The rain started at 6 AM and has fallen since in a steady drum beat. Already, it has loaded the canopy of this old growth forest with water. Concentrated in fat drops at the edge of spruce needles, the rain drops with a thud on Aki and I.

I chose this walk for its usual protection from wind and rain, something it does not provide us this morning. But, we do have broad skunk cabbage leaves that reach for their cousins over the trail and glisten even under dense canopy. Raised water bubbles on spruce needles shine like low grade jewels and magnify the things to which they cling.