The meaning of OCCASION

the meaning of OCCASION

I'd like to ask a question about the meaning of the underlined 'occasions'.

"The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." - John Buchan

I have checked out LONGMAN Dictionary.
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http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/occasion_1

1 time
a) [countable] a time when something happens
on ... occasion
? I've seen Jana with them on several occasions.
? On this occasion we were sitting in a park in Madrid.
? She had met Zahid on two separate occasions.

b) [singular] a suitable or favourable time
occasion for
? This was the occasion for expressions of friendship by the two presidents.

! Do not use occasion when you mean 'a time when it is possible for you to do what you want to do'. Use opportunity or chance: Do not waste this opportunity (NOT this occasion).

2 special event [countable] an important social event or ceremony:
? I'm saving this bottle of champagne for a special occasion.
? They presented him with a gift to mark the occasion (=celebrate it).
occasion of
? His funeral was a great occasion of public mourning.

3 cause/reason [uncountable] formal a cause or reason:
? His remark was the occasion of a bitter quarrel.
? I had occasion to call on him last year.
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To me the meaning for 'occaions' suiting the sentence in question seems "a)" of #1, that is, happenings.

But I cannot rule out the possibility of 'occasions' meaning "b)" of #1, or #3.

I'm ceaselessly swaying between three meanings.
Can you help me out?
(And if you can, can you present me another example sentence that support your answer?)

Regards.