Yesterday the Sun set. And that's okay.
We'll not see the Sun again here in town until the 6th of February. That curious tilt of the earth (23 1/3˚ if you're interested) has carried the pole away from the Sun and into the Earth's shadow for the next three months.
If you've followed along you'll know that I don't mind the dark season. The dark season has it's own charms. It is never completely dark. Even on the Solstice we lose the stars (but not the planets) at noon. It goes by quickly, and the sky is painted with an every changing palate of colours. The stars seem closer here than anywhere else on earth. Close enough to brush the imagination.
In six short weeks the twilight will begin to grow, and with it the anticipation, the sweet sweet anticipation of seeing that first sliver of the Sun peek over the mountatins across Adam's Sound. It is hard to describe, its rays aren't warm enough to feel on your face, but it warms the soul. I think its the constancy that comes from the reassurance that it will continue to return. No fears, the Earth eventually makes that turn and the warmth does return.
But it takes awhile, traditionally the month after the Sun's return is our coldest month. But every day as the Sun creeps higher above the horizon the promise of Spring returns.
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Well said Clare. I never really minded the dark season myself (great for sleeping on weekends) and have to chuckle at the reactions I get from people when I try to explain how the seasons work up there. I’ve lost track of how many conversations I’ve had where I begin with “Ha! You think winters are dark here in Fort Mac….”
Thank you Darcy. It is part of the uniqueness of this place, and something to be celebrated I believe.