Coming to the defense of the unfairly maligned. The rain

[Watersprite]

Last night, all night, the wind was very active, as it often is here in Iceland, and some horizontal rain flew through the night as well. It was lovely. Every once in a while, I find myself coming to the defense of what some would call “gloomy” weather. Or “bad” weather. Often enough, they’re complaining about the rain. I grew up in the rain. In Seattle–famous for its liquid sunshine, so perhaps I’m a bit biased in its favor.

As I was thinking about this today, I remembered that a few years ago, I was involved in some online discussion, and the topic of “gloomy weather” came up. It might have been on a paddling forum (perhaps even here?), or on some other, but I do remember coming to the defense of the liquid wonder. So I had a look in my old documents archive, and found one such thing I wrote, apparently, just five years ago. Thought I’d share it with you tonight.

And by the way, I’ve spent countless days paddling in the rain. Soft rain, hard rain, rain over the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Can’t ever remember a bad day on the water. Or in the water, for that matter.

Don’t worry, it’s one of the shorter things I’ve written…

Have you never danced in the rain?

Celebrate the rain, for it is the opposite of gloom. It is the source of
nearly all we call good and beautiful. The water we drink, the food we eat,
and the clean air we breathe. The blue of our excruciatingly beautiful blue
planet. The wonder of rainbows. The life and wonder giving streams, rivers,
and oceans.

For the trees of the great rainforests, and for the palms and white sand
beaches of tropical islands, thank the rain. And the wind. Celebrate the
thunderstorm. And the hurricane.

Celebrate the gentle rain that falls on the roof, making the great book
you’re reading even better. Celebrate rain’s cousins, the hail and snow,
for they too shape the endless wonders that lend immeasurable awe to our
lives.

Cower not from the rain, for even you are mostly made of rain. How do you
even exist without the rain, after all?

Give thanks, and every chance you get, dance in the rain.

[sing]

@Watersprite

Give thanks, and every chance you get, dance in the rain

Love rain (and snow)! No surf without it.

"Rainy Days & Mondays" Sea Kayak Surf Session - Oct 7, 2024 - Sterling Progression Kayak & Kalleq GP

Mahalo!

-sing

[raisins]

@Watersprite

p in the rain. In Seattle–famous for its liquid sunshine, so perhaps I’m a bit biased in its favor.

I don’t like to start in the rain, or finish up in the rain, but I do like paddling in the rain. Though I dislike paddling in 40deg weather, cold rain and cold breeze.
Interesting to paddle in a very heavy rain - less visibility than fog or night (compass or gps necessary).

[davbart]

I get the sentiment, and rain is necessary and often beautiful, but there are many victims of Helene in North Carolina and Virginia who would find it hard to … “Celebrate …the hurricane.”

As an example, there’s a great little town, Damascus, VA that is still fighting to recover and get back on its feet. The town is dependent on tourism and is a trail town for the AT and Virginia Creeper Trail both of which sustained extensive damage that will take months if not years to repair. So if you get a chance, enjoy the rain, but remember those who have been devastated by TOO MUCH rain, and help if you can.

[sing]

@davbart

So if you get a chance, enjoy the rain, but remember those who have been devastated by TOO MUCH rain, and help if you can.

Conversely, if you enjoy the hot summer sun, do so while remembering to support those impacted by drought and wildfires, such of those who went through the recent LA fires.

-sing