I prefer to be outdoors as much as possible but, if there is one weather condition that tends to keep me indoors, it is excessive heat. On such days, I engage in my outdoor chores and activities early in the morning, when it is still relatively cool. Nevertheless, I am inclined to sample all forms of weather (except severe storms), at least for a while.
Here along the Front Range, due to the dry air, one can comfortably sit in the shade up into the low 90s F; once the temperature reaches the upper 90s or above, comfort is but a dream. Even a steady breeze has no cooling effect; rather, it can feel like a blast furnace. Of course, birding is out of the question; indeed, on this afternoon's vigil, I did not observe a single bird though a few twitters arose from the shrub line.
I learned long ago that reading in such conditions is futile. Worse yet, napping, planned or not, just might be fatal. But a brief sit in the shade expands one's appreciation for Nature's diversity and awesome power. It is humbling to say the least.
