Dinner date with favs - ha ha, that's Fitzsimmons and Milestone
It didn’t take long for those last days to disappear. The locals definitwly wanted us hiking, riding gondolas and soaring through the sky in a sea plane, but we were really content to stay local.
A lot of responsibility keeping that garden going and we had prep to complete for the last “project” on the list.
Bake sale
Nothing like a Google range of patty cakes for a school fund-raiser. Had the oven going and the production line happening and prepared 5 dozen little lolly filled and icing soaked delights. Not as creative as our last visit with the Halloween theme — but none the less popular. Everything was inhaled!
Sold! Stall was a huge success
Seeking sunshine
The weather is a little crazy still. Rains most nights and is wet and gloomy to start the day and then there will be brief flashed of sunshine, mixed in with sun showers and of course, the clouds close in and it changes to serious rain again.
The bears don’t care though. They are out and about doing their thing. A mother and her two cubs caused a little stir in the street and @Ian
Hard to believe that the day has arrived - but here we are! What a ride it's been.
Had no idea what the day was like outside- all we knew was that we had stuff to do. @Mindy was at work - but lucky for us it was an "early dismissal day" and we could spend the afternoon with her. @ Ian was in the zone woth his work and was grinding away as he does every day.
We had some mundane tasks to complete. @Mac had to PACK! And once that was achieved it was the nail biting time to conduct the luggage weigh in. We were a little bit over and a little but under and decided to just let it ride until we got to the airport.
A date with the laundry to get the linen through so the workers didn't have to worry about it and then a but of a farewell Cook-up up to keep the real locals in some of their favourites.
The time just disappeared and really only had about an hour of last minute cuddle time before we had to load up and head to #The Village to meet the bus. There was a little bit of confusion as I jumped on the bus as the first on board to secure our prime viewing seats for the ride to #Vancouver. Poor @Mindy thought I was abandoning #Team Whistler without a backward glance, let alone a final cuddle. We both had to find a way to stop the waterworks and the bus driver finally called it 'time to go" and we had to board for real. Only 220 days till we are back.
Settled in for the three hour downhill run to the airport and after Creekside and Squamish stops to pick up passengers, we eventually hit peak hour traffic on the #Lions Gate Bridge and edged our way through the city before reaching the airport right on 6.30 pm.
We had received a message on the way to the airport that our flight was delayed by 30 minutes which meant we had a five and half hour wait before take-off.
Slipped through checkin and security. Bags had been packed with a perfect distribution of weight - coming in at 23.3 kgs and 23.7 kgs. And although my knee didn't set of the alarms at the security check my bra did! Very funny actually when the pat down and residue guy requested "Show me your waist." I physically laughed out loud. Finding my waist required a major search party. I was wearing undies, long johns, trousers, thermal skivvy, jumper and jacket. And because I am now an expert at warding off the winter cold all my layers were "interleaved." None of this simple tucking in stuff for me. I layer ny top and botons inside each other. There's no "waist" access without peeling back all the bits. And that assumes there is a "waist" there. Anyway,. after lifting my jacket and pulling up my jumper he could see the "challenge" and changed his mind with a "That'll do." Wanded my hands and my jumper instead.
Filled it our time with an extended lunch (Aussie time), connected to the airport wifi and working our way through a dinner and coffee.
#Air Canada were extremely well organised in terms of boarding with designated zones for lining up and plenty of staff to usher you through and we effortlessly found ourselves comfortably seated in the last row. We chose this little two some spot - complete with some extra storage room. The seats had a slightly limited range of recline but certainly enough and we are right next to the galley and the toilets. Early indications were that we had a great spot in this seat configuration. In the early part of the journey, a poor mum with a very unsettled baby was the only negative. Surely he can't cry for 15 hours all the way to #Brisbane. Guess that little blast of noise is the reason we have noise cancelling headsets.
@Mac had settled into the latest #Indiana Jones movie and I slept - well for the first 8 hours anyway. Mind you, it was a bit of a rough ride. Not sure if it were because because of our position right at the back of the plane, but we certainly got thrown around. Our flight path indicated that we had to make a crazy little kinky detour on our ride to try and dodge some weather. That was not an isolated case actually, the seat belt signs kept coming on accompanied by warnings of turbulence.
