Essay: On Waiting for the Clearing

(2015) I think of kids who are psyching themselves up for double-dutch on a day like today. I see the two kids whipping the ropes around trying not to deviate from the rhythm. Mostly though, I see the jumper who is about to enter the fray, both hands collecting the timing. So when the Missus decided to surprise me with a getaway to the Adirondacks, I figured the vacation would be one without the bike. Then came the second surprise when she asked, “Why don’t you bring your bike?” Considering the ever-changing weather, I brought it just in case. This would be quite the getaway.

For those who have never experienced the Adirondacks, don’t expect me to sum them up on one paragraph. To the best of my ability I will say they are a place of truly beautiful natural marvels; either a long hike or a long paddle must earn every beautiful view. Everything moves slower here. From the service to the information, expect a delay in the on demand world.

It differs from the rides in Bucks County, too. Gone are the thousands of route options by taking a quick turn here to another intersection where possibilities are endless. No, in the Adirondacks a rider takes a road for many miles before the next intersection. This creates a wonderful interaction with the road and scenery.

Of course, I’m basing this off of previous experiences. Today the forecast has called for snow. It’s delivered in many of the surrounding areas. This deliverance creates a problem, too. While it’s sunny outside right now, it’s also raining. And while it may be sunny and raining here, it could be snowing just a few miles away.

So I find myself trying to collect some natural meteorological rhythm with my kit like the jumper about to enter the game of double-dutch. I get ready when the sun comes out, but then the Adirondacks shows me its power with wintry mix. I return to the kitchen of our lodge to sit next to the window while watching the quintessential gas fireplace flap lazy flickers of flame under a window that is chock-full of fall views. The coffee is what keeps the motivation at the ready.

I draw the line at snow. Currently in Keene there is none, but the next town over in a decent route, Elizabethtown, is getting rain with a balmy forty degrees. Lake Placid is searching the skies for one inch on the way. Rest assured, I want to enter the game. Until I do, google will keep reminding me of how recent my last visit to the weather page was.