By the time this column appears in print, it could be 40 degrees outside, windy and on the verge of a blizzard.

That's the way Wyoming weather often works in October.

But for the past few weeks, Mother Nature has treated us to some of the most glorious autumn conditions I can remember in my 41 years in the state. I've been fortunate to enjoy several days in the outdoors during that time.

My purpose in hitting the field has revolved around one of my favorite fall pastimes: hunting. Accompanying family members and I have scouted for and pursued antelope and elk -- successfully, I'm pleased to report -- in a variety of terrain.

While the pursuit of big game was enjoyable, equally fulfilling was the chance to explore a few of the off-the-beaten-path places in our vast state. That's something you can do without a firearm.

I've walked through parched badlands, tromped up steep hillsides thick with pine and aspen, and taken in breathtaking views stretching 30 miles from atop high ridges. Even when you're concentrating on catching a view of a critter, rather than identifying the species of plant life or the geological features you encounter, the sights and sounds of Wyoming will fill your senses.

When compared with other parts of the country, Wyoming in autumn isn't particularly colorful. But that doesn't mean we have no color. The aspens are in their full golden splendor right now. And if you look closely, you'll see other plants produce different shades of yellows and reds.

One other observation from my day trips in recent weeks: There's not a lot of water in Wyoming. I realize that I'm stating the obvious, but the arid nature of our state doesn't really hit home until you get away from the green lawns of town. Then you gain a particular appreciation for the hardy plants and animals that populate our plains, hills and mountains.

I didn't have to go far to find these places. All of the spots were within a two-hour drive from my house in south-central Casper.

They were also all on land owned by the public, according to the BLM maps I used. It's something we often take for granted in our big, wonderful state, but we should treasure the fact that some of our best wild areas are accessible to everyone.

Another good thing for someone seeking solitude: There are enough of these publicly owned places to make it possible to avoid encountering many members of the public when you're out there.

It's not that I dislike people. One of my other favorite sites to visit in the fall, War Memorial Stadium, has thousands of noisy folks on the Saturday afternoons when I'm there. But there's something thrilling about being with just a few people you care about many miles away from anyone else -- as long as the pickup hasn't broken down, of course.

I'm not finished with the fall excursions. We have plans for at least a couple of Saturdays of deer hunting, then some bird hunting. By that time, I expect we'll have seen some snow -- which means ice fishing season won't be far away.

Yes, I do venture into the outdoors when Wyoming turns into an icebox. But I'd much rather see September last a few months longer.

Speaking of September's bounties: A friend last week delivered to our house a handful of peaches he picked from his backyard tree.

That's right. Peaches. In Casper.

The tree only produces every six or seven years, he said. Conditions were right in 2008.

Thanks for the sweet treat, Jack.

Do you have a question or a comment for Editor Chad Baldwin? You can call him at 266-0545, or send e-mail to chad.baldwin@trib.com.