By unanticipated stroke of genius yesterday the vision of Vancouver Island suddenly caught my eye as a temperate alternative to wintering in Florida. I consider it brilliance because it goes a long way to overcome the Canada/USA border closure; it revitalizes the opportunity to crow about our own country; the exchange rate of 30 – 45% is appreciatively avoided; we can use our Canadian credit and bank cards, travel without concern for time limits between one residence and another and generally feel what is currently minor profit from the reduced infection rate of citizens in Canada. It is as well a serendipitous collision with the erstwhile favourites sunbathing and exercise, both of which at our advanced ages should only be undertaken cautiously in any event. We would certainly retain the option to bicycle throughout the winter. And I am convinced we’d have ample opportunity to absorb sufficient Vitamin D without having to disrobe dramatically (if at all). The allure of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean (and any interruptive “Red Tide”) is a deprivation easily surmounted by swimming in an Olympic pool.
