2004 Branch Picnic

Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter

June 23, 2004

We still have sufficient numbers to hold an annual picnic, arguably, in Canada’s most scenic location. Some could not make it due to ill health and others were in the UK after enjoying the Burma Star Reunion in Blackpool.

Total credit must go to our member Bill Chow and his lovely and energetic wife Lily, and aided by a handful of volunteer ladies. Bill and Lily take on the task of many of our functions which necessitate catering and they do it willingly, superbly and unpretentiously. Without their help we could not enjoy the benefits of our branch to the fullest. So on behalf of all our members – we salute you.

As usual the weather was glorious, conviviality was everywhere and the food was endless. The harbour scene around us was a constantly changing panorama of busy cross harbour ferries, cruise ships sailing out for Alaska and other ports of call and endless take-offs and landings of dozens of float planes plus the countless small boats and yachts sailing in every direction. What a backdrop for our secluded and private picnic location. Hollywood could not conjure up a nicer setting.

As I mentioned, the weather was fabulous offering a clear blue sky and only a gently cooling breeze without any humidity. The temperature stayed at 25 degrees C. In this regard we were lucky because we had suffered through a heat wave for the previous ten days or so. In the last two years there has been a distinct change in our weather pattern. We are getting warmer summers and they are starting earlier and lasting longer. Records were broken in the last two weeks with temperatures, even on the coast reaching 30 degrees C. A few miles inland it was even hotter with temperatures climbing to 40.3 Celsius which represents about 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

This type of weather caused us to be much hotter than Los Angeles or Hawaii and our highest inland temperature recording at this time made us even hotter than Las Vegas in the Nevada Desert! Even more surprising, we were actually hotter than Aden and Saudi Arabia! We may also be in for a second summer of drought and already there are 460 forest fires burning in British Columbia.

In spite of this, many people around the world, including a majority of Canadians, think of Vancouver and BC in general, as a cold, wet place where rain never stops. Maybe we should encourage this myth in order to keep our population under control by discouraging migration!

Hopefully we shall live long enough and stay healthy enough to enjoy a few more wonderful gatherings such as this. Once again we congratulate Bill and Lily Chow for another delightful and beautifully orchestrated picnic.

Thoughts of Joe Arblaster, Webmaster