A wet blip in the road

I woke up at 6am

weather was clear, no sign of rain

fixed up my protein drink and a cup of tea

loaded up on hydration

checked my bike and set off at 7:50am

met my riding friends at 08:15am and set off north into the wind

3 minutes later the rain arrived

not a light drizzle but a torrential downpour

we were totally soaked in minutes and it was not safe to continue

we sheltered under trees for a while but the rain persisted

frantic calls to wives to come pick us up

they dutifully obliged to rescue us

soon back home and shivering into a warm shower

then cleaning the mud soaked bike

my phone was so wet that it stopped working

praying it would come back to life when dried out

my faith in the weather service was at an all time low

predicting no rain but we still got drenched

will this stop me from riding again?

hell no, its just a wet blip in the road

Chasing rainbows on the NC 500

We set off from Inverness on the North Coast 500 mile road trip

We selected an anti clockwise loop

Rolling hills covered in yellow Gorse to our left

Angry seas decorated with massive offshore wind farms to our right

The wind was howling when we reached John O’Groats

Bright sunshine interrupted by frequent rain showers

The North Sea seemed to be planning a land invasion

Pounding waves and spray battered the shoreline

It was late May but felt like winter

Brave tourists snapped rapid selfies at the most northerly part of the UK

Rapidly retreating to the shelter of the gift shop

Spectacular scenery best enjoyed from a warm and dry place

We stayed in a nearby rented house

Nature delivered a rainbow outside our back window which we claimed to be just for us

Deer passed by as the winds howled relentlessly

The sunset views were breathtaking

We made hot tea as we made special memories

Chasing rainbows as we were chased by horizontal rain

Clouds partying

The clouds have been aloof lately

Staying high in the sky

Not giving any shade

Refusing to rain on the dry ground

Last night that all changed

After a long meeting between the ground and the clouds

The clouds agreed to come down early this morning

So we could all wake up to a cloudy sky

Making sunrise a bit more entertaining

Some light party rain sprinkled on the dry ground

Damp patches of evidence

Cooler air swept in

Ideal weather for a run or a bike ride

Nice to wake up to a cloud party

Abi and friends make rain memories

The day began with a heavy gray sky promising rain that would nourish the earth

The first droplets tapped gently on the window playing a soft symphony of nature

Abi pressed her face against the glass as she was eager to feel the cool drops on her skin

She was a curious little girl who loved to play and explore

She ran outside embracing the refreshing shower that kissed her cheeks

The scent of wet earth filled the air in an aromatic signal of awakening life

Puddles in the street formed mirrors reflecting the world above

Abi studied the images before splashing through them

Her laughter mingling with the sound of falling rain as she shattered the wet images

A group of children spotted Abi and quickly joined in

Their joyful shouts echoing through the neighborhood

They raced each other as they splashed in every puddle along the way

Each splash sent water flying in the air like tiny sparkling diamonds

The rain joined in the outdoor revelry and danced around them

A nearby old oak tree stood tall with its leaves rustling softly in the breeze

Abi ran to its sturdy trunk seeking shelter for a moment to catch her breath

She watched as the rain created a curtain of droplets at the edge of the canopy

A ladybug landed on her finger seeking refuge from the storm

Abi smiled as she marveled at its tiny red shell

Heavy rain was drumming against the roof of the old barn nearby 

She and her friends scurried inside to escape form the downpour

They were all laughing and shaking off the water like wet puppies

The barn was a treasure trove of forgotten memories and dusty hay

They built a fort out of bales as they settled in for a rain-soaked adventure

The storm raged on but they felt safe and warm inside

They played games and told stories of magical creatures that danced in the rain

The energy of the storm fed their imaginations and the tales got wilder

Eventually the rain began to lighten into a gentle patter

The sun peeked through the clouds casting a golden glow

They ventured outside once more to be greeted by vibrant rainbows arching across the sky

They splashed through puddles while squealing with delight

Abi twirled under the sky embracing the magic that had unfolded

The rain had brought them together to create a day filled with laughter and joy

The setting sun made everything glisten to heighten their awareness of the moment

They knew the memory of today would stay with them forever

tether the weather

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Ride the wind

Do not fight it

With a jibe and tack

You can go anywhere

Float in the breeze

Surrender your will

Drift along aimlessly

Be adventurous

Race with the storm

Follow its path

Feel the power

Absorb its energy

Bathe in the rain

Wash away your woes

Troubles float away

Cleanse your soul 

Walk in the snow

Silent footsteps

Embrace the chill

Its cool to be cool

Rain controller

she saw the rain

dashed outside

fine gentle rain

fell softly on her face

looking at the clouds

she whispered

I want more rain

the clouds obliged

the rain became heavier

a torrential downpour

she stood her ground

it rained more

for hours

and hours

soaked to the skin

she looked up

whispered skyward

stop rain stop

suddenly 

the rain ceased

clouds parted

warm rays of sun

kissed her cheeks

she smiled

and whispered

finally it worked

she went inside

her husband frowned

handed her a towel

asked her firmly

will you stop now

you have been trying

to control the rain

without success

almost every day

for eleven years 

please quit now

while you are a winner

Beautiful day

Beautiful day

Clear skies

Birds sing

Fluffy clouds

No rain

Gentle breeze

Pregnant pause

Winds roar

Racing clouds

Darkness looming

Roaring thunder

Blackness descends

Howling winds

Rustling leaves

Trees swaying

Birds silent

Crashing thunder

Lightening flash

Torrential rain

Instant flooding

Angry skies

Booming thunder

Lightening strikes

Torrential downpour

Floods everywhere

Rain stops

Still sounds

Steam rising

Floods subside

Clouds disperse

Blue skies

Birds sing

Beautiful day