people want to get closer to each other, and not be alone in winter.
• There are over 7500 varieties of apples – with 2500 different apples grown in the US.
• The brightest full moon is in the fall – during the equinox, and it is called the Harvest Moon.
• The colors of leaves are based on sugar – how much sugar in the leaves determines the color they will turn. This is why maple leaves are such a beautiful bright red.

I hope you will take some moments to enjoy this years fall season, wherever you reside. Fall in New England is pretty spectacular, and October on Cape Cod is the best.

But beauty is everywhere, and each place in this world holds its own special flare. The main thing is to take time to find it.

Breathe in, breathe deep, and let the fall season wash over you, allowing it to renew and uplift your spirit.

Check out these posts for more ideas on how to take care of your health as a busy care partner

Why I Love To Crochet To Reduce Anxiety

How To Use Essential Oils To Reduce Caregiver Stress

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I hope you enjoyed this article, and finding out a little bit more about October on Cape Cod. If you did, please let me know in the comments below.

You can follow me and my life on Cape Cod on my Instagram page @parkinsons_and_us.

VIDEO: October on Cape Cod – A New England Fall

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