No banners or pom poms, but we did our best as the "welcome home" committee

 

@Mac has claimed #Wedge as HIS mountain- his fav

Tracked those flights across #Europe, across the #Atlantic and finally across the #Canadian Shield. They had a 22-hour trek door to door and I think they were very glad to see home. Did everything possible to "stay awake" and adjust their internal clock back to local time because "work" and the planning for the "next" trip has to begin straight away. They are home!

@Mac had a slow start this morning because his #Broncos support didn't finish till 3.30 am - and it was not the result that fans had planned on. Another game where just a handful of minutes before the final whistle, it looked like the trophy was heading north. Darn. Not to be.

But he did wake up to a glorious day of sunshine. Clear blue skies and a crisp 1 degree to start the day - and it was all sunshine and light.

Hitting the #Valley Trail in sunshine

Leisurely start at home with a few last minute jobs and then under the lure of the sunshine, we declared it was time to revisit #Green Lake. Wanted to get some views with that dusting of snow. It seemed like everyone in #Whistler had the same idea - a long weekend and sunshine, meant that everyone wante to be out and about.

Glorious views across the #Green Lake 

Rewarded ourselves for our #Green Lake walk by dropping in to the #Nineteenth Hole for a light lunch. Could say that was a hole in one for us because it hit the spot perfectly. Chicken sandwich, fries and a tostado soup (going to find a recipe.)

Perfect light lunch on the deck - prime spot for coyote viewing

Need to comment on "potatoes." On our Trans Canadian trip, potatoes were prolific - offered at every meal - and many-a-time - taking up more than half the plate. And from the train windows, there were potato fields for miles and miles. We have been #Whistler-home a week now and haven't made it one of our priority inclusions at meal time. The exceptions have been: a scoop of mashed tatties on the #Peaked Pie (appropriate and appreciated) and yesterday's fries as a side (outstanding and we need to go back there for JUST the fries.)

Who knows the truth. But it is a good story. We think we saw a coyote while on the deck enjoying lunch! The man at the next table said it was - but then ..   Anyway, we were enjoying lunch in our prime position at the outside table with views to the snow capped #Whistler Mountain, when he just trotted down the golf course. Had a bit of a ramble, sniffed around, headed to the pathway, turned around and trotted off into the distance. Beautiful gold coat, a white ball  marked the end of his tail - in absolutely no hurry at all. But the chipmunks were screeching. As he moved along the tree line, they were calling and a scurrying! They weren't happy to see him in the vicinity. @Mindy and @Ian said totally possible and probable - they spot them frequently. 

Dr Google says unusual for white tip on coyote - who knows

Completed the loop home with a stop at #The River of Golden Dreams. Loving the mountain views and the constant change of colours on the trees.

Timed our walk perfectly because we got the heads up that they were close just as we were approaching #Meadow Park. 

Right on time that bus pulled up in #The Loop and they were home. Travel weary of course but determined to go the distance and stay awake until a reasonable #Canadian bedtime. After all the planning and organisation - after the countdown and waiting - after all the excitement of travel  - it is hard to believe it is over.

Loved the whole process - method in the madness

And that turned out to be fun. As soon as the neat packaged bags of their were inside, they were unzipped. It was like they exploded! I can't believe how much stuff they had put in that 18 kg stash. But all so cleverly organised. Two laundry baskets came out, stuff was sorted, whisked into the laundry before you even had time to blink. And for the record, @Ian had #Google dancing on his command for countdowns and timers.

The best part was the gift unwrapping. All little precious bits and pieces that @Mindy had collected over their 5 weeks away. It was like Christmas in "miniatures." Some very excited recipients over the next few days. I am rocking my beautiful blue #Murano glass earrings! And have scored an #Air France little zip up case, a notepad, a monogrammed luggage tag and some soap. Very special.

A little bit of #Europe - earrings look great on

Dinner was roast chicken and veggies (and roasted, herbed potatoes 🥔 , oh dear we are overdosing) at the dining table for four! A definite treat to share a meal as a family again.

Got to watch a footy game (complete with cuts to @Taylor Swift - apparently more important #Kansas City Chief player @Travis Kelce) with @Ian helping us to make sense of the nuances of the game.  So much better with his #101 commentary than trying to unravel the jargon of the TV presenters.

