Dear PDX Advice Guy
I’m still new to Portland and the rain is starting to really get to me. What can I do about it?
-RV, Clackamas
What can you do? Celebrate it! After all, there IS the famous Northwest Rain Festival that runs from January 1 to December 30 and it’s a LOT of fun!
Ok. So enough stupid jokes. Let’s get to the help.
The one thing you need to do is realize that the rain is just a constant here in the Northwest. What makes it bad is mostly that it’s usually a drizzle, it’s rarely a full-on rainstorm. However, it can be sort-of nice. The long and short of it is that you just need to understand that it’s a fixture of the Northwest. If you’re anything like me, then Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be tough when you’re still getting used to being here. Several stores in the area like Hankins True Value (Google), W C Winks (Google), and -of course- Home Depot (various locations) will carry a wide variety of light bulbs that can help ease SAD. I suggest stocking up on few, maybe even finding a nice lamp or chandelier from Hippo Hardware (Google) to use for a nice sunning nook in your home.
The next thing is to just get out in it. As I mentioned earlier, it’s mostly a drizzly rain and it’s rarely heavy enough to warrant the use of an umbrella or anything else. Portland is a very green community (in addition to being Green, of course) and the rain helps ensure that legacy. There’s so much in this town that the rain actually helps bring out. For my money, I think the Japanese Gardens (link) are better during a nice steady drizzle. I also like the clean smell that the rain brings is so refreshing and relaxing. If you happen to own your own home (or have a really understanding landlord) then you can also pick up some rain chains and really turn the rain into a relaxing event. A good local source for rain chains is the Portland Nursery (link). During a decent rain, they can be so very relaxing; and when combined with a cozy nook in your home (with one of the aforementioned lights for SAD treatment), it can make you appreciate the rain on a whole new level.
So don’t worry RV, the rain is pretty pervasive, but eventually it will become just another part of the gorgeous landscape of Portland. While I personally miss the thunderstorms of my native Oklahoma, I have to admit that Portland’s rain does quite nice on its own. Plus it helps keeps the rivers up, which ensures that our waterfalls stay plenty refreshed and that’s a whole OTHER column for another day.
Stay dry!
{ 1 comment }
Do what I did a few years back. Convince yourself you like the damn rain! it works. Now the rain and the dark days don’t get to me at all. In fact, I enjoy it.
Oz
Comments on this entry are closed.