I offered to harvest carrots while Mom was out of town, figuring it’d be a quick task. Loosen the soil, pull them up, rinse off the dirt, and done. But, of course, that’s not how it went.
Loosen the Soil
For this carrot harvest, I started with a pitchfork, working along the rows to loosen the dirt. Almost immediately, I noticed something strange: crisscrossed burrows twisted through the soil. It looked like something had dug out an entire little tunnel system under the garden. Whoever had moved in there had really settled in and helped themselves to quite a few carrots in the process.
Guess the Intruder
I never saw the culprit, but the signs of the carrot thief were all over the harvest zone. Some carrots had been gnawed on from the tops; others had bite marks from underneath. From the size of the tunnels, I started to guess: maybe a rabbit, or possibly a ground squirrel. Then again, prairie dogs are known for their underground communities and are no strangers to garden raids. Voles could be the culprits, too; they’re notorious for snacking on roots from below. Whatever it was, it definitely knew its way around a carrot…
A Nice Carrot Harvest
Despite our mystery visitor’s appetite, there were still plenty left to pick. I finished up the patch, filling two big, overflowing bowls for this carrot harvest. I left behind quite a few damaged carrots. The critter will still have something to eat. Or, if my digging scared it away, the carrots will rot over the winter and add their composted nutrients back into the soil for next year.
So, no showdown with the carrot thief, but still a happy ending to this carrot harvest: two bowls of fresh carrots for the family, plus a bit of garden intrigue. It’s a reminder that even a quick garden chore can turn into an unexpected adventure.
Fall is in full swing and there is nothing better than a warm and cozy bowl of chicken and rice soup. Make this soup quickly by using leftover chicken and my recipe; you can hip up a pot in as little as 45 minutes.
Don’t have already cooked chicken? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a glass or ceramic oven dish, bake one (or two) chicken breasts for about 30 minutes. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees to kill ensure food safety. Let it cool a bit, then you can dice your chicken and start your soup.
Chicken Broth
Bring a pot of chicken broth to a boil, then reduce the heat on your stove to a simmer. If you do not have chicken broth on hand, you can make your own with bullion. I like to keep Premium Better than Bullion Roasted Chicken Base on hand; this is what I used. Follow the recipe on your bullion package to create enough broth for your soup.
Carrots & Celery
Slice about three large carrots and two large celery stalks into even pieces. Put them in the simmering broth. Add the chicken to the broth, as well.
Seasoning
Next, add your seasonings. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your tastes.
After all the other ingredients have had time for the flavors to meld, add rice the soup. It will complete cooking while the other ingredients simmer. I used Mahatma Extra Long Grain White Rice in this recipe, but other rice might be a suitable substitute.
Simmer the Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Allow your soup to simmer until the rice and vegetables have become tender, but not yet soggy. This is especially important if you are planning to meal-prep this soup and freeze it for later. You don’t want overly-mushy soup after it is re-heated.
Serve and Enjoy
When your Chicken and Rice Soup recipe has finished cooking, you are ready to eat! Let it cool a little, then serve cozy meals to your whole family. Or, save the batch in individual soup containers and freeze for later.
Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Serving Size:
1.5 cups (serves 10)
Time:
45 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Intermediate
Ingredients
8 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (about three large carrots)
1 cup sliced celery (about two large stalks)
1 1/2 cups fully cooked, diced chicken (about one large chicken breast)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons Poultry Seasoning Blend
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 cups rice
Directions
Bring broth to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer (low to medium low heat).
Add carrots, celery, diced chicken, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add rice and cover. Continue simmering for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Let cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
This chicken and rice soup recipe freezes well. Once the soup cools, I put mine in disposable paper soup cups then toss in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove and you have a cozy meal in no time!
Hello, friends! Halloween is right around the corner (this week!), and my son has just decided on his costume: he’s going as Harry Potter! Since we’re short on time, I won’t be able to knit the traditional Hogwarts house scarf without adding a bit of creative flair. Instead of the typical scarf, I’ll be making one inspired by my old college colors, maroon and gold. Fun fact: I had a similar school colors scarf back in the day!
This version will still fit his costume perfectly, and the pattern works great with any color combination. If you’d like, choose your favorite house colors and knit along with me as I race to finish this fluffy, chunky scarf before the Halloween deadline. (Better photos to come once it’s done!)
