...and it has been all night. It's not pouring down monsoon rains like we get in November, just a steady light rain, but it's enough that everything is pretty wet right now. So if you were hoping to finally red-point that 5.18d slab climb you've been working on all spring, well, you may want to wait a couple of days 'cause it'll be pretty slippery right now.

But it's still a good day for relaxing at the coffee shop with a good book, or finally doing your laundry or, I dunno, rotating the tires on your car, maybe? You'll think of something :-)

OK, it sucks that it came just in time for the weekend, but we really needed this. And it looks like it will only be for today, and then things will start clearing again over the next day or two.

So, instead of climbing, take advantage of the rest day and go cheer on the competitors in the Test of Metal mountain bike race. And while you're there, be sure to thank a volunteer, because the Test Vollies are the best. They do an amazing job, every year, and without them there would be no Test of Metal. So pick one at random - there are hundreds to choose from so you're sure to find one to your liking - and just say "thank you for doing whatever it is you're doing", or words to that effect. They deserve it.

And then maybe go climbing after the race is over. The clouids are already starting to break apart, and I can see a large patch of blue sky just to the south of town, so maybe this afternoon will be OK after all.

"They" are now calling for rain this weekend. Fair enough - there is a low pressure system approaching from off the coast, so we will see more clouds and maybe some precip. But, they indicate that with an icon that shows a cloud with rain falling out of it. That gives the impression that it's going to rain, when it actually just means that they're forecasting rain, somewhere in the forecast area. They're also saying there's only a 30% probability of precip, and around here that means it will probably rain on the ridges - the Tantalus Range, Mount Garibaldi, the Mamquam group - but here in town, and in the Smoke Bluffs, and Murrin, it will probably just be a cloudy day. You'll be able to see rain happening in the distance, but it won't affect you directly. If the P.O.P. starts climbing up to around 60%, then we can expect rain in the valley, but 30 - 40% usually isn't a problem unless you're up on a mountain.

So don't be put off by the forecast - at 30% we'll have a perfectly good weekend, with some sun, some clouds, and some rain visible off in the distance.