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One thing I learned when I was living in the PNW, is that if the sun comes out and it looks gorgeous outside, don't think "I'll just finish my chores, then go outside and enjoy the sunshine," because by the time you finish your chores, the sun could be gone. You just drop everything and go enjoy it - now!
I can trust the sun now that I'm back in the SF Bay Area, but I still have that feeling that I'm wasting the sunshine if I am inside when the sun is shining.
I can also remember when I lived in Seattle, and the whole day would practically be over and I'd accidentally look up and see Mt. Rainier in all it's glory - and realize I hadn't looked up to see it all day, because it usually wasn't visible.
I understand the nuances of the seasons and different types of days in the PNW, and there is a lot to like about it. But, I do think people need to understand the reality of living in that kind of weather. And it's really hard for anyone who hasn't lived in it to fully grasp it and whether or not it will suit them.
The worst part for me was having such a hard time feeling motivated. When I think of what I want to do on a rainy day, it's not usually anything that required motivation. If most days are rainy or cloudy, it's just hard for me to get up all excited about getting anything done. It takes effort to make yourself (at least me) get going. The weather just affects my mood too much. Gloomy outside, gloomy inside my head. And then I have to force myself to get motivated. That's okay for a while, but not month after month after month - for me, anyway.
But, it's definitely the most beautiful place I've ever seen.
I hear you, NoMoreSnow. It's definitely a different lifestyle up there. I think we'll probably plan our vacations accordingly to help compensate for those winters with less daylight and sun. The biggest thing we hear from family and friends who moved there is you have to get out when its raining. Being active in it keeps one's spirits up even if cloudy out. I do know what you mean though about internally waiting for the sun to come out before wanting to go outside. That is something I also fight against in the summers in Monterey when we have a number of foggy days all strung together. And I always feel better once I'm out there even its just going for a short walk vs. staying in all day on the cloudy days.
I think the clouds and fog actually help me to appreciate the sun more when it does come out. If its sunny too often I actually find that to be depressing which may sound odd to some. But too many clear days with no clouds and bright sun seems very boring and monotonous to me especially with no rain. The dry, drought prone conditions lead to more wildfires and dried up landscapes. More rain and clouds for me represents a healthier environment overall. But yes, WA is not called the evergreen state for nothing. Its takes a lot of rain to keep it that way. The same is true for other places which are greener overall such as our favorite Hawaiian Island - the garden island of Kauai. They get lots of rain too. But its beauty is second to none. In fact, one of the best hikes I've ever taken started out in with cold fog, mud and rain which we almost didn't do because of it. Our girls did stay indoors because of it. But our persistence paid off after getting muddy and wet when the heavens opened up to this jaw dropping view of the Na Pali coast below.
Derek
Last edited by MtnSurfer; 08-15-2018 at 12:51 AM..
I do think that colors are more vibrant when it's overcast, too.
And yes, remember the thread I started when I lived in Redding, where I said that I never thought it would be possible, but that I actually got to where I hated seeing the sun come up every day? LOL. It was mainly due to the fact that it meant another scorchingly hot day. I just don't like being restricted as far as being able to go outside and enjoy myself.
And I agree that the drought and the fires are definitely depressing and will only get worse before it, hopefully, gets better - if the world can get on board with changing our polluting ways.
I hear you, NoMoreSnow. It's definitely a different lifestyle up there. I think we'll probably plan our vacations accordingly to help compensate for those winters with less daylight and sun. The biggest thing we hear from family and friends who moved there is you have to get out when its raining. Being active in it keeps one's spirits up even if cloudy out. I do know what you mean though about internally waiting for the sun to come out before wanting to go outside. That is something I also fight against in the summers in Monterey when we have a number of foggy days all strung together. And I always feel better once I'm out there even its just going for a short walk vs. staying in all day on the cloudy days.
I think the clouds and fog actually help me to appreciate the sun more when it does come out. If its sunny too often I actually find that to be depressing which may sound odd to some. But too many clear days with no clouds and bright sun seems very boring and monotonous to me especially with no rain. The dry, drought prone conditions lead to more wildfires and dried up landscapes. More rain and clouds for me represents a healthier environment overall. But yes, WA is not called the evergreen state for nothing. Its takes a lot of rain to keep it that way. The same is true for other places which are greener overall such as our favorite Hawaiian Island - the garden island of Kauai. They get lots of rain too. But its beauty is second to none. In fact, one of the best hikes I've ever taken started out in with cold fog, mud and rain which we almost didn't do because of it. Our girls did stay indoors because of it. But our persistence paid off after getting muddy and wet when the heavens opened up to this jaw dropping view of the Na Pali coast below.
Derek
I agree with you, that sun every day gets boring. That's one reason I went to the NW for college, from the Bay Area; I wanted more variety in the weather. Also bear in mind, that just because some people have a hard time with the cloudy weather and rain, doesn't mean you will. There's a lot of individual variation in how people react to that. I was unfazed. And now, having lived in the SW, I view the rain as a tremendous blessing. People in the NW don't know how good they have it, but they're finding out, as summers become hotter and drier, and that hot, dry season extends well into spring. And right now, they're choking on smoke from the BC forest fires. Rain would indeed be a blessing in those conditions. If you're thinking of locating in Vancouver, WA, you'll avoid the worst of the fire smoke, btw.
In any case, think positively about that rain and gloom others complain about. It might not faze you at all. Don't let it poison your mindset. I'm sure you'll still find plenty of breathtaking nature to photograph.
