We need the alarm to rouse us - (still no early risers here) and we were quick to jump at 9 - rustle up breakfast, and like a local, take the shortcut to the bus.
Bus master - got the schedule at his fingertips
Headed straight to the Visitor Centre to sort out some tickets for the next few days, found our way down to the Olympic Rings and #Blendz to pick up a coffee and then back to the Visitor Centre to meet up with @Crispin.
Coffee and @Crispin presents: The Valley of Dreams
This tour runs daily in summer and is a free (donation appreciated), walking-talking guided experience (complete with pictorial collection from the museum) that documents the post colonial development of Whistler.
First plan was a hand drawn sketch - al visitor/pedestrian focussed
@Crispin was very careful to ensure that we were directed to #The Cultural Centre for any information on the indigenous history of the area. His info related specifically to the development of this "wild west" of Canada from about the mid 1850s which paralleled the Caribou Gold Rushes. Great history lesson - especially the contrasts between the "gentry" of Vancouver and the wild, free spirited reclusive male of the mountains.
Went through the growth of Squamish, Creekside and eventually the "imagining of" and creation of Whistler. Understand a little more about a Municipality that has competing demands as a precinct for residents and as a mecca for the resort tourists.
Lots of "local" stories, including how Whistler got its name, the fate of the original gondola, the mishaps of the first cattle drive from Pemberton, the role of Myrtle Philip, the evolution of the town plan, the drive to host the winter Olympics and -"nudity alert," - the boldness of the 1973 Toad Hall poster.
The museum story of the carefree nature of the Whistler lifestyle s depicted in this 'iconic' poster
Full story on the Museum blog: https://blog.whistlermuseum.org/2013/07/10/the-story-of-the-toad-hall-poster/
Had our own priorities post tour and headed over to Blackcomb. Know this little area quite well, because it was one of the early residences that @Mindy and @Ian had - so got to visit some of our old favourites, including the Bridge and Fitzsimmons Creek.
Our very own photo bomber at Fitzsimmons
Alway a fav
Got to have a Guest Services pic with @Barry
And it was like a magnet for us for our late lunch stop. #Portobello always on our list of eateries.
Had our picture taken in front of the Paralympic Symbol by a generous lady who was an evacuee from the Northwest Territories. (Despite our best efforts to look like a local - obviously still have tourist emblazoned on our forehead as people offer to take a pic for us!)
She informed us she was staying with the in laws here - they had to leave everything behind and make the dash south to safety ahead ofc the advancing wildfires. She did indicate that communication from the authorities has been fabulous and so far, their property is still standing.
Hopped the bus home, made a few bookings for next week, and yes, admitting, even had a little Nana nap before rustling up dinner.
Working in three time zones - Australia, Greece and Canada West Coast and soon to be East Coast - doing our head in. Apologies if messages arrive at very odd times.
Meanwhile in 🇪🇺 with @M&I
A. An interesting adventure for the flights, with grand experience on the first leg to Paris. Arrived to a chock-a-block Charles de Gaulle airport and couldn't get a spot in the lounge so had to improvise. Delayed boarding by 30 mins for connecting flight, and then, once on the plane, a THREE HOUR delay on the tarmac, on board (we think that's what messages meant), due to a storm!!! Thank goodness for #Twisties.
Snooze you lose! #ruthless
B. Arrived safely, but late in Athens - missed their first afternoon tour (rescheduled for next day) but feeling the three flights up must have felt like an excursion. View was worth it!
Three flights up ... no worries for some
PS: very dangerous - we have discovered a chocolate we like from Walmart ... very very thick pieces!
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