ETA was for 8 am tomorrow, Friday and our biggest worries were securing a paper so @Mac could get to work and picking a venue for lunch. And the messages from #Whislter indicated thw real locals were restoring some order to their apartment and that our little cookup prior to leaving was a hit. Smiling, thinking of them - wondering if @MindyMoo is doing her special "Hairy Coo" dance as she sings her way down the stairwell and wondering if @Ian is getting the special sound effects that the "Hairy Coos" elicit. Missing them already. 😢 xoxox
Staggers - every cm counted .- you have to love the line marking on the gravel track
Those days just flew by and were focussed on settling in, completing designated projects and yep, playing cards.
Very confused that this is the spring to summer transition. After such a grand weather welcome over the last three days, guess it was to be expected that rain would eventually come. The positive is that it softened the soil ready for the first dig of the garden project.
On the bright side - have had two days of sunshine in the last week — they coincided with the athletics meet thank goodness — but the majority of the days have featured rain and maximums that hover between 8 and 10.
The workers have to work, so we have stuck pretty close to home and have limited our walks to strolls to the cafe across the road and to inspections of the garden and rock collecting. On a "typical day” - the locals have been out, picked up groceries, been to the garbage disposal, completed the school run and reported for work before we’ve even stirred. A darkened room, warm bed and a silent neighbourhood, combined with 1 am bedtimes … very conducive to snoozong.
District Athletics Meet
We were keen to tick our projects off the list. Two days of the District Athletics was high on the list. We were pumped and prepped. Perhaps I should say OVER pumped and OVER prepped … a different version of “meet” from our previous experience.
@Mindy organising the volunteers
For the meet we had to revisit #Squamish for the two days which is a bit of a winding road 60 km trek along the Sea to Sky Highway.
We were treating this as a trip down memory lane — but it was a long way off what we had experienced in our years of track meets. No problem though, the kids were having a ball.
Blue skies day 1
It is a mountain windy road
Not quite as clear day 2 - and a little rain
@Mindy was part of the staffing team that hosted the track events over two days. It was an early arrival so that the “staggers” could be measured out for the 200 metre events and the relay. Last year “apparently “ every 200 metre event was won by the runner in lane 1. Funny that, given that they lined everyone up on a straight start line! Definitely none of that this year — that you beaut trundle wheel, complete with determined operators, was measured to the cm! Mind you, because some of the locals weren’t really familiar with running a bend and its implications for distance, there were a few conversations around how this was “fair.”
@Ian, @Mac and I took up our allotted positions as the “ribbon” distributors and judges and were joined by a couple of volunteer parents to round out the numbers.
Happy volunteers
A couple of interesting anomalies. First of all — everyone gets a ribbon — 6 lanes ran, there were ribbons that proudly proclaimed first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. These were handed out in each of the laned races in each of the heats. Four or five heats for each year level — you line up and run. No timing. No final. No points. Certainly no PBs, no records and no age champions. Just the luck of where you stand in the marshalling area determines your competitors in a race.
We were coming to understand that the “diatricylt” meant wasn’t a progression or qualification standard. Rather, it was an organised meet up of schools in the Sea to Sky District. A free for all fun afternoon of athletics. Cool.
An interesting addition was that competitors were filmed as they crossed the line — in case the results were disputed. Glad this was an inclusion because there were quite a few replays that were needed over the course of the two afternoons. The video evidence was irrefutable and children and parents alike were “settled” by the replay. Phew.
We did have a few queries on the staggered start for the relays- some of the runners proclaiming it wasn’t fair that some were getting a “head start.” We even had one mum come down and move her child from lane 1 out to lane 5 so she would get the perceived “head start.” Didn’t matter that the rest of the team at changes 2, 3 and 4 were in lane 1. Sorted that one pretty quickly — not sure the mum believed us though and presented the trusty trunfle wheel to emphasis our professionalism.
