David's Diary: Sunday, January 27, 2002

Shorts In January

We came to the Mediterranean because we thought it would be a warm place to spend the winter. While warmer than Vancouver, visions of the Caribean or Hawaii were sadly misplaced. The daily high temperature has been around 13-14C. While much warmer than Vancouver, which averages more like 4-5C, it still seems cool most days and we keep our winter coats handy.

Today the temperature soared. With the thermometer rising above 20C, everyone is out on the dock getting chores done. It is warm enough, that I even wear shorts for the first time in months in order to clean the dinghy. We have been in Port Vell in Barcelona for more than a month and the dinghy has been in the water the whole time. The water has a constant slick of oil and grime and today we are determined to remove what has accumlated on the bottom of the dinghy.

Kevin, Allen, and I have a great time spraying water while we clean the dinghy. It is so warm that it feels like summertime in Vancouver. Spainards walking by the marina are still wrapped up in three layers of clothing. It goes to show that weather is much about what you are used to. For us, we will just enjoy the great weather and soak up the sunshine as it is offerred to us.