The Secret World of Weather by Tristan Gooley
The outdoorsperson is always keen to know what the weather holds in store. It can seriously affect the success or enjoyment of an activity or it may curtail it completely. We therefore look at weather forecasts to get an idea of what to expect. Forecasts given by organisation such as the mountain weather information service can give some very detailed information. However, it has its limitations. This meterological science comes from what Tristan Gooley refers to as the ‘Known World’.
As someone who is often out hillwalking or bushcrafting etc in wild, remote areas I am very aware of the impact of weather. I was therefore intrigued when I came across Gooley’s latest offering, ‘The Secret World of Weather’.
This book looks at weather conditions on a more micro level than a general forecast gives. It is very much about reading the signs that tell us of what is coming. Furthermore it is also about how specific landscapes and features alter the effects. This is the weather that we live in but very few see.
Gooley points out the dozens of signs that not only reveal what the weather is doing all around us but tell us what is about to happen. It’s not as basic as ‘the clouds are looking rather grey; it must be about to rain’. However, there are plenty of signs that we have all seen before but, perhaps, haven’t interpreted thoroughly. Gooley draws our attention to these so we can observe them for ourselves.
The author really knows his stuff. Many will know him already as ‘the natural navigator‘ and be aware of his detailed and methodical approach. This way of writing works so well in helping us learn the appropriate techniques.
He talks about the effects of the tree fan and the sun pocket. Gooley also tells us about different cloud types and the weather they bring and what is to follow. The clarity of how well we see the moon and the stars can inform us of moisture content in the atmosphere. We are taught skills such as identifying how far away storm clouds are from us and if they’ll ‘hit’ us. We learn about indigenous people using plants in determining what weather is on its way. He also highlights the weather patterns as mapped by insects. There are so many different signs to be on the lookout for. I’ve only mentioned a selection in this review.
The book is full of personal, literary and historical anecdotes which help highlight the importance of knowing about this secret world. I particularly like that of George Washington using his knowledge to help escape from the British army. On the other hand, the story of the glider pilots looking for rising air has a more disastrous ending. Gooley’s recounting of a visit to the hoodoos in Canada explains how snow patterns can be construed as a language.
Having read the book, I now find that everyday I am looking with more focus than usual for those tell-tale signs. This is perhaps what I like mostly about the book. It encourages us to use our powers of observation – and that is the best way of learning. As Gooley himself states:
“Once we recognise how habitats reflect and change the weather, it is exciting to predict, then feel those changes.”
Tristan Gooley
Since this review is based on a preview copy, and not the finished article, there are some missing bits. I can see a number of great diagrams that help explain specific aspects. There are spaces where photos will be included too. However, I do expect the quality to be as good as Gooley’s earlier works.
I can’t help but feel that much of what Gooley tells us is obvious. Having said that, I had a very traditional and rural upbringing where the relationship between man and nature is perhaps closer than in urban areas. I’m also aware of the lack of ‘folklore’ knowledge passed down the generations nowadays. There’s also plenty that isn’t so obvious. Gooley may therefore be filling that growing societal void of knowledge and understanding of the ‘jigsaw of nature’.