Post-Halloween Update
I did it! It came right down to the wire, as far as time goes. I was tying up loose ends at 5 o’clock on Halloween evening, but I got it done! My son’s scarf turned out amazing. He got lots of compliments and everyone knew who he was trying to parody. Here is a little video of the trick-or-treat fun:
How this Chunky Striped School Colors Scarf is Made
Two 129-yard (8 ounce) skeins of super bulky weight (No. 6) yarn* for your main color and (shown in “Tampa Spice” Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand)
One 129-yard (8 ounce) skein of super bulky weight (No. 6) yarn* for your secondary color (shown in “Madison Mustard” Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand)
A 6-foot scarf uses about 258 yards (16 oz.) of Color 1 and 129 yards (8 oz.) of Color 2
This School Colors Scarf will be a 9-inch by 72-inch rectangle. You can make it shorter or longer if you wish; just add or remove repeats in rows 59-264.
Care
If you use the materials called for in the School Colors Scarf Free Knitting Pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your scarf looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
There are downsides to free-ranging hens. Obviously, predators can be a huge risk to your chickens when they are allowed to wander outside of an enclosure. But I did not guess that the hens would stop laying in the coop and start new nests for their eggs in secret forest spaces.
Letting Chickens Free Range with Rooster Protection
I used to keep my hens in the shelter to protect them from predators like hawks and ravens. But with the addition of two large roosters (twin Jersey Giants named Colonel Sanders and Popeye), I felt the hens were safe enough to free range. The roosters have been great at keeping an eye on the flock, but clearly, they have not been concerned with keeping the eggs in the coop.
The Missing Egg Mystery
For the past two weeks, not a single egg has been laid in the coop. I worried there was something wrong with the chickens’ feed, so I started supplementing with healthy table scraps. Still no eggs.
Finally I started following a pair of hens through the woods to try to find out what they were up to. I discovered that they had created a maze of hidden nests under trees and brush. I don’t think these were just dust baths; the hens had been laying here.
My Hens Stopped Laying in the Coop
So the mystery is solved; my hens decided the forest was a better place to lay eggs than the swanky nest boxes in their safe coop. After days of searching for their hidden nests amongst the trees, I’m pretty sure the local wildlife has been getting a buffet of fresh eggs.
I would love to live and let live, but I feed the chickens to get eggs in return. This is supposed to be a two-way deal. It is time for a brief time-out.
Some Time in the Enclosure to Reset
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a punishment for the chickens. Their coop is a large shed, and their enclosure is roomy enough for all the chicken-y activities they can dream up. They’re safer from predators, so Popeye and Colonel Sanders can relax a bit. Plus, they’re getting extra treats to encourage egg laying. But, for now, they need to stay in their run until they re-learn to lay eggs in their cozy inside nests.
So, Here is the Egg-citing Plan
(Spoiler alert!) I got an egg! Here’s what I have done to encourage these little feathered dinosaurs to lay eggs in the coop not the woods:
Keeping Them in the Coop and Run
First, I made sure to shut the enclosure after all the chickens had gone to bed for the night. They may have forgotten how to lay in the coop, but they are still certain to sleep there. This saves me the hasle of chasing wild chickens, that can fly, through a wooded area; I would never catch them this way.
Now that they’re safe and secure, I’m keeping the hens in the coop and run for now. It is giving them a chance to refocus on using their nest boxes. I hope this temporary shift helps them reestablish their laying routine permanently.
Freshening Up the Nest Boxes
I gave their nest boxes a little makeover by adding fresh bedding. In my hens’ boxes, I use excelsior nest pads (Amazon affiliate link), which makes clean-up much faster. I tossed in some calming chamomile and lavender from my garden, as well. The herbs help make the nest boxes feel like a cozy, welcoming spot to lay eggs.
Collecting Eggs More Regularly
To be sure I get as many eggs as possible, I am checking the coop much more often. Usually, I would go out for eggs once a day. But, this time, I want to ensure the eggs end up where they should. One hen, for example, likes to lay on the cold bare floor. This can encourage snakes and packrats to steal eggs. We are working on laying up in the fluffy nest, instead.
Monitoring the Hens’ Habits
I’m closely watching their behavior, especially during the times when they’re most likely to lay. I have several hens who are early layers; they give me eggs for breakfast. The rest of the hens lay through out the late morning and early afternoon. I am closely watching these ladies, because they were the first group to wander.
It worked!
I am now in possession of one, single egg! It is a start. Hopefully the girls will all jump on board and start laying where they ought to!
Once I see the hens laying in the coop again regularly, I’ll gradually let them free-range. Since winter is coming on, though, the flock just might choose their warm enclosure until spring. Either way, hooray for fresh eggs straight from my yard!
