Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Winter

Peter E.

January 17, 2010 - 5:46 PM

"I bet you're excited for Tulsa weather," my girlfriend conjectured as raindrops pelted the windshield as we drove on the I-5.

I thought about it for a moment before answering, "not really." Mixed in my answer was a deeper love for the Eugene community, weather, and outdoor options year-round. Although it rained fairly hard this afternoon, Eugene winters are accommodating for an outdoorsy lifestyle. For example, just this morning I went on an hour long run (in shorts) in the misty morning. Eugene winter mornings actually provide my favorite running weather. Low clouds cling to Hendricks Park and Spencer's Butte, and the moist ground is spongy underfoot. After my body warms up, the low-50 degree weather is perfect, especially coupled with a light mist. Plus, many students are still recuperating from the night before, so I have the trails and streets to myself; it's a great side of Eugene that many people don't take advantage of.

Eugene winters are also beautiful because the town gains an earthy smell and appearance. Sidewalks are hidden under puddles and natural mulch; I appreciate nature reclaiming what's rightfully its own. The rain makes it difficult to mow lawns as well, so campus begins to look like college students' beards this time of year with shaggy, overgrown lawns.

Sure I spend more time indoors than I do in other seasons, but there's something about Eugene winters that make this place incredible year-round. Everyone remains friendly, though moist, and it seems like my house is always abuzz with friends because people don't want to spend as much time outside.

So, yes, I will admit that more sunshine will be nice, but gray Northwest weather's really grown on me. I've found a unique beauty in Eugene that exists year-round, and surprisingly I find myself depressed sometimes not because of the weather but because I have to leave it.