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.

The downside naturally is the choice of looking at a glistening bank of pure white snow on a dazzling wintry day or at a drizzled harbour on a gloomy rainy day. Both polarities I understand predominantly sustain themselves throughout the “season”. I have always imagined I achieve fathomless benefit from bright sunshine; but I am equally aware of the intellectual and artistic stimulus of a cloudy day.

There is another minor obstacle. Reportedly snow tyres or chains are required for automobiles October 1 – April 30. Even this seemingly succinct mandate is subject to interpretation. Apparently the term “snow tires” includes “All Season” radials. Herewith from the British Columbia government web site:

About Winter Tires

What is a Legal Winter Tire in B.C.?

A legal winter tire (on a standard passenger vehicle or a four-wheel/all-wheel vehicle) MUST have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth.

A winter tire must be labelled with either of the following:

• The letters “M” and “S”, the minimum legal requirement (mud + snow/all season tires)
• The 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol (some manufacturers label with both the mountain snowflake and the M+S symbol)
  

My further reading on the matter leads me to conclude that the M+S label on the tyres is determinative.  As a result the issue may be a distinction without a difference if what I understand are All Season tyres are what presently outfit my automobile. I will investigate at the earliest chance.

It would be coy of me to pretend the travel alone is not an attraction.  I would almost willingly submit to a drive there and back, across the entire nation – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia – along the Trans Canada Highway as sufficient ambition. I jokingly surmised this afternoon that a visit to the radium hot springs in Banff, Alberta might be a useful assault upon my muscular, joint and spinal “conditions”. The thought of Lake Louise propelled me as well.

It wasn’t long before the prospect of luxuriating in Farimont’s historic railway hotels percolated to the fore. By train from start to finish. This is proving to be a travel adventure of singular detail and attraction!

By contrast there remains almost pervasive pandemic restrictions whether quarantine between boundaries, social distancing, wearing masks in public places or temporary shutdown of spas and pools. In short, the picture of travel is prettier in the mind’s eye than in fact. it bears mention that the local scene is not to be dismissed or diminished. We have a railway hotel and spas nearby; the vistas are magnificent. And after a successful outing one can still be home in time for dinner!