My next adventure was off to see Whistler, Canada with my son and his family. Whistler was the location of the Nordic events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The weather was gorgeous so mountain views were abundant on our drive from Seattle all the way through to Whistler. I was like a kid in a candy shop looking at all the amazing eye-candy in every direction!
After crossing into Canada, it was a very short time and we were driving through Vancouver, well on our way to Whistler.
We headed east out this bustling, metropolitan city now traveling on the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia Highway 99). We were following the island-dotted Howe Sound waterway. The highway was carved into the edge of the mountains with the other side skirting the sparkling azure-blue water of the sound. The soaring, dramatic mountain and panoramic ocean vista views set the stage for the upcoming stunningly-gorgeous vacation.
It took a little over an hour to get to Nina Lodge, just outside of the Olympic Village area, our home away from home for the next five days.
Our suite on the top of the lodge, was two stories with floor to ceiling windows facing Nina Lake and the mountains beyond. What a gorgeous view to start the day each morning.
The view from our balcony was just as spectacular!
We explored the area and found a nice park right down the path for the kids to play. Look at this climbing structure. Doesn’t it make you want to play? How do they get the wood to curve like that?
The Canadians did an excellent job making paths everywhere for people to hike or bike.
Each morning, we started our day with a scrumptious breakfast at a quaint French restaurant in the Olympic Village. Our waiter, new to Canada from France, had perfect English with a dreamy, heavy accent.
I had the same dish each time: herb-studded, fried potatoes, fresh fruit medley, black forest ham omelet washed down with rich Chai tea. It was so delicious, I stuck with perfection!
We hit the peak of the autumn colors with deep-crimson, golden-yellow, burnt- orange leaves ornamenting the trees.
Strategically placed around the town were exquisite, mystical, stone carvings.
There were even whimsical statues like this giant pinecone.
Each day, we explored “child-friendly” walking trails. This trail, amongst towering pines, took us around Lost Lake.
I couldn’t decide which view was my favorite – deep on the wooded trail embellished with the vibrant contrasts of yellows and forest greens or the mountain/tree/cloud reflections on the serene lake.
Even the wild mushrooms were beautiful, packed with exploding color and enchanting shapes!
Obviously one of my favorite walking trails was at Lost Lake. It was here that I discovered this X-Country Ski map. I know I’m coming back to ski on some of these trails. I could almost hear the quiet, serene whisper of skis gliding across fresh, glistening snow!
Another of our daily activities was going to the Olympic Village. The first time I set foot in the middle of the plaza, I was instantly taken back with goose-bumps to the XXI Winter Olympic Games in February, 2010 watching the medal winning Olympians receiving their hard-earned awards.
It was such an AMAZING experience!
Wow! The exciting shopping opportunities were in a perfect setting. I fell in love with these Canadian Mountie moose.
Have you ever seen more jaw-dropping autumn color?
This Lightning totem pole was created by Squamish and Lil’wat Nation master carvers.
This Welcome Figure is in the Whistler’s Village Common. It was carved out of western red cedar and is topped with a hat made of copper. It depicts a man raising his hands to represent gratitude and hospitality. Again, this figure was also carved by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations’ carvers.
Our tremendous vacation was over too soon. The trip home was misty with the mountains shrouded in clouds.
Ribbons of clouds wove through the evergreen hollows between mountains. It was like Mother Nature’s fingers were reaching out to tuck the mountains under a cosy blanket of clouds.
Good-bye Mountain Ridges of the Whistler countryside. I hope to return soon!