Only parents on the hill - kids all over the place "competing"
All of this was pretty impressive when you think about it. All voluntary — the staff who were there just do it to give the children an opportunity. Some schools have access to a bus, but many of the children have to organise lifts with parental networks. And there’s nowhere to advance to — there are no regional or province meets. Many of the schools don’t have a school based carnival as a selection process — if you want to have a run, or jump or throw — you just turn up! For the relays — if you didn’t have a team — gather round and one would be found for you — mixed ages and genders.
It all worked out — there was no shortage of enthusiasm and effort. There was some disappointment with the 800 metre runners because ribbons were limited to six places — so the sanctioned standard reply was ”no matter, off you go, run in the 200 and you’ll get a ribbon”… so that’s what they did.
Certainly different from our years involved with track and field — but you know what, the children were out there having fun, having a go and cheering on their mates.
Fabulous two afternoons. And we got Chinese take away, and we got to go to Walmart and Home Depot. A treble of bonuses to round out the two days
Gardening 101
The physical project was to create a garden. The request was to transform the asphalt border of the car parking space into something that had a chance of supprotung life. No mean feat — given that it was a gravel pit under the constant shade of the massive trees that make up the front of the property.
Grave digging - sand, gravel and rocks
Took three days to “dig a grave” — that’s what it felt like. It was hard yakka with an ice pick (the best tool ever) and a borrowed shovel. The more you dig, the more rocks you reclaim. The good thing was that with cool temperatures and daylight for hours, it was possible to pick any time you wanted. In fact, day ran into night with very little change to the light conditions, the temperatures were perfect and the progress was so rewarding.
My favourite grave digging evening was when @Mindy skipped out all smiles and cheekily advised “The gardener needs to finish up now because the chef is needed in the kitchen.” So good to be needed!
Time for the gardener to finish up ... the chef is needed in the kitchen
The gardening project dovetailed into the Athletics meets in #Squamish — this meant we could visit the “Home Depot” and stock up. Picked up 16 bags of soil, sphagnum moss and lots of plants! We were loaded — not only with the produce but with great advice from the staff member who was trying to ensure that the prospective “Plant Killers” were making sensible choices that would perhaps survive under their care. “Hardy, hardy, hardy” was the key on all the labels.
Going to a new home
Spent another three days digging that new soil and moss into the “grave” and with heavy watering and constant turning and aeration of the new mix, transformed that gravel grave into a garden bed. Have attracted a lot of interest in the process and have met the neighbours, talked with the local dog owners and even got myself an invite for a bear shelter if I needed to dash inside! Heaven help me. The gentleman did jokingly tell me that with my red hat, the bear might mistake be for a berry. Definitely not helping my growing paranoia about sharing the laneway with bears coming out of hibernation.
Lots of prepping
The final landscaping decisions for the collection of perennials and annuals we had selected was created on Saturday by the locals. They did have a lot of fun, finding the perfect spot for each plant and then digging it in, seating it, and giving it the first drink of water. Long may their enthusiasm continue — it could be a long hot summer for some of these plants.
They are very happy though and there are now four of the front units interested in the “garden” so hopefully they can share the watering load when the heat and dry of summer arrive.
Loads of fun and mission accomplished — another project completed.
The many stages if bringing it to life. It is in good hands.
Home Bodies
It has been hard for the locals to accept that we are really here just to spend time with them — we don’t need entertainment or day trips or activities. We are more than happy fitting into the rhythm of their life for our short stay and being part of their day-to-day routine.
The two regulars for the evening have been cards and ice hockey. Sometimes we do both in the one evening!
“Five Crowns” has been a winner — and with the addition of the hats to signify last and first — there has been fierce competition in place. Really is a game of luck — and we have so many hard luck and good luck stories to tell. The game is often accompanied by outrageous comebacks (@Mac scored 60 points on the last hand to lose the hat — what a comeback by me!)
The goal is the Captain's hat!
Been some switching up of the hat
It has also been a week of Stanley Cup playoffs and with the Vancouver team out of the race — it means that all the cheering has been focussed on the Edmonton Oilers in their matches against the Dallas Stars. Been a game every other night in this playoff segment and with the games starting at 5 pm and lasting some 3 hours — means we have had some late card nights.
