Of Davey Jones and Heinrich Simon

What is your favorite type of weather?

“Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, es gibt nur gute Kleider”

The maxim above is often attributed to German politician Heinrich Simon, back in the 1800s, which translates to: .“There is no such thing as bad weather, there are only good clothes,”

Of course, there are many variations, including one of my favorites attributed by the cyclists of Sweden. “There is no bad weather for bikes, only bad clothing.”

When I hear lamentations from my fellow New Englanders about poor weather, particularly rain, I am mostly reminded of Bill Nighy’s fabulous character Davy Jones in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, when he declares,

Hah! Are you afraid to get wet?

Choosing the right clothing can make all the difference between weather that makes one cringe and shy away from going out of doors, to being a non-issue.

If I’m out on a hike, I want a breathable rain layer and moisture wicking clothes that allows moisture to escape, while keeping the weather out.

If I’m not exerting myself, but I have to stand outside in a pouring rain, then give me a good solid PVC rain slicker with pants, and a pair of rubber boots. I’m invincible!

Truth be told it’s hard to pick one particular season and weather that I favor more than another.

Hiking outdoors in winter can be wonderful. A cold day in the range of 20°F with the right clothes can make for a fantastic hike if dressed appropriately.

A crisp fall day where autumn leaves are beginning their descent from the trees means a nice wool sweater, cap, and perhaps warm socks. Add a hot latte, and you’ve got a fine afternoon for walking.

A warm summer day with a straw or felt hat, short pants and a summer shirt suits me just fine.

A spring day with the temperature beating the 70° mark, birds singing in the trees lifts my spirits. The soft patter of a light rain on the leaves, or my tent in the forest is a lovely way to drift off to sleep.

A cooling rain proceeded by the rumble of thunder, and the flash of lightning brings relief to a hot, humid New England day in July or early August.

I love them all if I’m prepared and despise them if I am not!