Better Conditions

Wow, the sun came out today and it really made a difference on the slopes. This morning we went on the same runs as yesterday and despite the name of the chairlifts being the same, the runs were completely different. I kept asking Jay, "are you sure we skied down this run yesterday?" to which he replied over and over again "yes, it's the same run". Yesterday, the conditions were horrible, wet, and foggy with no visibility. We couldn't see our surroundings whatsoever. Today, we can see clear across the valley and mountain tops. Both days provided two completely different experiences. It's very beautiful to see mointaintops covered with snow and ski within a bit of gladed areas with pine trees.

Yesterday afternoon my bum knee started bothering me and I iced it last night before bed and it helped, but around lunch time today the pain started to flare up, again. After lunch today we took the Peak2Peak gondola to Blackcomb and as soon as I got on the run that was it for my knee it. I met up with Jay & Saleem and told them I was heading back down to Whistler. That easy run down to the Excalibur gondola, which takes you back to the village, was very flat and easy and provided stunning scenery.  Now I'm in the Dubh Linn Gate pub for an après ski Guinness and waiting for the boys who should be here shortly.

Snip Snip

Here's a picture of me on the Peak2Peak Gondola going over to Blackcomb.

Yesterday we went to a Korean restaurant for supper, which Saleem calls "Snip Snip". I have no idea what it's actual name is, anyways, the food was really good.  After supper, Jay and I went to Gravity Pope to look at shoes ... I bought a pair of Campers ... so comfortable.  We've been skiing all day today.  I'm not used to the runs being so long, it's rather nice to have long runs compared to back home, and it's a good workout for the legs.  My quads are tired.  The visibility has been crap at the top of the runs and I couldn't see for some parts of the run. I had chili for lunch at the Roundhouse and it was very hearty. We've been back on the slopes for the past couple of hours and now I'm at Horsemen Hut for a tea and a Snickers. The tea is delicious. Jay and Saleem went down Cloud 9 again and will pick me up on their way back up. There were a bunch of people in here throwing back the tall boys, the medics just sent them off and told them to be careful on their way down the hill.  I'm looking forward to having a shower tonight and another day of skiing.

Here's another picture of me a little later and wet.

Upsilamba!

Flying in to Calgary (my stopover), I look out the window and see mountains, a tall curving wall of mountains. This is Canada's Great Wall of China, the Rockies. One is an impressive feat of man-made workmanship and architecture and the other is a natural beauty, both equally impressive.

Vancouver - Whistler, here I come

I'm flying out to Vancouver next month to visit my friend Jay, and we're going skiing in Whistler. I've been to Whistler once before, almost 3 years ago and it rained then.  It rained a lot that trip.  At that time, people were riding the chairlift with their mountain bikes to the top of the hill.  It will be a different experience this time around as I have never skiied this late in the season and I am very excited about the idea of it.  When I've tell people that I am going skiing in Whistler next month, the first question they ask me is "will there be any snow?" and I reply it will have snow of some sort either natural or man-made.  I'll find out soon enough. 

I can't wait to see Jay and check out his skiing skills.

Big Trip for 2010 is ...

Morocco!! 

Vix, Nina and I and perhaps Pam M. will be spending this Christmas in Morocco.  Vix and I went to the Ottawa Travel Show today to pick up some information on Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan.  After our lunch at Subway, we stopped by Flight Centre to find out the price of a particular 15 day guided trip in Morocco and to get a quote for airfare from Montreal to Casablanca.  It's so exciting to plan for future trips.  Now, we just have to check with the girls and start booking things.  :)  Woohoo!  Now, I have to really decide where to go after Morocco for 5-6 days.  Should I go to Tunisia, cross the Strait of Gibraltor, or spend some time in Spain?  Any suggestions?