Whistler, BC

A trip to Whistler, BC has been on my Bucket List ever since watching ski movies 30+ years ago in the UM student union. Between March 13-16, Rhonda and I were joined by Andy and Margaret Smith,  and Al and Donna Rieb, both couples from the Seattle area. We booked a condo several months ago, not knowing what the weather would bring, or not. But we knew the six of us would have fun.

On the 12th, Rhonda and I loaded up the Subaru with our skis and snow shoes and headed west for another adventure.

I never tire of the road trip towards WA, especially when THE mountain is out. I will return in June to climb Rainier for a 6th time. 

Stuart was almost out. It seems like I will never see the very top of the summit. Even when climbing it last June and getting within 200 feet, I wasn't able to see the top. 

Seattle traffic reminds me why I live in Boise. But no adventure is worthy without a few challenges. 

We stayed at the Smith's on Thursday evening and were surprised to have Dave and Becky Fischer take the ferry over from Poulsbo and join us for an excellent Margaret cooked meal. After dropping off Dave and Becky at the ferry terminal, we enjoyed a rain free evening on the deck and in the hot tub.

We met Al and Donna in the morning and soon realized we just had way too much stuff for a weekend in one vehicle. So we split up and took two cars, but had a great trip into Canada. Vancouver is a gorgeous city and the drive north towards Whistler was very scenic. We stopped in Squamish at a local brew pub for lunch. I will return. Squamish is a mecca for rock climbers and a gateway into the mountains. 

As you can tell, the snow level was extremely HIGH. Planned snow shoe excursions for Saturday turned into a nice hike in a local Provincial park. 

A short hike of a few KM took us the roaring plunge of the waterfall. 

No such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. We were prepared and stayed dry and warm. 

The trail continued and climbed a little towards a Bungy Jumping vendor. It was a great stroll. No need for gloves as Margaret found alternative means to keep her hands warm. 

At the Bungy Jump bridge. I think Rhonda is a little afraid of the height. 

The trails are well maintained. 

Everyone is having a great time. 

Some more than others.

welcome to my world

We realized we could have driven here! I'm reminded of Poem found in one of Colin Fletcher's backpacking books:
"Now, shall I walk or shall I ride. 'Ride' Pleasure said. 'Walk' Joy replied."

For some reason no one in our party was tempted to take the Bungy Jump. 

Seems pretty safe?

Some adventurous soul took the plunge. 

And survived.

Margaret, Rhonda, and Donna

After warming her hands, Margaret now has a warm heart. 

Al and Donna Rieb

Climbing back out of the ravine and back to the car. 

Typical of the Pacific NW 

After the hike, we headed back to our condo in the Whistler village. Everything you could need was within walking distance. The village is HUGE. You could put several Sun Valleys there. Of course the mountain ski area was ginormous. Of the three nights in Whistler we ate out at local eateries twice. But Saturday night was a stay at home and cook our own epicurean delight event. 

Sunday was a planned ski day. The bucket list required it. The forecast called for 25 cm (10") of new snow with more during the day. We were excited. But the rain down below gave us pause. We had purchased our tickets earlier, so Sunday morning Andy (who just bought some rental skis at a steel), Rhonda and I walked up to the lifts and got in line. We took the gondola up the mountain where it seemed there may have been some fresh snow. The groomers had been out and it appeared we were in for a great day on the slopes. My joints and muscles ached some. It couldn't have been from yesterday's stroll in a park. And then the headache started. But down the first run we headed. 

It did snow some the night before, just before it turned to rain and then froze before dawn. It was pretty icy. I was cautious. Andy claimed he hadn't skied in several years, but I couldn't tell. He kept up with Rhonda as I tailed behind. The first run over, we now found a 6 seat, yes SIX seat lift that would take us back up to high mountain. As we stood in line, a local Guy, no really, his name was Guy Johnson, asked to join us on the chair. Guy was the friendliest guy in the world. He lives in Vancouver and skis Whistler/Blackcomb all the time. He owns a cartography business that builds city road maps for Rand McNally and other web based mapping companies. He has offices or warehouses in Vancouver, somewhere in WY and in Southern CA. He claims he can visit his business ventures and enjoy skiing in the winter and golf in the summer. He even produced a micro cloth map of Whistler/Blackcomb used to clean glasses and google. Rhonda just met another of her million friends whom she did not know. Guy volunteered to take us around the mountain. And for the next several runs, Guy showed us a different lift and a different run,  taking us to the very top of the mountain a couple of times. Quite exciting, just like the movies 30 years ago. Guy was meeting some friends on the mountain somewhere and we wanted to take the big Tram between the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. So we said good bye to a swell Guy. 

By now my aches and pains were more than just the result of a hike. Rhonda felt my head and noticed I was running a fever. So across the Tram we went where we decided to find one of the lodges and some lunch. It was crowded, but I found a free chair at a table and sat down, sipping water while Andy and Rhonda took a few laps on some nearby runs. By now the wind was picking up and it was looking cold. After an hour they wandered back into the lodge and we sat down for some lunch. 

After lunch we took the Tram back over to Whistler and skied down to the mid mountain Gondola terminal which took us over bare ground to the base and back home, but not before we bought one of Guy's micro cloth maps of Whistler/Blackcomb.

Getting ready for our first run

Yes, she is excited!

On the tram towards Blackcomb. 

Meeting another car. Really, I thought it was in focus. But I am sporting a fever. 

Blackcomb in the distance. Snow level is extremely high. 

The Village below, where Margaret rented a mountain bike and took a ride on what should have been some XC ski trails. 

On Monday we started the journey back to Seattle. The BC landscape is gorgeous. 

We will return. 

On the way home Andy just had to stop in Vancouver at the Arc'teryx world HQ and outlet store. Even with a favorable exchange rate, their gear, being some of the best, is quite expensive. The outlet had some deals, but nothing we needed that fit. 

The border crossing north into Canada was a piece of cake. Just like all my other experiences entering Canada. They make you feel welcome. I can't say that for heading back south. Of course Al took a different lane and his wait was half as long as ours. Because I still want to travel and come back into the USA, I will leave my story be, "and that's all I've got to say about that". 

Andy and Al know all the best brew pubs and sure enough Al and Donna were waiting for us at a local pub in downtown Bellingham for a fine lunch. Then back on I-5 and to the Smith house. 

Rhonda had a conference in Seattle for the remainder of the week but I needed to be home Tuesday night. So on Tuesday morning I left her in the capable hands of Andy and Margaret while I took US 2 east and then wound my way home. 

Whistler still remains on the list and we will return, with more snow.