BC Adventure 2012!!!

       Well, things wound down quite a bit at work after the Christmas/ New Years madness and I was able to catch my breath and have some free time.  It turned out to be perfect because I had planned to take a little vacation with a good friend of mine while it was slow in town!  About a month and a half ago we decided a break from McCall was needed to remind ourselves how the rest of the world looks and operates (gets a little stuffy in these small towns sometimes if you know what I'm saying).  Also I was far overdue for a trip out of the country and my passport was begging for a  new stamp, so we settled on a visit to our northern neighbors with the maple leaves.  We packed out bags and headed to Canada for five whole days!!!  Charlie was definitely sad he didn't get to tag along and showed it by leaving my suitcase and the clothes in it covered in dog hair....

       We each bought a  two day ski pass to Whistler Mountain where we enjoyed beautiful sunny weather both days even though the snow was a bit rough near the bottom.  After watching the big dogs tear up the professional terrain park and half pipe we spent a few runs trying out our own moves at the kiddie park (I have a large bruise on my bum and shoulder and am sore where I wasn't aware I had muscles).  We ate a fabulous lunch at the hill both days and the rode the Whistler/Blackcomb Peak to Peak Gondola, and holy moly what a trip!!! The Peak to Peak is the highest longest gondola ride in the world and carries you eleven minutes between the top of each mountain in a glass cube dangling from three wires as big around as my torso.  It is a bit spooky being suspended a few thousand feet off the ground but the view is truly breathtaking from all sides.  

       Upon limping off the slopes we relaxed in our lovely little French style bed and breakfast (the owners were the most wonderful helpful people and there were always fresh blueberry muffins in the dining area) before heading in the Whistler Village for some shopping we could in no way afford (but looking is the most fun part anyway :D). Of coarse signs of the Village's Olympic past are everywhere and I was amazed to think that where I stood is where the best athletes in the world received their medals just two short years ago.  What an awe-inspiring feeling!!!

       After two days of snow fun we hopped on a bus and headed to Vancouver, and just in the knick of time as my body was faaaaaar to sore to handle another day of action on the hill.  We walked along the seashore and though Stanley Park (the Central Park of Vancouver but on the waterfront) and made a quick visit to the Vancouver Aquarium!  It was sooooo cool!!! We saw a million kinds of fish big and small, jellyfish, a  sloth, a crocodile, an octopus, sea lions, arctic dolphins, and my personal favorite, beluga whales!!! They are so white and graceful and beautiful; I could have sat and watched them for hours.  Alas after only one full day of walking the city streets we drug our exhausted legs back to our hostel and packed our bags to leave early the next day.

       I always get a little sad to come home at the end of a trip because I'm a big believer that you leave a piece of you where ever go.  New knowledge is gained and accents learned, tattered overused street maps become souvenirs and astounding things absorbed with every step, so naturally upon departure there is a lingering feeling of angst.  However just as we part with a sliver of ourselves, every new location also leaves a bit of travel dust on our psyche reminding us that there is so much more to life than we could ever possibly grasp and that in itself deserves our utmost exploration and respect.  

       Anywho, two connecting flights, a drug out customs check, and a two hour drive later we arrived home safe and sound.  Mr. Charlie Pants was very happy to see me although I could tell he was mad for leaving because he wouldn't share his toys with me.....BRAT!!   So now its back to real life and reality......and planning my next adventure ;)