I have also been entertained with the live streams of the #Eras Tour — another 3 plus hours — so really the days have just disappeared. With only those two afternoons of fair weather — this combo of late night entertainment, early afternoon gardening and then very late sleep ins has been a perfect Whistler combo. Hard to believe — but my recollection is that I have outslept @Mac on every day except one! I have discovered a new talent for lazy mornings.
Lonely on the Stroll in the Village
We did venture into the Village on Sunday morning — and it was virtualy deserted. Not many takers for the Village Stroll in the rainy cold conditions — mind you — like many others we were tucked up inside a #Carumba for a cosy breakfast.
More enthusiasm for food and warmth than for a stroll
We had ventured to Creekside to visit the Community Garage Sale. We were definite “lookers” and were not tempted to bring home anyone else’s trash as our treasure. Everything was for sale here. People had set up their boot stalls and floor rugs and were selling off all sorts of stuff. Homewares, clothing , ski gear, bikes, shoes, books, games, kitchen goods and tools. If I had spotted a “plant stall” I may have been tempted.
Community "garage" sale
Don’t get me wrong — we loved the cruise — but it is nice to have an apple and juice for breakfast, be back to our “Dove” soap, have a strong stream of water in the shower and to be able to walk without bumping into the walls. A little clarification — that wall bumping was from the movement of the ship — not the number of cocktails!
A week to go — and then we will be heading back to Australia and more cold and rain by all reports. Hope clear skies and sunshine are the order of the day for us when we return.
PS Lots of conversatioins here around bears. Bears everywhere coming out of hibernation. Neighbours tell you when they have spotted a bear, our lane seems to be popular. Piles of fresh black poop, dogs barking and cars slowing — that seems to be the signal that the bears are out!
Winners are grinners - especially with a #Captain's hat
The consensus was we'd make our way outside for a walk today and head around #Green Lake for lunch at #Nicklaus North (I do like their chippies.)
A great plan and I am not sure how the locals organised it, but when we were finally ready for our 11 am exit from our cul de sac position, right there was a black bear, all furry and glistening. Just munching amongst the dandelions. Only two doors down. A black lump on the footpath.
Just grazing in the dandelions
Stop for a 📸 - was that bear looking at me?
I didn’t even see the thing. We were on the right hand side of the road - he was on the foot path on the left. Children were playing in neighbouring yards, a couple were loading their boot, no-one was concerned. "Just keep on walking," the locals said, "Stop for a picture" @Mac said - notice I was closer than him and would have been easy pickings! To be fair, I was more concerned about the possibility of a protective mumma bear - didn’t spot anything though.
No more encounters with bears and probably at more risk of harm from the speeding bikes that share the valley trail than a bear.
A familiar walk - even shaved ice outside the ice rink - and @Mac got his views of #Wedge
Got ourselves a great outdoor spot for lunch - did need a heater and a blanket to make it all comfortable. I had been fooled by the blue skies as we were leaving home and it was only a last minute decision to take a jacket. The locals were in short sleeves, but any breeze or a walk in the shade equated with an immediate temperature plummet.
Plenty of golfers out, the sea plane flights were fully booked and were taking off and landing on the lake and the boardwalk and Valley Trail played host to dozens of bikers.
@Mindy had offered to put in the paddle boards in the #River of Golden Dreams and we could have taken the water route. Not bl00dy likely - sitting in a puddle of water with high risk of a river/lake plunge - not any dream of mine! Happy to walk and run the gauntlet of the bears and the bikes.
#Green Lake spring views
And besides, the good news as headlines in the paper this morning was that the grizzly had left our area and moved on about 10 kms to #Cheakamus.
Long may he continue to move on - golfers were happy up our way - course was open
Interestingly, this is the swap over weekend for the mountain - the downhill bike trails opened last week on the 17th and the ski lift access finishes today - a shared weekend for the mountain enthusiasts.
#Green Lake posers ... poses
A nice walk- but good to finish with feet up in sunshine on the porch
Completed the familiar #Green Lake circuit for the walk home and couldn’t resist a coffee stopover at the renovated #Alpine Cafe. They had been working on it last year during our visit and the improvements are impressive. Tripled the indoor space and expanded outdoors and added more cover.
