It’s hot.
There’s no doubt summer has arrived in earnest this week, sending temperatures near-record levels across the West Shore and beyond.
Many of us have sought solace as we can. Snapping up fans and mini air conditioners off the shelves at dollar stores and various hardware retailers. Heading to the beach or the local outdoor pools, or places like the City Centre Park water park has become part of the routine, especially for those of us with children home on summer holidays.
Heck, even dipping our feet in a bucket full of ice water can work wonders.
Some of us are lucky enough to get out of town for a while, camping or holidaying near the ocean or at a lake where we can cool off.
The rest of us, those still working or sticking close to home out of choice or necessity, may be tied to our usual routines and responsibilities.
If possible, this is a good time to break out a little. Forget the routines, let the dishes wait, put the projects around the house on hold.
This kind of weather is only here for a brief stretch. We’ll be back to wet and cool before we know it.
By drinking our fill of what we’ve been given today, we might – just possibly – be a little more able to savour those romantic, drizzly West Coast days that come in earnest by November.
So head down to the beach at Esquimalt Lagoon, somewhere along the Colwood-Metchosin coastline, or even East Sooke with a basket of food and a blanket after work to savour the sunset.
Invite some friends over for a barbecue, or meet them in one of our fantastic West Shore parks for a picnic.
Do whatever strikes your fancy.
Summer’s here. Embrace it.