To say that summer weather in the lowcountry is unpredictable would be an understatement. Air thick with humidity and moisture begins a cycle of cloud formation before the sun has fully risen. From here, it’s a crapshoot. Two clouds may seemingly bump into each other and create a storm. Another may cross in front of the sun, setting off a series of showers and rainbows. It can be pouring at one house while next door is draped in sunlight. It’s actually quite interesting to watch, but can be a bit challenging if unprepared…which, as newcomers, we find we often are. One such example occurred a few days ago.
After several days of appointments and errands, we were finally able to head out for a morning beach walk. Having made this trek many times before, we have a level of preparedness that has suited us up to this point:
Bottled water and a bowl for thirsty pups Check
Puppy poop bags in case of droppings Check
Pre-walk sunscreen application Check
One large towel for drying off beach dogs Check
Coins for the parking meter Check
Flip-flops and sunglasses Check
We hit the beach as we always do, heading straight to the water for the dogs to jump in the surf. Looking out across the ocean, it was if an invisible weather divider were ahead of us. An enormous dark cloud loomed to the left with distant rain falling. Directly to the right of this ominous sight was a vast blue sky and white puffy clouds. At this point it was anybody’s guess what weather fate we were to receive. We began our walk, careful to keep an eye on the sky and not venture too far.
Hot sticky air was already in place at this early hour; the ocean breeze doing its best to provide comfort. For a quick moment I thought to myself that a small sprinkle of rain would probably feel nice. This is a thought I will never again allow my mind to conjure. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. Within twenty minutes what had been a distant rain was suddenly upon us. The sprinkle I had secretly wished for came and went in a matter of seconds and was immediately followed by an absolute deluge. The ocean breeze was now a gale force wind pummeling our heads and bodies with heavy drops.
We made a mad dash for the car, the dogs jogging in front. Glancing back to stay in contact with us they looked like a couple of annoyed and angry pirates; one eye squeezed shut against the driving rain. This sight was too funny not to laugh at, despite all of us being drenched to the bone. Even the insides of my pockets were wet! It was clear we were not prepared for such a weather event:
A hat to keep salt-mixed rain from rendering eyes a burning, red mess? Nope
Rain attire of any sort? Nope
Extra towels for sopping wet pups and humans? Nope
A change of clothes for the drive back? Nope
Anything whatsoever that one could sit on to avoid car seats being soaked? Nope
Lowcountry lessons…. I’m sure we’ve got many more to learn!
