British Columbia experienced one of the driest summers on record this year, which led to devastating forest fires in the interior and water shortages in many areas. Many records for dryness were set, and almost everyone was praying (or wishing fervently) for rain.

Last Thursday evening I emptied the rain gauge in our front yard just before it overflowed at the 5 inch mark. The next afternoon it had 3-1/2 inches more in it, and I emptied it again. This morning I emptied it once more, and it was at 4-1/4 inches... a total of 12-3/4 inches in less than a week. Some areas have had even more. Now, this is a rain forest, but so much rain in a short time, especially after a long drought, is causing problems. Whistler, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, was cut off for a while as roads one wither side were washed out. Vancouver resevoirs are filled now, but the water is turbid with runoff. Rainfall records are being set all over the place.

At least it's mild... this type of weather pattern is called a "pineapple express", coming more or less straight up from Hawaii to the coast. In the mornings, I swear I can smell tropical flowers. I think Tom said they get them in his area of California, too, depending on the jet stream.