In article ,
Rodger Whitlock wrote:
On 14 Apr 2004 09:22:29 GMT, Nick Maclaren wrote:

The problem in the UK is about four months of dark, wet conditions,
wandering around freezing point. The darkness means that plants
don't grow much, and so there is little food, the erratic
temperatures block hibernation, and the wetness means that it is
difficult to keep warm. San Francisco is half-way to the tropics,
starting from the UK.

The only place in north America with a comparable climate is the
coastal strip between Vancouver and Anchorage.

Actually, that description applies pretty well to the Pacific
coast right down into California.

Well, relatively. It isn't as dark. Our southernmost point is
comparable to Vancouver, and we stretch north. The section below
Vancouver corresponds more to Brittany and the bay of Biscay. Yes,
I know that there is a southerly current, so the Pacific coast of
the USA is colder than the comparable latitude in Europe.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.