The PNW is definitely a climate that rewards patience, as those perfect, glorious days are well worth the wait in my opinion, and each season has its own version of what a perfect, glorious day is.
In spring, it's those warm, breezy days with lots of birdsong and huge, beautiful clouds passing through and maybe a shower or two. Shadows and sun cross the land, lighting up all the spring flowers and budding trees and all that.
In summer, it's a cool, foggy morning that slowly gives way to a warm, pleasantly sunny afternoon with strong summer sunshine and cool ocean breezes.
In autumn, it's a cool, crisp day, with a swift northern wind carrying a bite of winter in the air, again maybe accompanied by some showers and of course the changing of the leaves.
In winter, it's an angry, stormy day with hard, driving rain and swirling winds, the storm sweeping across the land and leaving fresh, clean air in its wake, and maybe a rainbow if you're lucky.
But maybe that's just me, and maybe it really is just cloudy, drizzly, clammy, overcast trash for 8 months and persistent fog for the other 4. I suppose that's for you to decide.
Love your descriptions of each season - that's almost poetic.
For climate, environmental, and cultural reasons, my wife and I are considering moving to the Eureka area, leaving Asheville NC. While Asheville has lots of appeal and we've lived in this area for 16 years, my wife, a Californian by birth, finds the winters here too cold.
The Humboldt Bay area has the perfect climate in terms of temperatures, but the wet winters make me concerned about mold and respiratory illness.
I've heard of the "Humboldt hack" -- a chronic winter cough -- but it's unclear to me whether this stems from the climate, housing with inadequate heating and ventilation (causing mold), or smoking too much pot.
Do any long-time residents have perspective on this question?
Haven't lived there for years, but I will say, the worst part for us was the weather. Yes lots of rain and so much fog. I do not remember any problem with a cough or hack of any kind.
and keep in mind, because Eureka is not near any major city; in fact it is the largest city for miles and you are getting close to retirement age, the need for good medical care will be something for you to consider. Obviously though they do have a very nice hospital with caring doctors the access to good specialist is just not going to be there.
Though not on the coast, you might fine Paradise, Chico and Redding more to your liking.
Bear in mind, as much as some people are affected by rain and gloom, more and more people are trying to escape the equally depressing and ill effects of constant heat. It can truly be equally debilitating. You say you feel unmotivated in the cloudy, drizzly weather? I can say the same thing about trying to work in 105 degree weather that never cools down at night and lasts 8 months out of the year. At least when it's cool you can move and feel productive without being constantly in a sweat-slick with heat-stroke headaches, or paying outlandish A/C bills that force you to give up other energy consumption like using your dryer as a trade-off to even afford that bill when it comes each month. And with forecasters telling us climate change is predicted to bring average temps up by at least 10 degrees year round by the end of this century, and sea levels to rise by three feet, mountains and gloom are looking purty durn good to some of us! (We're looking to Western WA as well)
The PNW is definitely a climate that rewards patience, as those perfect, glorious days are well worth the wait in my opinion, and each season has its own version of what a perfect, glorious day is.
In spring, it's those warm, breezy days with lots of birdsong and huge, beautiful clouds passing through and maybe a shower or two. Shadows and sun cross the land, lighting up all the spring flowers and budding trees and all that.
In summer, it's a cool, foggy morning that slowly gives way to a warm, pleasantly sunny afternoon with strong summer sunshine and cool ocean breezes.
In autumn, it's a cool, crisp day, with a swift northern wind carrying a bite of winter in the air, again maybe accompanied by some showers and of course the changing of the leaves.
In winter, it's an angry, stormy day with hard, driving rain and swirling winds, the storm sweeping across the land and leaving fresh, clean air in its wake, and maybe a rainbow if you're lucky.
Thanks for the responses. In spite of the attractively moderate temperatures, the comments I've heard most frequently (and keep on hearing) about the Eureka area evoke images of stagnation. Part of me wants to believe that Humboldt is a quiet Redwood haven (which no doubt it is), but there seem to be too many reports of the area being cut off in a sad way.
This is an accurate description of the whole of Humboldt County. My family were some of the earliest settlers in Humboldt County. The area was prosperous and a good place to live. The area had one healthy economic booster and major employment, lumber. After there were a big attack from tree lovers saying they had to stop cutting trees as they belonged to all Americans the timber industry dissolved.
Today the only thing that has kept the area going which is Marijuana. Now that it is legal, the local Humboldt county economy is in trouble.
Our home town, Paradise, Ca is 120 miles inland from the coast as the crow flies, or 200 miles by car to Fort Bragg, the closest waterfront city. It is a long, tiresome drive due to the winding, twisty roads. We just spent four days in the middle of September, this year, driving thru Fort Bragg, Arcata, Eureka, Trinidad, McKinleyville and Crescent City.
The weather was clear, no clouds, with daytime temperatures between 56-66 F*. I was freezing all the time, because the strong, constant winds made me feel like we are in the 40s.
I loved Crescent City, the way the beaches are easily accessible, but we had seldom seen anyone walking on the sand, and no one in the water. The north coast is great for people who dislike hot weather, but I couldn't live there.
To put it differently : our winter climate in December is usually warmer and nicer than Crescent City's in the summer. Up here in Paradise I spent many days walking our dog while wearing a T-shirt, around Christmas, but I wouldn't do that near the coast.
Last January I was kayak fishing on Paradise Lake and I had to disembark and remove my weatherproof upper jacket because it became too warm.
Last edited by mgforshort; 09-23-2018 at 05:50 PM..
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