Make a cozy Rice Stitch Afghan with this free knitting pattern. Choose your favorite yarn and color in worsted weight and you’ll be on your way to having your own custom, handmade throw blanket to decorate your cozy home.
How this Rice Stitch Afghan Free Knitting Pattern is Made
Here, I’ll show you two ways to make the same blanket. Beginners might prefer using the Broken Rib Stitch, as it requires only basic knit and purl stitches. Or, you can knit it in the Rice Stitch, which introduces knitting through the back loop (ktbl). This is a great way to practice intentional stitch twisting. As you work through ktbl techniques, you’ll become better at recognizing twisted stitches, making it easier to catch and fix errors in future projects.
The Rice Stitch creates a fabric with a bit more twist. It also curls slightly less than the Broken Rib Stitch, though the difference is minimal. Whichever pattern you choose will yield almost the same blanket, so go with the one that suits you best.
The trickiest part of this blanket is staying on track with the pattern. It’s easy to accidentally knit two stitches and throw off the knit and purl sequence. Keep an eye on your stitch rows and columns, and refer to the pictures to ensure your pattern is coming together correctly. If you catch a mistake, you can always go back and fix it as needed.
Row 2: sl1pwyif, *k1tbl, p* x 101 (203 stitches). Turn.
Row 3: sl1pwyib, k 202 (203 stitches). Turn.
Rows 4 – 364: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
Row 365: sl1pwyif, *k1tbl, p* x 101. (203 stitches) Turn.
Row 366: Bind off in pattern of Row 3 with the same tension as the rest of the piece (do not bind off loosely like most other patterns instruct). Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Instructions: Broken Rib Stitch Afghan
(50 inches x 65 inches [127 cm x 165.1 cm])
Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 2: sl1pwyif, *k, p* x 101 (203 stitches). Turn.
Row 3: sl1pwyib, k 203 (203 stitches). Turn.
Rows 4 – 364: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
Row 365: sl1pwyif, *k, p* x 101 (203 stitches). Turn.
Row 366: Bind off in pattern of Row 3 with the same tension as the rest of the piece (do not bind off loosely like most other patterns instruct). Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
This blanket will be a 50-inch by 65-inch rectangle.
Care
If you use the materials called for in the Rice Stitch Afghan Free Knitting Pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your blanket looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
Tip:
Keep this away from Velcro! Yarn and Velcro are never friends. Your blanket will absolutely snag if you lay it on a Velcro jacket or a toy with a Velcro seam. Other than that, these little blankets last for years if you make sure to wash them gently.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
Free throw blanket knitting pattern is available now!
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
If you’re moving into a new home or just itching to change up your outdoor space, building your backyard garden from scratch can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. The good news is that with the right approach, you can transform your yard into a functional, sustainable, and beautiful oasis. Whether you’re aiming to grow your own food, create a cozy outdoor living space, or support local wildlife, these tips will guide you through finding the supplies you need (and why permaculture beats sod grass, hands-down).
Start with a Plan
Before you dive into planting, take some time to envision what you want your backyard to look like. What are your goals? Do you want a vegetable garden, a pollinator haven, or a relaxing retreat with cozy nooks? Sketch out your ideas, including where the garden beds, pathways, and seating areas will go. This will help you understand how much space you need and what types of materials you’ll require.
Finding the Right Supplies
Building a backyard garden from scratch requires some materials, but you don’t need to break the bank. Here’s where to find quality supplies without overspending:
Local nurseries and garden centers: These are your best bet for finding plants suited to your region’s climate. Staff at nurseries are usually knowledgeable and can guide you toward plants that thrive in your area.
Community marketplaces and social media: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local garden groups often have people selling or giving away tools, soil, compost, mulch, and plants.
The Interwebs: The internet is now an excellent source for gardening supplies. Find tools, garden bed setups, and even chicken coops on Amazon. See my go-to tool list from Amazon on my Affiliate Page. Sites like fast-growing-trees.com can ship trees, fruit bushes, and a wide variety of live plants straight to your home.
DIY compost: You can create your own compost by collecting kitchen scraps, yard waste, and even cardboard. A compost bin doesn’t have to be fancy—you can make one from wood pallets or wire mesh.
Choose Permaculture Over Sod Grass when you Build you Backyard Garden from Scratch
It’s tempting to lay down a perfect, green lawn, but before you do, consider this: sod grass might look nice at first, but it’s high-maintenance, requires lots of water, and offers little environmental benefit. Permaculture, on the other hand, is a sustainable gardening method that works with nature, not against it. Here’s why it’s always the better option:
Adapted to your climate: With permaculture, you choose plants that thrive in your specific climate. This means less water, fewer chemicals, and more success! Native plants, herbs, and drought-tolerant species can fill in areas where grass might struggle.
