Here in our neck of the woods we experience all four seasons and each one of them has a distinct smell. I can't even begin to describe it, but you just know. I can remember last year that distinct smell when I knew it was officially Fall. I don't know if it was the smell of the leaves, the crisp air, or the dirt, but it was the smell that you only smell on an Autumn run. Anyone else know what I mean?
It's not only Fall that has those distinct smells. I can associate a specific smell to each of my routes, some pleasant, some not.
1. Right now on the Island there are stretches of trail where the Honeysuckle is just amazing. I love that sweet smell. It reminds me of my grandmother. It's funny because I always smell it but can never see it.
2. Another smell I can never "see" is something that smells like grape soda. It has the aroma of a Grapple. I have no idea what it is but it smells so good.
3. As much as I would love to live in the town of Hershey and smell chocolate on my run, I'm pretty lucky to run here where I am. I grew up in the town of Chef Boyardee and when I cross the river to go run back in that town I can smell spaghetti sauce being made. That company also makes Crunch n Munch Caramel Popcorn and there are certain days that scent permeates the town!
4. When I run in town the other direction I almost always catch the scent of someone doing laundry. I must say that is always a pleasant smell.
5. When I run at the Rail Trail I run by a landscape place that stores mulch out back near the trail. Now I will say I hate the smell of mulch when it is landscaped around people's homes (we are a mulch free household), but I do like the smell of mulch near the trail because it smells more like fresh cut wood!
Unfortunately not all the smells on the trail are pleasant. There are days that the Farm Smells are just overwhelming. This isn't an every day thing though. It's only on certain days or when the wind blows just right. I just use this as incentive to run a little faster!
Tell me about a distinct smell on your running route. -M