Whistler!

Flew into Vancouver on Monday afternoon, and was greeted by Kate, Phill and their friend Annika. I ran up, dragging my suitcase, and gave Kate a massive hug (then Phill got one too because I was so amped). (for those of you playing at home... Kate and I went through school together, K-12, and it's been almost three years since I've seen her).

Kate pointed out a few key attractions of Vancouver city as we drove through it, and soon enough we were on our way up to their place at Whistler. My first lesson in the region was how to use the bins... which along with being bear-proof also happened to be Dave-proof (until Phill showed me what I was doing).

I caught them up on all the significant developments back home: RTA becoming the Roads and Maritime; and our political system reaching a state of unparalleled stability in Australia's history. Oh wait that last one isn't accurate. Still... Roads and Maritime?? What is with that.

Entertaining the ladies on the trip
to the peak.

All aboard...
Note: Photo idea courtesy of Kate.

On Tuesday, we set out to go up to the peak of Whistler Mountain. I had to share a ski lift with a canoodling couple, but by the time I realized this we were 10 meters above the ground and I couldn't get off. Luckily the couple was just Kate and Phill so the ride was tolerable. Just. The views from the peak were incredible. The mountains and landscape here are unlike anything we have in Australia. Once again, I'll save words and let the photos do the talking... 

Hiking down from the peak of
Whistler Mountain.

On Wednesday, after a nutritious breakfast (Kate is looking after me very well), followed by additional pancakes courtesy of Annika (so full), we set off on a bike riding adventure (commensurate with my skill level - amateur - thanks Kate). We did the bike loop to Creekside, which featured many awesome photo ops (this whole place is full of those, seriously). I just handed my camera to Kate and let her go snap happy - she's good at capturing funny moments.

Kate and I rode into town at lunchtime and had sushi in the Olympic park, where they were screening the London Games on massive screens. Then it was on to the nearby farmers market to pick up some fresh berries and bread. (Which Kate insisted on storing in my back pack so the bears would come to me first when they smelled the sweet, sweet berries)

On the way home I had a near-accident going down a steep gravel hill. Most who know me well will be aware of my lack of much coordination... so thankfully I managed to pull myself out of this little incident without any scratches or bruises. Win. Kate was laughing hysterically, and the O'Connor crew will appreciate that it was probably similar in hilarity to the famed "skateboard incident" in the backyard of 274 a few years back. Shame we didn't film it. I've missed my second chance to be a YouTube hit.

On Wednesday night, we went for a walk to a nearby lake, and I spotted my third bear of the trip (only this time fairly close up!). He was meandering along a deserted golf course, and was probably about 20 metres away. I tried to lure it closer with my signature 'dying giraffe sound', before Phill pointed out that seeing as bears and giraffes are native to two separate hemispheres, it would have no impact. Sigh. There goes my dream of having my own 'Man vs Wild' show.

Thursday is my designated "do nothing" day... and then Friday I am off to Vancouver for 24 hours of city sightseeing. Thank Kate, Phill, and co for the hospitality! You're awesome! 

Enjoying a Beavertail at Olympic Park.

Cycling around the lake.