Not a bad day all round and that marks 50 days that we have been away from our real home. Now need to work out the rhythm of the next month - two workers, two oldies pretending to be locals and winter is coming. 

Not quite the sunny, inviting opportunities that the outdoors provided during the first month and  we had the added bonus during that time of @Mindy on hand as our 24/7 tour guide and maestro of entertainment. Might have to join a #Curling team on the advice of @Mrs Cant.

PS: I think @Mindy was joking - but I was asked to "put together" a PowerPoint presentation of the highlights of our Trans-Canadian trip. There was even elaboration "You can pick your best pictures and talk about them."   Nope. On second thoughts, maybe @Mac can do that - I look forward to it.

Getting it all tickety-boo ready for the "real" locals

On the countdown. @M&I are home tomorrow. Got my apron on and did our best to make sure they have the space needed to unpack and get ready for their upcoming week which involves "work."  We are willing helpers, but they run a pretty organised partnership so might actually be superfluous. Will endeavour to help where we can.

Visited #Nester's today because that's my favourite venue for groceries - want to whip something up for the "welcome home" dinner tomorrow night. Lacking in confidence, not sure I can compete with their recent experience at the "Chef's Table" in #Stockholm or their "eat, eat, eat" trek through #Europe

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View from #Nesters - light dusting

Did wake this morning to the most incredible sight. Fascinating actually. At about 7 am as I drew the curtains open on the lower floor, a cloud was literally descending at the end of our Lane. I watched it gather and then slowly roll up the street - our very own personal cloud. And then it wrapped its tendrils around the trees in our driveway. So beautiful. Like a wispy fairy land in the making. Within 10 minutes this whole "cloud" had just passed on by and the most vibrant blue sky was revealed. This weather is truly "beautiful."

I could see the cloud at the end if the street. It rolled up lower and closer

And then it was swirling in our trees 

Within the space if 10 minutes- it was gone . Magical.  Beautiful.

The only downside is that the sun is now just at that precise level, where it is shining thought the glass sliding doors and perfectly highlighting all the "smears" of cleaning I have attempted. Am recleaning!

Sunshine inside - but it was 5 degrees outside - sneaky

The magic of the day continued and the sun filled the dining room. Looked so tempting. But don't be fooled. Just on the other side of the double glazed, smeared glass, it was 5 degrees! Waited until about 2 pm until it had "warmed up" before venturing out.

More views from #Nesters 

We did venture out for the groceries but canned the walk today. Created lots of excuses - but the #Jay's have an important game, I'm knee deep in a good book, @Mac always has to save his citadel and despite the warmth of 4 pm settled in for an at-home coffee instead.

Of course, at about 6 pm we had to take up very important tracking positions to supervise @Mindy and @Ian's return. After all, we are the responsible adults - we were literally flat out!

Flat out - keeping track! 

The TV entertainment of choice tonight was "curling." That's right, CURLING. Another definite brain challenge - the strategies were intense - the commentary filled with jargon. A great time waster but still not quite enough excitement to get me through to the early hours and the game. I toddled off to bed but @Mac was determined to stay the distance. Good luck to him and the #Broncos.

Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I

Their last day in Stockholm and the last day of their holiday and then on the trek home. Two-hour flight to #Paris followed by 10 hours to get from #Paris to #Vancouver. Final leg is that haul up the mountain on the bus.  Would be great if it all happened as seamlessly as that - unfortunately, the early check-in and the waiting for connections makes for a long day. Should see them in about 22 hours at 4 pm tomorrow.

 

Last treats before home

See you next trip! Maybe @Linda can come back to Canada?

On board- heading home - see you tomorrow arvo

Lunch like it's Friday - oh, that snuck up, it IS Friday

Found a perfect Aussie venue for a Friday pie for footy weekend

 Another lunch venue and so many to choose from. It's Friday and the breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner (maybe we should just say "eat out") tradition continues. We do like to find somewhere to celebrate the end of another week. At home, we do laugh, because the only two days of the week that we really know about are Friday (eat out and get a paper) and Saturday because it's "work day" for @Mac. Other than that we really are clueless.

To celebrate our football grand finale at home across two codes featuring two Brisbane teams - there really was no going past some god old Aussie pies.

