- Morning Walk
We’ve been into one of those summer weather patterns that brings mist in the morning and a watery sunshine by late afternoon. The mist, of course, is what was called ‘rain’ when I lived in California. But on the northwest coast, real rain comes in big pelting streams – not to be confused with droplets or even drops. Those very fine drops that make the world appear gray and that cause the splash-less puddles to form and that soak you to the skin before you really notice – that’s mist.
The Walking Women of Oysterville, of course, persevere in all weather. And, for the most part, our visiting friends and relatives join us. What’s been surprising to me this summer is how many other people are also walking (or running or cycling) through town in the early morning – even in the mist. Strangers. They are pleasant and say “hello” or “good morning” as we meet and pass one another. But we don’t know them and can’t really imagine where they are coming from. Sometimes Oysterville seems downright crowded these mornings!
On the other hand, Nyel and I went to the Ilwaco Art Walk down at the Port last night, and for much of it we were the only walkers there. Unbelievable! There were lots of folks in the galleries (and I hope their business was brisk!) but, until fairly late in the 5:00 to 8:00 time frame, there was no ‘Walk’ to the Art Walk. So different from when it was on Thursday nights. We couldn’t get over it.
We met our friends Paul and Lana Jane who drove up from Seaside. They were surprised, too, but as we spoke of it over dinner, we couldn’t come up with a logical reason for the paucity of people. You’d think that an Art Walk on a Saturday evening – even a misty-moisty one – in mid-summer at the beach would draw a big crowd. Go figure.
It is that coastal mist that keeps the skin on people on the Peninsula beautiful. It falls so softly that I hardly notice it. On the other hand, our Washington coast can have real RAIN that creates what we call “Haeck Lake” in front of our barn.
I can see why people would enjoy walking, running or biking through Oysterville because of its quiet. There are few cars to dodge and a lack of tailpipe emissions. Perhaps Dave will have to cycle up your way!