Nothing like a walk in the woods

The fog started to lift, and then I spotted it.

A massive head of antlers on the body of a huge white-tailed buck.

It was my wake-up call of sorts, telling me that winter is right around the corner.

Of course, I'm getting slightly ahead of myself.

When the seasons start their metamorphosis, I never fail to wax poetic while beginning my repetitive journey into the land of sentimentality.

We are burdened with worrisome issues of financial meltdown, confusing political rhetoric and armed conflicts that stretch into endless nightmares.

What is one to do? Hide in a dark room? I don't think so.

Take to the woods and see for yourself what treasures await.

Mother Nature is slowly reaching in to her closet and presenting her mélange of delicious colors. And before we know it, chestnuts will roast themselves over an open fire while many rue the day of leaf raking.

I have taken my own advice and returned to the woods where Buck Squancho and I explored in days gone by.

Our long walks through the oaks and maples became more special as the days cooled down. It was getting closer to the time when outside temperatures were measured more by wind chill than by old-fashioned readings.

On one outing we brought along a tiny, portable fire pit, some kindling and a few hard wood logs so we could enjoy a respite of autumn's aromas and relaxation.

Armed with two Thermos jugs of hot coffee and other treats, we found an opening in a forested area that was safe from any accidental, escaping sparks. We could have snoozed for an hour.

Buck is gone, so my walks are less frequent, and yet the other day I forced myself to partake in the ritual. This time, though, the trek took place over the state line in Wisconsin.

It was late afternoon, and the temperature started its downward spiral. I had about 2 miles to go before reaching my truck.

I walked another 50 feet, and then it hit me. Wisps of smoke drifted by like a scene from a ghost movie.

Somewhere close by, someone was unknowingly sharing the moments of their outdoor pleasure with me. It was an unexpected gift.

The trail continued winding its way up and down gradual hills, taking me through lands where glaciers inched their way through the countryside. I could smell the richness of the soil and imagined tasting fresh bread made from the stalks of wheat grown in a nearby field.

I came to an old bridge that spanned an anemic creek. I climbed down and inspected the remnants of what could have been a viable fishing stream had it not been for the traditional fall dry-out periods in which aquatic life takes a seasonal break only to return in April.

Back on the trail, I started seeing glimpses of the reds and oranges tucked into the branches yards above my head. More signs of the annual transition. More indicators that nothing, especially time, stands still.

I had one more place to visit. I drove north for another half-hour.

It was still there, still flowing like it always does, this small stream of endless dreams.

This was one of my secret treasures, a sliver of water holding smallmouth bass and a few northern pike. It has given me surprises beyond belief. It has furnished me with inspiration and hope, and it has withstood the test of time of nearby commercial development.

Five minutes there was all I needed to remind me that I've ignored this incredible little patch of heaven.

I'll be back here soon I promised myself, with a spinning rod tucked under my arm and a desire to get lost in the landscapes that smooth out the rough spots of life.

Outdoors notes

Drivers, keep an eye out for deer

The seasonal rut for white tail deer may have arrived a bit sooner than expected.

A check in the region indicates heavy movement into the annual mating season.

With that said, motorists are cautioned to be on guard for deer on the sides of roads where forested areas are located.

Check it out: Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.), an organization that was developed to raise awareness and further assist disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other active outdoor sports, announces the launch of a new Web site at honoredveterans.org.

Fishing report

The fishing in the area is nothing short of spectacular.

Fox Chain: There's excellent crappie activity a tad off the shorelines with fish ranging from 8-13 inches. Good crappie action on Lake Catherine and Channel Lake. Lake Marie walleyes seem to be a bit smaller right now. The Pistakee Lake bluegill bite is very good, with fish being taken from 8 feet of water. Fox Lake crappie and white bass very good in 8 feet. The muskie action on Channel Lake has begun in earnest. Some fish are "hanging" right on the weed edges and will chase top water buzz baits.

Fox River: Decent smallmouth action in between Elgin and South Elgin, especially near the rocky shorelines.

Forest Preserves: In Cook County, Skokie Lagoon has turned on with better-than-average bass action. Crappies are small.

Lake Michigan: The steelhead bite continues out of Waukegan, while the salmon activity in Chicago continues to pick up. Lake Forest perching continues with decent catches reported.

• Mike Jackson Outdoors Radio can be heard Sunday mornings from 6-7 a.m. on WSBC 1240-AM. angler88@comcast.net