Whistler

Today we awoke in Vancouver to hail outside. We had planned to leave by 8am, and eventually left at 8:30am. Not too bad!

Our mission today was simple, drive to Whistler. This is a scenic drive that follows a well formed, and yet windy road, mostly divided with two lanes each way. Occasionally it drops down to one lane each way. The road is windier than it appears and the speed limit is usually 80km/h. It follows the edge of Howe Sound until arriving at the town of Squamish. We had light rain on and off along the way.

Before arriving at Squamish, we stop to enjoy the sights of Shannon Falls which only requires a short walk. The falls are very high and the mist carries for some distance away, very easy to mistake it for rainfall.

We stop at Squamish to have some breakfast, as by now it is 10am. Helen and John go for the usual "potatoes and eggs and...." while I opt for porridge and fruit today.

On the road again, we notice some oncoming cars have an inch of snow on the roof. Before we know it, rain turns to sleet, sleet turns to snow. By the time we get to Whistler, there is a steady (but not too heavy) fall.

About this time my SLR camera decides to tell me it has "Err 1" which I later researched to mean my lense might have a malfunction. I spend the rest of the day persevering, and manage to get only a few photos. Most of the time, the camera errors. Oh the dilemma, I don't want to spend money on a new camera or lense because I have such expensive tastes, but I want good holiday photos. Although I can maybe nurse it and get a few shots. What's a guy to do?

We check into our accommodation, which is a large B&B in a Barvarian style chalet. We are the only guests and have the run of the place!

After dropping our bags, we spend the remainder of the day walking the Whistler village. Although a ski resort, it's not as overpriced as most I've visited, and there are a lot of shops. We really enjoy our day here. The village is very beautiful, with trees everywhere in the most amazing colours this time of year. No too busy either, parking was easy and the walk not too crowded.

We made a couple of purchases. In particular, I bought the most spunky hat! Warm and functional and very "Fargo", I realise this hat is my calling and I may have finally discovered my purpose in life, to own this hat! The Wellington cold will never beat my bald head again. Helen bought a hat too but it isn't half as awesome as mine (see photo above).

By the end of the day we are cold (except for our heads) and head back to the chalet, to relax for a couple of hours before heading out for dinner. It's been a great day in Whistler, and we hope there isn't too much snow in the morning because we have to drive back the way we came, to catch a ferry to Vancouver Island. Again, let me reinforce this for you, we hope not to need those ice scrapers.