Always something new to see on #Valley Trail

The sun was out which meant the walk was on! Surprise of all surprises - there on the mountain top, just peeking out from under the clouds, was that dusting of snow that we had been reading about. The transformation is amazing.

That's snow under that cloud

Blue skies - such a different feeling

So bright today- have to juggle glasses

We clicked up 4.5 kms on the #Valley Trail today from #Alpine to #The Village to line up for a pie. Interesting that in the future, we would be able to comfortably and truthfully answer the pressing life question of "How far would you walk for a pie?

 Without doubt, an absolute treat. It was extremely busy and although they had plenty of pies, we were fortunate to be able to score a seat inside (only a dozen seats over 4 tables.) Mind you, I had dressed for the occasion and had shed the PJs so would have been equally comfortable inside or out!

That's mine - he's just showcasing! Can't get over the smile. All it takes to bring it on is the prospect of a meat pie!

Knife and fork - the only way to go

@Mac felt he had lost his touch managing his two pies. His normal modus operandi is to bite and rotate so that nary a drop of the filling escapes. Not quite so dexterous today - I had to turn a blind eye to the surreptitious licks of the fingers that he was engaged in (hmmm, licking fingers while eating, a pet hate of mine, right up there with picking at food in the kitchen while carving or dishing up - for those who hadn't picked up on that. 🤣😄 - or ever been tapped over the knuckles with a serving spoon.) 

I went the whole hog with my selection and had my pie "peaked." A little mountain is created on the top of the pie out of mashed tatties and mashed peas and then drizzled with gravy! Knife and fork etiquette required. It was "finger licking good" without the need to lick fingers!

Kitchen hand duties - no worries - wasn't much to sort into those three bins behind him! Fingers and plates were licked or scraped clean

And, predictably, @Mac was on kitchen hand duty with serving and cleanup! Getting this rhythm down pat. Was handy in this venue, because with only two staff, would have meant we were clearing other patron's tables in order to get a seat, if they hadn't cleared their own. Guess this self-service all works out for the best.

Loved this poster that @Mindy snapped for us in Stockholm. We always send her a pic of us on Fridays dining out somewhere. 

One way was enough - bused it home

Can't claim that we are "in control" of the remotes but have stumbled on a couple of successes this arvo. Needed to declare it an afternoon and evening of TV watching so that we could catch the AFL Final.  Got in a couple of movies from #Netflix and caught up on our #MBL games and summaries. 

Quite hilarious really. We sort of use baseball as a way of exercising our brains. It's like learning a second language - the jargon is crazy. And the mental callisthenics you do with your brains, trying to decipher the live scoring and commentary feels a bit like an older person's deterrent to dementia. Better than sudoku and Wordle really. Anyway, we do get some laughs out of it and last night we got to review the #Rays and the #Jays - the very first two teams we were introduced to. Mind you, we actually thought they were the one team 5 weeks ago! Improving.

This was our precursor to tuning in to the #AFL final. So many ups and downs and changes in the lead and such heartbreak for #Brisbane fans in the last 10 minutes.

Great final- would have preferred 🦁s rather than pies in this case

Going to be a little more challenging tomorrow to catch the game - 7.30 NSW time will be 1.30 am here. We'll see.

Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I

They are making the last of the time in Stockholm and enjoying discovering. new and familiar sights with @Linda. And, isn't it always the case when you host guests, the local gets to act like a tourist and you get to discover new things in your own city.

love it when #IKEA makes your highlights reel

There wasn't a bear in there

Here's to # Cranks Expresso Bar

 I was convinced that it was a possibility though, so reached out to @Mindy to check the security footage to see if we had hosted any visitors during the night. But the only visitor in evidence, was me, tracking the footprints along the porch.

Funny things have been happening and of course, I am always "imagining" I am hearing noises. We have had a couple of mystery days where the cap off the drainage system right outside our front door is randomly removed. We go to bed and it is in place - wake up in the morning and it is "out." Maybe one of the kids is playing tricks - who knows.

But this morning, when I went outside (yep, in my PJs) to check if the drain was still in place - noticed wet, splodgy footprints on the porch. Evenly spaced until they reached the BBQ - then a little accumulation of prints as if "something" had done a happy dance in front of the barbie. Immediately clicked photos of the evidence and forwarded, but my 24/7-constantly-on-hand-forensic-backup in #Stockholm reviewed the footage and no culprit was detected. Her analysis revealed that the only dodgy interloper on the porch was ME!

