When Seattle Was Sunny and San Jose Got Snow

Go to YouTube Video

We flew to Seattle expecting rain.

It’s winter in the Pacific Northwest — you pack layers, waterproof jackets, and prepare mentally for gray skies.

Instead? Sunshine. Crisp air. Clear views..At lest most of the time.

Meanwhile, back home in San Jose, it was raining nonstop. Storm after storm rolled through the Bay Area, and snow dusted the eastern hills above the valley. By the time we returned, the rain had stopped. The streets were dry. It felt like nothing had happened.

Until we looked up.

The Diablo Range was capped in white.

Cold air.

Clean light.

Snow where there usually isn’t snow.

We hadn’t walked our dog in four days.

So we decided to head out for a hike.

Not just any hike — we drove a little farther than usual. Not for a specific destination. Just for quiet.

We ended up at Almaden Quicksilver County Park, one of our favorite spots in South San Jose.

The park was busier than usual — probably because of the snow in the hills and four straight days of rain.

But “crowded” out here is relative. Compared to city life, it still felt peaceful.

The rain had washed everything clean. The rocks were darker. The dirt was soft and muddy underfoot. The air felt sharp and new. Seattle was beautiful. We loved it. But being in a city — any city — for too long reminds me how much I crave something simpler.

A trail.

My wife beside me.

Our dog slightly ahead.

No schedule. No noise. No rush.

Sometimes you leave town looking for something different…

…and come home to realize what you needed was right here.

YouTube Short