Nothing says record-setting April temperatures like the sight of shocking white limbs, spotty sunburns, lemonade stands and sandcastles.

Summer wear and summer activities were in full force as a record high of 21.7 Celsius was reached at the Gonzales weather station, toppling Victoria's previous April 10 record of 18.9 degrees C in 1942.

Today's heat could break a century-long record.

Environment Canada forecaster Daryl Brown said today's high is expected to be 21 degrees -- the record high for Gonzales on April 11 is 21.1 set in 1904.

The south coast is feeding off a "thermal trough" carrying unseasonably warm outflow temperatures from the Interior.

Port Alberni hit 23 degrees Saturday and could skyrocket to 26 today, said Brown.

The average temperature for April is 13 degrees.

Motorcyclists, bicyclists and motorists in convertibles were taking full advantage of the unusually hot cruising weather along the highways and byways.

In Oak Bay, Bill Briggs and friend Ed Hadel were enjoying the open air in their high-end senior scooters.

"We create quite an eight-kilometre wind that really cools you off," deadpanned Briggs.

Those content to sit crowded outdoor patios, sipping everything from cocktails to coffees.

"I've got a sunburn," said Kori Street, of Calgary, with a coffee in hand. "This is a real treat."

Capitalizing on the thirsty beach-goers passing their home near Ross Bay in Fairfield, an industrious Sarah Brigel, 12, and sister Sophie, 11, set up a roadside ice-tea stand.

Their secret recipe? "That big can, umm, what's it called? Nestle," said Sarah. The stand attracted Pam McCarten of Calgary, who pulled up curbside with a van-load of kids.

"You're always supposed to stop for a Kool-Aid stand," said McCarten. "This is summer."

If still in Alberta, McCarten would be enjoying similar temperature of about 22 degrees but residents in many parts of the country have reason to be envious.

In Ottawa, people are still just dreaming of gardening thanks to a cool 5 C, while in Winnipeg socks and heavy coats are needed to keep warm in 2 C weather, dipping to below zero over night.

Feeling the warmth of the sun on the skin meant skimpy attire for Sasha Webb and her sister Susy, both visiting Victoria's Inner Harbour from Vancouver. Revealing clothing and blindingly white legs is what the first hot days of spring are all about, said the sisters.

"Free toes, no underwear, no umbrellas, and tank tops," said Sasha Webb. "This has been two weeks of heaven on earth," added her sister.

A little more inhibited, but no less appreciative of the warm weather, Ron Mitchell relaxed on a bench in Mayfair Shopping Centre, also with bare legs.

"This is my first day in shorts," said Mitchell, 79.

Mitchell and wife Marnie, 81, were taking a quick break from the heat before heading back to Saanich Peninsula's Marigold Nurseries.

"We are so lucky to be living here," said Mitchell. "It feels wonderful."

The Big Barn Garden Centre was packed with green thumbs buying everything from bedding plants to fertilizer -- selling out of some items, said worker Mary Ann Motz.

While it might have appeared everyone was out in the sun Saturday, a survey of malls and bars, big-box stores and boutiques, restaurants and recreation centres proved that theory wrong.

Costco was booming with business Saturday. Dave Lassner snagged the last two fold-out lawn chairs for $20 apiece. It seems the Easter long weekend (the store is closed today) is as busy as Christmas week, according to Costco staff.

And at the YW-YMCA in downtown Victoria, die-hard fitness fans were working out. There's a "bit of a bikini rush" starting now, said personal trainer Matthew Ashdown.

Meanwhile, "the hard cores always stick to their weight-training programs," said fellow trainer Chris Johnston. And it's a good thing, too, he said.

While it's natural in good weather to want to get outside for cardiovascular training such as running, biking and climbing, Johnston said weight-bearing exercise is important year round.

And for those already wondering how to fit into their summer clothes, his best advice is to stay active, drink lots of water and try a new activity.

Johnston intends to try kite-boarding, perhaps sooner than later, given the good weather.

© Copyright 2004 Times Colonist (Victoria)