Perplexing at best. Even more worrying was the advice from across the ocean "As long as you don't leave food out or anything it doesn't matter if they look around!" 

Another "mindset shift" needed to be a local!

Collecting my evidence - something funny going on

Spent the day keeping dry and warm and then in a couple of hours of "no rain" - completely changed and put layers on to go for a walk to #Rainbow. Always something to explore here facilitated by the #Valley Trail. This is a 46 km pedestrian and bike friendly network of bitumen paths that link all the "key destinations" in #Whistler including commercial centres, major parks, schools and neighbourhoods. It is a real bonus in this resort like community and offers a great alternative to travel by car. 

Easy walking on #Valley Trail,  but where it's too easy, locals make their own little off-road adrenalin options

Interestingly, we hadn't walked in this direction before so did enjoy looking at the houses and of course the changing autumn leaves on this wander. 

Back pack ready, no taking the sled and first view of 19 Mile Creek

Got to "jump" the stile to access the trail - shortcut

Two jobs in hand - a coffee (of course) and a few groceries - limited by whatever @Mac can carry in the backpack. Pulled up a pew in a trendy little cafe called "Cranked Expresso Bar" (the only one at #Rainbow) and was able to comfortably strip off as many layers as I wanted to because I wasn't wearing my PJs - a real bonus.

Able to strip off here - oh, I don't mind the look of that "waiter."

Have been introduced to the whole "tipping" thing here in #North America. You are presented at point of payment with the offer to tip built into the payment APP and we have noted now that the range of preprogrammed tips range from the bottom mark of 15% (of course, there is the option not to tip.) @Mac has commented on the increasing trend to "pay and tip" before service. The cafe yesterday was an example of this - we paid up front and tipped up front. No idea what the food or service was going to be like of course as it was our first time there. We were two of three customers in the little cafe. Coffees were made and called. You walked over and picked up your order. Food was made and called, You walked over and picked up your order. When you were finished - you sorted your rubbish into the three bins - and took your cups/plates/utensil and sorted them in the wash bins. @Mac muttered that he deserved a "tip" for service.  OK, sounds mean, but think we are now going to go to a "cash" tip after the fact - @Mac always tips - but the cash method can let you acknowledge great service and an appreciation of the "experience." We'll see.

On reflection though - grateful they were open. On our walk to #Nesters, their coffee shop was closed because of staff shortages. No doubt, poor wages and housing costs make it difficult to get staff. Maybe that contributes to an understanding of the whole tipping thing.

Back to the #Valley Trail for the walk home and very appreciative of this track that parallels the #Sea to Sky Highway. Do think that all the bike riders have a safe haven here rather than playing dodge-ems with the highway traffic. 

It must be tempting to just "go", because you can

But I do think that the trail was probably envisaged before the advent of electric bikes. Seems that every second bike on the #Trail is now "electric." And they have some speed behind them. Almost need to review the speed limit on this shared space.

Just letting @Vicki know that the gloves have travelled from #Toowoomba to #Whistler - and were appreciated yesterday.

Looking for a tree fav each day - can you see that bit of blue sky over @Mac - was literally a 10 minute window - we celebrated!

Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I

Their friend @Linda organised a treat for the visitors. Booked them into an amazing boutique hotel in #Stockholm called #ETT HEM. Focus, of course, was on relaxation and well-being. Apparently gorgeous and they have settled right in. Did mention, that on the way to check-in, they did pass an #IKEA - resisted stopping for a shop - besides, they couldn't fit those flat packs in their luggage.

Getting acquainted with the bar

Three hours of eating at the Chef's Table followed by relax time by the fire

Nothing wrong with a pyjama day

"KIng of the Hill." This is FAKE news - but it is outside -shavings from the ice rink! And adding, @Mac's birthday suit PJs don't count as a layer - he added a Tshirt!

 Especially here in #Whistler - pyjamas are really just "another layer." It is even possible to simply throw on a jacket and head outside - with your PJs conveniently tucked away underneath. No-one would know. 

