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
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