Whistler

First of 2 days off today. I had thought about chilling, but Ian also had a day off, so we decided to head up to Whistler for the day.

Most competition for the snow sports, is taking place on Tuesday, so we thought it might be quieter for a look round though I don't think ski slopes do quiet.

We caught the 7.45am bus up to Whistler Village, arriving around 9.45, having travelled through some spectacular scenery to get there. 

Once off the bus, we headed into the tourist office, picked up a map of the village and area, then bought gondola tickets to take us up the mountain, then to ride on the pass to pass cable car, which ran between the 2 main mountain peaks and get us back down again.

We proceeded to head to the gondola that would take us up to Whistler Blackcomb and the restaurant area. With the windows lightly frosted up, the views were a little obscured, that and facing the wrong way to see them. 

We headed into the restaurant area, a place filled with people who had been or were about to enjoy some great skiing on the slopes.

Hot chocolate and some pastries ordered. Leek and parmesan, pumpkin and cream cheese. One sweet one savoury to share, then discovered that a counter round the corner was serving breakfasts. Hey ho, next stop maybe.

From being inside in the warm we went to take some photos of the views from the outside terrace, my what a contrast in temperature. To be honest, it was refreshing and just what my head needed to help clear it.

That's me waving 😀

Have to say the uniform jacket and fleece that we were provided as part of the uniform was doing its job. Along with the base layers underneath, it was definitely toastie.

From here we headed to the peak 2 peak cable car, apparently the longest unsupported span in the world. 

Some fabulous views and a glass bottom to see what we were travelling over.

Everyone in the car with us was so friendly, some actually working for Amazon as part of the Invictus Village promotors and sponsors.

So many photos to choose from...

At the other end the slopes were even busier. How anyone remembers where they "parked their skis" when going into the restaurant is anyone's guess.

We stopped to take pictures of the Olympic rings before heading through the restaurant to a little outside bar called the "umbrella bar" where we passed a while with a cold beer watching the windows defrost as the sun moved round.

Now  at this point my phone decided to "die". I cursed not having my charger with me so had to go onto my camera for further pics. So once I can access them there will be other pictures to add to the rest of this. I cursed a lot, but laughed when getting back to the appartment, I found the charging lead at the bottom of my rucksack, with the power pack in the pocket. Doh!

We spotted some of the the Nigeria team taking their snow pics and we chatted to a few people, with Ian spotting the wife of a friend who was competing, so he dashed off to chat.

We then headed off to find the gondola that would take us back down the mountain, stopping on the way down at the station where the Invictus sports were taking place. So we watched for a while some of the competitors practicing for the adaptive skiing.

After which we continued to the bottom and back to the Village, where we stopped for something to eat, chatted to a couple who were here for a long weekend skiing, he was originally from Milton Keynes she was American, they lived just north of Seattle, so often come here to ski.  Watched many skiers and snowboarders finishing their run and while I still didn't get the courage to try the Canadian, "poutine" there were those around me that did. A perfect opportunity missed maybe. 

Ian had Duck poutine..I stuck with hummus and pitta.

From here we headed back into the Village, our time here nearly done as our bus was due to leave at 4pm.

We discovered that an opening ceremony was to be taking place starting at 3.30pm. Darn it, if we'd only booked a 5pm bus we'd have been able to see it and Michael Bublé was there too 😞

The bus back left on time and we wound our way back to downtown Vancouver, with stops on the way to drop off and pick up passengers, many heading back to the airport.

I'll add some sunset pictures in later, but imagine the beauty of a glowing sky with water in the foreground and mountains silhouetted in the rainbow colours of green yellow and orange. (Imaginary pictures are far more fun)

We eventually made it to our final stop, where we'd started many hours ago. A walk back to the appartment an early night (never a good idea as it means I wake early) but a day well spent in glorious sunshine and great company, is always something to enjoy.