Not typical for this area. We have not had rain in ages. Unfortunately, that fact didn't serve to make getting through this cool, damp day any easier. The last place I experienced weather like this was, hmmm, oh yes, my trip to the Pacific Northwest a few weeks back.
Actually, the weather I experienced on my trip was not that bad, at all. Our only really damp day occurred when we arrived at Lake Quinault in the Olympic National Forest. Well, being that it is a rain forest and experiences 10 to 15 feet of rain each year, damp was to be expected. We took a trail that began across the street from the lodge and climbed our way up into the mountain. We meandered around waterfalls and fallen trees, taking our time to enjoy our surroundings. Of course we spent a great deal of time capturing the scenery with the cameras. Mark and I think nothing of spending significant amounts of time perusing a spot to capture just the right photos.
We will often take pictures of the same exact scene because neither one of us captures the same shot. Because we were both using my cameras on this excursion, I don't know which one of us is responsible for which shots, but I am more than willing to accept credit for all the best shots! Although, to be perfectly honest, Mark tends to be drawn to patterns in nature and me, well I tend to focus on the little details. I love the way the water droplets look on the leaves.
We spent some time along the lake but headed indoors when the rain became an issue. The rain gauge located on the side of the lodge facing the lake records the rainfall each year. You can see that in 2009, about 12 feet of rain fell here. The wettest and driest years are also recorded. I did not notice any markings for the current year so I am not sure how much rain had fallen up to this date in September.
The rain supports a tremendous amount of beautiful greenery and these hydrangeas, right outside the lodge, just happen to be my favorite shade of blue.
We decided to have lunch inside the lodge. A chance to dry off and enjoy the beauty of the lake while staying dry.
Our spot by the window was perfect and the meal was delicious. Through the window Mark captured this photo of, well, I am not quite sure what you call it. But isn't it pretty. I think that this is something I would love to have hanging outside my home. The water dancing from cup to cup provided quite a nice little show!
When all is said and done, I much preferred the rainy day spent with Mark in Washington. The forecast calls for rain again tomorrow. Perhaps I can imagine myself in the Olympic National Forest instead of in a classroom in New Jersey. Well, it might be worth a try!
