Creatures Of The Seasons

Let me discuss how I am affected by the pendulum of the seasons and how it ultimately controls my adventure outlook.

As a creature of the seasons, I realize I am triggered to think a certain way regarding my adventures. Many of my plans consider the time of year, the where, the anticipated weather, the general vibe and environment surrounding the adventure, and the position of the season’s pendulum.

As the season swings its pendulum onto the Spring Equinox, I am reminded to look at what 2025 holds and to be sure to note the seasonal transitions and milestones.

Important Seasonal Transition Dates:

Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter

• March 20th Spring Equinox, Direct sun at the equator.

  
  

• June 20th Summer Solstice: Northernmost point
  

• September 22nd Autumn Equinox: Direct sun at the equator.
  

• December 21st Winter Solstice: Southernmost point.

The official start of the spring is today, March 20, 2025, also known as the Spring Equinox (or vernal equinox), which marks the turning point when daylight shifts into equal balance with the nighttime skies. This is when winter fades, and the welcoming of warmer, brighter days is apparent. Today also means that the sun will be migrating towards the Tropic of Cancer, which increases the length of daylight each passing day until reaching its amplitude.

Also, today sets the tone for the lower elevations spring planting season of warm-season crops. This is an ideal time to plant tomatoes, peppers, and other heat-loving vegetables, extending through the spring and summer. For the higher elevations throughout the Southwest, spring planting season is still a few weeks off, beginning in late April or May, depending on the last frost.

This time of year marks when I begin planning my adventures and imagine the year ahead! As for it being March, I live by the old saying: "In like a lion, out like a lamb," which suggests that March can be unpredictable and stormy at the start, transitioning to milder, calmer weather later in the month or, in reversal, be quiet at first, then end intensely. Either way, the March winds signal that it is baseball and track season here in the local Apache County vicinity. As for April and May, I pay homage to the adage: "April showers bring May Flowers" as the Spring Season passes.

June 20th, the summer solstice, marks my summer milestone. This solstice marks when the northern migration reaches its destination, the Tropic of Cancer, and coincides with the longest day of the year regarding daylight hours.

The summer solstice marks the arrival of hotter temperatures throughout Arizona, especially in the lower elevations. To seek refuge from the scoring heat, the higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and many outdoor activities like hiking and camping opportunities. I advise you to plan your escape well in advance to help avoid the swarms of travelers and overcrowded destinations.

Note: "June, damp and warm, does a farmer no harm," suggesting that a good June with rain and warmth is beneficial for the growing season." - google AI

It's also important to note that Arizona's monsoon season begins in June and continues through September. This is when we have higher humidity, the likelihood of thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, and high winds, which can bring flash floods, dust storms, and extreme heat advisories. The potential for afternoon thunderstorms and flash floods is always likely, and residents and visitors alike are urged to be prepared for summer storms.

As the summer solstice passes, we say goodbye to the sun-lit days as the sun's rays migrate southward. The days will grow shorter and shorter again until the next milestone arrives, the fall equinox.

September 22nd signifies the fall equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox. This is when the sun has returned its gaze to shine directly on the equator. The earth’s day and night are closest in length during this time. The fall equinox also marks the astronomical start of autumn for the Northern Hemisphere.

The arrival of autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, the changing of leaves, and the impending harvest before the first frost of winter arrives. The Navajo people have a word, Ghąąji, which marks October as the "joining of seasons" and a time for gratitude and time to prepare for winter and reflect on this year's bounty.

This is the time of year when I slowly transition from chasing the sun into my survivalist and cold weather adventure mode.

Notable Highlights from the Autumn Season:

• The 2025 Harvest Moon will occur on October 6th. The moon will also be a supermoon, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

• Inspirational Quote: Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go – Unknown

• By October, outside, the last summer heat is finally gone, and the leaves are reaching their gorgeous peak color change - Making October "The Picture-Taking" Month of Autumn.

• Thanksgiving, of course, is the culmination of the harvest and when the abundance of the harvest is processed, prepared, and stored for the coming winter.

• Let's not forget the soon-to-arrive sounds of yuletide cheers and an essential time for caring for the less fortunate.

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December 21st, the Winter Solstice, is when the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn. This is when the northern hemisphere reaches its winter pinnacle, and the Earth's North Pole tilted farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year for us Northerners. This also represents the southernmost amplitude of the season's pendulum and where we begin to swing back through the seasons again.

The transition from winter into spring encompasses January, February, and early March. From the cold, dark depths of winter's grasp, this solstice brings more light with each passing day. And while this light is still far away, our imaginations spark, and our hopes for tomorrow grow.