Given the gnarly conditions, Norm L proposed meeting at Union Pacific Coffee rather than battle the elements. It seemed to be a popular decition.

With the exception of Michael, who arrived by bicycle, putting the rest of us to shame, Ken T., Bill, Jeff, Wayne and Norm drove to the Union Pacific Coffee House on Herald. Because of a medical appointment Michael didn't stay long before cycling to Oak Bay. He put the rest of us to shame.

Union Pacific is a popular spot - not surprising given the quality of the Java and “treats”. At the second attempt we got a table large enough to accommodate everyone.

Discussion points were quite wide ranging - will the Kinder Morgan be built? The consensus was Yes, especially give Quebec’s stance on the Pipeline East option, but whether the price of oil will mean that bitumen will flow through the pipes to coastal BC is another matter. Given the latest oil finds in Texas, the market potential for expensive Canadian oil would seem to be anywhere but the USA.

The balancing act that the Feds have to achieve between competing Provincial visions of the future makes it very challenging one - there is no way they can please everyone.

Needless to say The Donald got a mention or two - nepotism, conflicts of interest, silence on “The Fence” and “Hillary”. To say nothing of his interference in British ambassadorial appointments!

Bill shared his experience with an all male book club where they actually discuss the book in some depth. Showing his literary prowess, Bill referenced the choco ration episode from George Orwell’s 1984

This was an excellent example of the Oxford Dictionary’s selection of “Post truth” as the word of the year - if you want to know the short list go here

Wayne encouraged those who had not heard Peter Mansbridge One on One with Tony Blair to watch it on YouTube

In keeping with this quality conversation, Jeff encouraged us to read The Plot Against America by Phillip Roth - although written in 2004, it has implications today.

After this intense conversation, we all went our separate ways - by car, except for Michael who had left earlier on his bike.