Editorial: The end of summer

There is a distinct briskness in the air as the month of September is quickly winding down. This can only mean one thing - that summer is almost over! But don't feel bad. Despite the fact that the days are progressively getting shorter, there is still plenty to do before cooler weather comes upon us.

For many, the coming of autumn is a welcome thing. People flock to the mountains to see the aspens change colors and to see a variety of wildlife in all their glory. For others, autumn is depressing because it signals the end of warm days and the eventual "death" of nature. Leaves turn color and fall off and all the plants that were once green and colorful during the summer months are now dead brown stalks.

Aside from the "doom and gloom" that some people see, autumn also marks the beginning of football season, whether it's high school, college or professional football. Plenty of other sports events take place, too, and there is hardly an empty bench in many stadiums.

For others, this is the prime time to get out and start exercising outdoors now that the weather is cooler. Many people are taking advantage of the cooler days to go walking, jogging, biking, hiking or any other somewhat strenuous outdoor activities that may make you sweat.

On the rez, many people take advantage of the cooler weather to go out and start hauling wood for the long winter months ahead. Fall is a perfect time to go haul wood because it's not too hot and there aren't as many flies and mosquitoes out to bite you.

Horseback riding is another option that many rez folks should take advantage of. There are plenty of horses running around the rez that would love to be saddled up and taken for a ride up on the hills and plateaus of Navajo lands.

Regardless of what your plans are, have fun and stay safe!