The Rainy Season

Late winter in the north Pacific means the rainy season. The islands are like seeds that must be cloud-covered and kept moist to sprout. This time of year gives the land the chance to hydrate before the strong summer sunlight imposes itself through the following November. Under the near constant gray, the ocean breezes that tickle the island pick up speed. For the residents their slatted windows on the opposite sides of homes and apartments are turned open, letting the wind sally through without impediment. The city bustles along, aware of the weather but unalert. The nights are a chilly 65. On the water the conditions have also cooled, and rare is the bare-chested surfer who stays out all day. But the waves are up, cresting at twenty five feet and rolling like an avalanche of giant steel drums spilled from the back of a semi.