Flutes in the Forest

On Saturday afternoon we went to a flute concert in Schmitz Park, a natural area just down the hill from our house. I heard about "Flutes in the Forest" on our excellent West Seattle blog, which posts free community events. It was fun and casual (bring your own chair) with a good turnout. The trio played for an hour-- a nice program of classical and popular music.

The best thing about the concert was sitting under the beautiful tree canopy enjoying a "forest bath." Have you heard that term?

"Forest bathing" emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku, or “taking in the forest atmosphere." The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests."

What a difference a day makes. On Sunday we woke up to this. On the west coast, we are well-acquainted (unfortunately) with a computer app called "Purple Air." An amazing bit of technology, in an awful way. Purple Air gives real-time air quality measurements, anywhere in the world.

 

The color dots say it all, or just look out the window at the yellow murk. Bad as this was in Seattle, the air is even worse in central and eastern Washington.The entire state is dotted with out-of-control wildfires. We spent yesterday entirely indoors with the doors and windows closed and both large air purifiers running. 

The streets were deserted of dog-walkers. This is a familiar drill and most people take the health risks seriously. The Canadian wildfire smoke this summer came as a unpleasant surprise to folks on the east coast.

Anyway, the air should gradually improve for us today, as the wind shifts and marine air pushes the smoke east. There is some hope that the remnants of Hilary will bring a few drops of moisture to the parched eastern side of the state. 

I haven't been to the Twisp house since July, but until the air improves there's really no point in making the long drive. It's been a disappointing summer for me in that respect. Hopefully I can still make it over this month for a short visit. If not, then fall should bring a few nice visits before the snow flies. 

"And the seasons, they go round and round..."

Too fast.