Vancouver forgot to have winter.
It’s not like we ever get much of a winter, at least compared to the rest of Canada, but this year, the city seemed stuck in a perpetual groundhog day of spring; day after day of blue-bowled skies, nodding daffodils, snowing clouds of cherry blossoms and waxy-pink magnolias the size of dessert plates.
In short (with all due apologies to the Eastern side of the continent), it’s been exhilaratingly mind-numbingly perfect.
Until now.
The monsoons have started. This is the kind of rain where there is as much bouncing up from the ground as there is pelting out of the sky. This is the grey dreariness that makes most of the city long for Mexico or Maui, the desert or anywhere but this gumbooted slop called Vancouver.
These, in fact, are the kind of rains that convince me that the sun will never shine again.
Luckily I have a very smart husband.
Back in December, he phoned me while I was in Sechelt and said, “I’m booking us on a two-week holiday at the end of March.” At the time of his call, I was dragging my way through the muck of despair, barely able to fathom how to shuffle my feet through the next hour, never mind thinking about planning a trip, no matter how simple.
He organized it. He booked it. I did nothing.
All I have to do is throw some clothes in a bag and on Friday we will leave for two weeks of desert sunshine. Phoenix, Arizona for about a week and then another week around Palm Springs. This is not traveling or cultural immersion. This is throw-myself-down-in-a-chaise-lounge-by-the-pool-with-a-good-book. This is wander-the-desert-trails, do some retail therapy and generally…just dick around.
I have done a fair amount of traveling in my life. Quite frankly, this is the type of trip that I would have formerly referred to as almost a non-trip; it’s too close, too easy, too known.
But now? Today? As I sit here and look at the wall of peltering rain, the flat thick cloud that is pretending to be all there is, and look back at what’s been happening in my life for the last ten months, and then, and then, look at my ticket south?
I am thinking this might be the biggest trip of my life.
I love Kevin Redl.
Justice is best served wet and cold. Like a monsoon.
Spoken as a bitter easterner.
Dear Bitter Easterner,
Did I mention that we took off and left the rain behind? And that we now just run from palm to palm, desperately looking for shade?
Guess there’s to be no revenge or justice for us yet, eh?
Too bad about the cold slop that continues to blanket your area of the world…
You so deserve to sit and do nothing (before you get nominated for sainthood!) Don’t forget to bring lots of good books to read and make sure you practice saying “don’t interrupt me”.
Hey Barb, if I ever got nominated for sainthood, there would surely be a revolt among the real ones, but thanks!
I love your suggestion to practice saying, “don’t interupt me.” I’m on it. Books, magazines and tons of water to offset the desert heat. It’s all fabulous.
This trip will do you a lot of good. Enjoy a drink by the pool !
Catherine, I think that is the best advice so far…I think there are several drinks by the pool in my future!
This sounds like the perfect cure for whatever ails a person at this time of year. I think our bodies are like solar panels and need to be recharged at regular intervals. Yes, sunshine is what you need right now!
Yes Sophie. Vitamin D in a pill is not nearly as soul satisfying as the radiating effects of El Sol. I like the idea of being a solar panel (even though I’m the one lying by the pool in full shade:) I figure the sun is ever-present enough that I’ll pick it up without trying.
You’re a Mennonite. Are you sure you know how to dick around?
I love Kevin Redl for you too. Does he have any twin brothers?
Happy dicking. 🙂
Ah but Elinor, in spite of the Mennonite propensity for labour at all costs, I must remind you that my mother’s last name was Dyck. I come by it honestly. It was always a quandary when it came time for the maternal reunion: would it be a Big Dyck reunion or a Little Dyck reunion. It was many years before I realized what they were laughing at.
Sad to say, there are no twins to be had in the Kevin department. He broke the mold
Good thinking! This was our seventh year as snowbirds in Phoenix and Tucson. Without a doubt, it was the best weather ever this February … mid 70s to low 80s every day, but one, when it rained on and off. Two years ago, the temps in February dipped to 30s overnight with afternoon highs in the 60sF … perfect for hikes.
For the past 3 years, we’ve rented the same house at the foot of the Phoenix South Mountain Preserve. It’s on S. 43rd Place right beside the hiking path that leads to the Pima Canyon Entrance. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pima+Canyon+Entrance/@33.3661995,-112.0077026,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x93792aab9017618d
I highly recommend the National Trail to the 1.2 mile concrete bench, take a look at the hand-built stone buildings, and then choose a ridgeline route back — Beverly Canyon or other side for panoramic views of Phoenix — OR carry on the National or Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley (impressive tunnel) if you want a real workout! Start early and remember to take water as it gets quite hot in March. The trails and stone buildings were created during the Depression with funds from Pres Roosevelt’s “Make Work” program. Incredible legacy!
OR you could relax in the shade with a good book.
Wow Martha. This is great info. We will check out your ‘hood and the hikes. Sounds like some great ideas.
And thank you for the water bottle reminder, I need to remember to throw one in my backpack 🙂
I’m thinking that your annual snowbird migration is a very good plan. We might be jumping on that bandwagon soon.
Thanks again for the link and info. I’m all over it!
That’s great! It sounds like just what you need. Enjoy your time by the pool. 🙂
Thanks Michele. I’ve been inspired by reading about all your travels with all those pools and palm trees. You made it look a pretty darned fine idea.
That is so sweet. Have a great trip. xo
Thanks Dee Dee. I’m pulling my flip-flops out of storage and getting ready to roll!