Healthier soil: Permaculture focuses on improving soil health by using compost, mulch, and cover crops. Healthy soil leads to stronger plants and a garden that’s resilient to pests and disease.
Biodiversity: A permaculture garden encourages a variety of plants, which in turn supports bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. A lawn of grass offers little for these important creatures.
Low-maintenance: Once established, permaculture gardens typically require less upkeep than lawns. You’ll spend less time mowing, watering, and fertilizing and more time enjoying your garden.
Productivity: Why have a lawn when you could be growing your own food? By dedicating part of your yard to permaculture techniques like edible landscaping or raised garden beds, you can enjoy fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits right from your backyard.
Focus on Soil Health First
Great gardens start with great soil. Test your soil to find out its pH level and nutrient content, then amend it as needed. Adding compost, organic fertilizers, or other soil enhancers can transform even the toughest dirt into a rich growing medium. If you’re dealing with poor or compacted soil, consider creating raised beds filled with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to get your plants off to a great start.
Water Wisely
A key element of successful gardening is managing water efficiently. Permaculture designs often include elements like rainwater catchment, drip irrigation, and mulching to reduce water waste. Try grouping plants with similar water needs together, and use mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent water from evaporating too quickly. You can also create swales—small depressions in the landscape—to help capture and direct rainwater where it’s needed most.
Start Small and Expand Gradually
When starting from scratch, it’s easy to get caught up in grand ideas and big projects. Instead of trying to create your dream garden all at once, start with one manageable section and build out from there. This allows you to learn as you go, figure out what works best in your space, and avoid burnout.
Use Perennials for Long-Term Success
One of the best parts of permaculture gardening is the use of perennials—plants that come back year after year. Not only do they reduce the need for replanting each season, but they also establish deep root systems that help improve soil structure and water retention. Consider perennials like herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes, or ornamental grasses as part of your backyard garden design.
Incorporate Companion Planting
Companion planting is a permaculture technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit one another. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help repel pests, while beans add nitrogen to the soil for corn. Asparagus and strawberries have roots that grow at different levels, making the berries perfect groundcover. This holds in moisture and prevents weeds from filling asparagus beds. These natural relationships can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making your garden more eco-friendly.
In Conclusion: Permaculture for the Win!
While laying sod grass might seem like the quickest way to get a green yard, it’s not the best long-term solution. By embracing permaculture, you can create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. Whether you’re growing food, supporting local wildlife, or just looking to reduce your environmental footprint, building your backyard garden with permaculture principles will reward you for years to come.
So grab your shovel, gather your supplies, and get ready to build your backyard garden from scratch; you are steps away from your own thriving oasis! 🌿
The air’s getting crisp, the leaves are starting to change, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up with fall knitting projects. Fall is all about comfort and warmth, and there’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in something you made with your own two hands. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or making gifts, I’ve got plenty of patterns to help you make the most of the season.
My patterns are designed to be simple but satisfying—perfect for a relaxing evening by the fire or an afternoon break with a cup of tea. From scarves to hats, to home accessories, these fall knitting projects will keep you cozy all season long. Let’s dive into some ideas!
Scarves for Chilly Mornings
What’s fall without a warm, snuggly scarf? I’ve got a handful of scarf patterns that are both beginner-friendly and full of texture. Whether you’re looking for something simple and ribbed or a little more adventurous with stripes, these patterns are perfect for anyone wanting a stylish and practical knit.
A warm hat is a fall essential. My collection has something for everyone, from quick-knit wide brim beanies to fun holiday themed pumpkin hats and Santa hats. They’re not only practical but super fun to make—and they whip up fast enough to be a great weekend project.
Go-to pattern: Classic Beanie—cozy, warm, and a perfect fit for outdoor fall adventures. Fingerless Mitts for Breezy Days
Fingerless gloves are perfect for those cool-but-not-freezing days. They keep your hands warm while leaving your fingers free for texting, driving, or grabbing that first pumpkin spice latte of the season. I’ve created a pattern that’s a quick and enjoyable knit, perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself.
Fan favorite: Cozy Fingerless Mitts—an easy pattern that’s great for a quick afternoon project.
Knit Decor to Welcome Fall Home
If you’re like me and love filling your home with warmth and texture, why not try knitting up some cozy home accessories? From handmade washcloths to decorative pillow covers, my patterns can help bring a touch of handmade charm to your fall décor. They’re also great for those of us who love a bigger project to sink into on a rainy fall afternoon.
