Perspectives

Summer Starts Late

People always get antsy waiting for summer weather to kick in. And it always seems to start late- especially this year. That's because summer does come later along the west coast- assuming you use warm temperatures to define the summer season.
For most of the country, the three warmest months of the year are June, July, and August. Not in Western Oregon. Here, the three warmest months of the year are July, August, and September. On some parts of the coast the three warmest months are even later- August , September, and October.
The reason-- different heat capacities for land, and water. Once the sun starts beating down on the ground, it warms up- fast. The long days of June bring inland temperatures up quickly. But the ocean takes a lot longer to warm up.
When the prevailing wind comes off the ocean- as it does here, the slow warm-up of the water sets our peak temperatures back about a month. Along the east coast, the ocean has much less impact on temperatures- even right along the shore, because an offshore wind reduces the influence of the ocean.
So when other parts of the country are heading to the lake for a swim, while we are still waiting for the snow to melt in the mountains, take heart. We'll still be enjoying summer weather on the first day of fall.
Here's some data to ponder- and a website where you can look at more local climate data.

High Temps
June July August September October

Eugene 73 82 82 76 65

Gold Beach 65 68 69 68 65

Green Bay 77 81 79 70 58

New York City 79 84 82 75 64

http://www.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=pqr

Enjoying Eugene's Outdoors with Kids

I can't think of a better time of year than the transition in and out of summer in the Willamette Valley. Temperatures don't get too high, but they don't dip too low either. The mild weather creates a great opportunity to get outside, especially if you have kids.

My girls adore the outdoors. We just got them a sandbox, plus they have a kiddie pool, sidewalk chalk and plenty of dirt to dig in. Alexis, our two-year-old, also has her own section of the garden, which she tends carefully.

Besides our backyard, I'd say the girls' favorite spot in town has got to be RiverPlay. If you've been to the park between Skinner Butte and the Willamette River, you know why. Between the giant sandbox where you can dig for fossils, the Pioneer Village and the Skinner Butte replica, it is every child's dream. Admittedly, Alexis prefers the sand pit, while Kaya tends to wander into the village.

Where do you take your kids during the summer months? Any hidden spots I should check out?

E-mail me at brandismith@kezi.com.

Eugene 08'...It's Here!

After years of planning and months of build up the Olympic Track and Field Trials have started.

Over 2,000 volunteers will work to make the experience as nice as possible for the 17,000 fans packed in to Hayward Field, and the close to 10,000 expected at the festival.

The Eugene 08' festival is free to the public with or without a ticket. From what I've seen the event looks like it will be fun for the whole family.

An entertainment stage is flanked by two giant televisions that will broadcast the coverage. Near the stage you'll find food vendors as well as tents filled with merchandise and an area designed especially for the kids.

Hayward Field looks more like Autzen Stadium than the famous track mecca that it is. Portable bleachers almost entirely enclose the venue that will be rocking for the next eight days of competition.

It's an event the city has been anticipating and from the looks of things you won't be dissapointed.

More Perspectives

Summer Starts Late Summer- Worth The Wait

Enjoying Eugene's Outdoors with Kids It's easy to get out and about, even with little ones in tow.

Eugene 08'...It's Here! The latest news and notes on the Olympic Track and Field Trials.

Eugene '08 Says No to the 'Pits' The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

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Statistical Drought Everything is soggy- and we are a foot behind on rain for the year- or are we?

What to Do When Temperatures Soar? Send me your suggestions for family fun when the thermometer hits 90 degrees

Allergies and Athletes The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

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Looking in to the Future of Eugene 08' The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

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Looking to the Future of Eugene 08' The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

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