When we were out having lunch yesterday, people were set up in the outside tables (they were undercover from the rain) chowing down and were completely covered head to toe in dark gear - complete with hoodies snugged over their head. They were bearded (well, I can't match that) so the only thing that was showing was their mouth, nose and eyes. Bet they were in their PJs and hadn't bothered to even brush their hair. Who would know.

Thought I'd give it a go! Just added a top layer (didn't adjust any underwear layer - very bold ) but I did brush my hair. And results were mixed.

I bet you can't even tell

Not sure I would do it again. The interesting thing is that once you get outside and start moving - actually walking - you do warm up. The challenge then becomes how to cool down. You can't just peel off a layer or even unzip your jacket.

And this was even more of a problem when you stop into the local cafe for a quick coffee. The inside of any venue is "very warm" sometimes "suffocating" - so you are relegated to the outside seating if you can't take off a layer or two. It is safe to say, I would contest, that anyone sitting outside, is still in their PJs because they can't disrobe. That explains yesterday's crew in their hoodies and the group behind us today and ME.

Also had a little drama on our walk through the grounds of #Meadow Park. After snapping our usual "River of Golden Dreams" shot we were watching a dog owner toss a ball into the stream for his pet to retrieve. We were genuinely feeling sorry for the dog in these cold conditions. That sympathy didn't last long because once out of the water, the dog was very determined and aggressive as he growled and stormed towards me. Have to admit I was frozen to the spot and could only think in that moment of danger "This PJ thing will be handy when they take me to the hospital!" 

But the owner did call the dog off and then apologised with "He doesn't like big black things." Really! "Black" I get with my black puffer and black pants, but BIG! No way, it must be the layers.

 @Mac retorted to the owner "The dog obviously didn't see the red hat." Which elicited another "Sorry." Grateful that the dog hadn't got any closer.

Grateful also that the walk was completed without rain falling. So much water running in the side streams and brooks, puddles collected everywhere, ground soft and wet underfoot. And definite, observable changes to the vegetation after our month-long absence. There are flowers still in evidence but they are less prolific and perhaps a little bedraggled and even flattened. The poor old hydrangeas have changed colour and their flower heads are heavy and bowed. There are all sorts of interesting fungus patches popping up in the garden beds and best of all - the reds, yellow and browns of the leaves are popping through. I am not sure how long you would have to be a local before you stopped snapping pictures of these amazing trees. Even the carpets of fallen leaves on the ground are beautiful.

Think I might have to change glasses tomorrow. I am married to my sunnies in all conditions. But might need to change to the clear ones. It is so "dull" without the sun and any light that is available is always filtered by those low-lying clouds. When we walk through a forest covered pathway now - it is almost "dark."

Lots of fungus happening - not @Mac - the ground cover - mushrooms popping up in clumps

The colours are starting to be amazing.  Isn't nature marvellous!

The standard "River of Golden Dreams" shot with no view of the mountain - totally shrouded in cloud. @Mac's favourite tree type - the silver tips give a definite "Christmas" feel

At some stage last night I woke up thinking that I hadn't plied that crochet hook since day 5 of the train trip - and I really wanted to. Set that as my goal for the day. Tried to master the dual remotes, found "Jack Ryan" on #Prime and settled in and made progress. @Mac was otherwise engaged in prepping for his big "event" that started in the evening at 6 pm. 

Making progress - second round of "roses" completed

"The PIQUE", the local paper reported weather conditions overnight that included "flurries" on the mountain. Had a chat in the laundry room with an expat Londoner who has been living here for 8 years. He was SOOOOOO excited and said this is what he LOVES about #Whistler - in winter, you can get out and do things, like snowboard - not like #London where it just rains all of the time. This is what the locals love about the place. That promise of days on the mountain. As previously mentioned - we need a "mindset shift" - it isn't cold and wet - it's the forerunner to fun. 

Winter is coming. And if you really want to be a "local" - it means it's a time for celebration. "Flurry away" we say - but we might need to settle for the potential for "binge watching" TV rather than snowboarding!

This is the REAL THING! View from Whistler Mountain 7 am this morning, Wednesday as captured by "The PIQUE"

Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I

They have hit the water in Stockholm and are trying to "blend in." 

And u am just wondering "Where did they get that warm gear from?" They have been swanning around the #Med in shorts and short sleeves.  And that bag was so tiny!