Home favorite: Rice Stitch Afghan – big, bold, and so satisfying to snuggle up under.
Cozy Up With Fall Knitting
Fall is all about slowing down, getting cozy, and enjoying the simple things—and there’s nothing simpler or more rewarding than knitting something that you’ll use and love. Grab a pattern or two, find your favorite yarn, and let’s get started on some fall knitting projects that will keep you warm all season long.
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
Tarantulas Wandering in Southwest Colorado: A Unique Natural Phenomenon
Every fall, a fascinating event unfolds across the plains and foothills of Southwest Colorado: the annual tarantula migration. It’s a natural spectacle that draws attention not only from local residents but also from nature enthusiasts and curious onlookers from across the country. While the thought of hundreds of large, hairy spiders might send shivers down some people’s spines, the tarantula migration is actually an incredible and harmless display of nature at work.
What Is the Tarantula Migration?
The tarantula migration is not a migration in the traditional sense, where animals move long distances for survival or food. Instead, it’s a seasonal event where male tarantulas—most commonly the Aphonopelma hentzi species—emerge from their burrows in search of mates. These bachelors are driven by one purpose: finding love before the end of their short adult lives. Think of it like nature’s speed dating, but with way more legs and a lot less talking.
Starting in late August and continuing through October, the males set out at dusk, bravely trekking across fields, roads, and even hiking trails in their quest for romance. While this phenomenon occurs throughout the southwestern U.S., Southwest Colorado—particularly around La Plata and Montezuma Counties—offers a prime viewing opportunity for those wanting to witness this spidery love parade.
Why Do Tarantulas Migrate?
The male tarantulas, typically between 7 and 10 years old, have spent their lives underground, feeding and molting in their solitary burrows. But after years of being single, they’ve had enough and emerge during the fall to search for that special someone—because even spiders can’t resist the call of love. Mating is their one and only mission now, and after they find a mate, they’ve basically checked off their entire bucket list.
Females, on the other hand, are much more grounded (literally and figuratively). They prefer to hang out in their burrows, waiting for Mr. Right Now to wander by. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they take their time, knowing the males will come knocking. Unfortunately for the guys, some of these spider dates don’t always end well—cannibalism is a real possibility. Talk about a high-stakes romance!
Where to See the Migration
In Southwest Colorado, several areas are well known for good tarantula spotting. The flat grasslands between Cortez and Durango, particularly around Highway 160, are a great place to witness the migration. It’s not uncommon to see these large, slow-moving romantics crossing roads or meandering through open spaces, likely dreaming of the perfect spider wedding.
For those who wish to experience the tarantula migration, it’s best to go out just before sunset, when the males become more active. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to stay after dark, as the tarantulas tend to be most active at dusk and into the early evening hours.
Are Tarantulas Dangerous?
Despite their intimidating size and appearance, tarantulas are generally not dangerous to humans. Sure, they look like they could headline a horror movie, but they’re just hopeless romantics in search of a mate. While they can bite if threatened, their venom is mild and typically not harmful beyond a bee sting in terms of pain or reaction. They’re much more interested in finding love than engaging with humans, so if you come across one, it’s best to observe from a respectful distance and let them continue their search for spider soulmates.
Tarantulas also play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping populations of insects and small invertebrates in check. Their presence is a reminder of the often-overlooked importance of spiders in maintaining balance in nature—whether they’re swiping right on their tarantula Tinder or not.
How to Enjoy the Tarantula Migration Safely
If you plan to observe the tarantula migration, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure both your safety and the well-being of these eight-legged Casanovas:
Watch from a distance: Tarantulas are delicate creatures. Avoid picking them up or disturbing them on their journey for love.
Drive carefully: If you’re on the road, be mindful that tarantulas are slow-moving, and it’s easy to accidentally run them over. Drive cautiously in known migration areas, especially during the evening.
Respect their habitat: Stick to trails and paths, and avoid trampling through their natural habitats. Many of these areas are fragile ecosystems.
Ready for Love
The tarantula migration in Southwest Colorado is a remarkable event that showcases the beauty and complexity of nature… and the romantic desperation of male tarantulas! For a few short weeks each fall, the region’s rugged landscape comes alive with these gentle giants, each hoping to find love before time runs out. So, whether you’re a spider enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, the tarantula migration is a spectacle worth seeing, if you’re brave enough to witness nature’s ultimate matchmaking event.