Whistler-Vancouver (1 of 2)

In 2008, we pretty much have not reached our goal to be less busy. In fact, it's been a pretty consistently too-hectic year. Anyway, we did manage to get away for a few days. After having enjoyed a visit to Whistler and Vancouver (British Columbia) in 2002, we decided to try it again.

BC is just right for our preferred travel - not too hectic or crowded; outdoor access; interesting food and hotels. In fact, it's pretty much ideal. This applies to both Whistler and Vancouver, though in very different ways.

Whistler was unknown to us back in 2002. It's a ski village just north of Vancouver. accessed via something named the "Sea to Sky Highway." Gorgeous area; the village itself is entirely an artificial construct built around skiing, with increasing summer activities. Nothing wrong with that, it's a great setting. Things are a bit in flux as they prepare (with Vancouver) to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. (This affected the road more than anything else we encountered. But the sea-to-sky is a rare road where delays are enjoyable.)

We traveled on Saturday, September 20 (ride to airport courtesy of MB). Due to making arrangements late, we had to connect through Denver. So a good chunk of the day was devoted to travel. On Sunday, we had planned to take the ski gondola up the mountain and do some hiking. But we decided to wait until Monday as the forecast was better. Turns out forecasts are just that. Anyway, Sunday ended up being a fun day - we walked the village (various areas), watched some NFL, found a restaurant (Ric's Mix) we liked (usual criteria: great patio, interesting food, nice beer and wine list (featuring local), and not a ripoff), etc. Shopped a bit in the various stores. Pretty much a perfect day of hanging around.

I include two photos above showing views from our room. It was entertaining watching the bikers ride down the course (click on photos to enlarge) - there were lots of them in town. The hotels are delightful properties, beautifully designed; you feel like you are in Europe or whatever.

On Monday we decided to take the gondola up the mountain notwithstanding snow showers and temps below freezing. Fortunately we had enough layers where comfort wasn't a big issue. Except when the wind was strong. It was quite an experience hiking from 6000 to 7000 feet in intermittent snow storms. Much colder and snowier at the top. Which is where the "Harmony Hut Tea House" is located - sounded like a great resting place, except it was closed for the season. Note the clocks showing time at previous Winter Olympics venues.

Back down for lunch followed by a drive to Vancouver.

Which I'll discuss a bit in the next post.