Polaroid of the Week: Capturing a Rare Sunny Autumn Day in Seattle

Oh Seattle… I don’t even know where to begin.

I wish I’d written this on Wednesday morning, right after my refreshing run through Seward Park, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Washington from nearly every angle—thanks to its peninsula location. The weather was so perfect that I planned to take half a day off and savor the beautiful fall day.

But as I researched afternoon outdoor activities, the skies darkened, and heavy rain began pouring. It hasn’t stopped since. I’ve seen more rain in the days since arriving than in the entire previous nine months of 2016 combined! Longtime followers know I’m a summer enthusiast and dedicated sun chaser.

I knew October in Seattle carried weather risks, but I didn’t expect it to be this intense. A major storm is barreling toward the Pacific Northwest, set to arrive Saturday afternoon, with gloomy conditions persisting for at least another week.

With a visitor arriving soon and outdoor adventures planned, this downpour is disappointing—how is so much rain even possible?! Still, we’ll make the most of it, and Seattle’s abundant coffee shops—possibly my favorite discovery here—offer perfect refuge.

Yet, every time the sun peeks out, Seattle captivates me during my neighborhood explorations: artsy, hip Fremont; vibrant Capitol Hill (the city’s LGBTQ+ hub, despite no actual Capitol); standard North American downtown vibes; historic Georgetown (Seattle’s oldest area, shifting from industrial to trendy); and diverse, residential Columbia City, dotted with charming eateries.

The sunny vistas over Lake Washington, Puget Sound, and Lake Union (as pictured) are breathtaking. I hope to capture more of these stunning scenes before leaving Seattle.