Capitol Letters: Weathering All Seasons

A HUNDRED HUES of gray have arrived here in Southeast Alaska and we are engulfed in moisture. The clouds seem to be constantly clinging to the mountains. Morning fog is common close to the water and the southerly winds seem to be a constant force in our daily lives. Yes, fall has arrived.

As a family who chooses to live in this environment we try not to let the weather and fleeting light affect our outside activities but it is inevitable. After the birth of our first son who was born here in the Capitol city my partner prioritized getting him outside every day no matter what the conditions were and the dividends have paid off. He understands being wet and having to gear-up for our outside adventures. It’s just normal for him. Now it’s just the battle of motivation for his parents to get moving into the wetness. This is yet another of the countless good challenges that come with the responsibility of parenthood; overcoming the want to stay dry and warm on a blustery day. I would like to think that we succeed more often than not.

At this time of year all of the trails that we would consider our constants are still open and accessible. Bear sightings seem to be more infrequent and the visitor traffic has dwindled to rare. Mud puddles available for splashing are in good supply. Hand-me-down boots are great but there is enough rainwater that collects here that new quality boot are a justifiable purchase for our Lil’ Cub and a good quality jacket and pants are essentials.

The swings and slides at the playground are beyond moist and our dog towels double as something to dry off the playground equipment for its first use of the day. Fortunately the excitement of the activity usually overwhelms our son's desire to not get wet and off he goes.

We are starting to use our local pool more but still only as a special treat. We are making plans for skating lessons at our local ice rink. Birthday parties are now inside at venues that are dry but still have the space to disperse young energy; the invitations to these seem to be constant.

I have high hopes that our 3 ½ year-old will embrace the ski slopes that are just a short drive from our home. I am beginning to plant the seeds of what skiing means by watching young ones skiing on YouTube - he likes to watch activities from the sidelines long before he participates.

Despite the wetness and the darkness of this season our robust life with young children continues. It is this constant activity that keeps us from becoming too depressed or disenchanted with the change of the season.