May Weather
Scott Mclean
May is just around the corner and this story is going to be a mixture of emotions pretty much like May weather.
May was always a magical month that sometimes smacked you down and let you know who was running things!
When we were younger it sometimes seemed like the start of summer but still retained a springtime bite. By this time of the year the jeep tops were off and the motorcycles out. If you used either type of vehicle, you knew every cold spot in the valley. With no witnesses in the Jeeping community near, you might put on the bikini top and half doors.
God forbid any of your Jeeping friends saw you even though they probably did the same at times. There was always the excuse that you heard it might rain and had to protect some valuable equipment. In all actuality that was normally a shovel, an axe or saw, and a hi-lift jack.
I actually did not mind riding my streetbike in a warm, light rain. I was enjoying one of those while riding down to Granger to watch Steve pitch in a high school game. While down there, the light rain turned into a cold torrent interspersed with marble sized hail. They stopped the game and the bus driver, Shorty offered to load my bike in the bus through the emergency exit. I didn’t want him to get in trouble so I thanked him but declined.
I was getting drenched and pummeled by hail but when I hit UnionGap another May miracle happened. The sun came out and it actually got warm enough that it looked like my dark blue jacket was steaming.
By the way, hail is another good reason to always wear a helmet!
My friend and now cousin by marriage and I decided to float the Naches one May. We took truck tubes from Naches Wonderland to the main bridge. The water was high, fast, and damned cold. You would partially submerge or almost tip over when you went around or over a rock.
The water was fast enough that getting out at the bridge was a bit iffy. The whole float was sketchy but we laughed and had fun. We were still at the age where the common sense gene had not developed. I probably would have had a fit about my boys wanting to float the river at that stage!
Steve and I could not wait for camping season and would set up a tent on the lawn. Of course the warm days often became chilly nights. We neither one wanted to chicken out and would lay there shivering and trying to think up an excuse to go back in the house. We would even let the dog in the tent for warmth.
The smudge pots being lit next door were a good excuse. Later on, I was out lighting the damned things.
Steve even used the poor dog as an excuse once. He exclaimed “Oh man, the dog farted!” and ran out the flap. I’m not completely convinced it was the dog. More like little brother laying down a smokescreen to cover his retreat.
May was also time to prepare for the first trip into Manashtash lake. Steve, Lilli, and I were headed up there through Rock creek just before dawn one day. We were in an open Jeep and passed slowly through the middle of a herd of elk on the road. They didn’t appear too concerned.
May was also Mother’s day and Mom’s birthday. I still get a little sentimental on May 21st. It was time for our annual trip from the Wenas to Ellensburg. Bluebird and deer counting along with a reuben at the Red Horse Diner and a return through the canyon. She loved those trips and one time we even took her Aunt Pearl with us. She loved it as well and I think Mom enjoyed sharing it with her. Lilli and I have gone over the old road a few times since Mom has been gone.
Think back on past May’s and enjoy the present ones. I hope you enjoy many more but remember that May might hit you with bad weather along with the good. Just grin and be glad you’re able to experience both.
Bye for now.