The rains have returned

Rainy HalloweenFall in Western Washington always brings the wet weather. Sometimes it starts in late August, and sometimes it holds off until October. This year appears to be one of the late years, as we had lots of nice days in September and early October. But make no mistake, fall has finally descended on us. Grey skies, whipping winds, falling leaves, and rain-soaked sidewalks are a dead giveaway. And speaking of dead, Halloween is just around the corner.

It’s shaping up to be a rainy holiday next week as well, so we’re going to have to find some other way to help our son celebrate the spookiness. Fortunately there are a number of indoor Halloween activities around the area, including one today at our local grocery store. We’re headed to QFC to “trick or treat” the checkout lines. It’s probably a ploy just to get us inside and buy stuff, but frankly we’re there almost every day for one thing or another anyway.

Rainy DaysIf you’re not a fan of the rainy weather and overcast skies, perhaps Washington isn’t the best place for you. While my Las Vegas-bred wife can put up with it for a few months (and to her credit, has acclimated very well over the past seven years), when she doesn’t see the sun from September until April it has a certain…effect…on her. On all of us, really, but those of us who’ve lived here our whole lives have found different ways to adjust to it. For outsiders, seven months of wet grey can make 115-degree Phoenix, Arizona, look mighty appealing.

Any way you look at it, the weather in Washington is unavoidable. If you’re in eastern Washington, it’s cold and snowy. If you’re in western Washington, it’s cold and rainy. Such is winter in Washington. We’ve come to find ways to enjoy it, even considering our “rain forests” to be recreation destinations (Hey kids! Get your rain slickers and muck boots on, we’re going to Hoh! Who wants to race some slugs?). Bottom line, if you don’t go out in the rain in Washington you don’t go out. Sometimes for weeks at a time. Learn to enjoy it, bring a dry change of clothes with you wherever you go, and accept “bad hair days” as a badge of honor. Congratulations. You’re a Washingtonian now. Now go get some coffee.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

2 Comments

  1. The Slug Rodeo isn’t ’till March, which gives you plenty of time to learn how to saddle ’em up & ride ’em! & who says socks and sandles isn’t fashionable?

  2. It’s easy to buy Christmas presents for Western Washingtonians. Just get them all one of those sunshine simulating lamps. They’ll all appreciate it by December, even if it is fake sunlight!

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