Precipitation
It seems that when you mention Oregon to anyone, the first thing that comes to mind is rain. Oregonians have various attitudes toward their climate (which frankly is quite varied - it does NOT rain all or even most of the time). Some hate the gloominess and raininess that fall and winter bring to the valley. Most tolerate it. I find myself more closely relating to that small group that actually revels in and looks forward to the infamous rainy season. But like fine tea, precipitation comes in many subtle flavors to be appreciated in their own ways.
Last month I experienced my first snowfall of the season during a weekend into the mountains. The wind was cold and biting, but the beauty of the snow covered landscape made me oblivious to mere physical discomfort.
Back in the valley, the mornings have been treating me with large helpings of fog lately. I absolutely love my walks to work in the morning through the dense blanket. The cool moist air quenches my thirsty lungs and reminds me of the ocean just beyond the distant coastal mountains. I find peace as the sounds of the city are muffled through the floating soup. The experience is surreal.
Though pictures can’t capture the entire feeling, the gallery has been updated with a few samples.
Created
Katie says:
Added on October 6th, 2004 at 9:51 am“Like fine tea”… indeed. Here in this tangled desert mirage of Southern California we’d long been parched for precipitation… until last week or so. Then I noticed the luscious beads of dew returning each morning to blanket the grasses and the succulent plants, the hoods of cars, the surfaces of the furniture dumped in the parkways of East Hollywood. The air was wet for the first time in months! And so as the desert deprives me, it teaches me to value precious precipitation even more. In all its forms.
Urban Locust says:
Added on October 10th, 2004 at 8:57 amI always said Autumn was my favorite season for the same reasons. I was also amazed last week when I saw fog (no, not smog) on my way into work in almost-always sunny L.A. Granted, I’m pretty used to this monotonous temperature, I still love “jacket weather.” I even found myself watching Woody Allen’s “Purple Rose of Cairo” last week and there was a classic Woody Allen scene of perfect Fall, with falling, blowing, yellow leaves, and you could almost feel the crisp temperature. I wasn’t even thinking of Autumn at the time, but I wonder if we unconciously find ways to compensate for the (lack of) seasons?
riverrunner says:
Added on October 22nd, 2004 at 8:59 amRain means water, water means rivers, rivers mean kayaking. Thats why I moved to Oregon - year round boating. So yeah - rain is good.