Conversation flowed easily with a little wine, though we collectively realized our discussion topics have decisively shifted to reflect a senior status. The gathering also functioned as a logistical crossroad. Tim recently returned from a motorcycle camping trip in the British Columbia wilderness, and the calendar ahead is suddenly crowded with departures. Jay and I are preparing for an upcoming birthday expedition, while Ed and Shinji are embarking on a cruise alongside Ed's mother as she celebrates her ninetieth birthday. Due to these conflicting itineraries, our next dinner is officially deferred until mid-October. As we have now gained control of the ducks, the responsibility for hosting that subsequent dinner falls to us in New Westminster.
We ate a bit early to allow for a stroll down to Sunset Beach. There is a distinct joy in having a proper beach right in the middle of a city's downtown. It is remarkable that residents have access to such excellent public facilities within a short walk from their front doors. A lingering tinge of wildfire smoke in the atmosphere provided the requisite particulate matter for a rather spectacular sunset over the water.
It was a thoroughly fun evening, and we are already looking forward to gathering the Duck Group here. We headed home at a reasonable hour, surprised only by the completely packed SkyTrain. Whatever the general public was doing near 10:00 PM on a Tuesday, TransLink clearly no longer needs to beg for customers.
