Category Archives: Weather

Escaping from Mud Bay

Snowy Hill

This is not the only way out.

Last night’s storm dumped seven inches of snow on my driveway, which, in an S-curve, snakes down a steep hill to reach my house (see photo). I’m snowed in. Trapped—at least as far as motor vehicle access. But I might not be marooned.
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Will 50 Be the New 40?

Note: This post is about temperature not age.

The historical average daily temperature in Bremerton in February is 42 degrees. Many scientists tell us that our planet is gradually warming. Whether Bremerton’s average daily temperature for February will reach 50 degrees in our lifetimes isn’t known. I don’t have the ability to analyze reams of weather data in an effort to predict the future. It’s easier to relate a temperature anecdote instead.
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Rocky Point Pond 2014

The pond during an afternoon sun break


Rocky Point Pond has looked more impressive in photos I have posted in previous years than it does today. Even so, it rates a picture for 2014. The pond has its largest accumulation of rainfall so far this year due to a series of storms that have hit Western Washington this month. Will it get even bigger in the next few days? Probably as more rain is forecast.

To clarify, it’s not really a pond—just a low spot between two driveways that fills with water after a few days of all-day rain. The address of this informal neighborhood rain gauge is 2609 Rocky Point Road. The pond’s record size—at least in pictures I have posted—was in March 2011.

Driveway Party

The Mud Cat wasn’t invited.


It’s Sunday morning after an overnight snowfall—the first of the year for Rocky Point. I haven’t been outside yet, although the Mud Cat went out briefly before 6:00 AM. When I viewed the driveway from the upstairs windows to see if I will be snowed in today, a party scene greeted me, both on the hill and in the flat area outside my front door (see photo).

The prints were made by critters, probably raccoons. I don’t get a newspaper, and even if I did, no human would walk down the hill to deliver it to my house. There must have been a good band although I didn’t hear anything (I’m a heavy sleeper). In a few places it looks like the party goers were dancing the two step. The Mud Cat didn’t leave these tracks. His prints are smaller and, well, more cat-like. Besides, he would never date a raccoon.

Skipping a Day

First I need a word for rain blowing sideways. Since there isn’t one, I’ll use RBS. Modify it with the word heavy. The combination would explain why I’m skipping my bike ride today. The forecast is for heavy RBS all day.
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Light Rain

What exactly is light rain?


Light rain is forecast for Bremerton for four of the next five days (see Seattle Times weather graphic). We get that forecast a lot. I wonder if the humans (or computer) who created the forecast can define what light rain is.
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No Bike Ride Today

Lots of reasons to stay inside


Not too many things keep me from taking a bike ride every day. Today’s rain (see photo) will. And I’m writing this post before noon.
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Cooling Off on Paper

I would rather be in Bellingham.


I’m sure it’s hot where you are too, so if you want to dismiss this as just another post by a heat wimp, go ahead. You’ll have even less sympathy when I admit that the extended forecast is for cooling temperatures and a chance of drizzle (see weather graphics above from the Seattle Times). However, it will be HOT today in Bremerton. Stick around if you want to cool off—at least on paper.
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March Lion

Wet cold days, colder nights


March roared in like a lion and then apparently we pissed him off. With a nod to the ancient proverb about the weather, it’s apt in some places, but not here in Western Washington. Not this year anyway. By the calendar this bad boy is just about outta here, but he’s one angry cat—soaked, snarling, and with claws unsheathed (see weather graphic). There’s no word on whether he ate the lamb or just scared it off.

A Brief Complaint

Complaining by picture


It has been said many times that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to complaining, the savings might be even greater. Instead of bitching about the miserable March weather we are having, including seven straight days of rain*, showing a picture of Rocky Point pond (see photo) should get the point across. That way I don’t need to mention that spring, due next week according to the calendar, seems as far off as it did on Groundhog Day.

Despite a wetter than normal winter, this is the first measurable accumulation this year in Rocky Point’s informal rain gauge. And that should be worth some sympathy—at least until you compare the size of the pond to a picture published a year ago in the Mud Bay blog.

* Catchall term used in short complaints for rain, sleet, snow, hail, and rain blowing sideways.