The new indoor area - shame about the high seats
We were home for the important 6 pm start time of game 7 of the ice hockey playoffs. Lots of interest because it is the #Canadian divisional play off for progression in the #Stanley Cup. Not good news - after nearly 3 hours of vocal encouragement here, and near pandemonium in the stadium in #Vancouver, the local #Canucks side went down 3-2.
Had to push that disappointment aside because we had to resume the intense "Five Crowns" competition right here in our own little stadium. It was a 9 pm start - and have to comment - it was still light outside! Daylight makes you feel fresh! We were good to go.
I am thinking that the locals had spent some time during the day discussing strategy. The scores tonight were tight and as those hands with 10, 11, 12 and 13 cards came around, there was a "concentration" silence around the room.
Do feel there is a little "ganging" up going on - felt like three against one - and there was a raucous cheer when @Mindy dethroned me in the first game as the ruling champion - and can I say it was by a mere single point! Final score was 78 to 77.
Immediately, a championship #Captain hat was introduced to the game. Along with the jersey cow cap for the loser! Brutal.
The many faces of winners and losers
That totally changed the complexion of the next round of 11 hands. The hats were swapped at the end of each round based on the cumulative score. This was more intense than that Christmas when @Mac and his sister @Deb ripped my tablecloth playing #Spoons.
@Ian was smug in the #Captain’s hat - he was crushing it and of course with his charm, cheeky smile and with only 20 years of competition in the @MacNamara arena, he did get away with a couple of rule concessions.
The @Captain’s hat went like this:
Round 1 Ian Round 2 Ian Round 3 Ian Round 4 Ian Round 5 Ian Round 6 Ian Round 7 Ian Round 8 Ian Round 9 Mindy Round 10 Wayne
Now I have to pause here. It was the last round of the game. You get 13 cards and @Mindy was the dealer. Everyone was sorting through their cards and making their runs and connections. @Ian had his turn and discarded. @Mac’s turn. Without even picking up a card on his turn, with the biggest smile on his face, @Mac declared .... "I’m out." He had been dealt the perfect hand. He went through the motions, picked up and discarded the yellow "Jack of Stars" (there are five suits in this game.)
Once the winner declares, in this game, every player gets one more play in turn to play their melds and discard. Whatever is unmatched is your negative score.
I'm up. The scoring had been close and the differential between @Mac and me was a mere 2 points. He only needed me to score negative 2 and he would retain the lead and the #Captain' Hat. So close he could feel the hat tightening and settling on his head. The lowest card in this game is a 3 ... he was a "sure thing" - as long as I had one unmatched card in my hand he would win!
Confessing - I too had been dealt a good hand. I had a suited queen and 10. To go out with a zero score I needed one particular card. It could have been a wild, in this case a king or joker, or it could have been a suited match to a single card to make my run of three complete. In this case, that itty-bitty single card that I needed to make the difference between zero points and 32 points was the..... drum roll...... "Jack of Stars."
Now the pandemonium was way more local - it was right here at this table. Sighs of disbelief. Moans of "luck." Accusations of cards up sleeves. Utter disbelief. @Mindy and @Ian completed their turns and without any hesitation I reclaimed the throne.
Round 11: Jan
And the cow bonnet went to ...... @Ian! It was so hard to believe, @Ian had worn that @Captain’s hat for 8 out of 11 rounds! Thought he was sitting pretty. @Mindy’s comment, because of the non-MacNamara concessions that he had been afforded chirped "Karma is a bitch." He moo-sied up to bed wearing you know what - and there was no way I was relinquishing my "Jack of stars" #Captain’s hat.
Literally not over rill the fat lady sings!
And at the time of writing, can I say that I think @Mac is still sitting stunned at the table, wondering how he could possibly have been rivered by a "Jack of stars" - it's not even a suit! Gut shot.
Until tomorrow - or should I say later today. Moo-ooooo-oooo.
Sweet dreams - not letting that hat out I'd my reach!
