5 Tips For Visiting Cemeteries This Fall

Hillside Cemetery, Silverton, Colorado

Fall is my absolute favorite season. The changing of the leaves, the cooler temps, the smell of fireplaces, and burning leaves all just bring a smile to my face. This is also a perfect time to visit cemeteries. I do not handle the heat very well, so I try to use this time to get out and visit my ancestors in their final resting places. But there are definitely some things that need to be considered before you just hop in the car and venture into the cemetery. Most people visit cemeteries in spring and summer it seems for many appropriate reasons, so all the tips I have found on the internet are geared towards that. But what about visiting during fall? Here are some things to remember if you are like me and prefer fall to visit cemeteries.

1) Watch Your Step
Leaves will be covering the ground in many cemeteries around the world and while they are beautiful can be dangerous. They tend to hide some potential hazards. Watch where you step. The weather is turning colder so most bugs and other living creatures will be disappearing, but there is still the potential for snakes and spiders to be hiding under the leaves. So just beware.

Also, don't forget cemeteries tend to have uneven ground. So while the ground may look even, a hole or dip could be hiding under those leaves. I have personally stepped in one in our back yard and twisted my ankle before.

One other thing to remember is many animals love to make their homes (or just love to hang out) in cemeteries so be on the lookout for poop. Deer especially love to populate cemeteries and I can't tell you how many times I have almost stepped in piles of their poop. Granted it will happen trekking around in nature, but just remember to check your shoes before getting into your car.

2) Do Not Clean Headstones
You may be asking why? Well, it's getting colder out. Freezing temperatures are upon us. And what happens when you leave water out in freezing temperatures? It freezes. And what happens when water freezes? It expands. (Throwing in a little science here) Why do you think there are so many potholes after winter is over? Water gets into tiny cracks and crevasses, freezes, and expands. Then when it warms up, it thaws, thus creating more cracks or expanding ones that were already there. And our first goal is to "Do No Harm" to the headstones. So if the headstone is in badly need of a good cleaning, hold off until Summer when the temperatures are warm enough to dry the water used with no chance of freezing.

Here is an informational link about what happens to water when it freezes: https://www.sciencefacts.net/why-does-water-expand-when-it-freezes.html

3) Wear Appropriate Clothing
Weather changes drastically sometimes depending on the area you live in. And cemeteries in a heavy forest area or ones that are located near water tend to be much colder. So make sure you bring appropriate clothing items to keep warm such as a hat, a scarf, gloves, warm/sturdy shoes and socks, and a jacket. These are just some suggestions. Judge for yourself based on the area you live in.

I have a friend who never used to think much of the weather. Even though he has lived here his whole life, he never really prepared for it. He would wear shorts in freezing weather, pack no gloves, scarf, hat, and always forgot a jacket. His excuse was, "Oh I didn't expect it to be this cold". We visited the Grand Opening for the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis and it was freezing. We went hours before it opened to take pictures and look around. He wore a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. No jacket, no gloves, no nothing. He said, "It wasn't this cold at the house when I left". Well, we were downtown by the Mississippi River, so it was many degrees colder. So moral of the story, always be prepared cause the temps where you are going, might be colder than at your house.

Another example I have is when I lived in Colorado. We lived in the valley of the mountains and took a trip up the Mesa for the changing of the leaves. It was a comfortable 55 degrees in the valley, but when we got to the top of the mountain, it was snowing and below 30 degrees. Eek! Again, always be prepared.

4) Reorganize Your Cemetery Bag
If you visit cemeteries on a regular basis, I'm sure you have a cemetery bag with all of your essentials. And if you don't have one, you should get one. Most of the time, it is stocked with things you need in the summer such as bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Well, you don't need some of those items in fall. But you will need others. Two items to consider packing for fall: Waterproof Gloves & Hand Warmers.

5) Research Before Visiting
While this tip is important any time you visit a new cemetery, it is even more imperative during the cooler times. Like I suggested before if you are going somewhere near water or in a forest, the temps are going to be cooler, so research the area first to get an understanding of what the weather may be like. Also, what does the cemetery itself look like? Is it hilly? Are there paths? Is the ground sunk in? Tall headstones? What about cell service? Try to prepare the best you can before your trip so you are safe. Most cemeteries (at least the big ones) have websites now full of information that will help you prepare for your visit.

Bonus Tips regarding Covid19
Life as we know it has drastically changed in many ways. Visiting cemeteries is no different. While I'm not here to debate on anything relating to Covid19, I'm just trying to suggest some things for you to consider for your safety and others. It's up to you what you wish to do. So some things to consider before heading out:

1) Is the cemetery open to the public? what are their hours? What are their rules?
Many cemeteries have been making changes along with many other public places to keep people safe. Verify that they are still open (especially Masoliums) and if their hours have changed. Also, inquire about the specific rules they have about visiting. Best to be prepared so you don't have a wasted trip.

Example: Arlington National Cemetery posted this update on their website:
September 18, 2020
Arlington National Cemetery is open for gravesite visitation ONLY from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cemetery policy requires all visitors to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while visiting these hallowed grounds. Several places of interest remain closed to ensure health protection conditions. ~ https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit

2) Pack extra masks and respect the distancing rules
Always have extra masks with you just in case you lose your current one or it gets dirty. Make sure they are breathable since you will be doing a lot of walking. And even though you are in a cemetery, you still want to respect the distancing rules for others. Just think of others during this time.

Again this all falls under the Research/Prepare before you visit. No matter what, just be safe. You want the day to be memorable for all the sites and headstones you visit, not for a trip to the hospital for a sprained ankle.

What suggestions do you have for someone visiting cemeteries in fall? Leave them in the comments below.