Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Weather

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Many public places, and some private ones, contain a finely tuned meteorological instrument known as a “Weather Rock”. To many observers, it appears to be an ordinary stone hanging by a rope to a tripod. Here’s how it works:

  • If the rock is wet, it’s raining.
  • If the rock is swinging, the wind is blowing.
  • If the rock casts a shadow, the sun is shining.
  • If the rock does not cast a shadow and is not wet, the sky is cloudy.
  • If the rock is difficult to see, it is foggy.
  • If the rock is white, it is snowing.
  • If the rock is coated with ice, there is a frost.
  • If the ice is thick, it’s a heavy frost.
  • If the rock is bouncing, there is an earthquake.
  • If the rock is under water, there is a flood.
  • If the rock is warm, it is sunny.
  • If the rock is missing, there was a tornado.
  • If the rock is wet and swinging violently, there is a hurricane.
  • If the rock can be felt but not seen, it is night time.
  • If the rock has white splats on it, watch out for birds!!

In my experience, the Weather Rock is as accurate as any other instrument in defining the conditions present.

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” – Herodotus, in reference to Persian mounted postal couriers, circa 500 B.C.E.

I am grateful to have been able to experience the thrill of weather that changes. My years in Southern California were not my favorite. Perhaps I grew bored each time I lived through “another ho-hum day in Paradise”. I truly missed the awe-inspiring daily reminders that the world and the weather are bigger than I am. The summer thunderstorms, the months of snow and cold, the humidity that persisted after sundown – all of those Midwest weather events created the variety and patterns of life that were rich and interesting. And the Oregon rain creates a rainforest more abundant with life than I could ever have imagined. I love having “weathered” living in the northern part of this country!

Thanks to Anne Sandler for hosting this week’s challenge. Visit her post HERE.

21 thoughts on “Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Weather”

  2. Priscilla, I just loved the reference to the weather rock! Weather forecasts are not accurate. I wake up in the morning and look out the window to check the weather. I loved your images, especially the fog. Great response to my challenge.

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  7. Lovely images, lovely post, Priscilla. I love this description from the weather rock… If the rock is missing, there was a tornado. So funny! Beautiful images…the mist, the mailboxes. Have a good week, too.

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  8. LOL Priscilla, I’m sure there are many in the northeastern US as I type who would kill for a ho-hum beautiful day right now! Happily Kiawah is enjoying a cool day but bright sunshine as I type. Hadn’t heard of the weather rock but someone else posted it this week – so fun! Loved your images as well. Terrific post.

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    • Thanks, Tina! One of my best friends is on Pawley Island right now, sending awesome sunrise pictures to FB. Is that near you? The weather rock is pretty well known, I imagine. 🙂

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