More Whistler

Looking down on the town of Whistler from the top of the Gondola. The rock formation to the left of the photo is an Inuit symbol called an Inukshuk, a designation for a landmark or navigational aid. It was also the symbol for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

On one of our last days here it came up sunny and clear so we headed up to the top of the mountain on the Whistler Gondola...one of the ski lifts for folks heading into the hills. The ticket actually included a ride on the "Peak 2 Peak" gondola that connects Whistler peak with its sister slopes over on Blackcomb. The Peak 2 Peak apparently has the longest stretch of cable in the world...goes for 2.2 miles from one support tower to the other. In between it's just you, the car, and a string of wire about the thickness of the arresting gear cable on an aircraft carrier - looks pretty unsubstantial when you're suspended about 1500 ft above the valley floor at any rate. Rita is deathly afraid of heights and this trip (a round trip actually) was pretty daunting for her, but she sucked it up, overcame her natural fear, and toughed it out.



Did some easy alpine hikes on the Whistler side before we crossed over to Blackcomb. As you can see, Rita's knees had stopped shaking by the time we broke for lunch at this pretty little pond.






The real fun began on the Peak 2 Peak. That cable goes a looong way over empty air before coming to the support tower on the other side.




Rita gamely trying to keep from peeing her pants during the crossing.




The reward once we crossed over was even prettier alpine scenery on the Blackcomb side. Did one especially dramatic hike that reminded us very much of the alpine valley around Mt. Rainier.



Coming around the bend on the home stretch.




And heading up to our picnic spot at the base of the glacier.




As we came around one corner in the back country I looked down and saw this Black Bear just below us out foraging for berries. There were other hikers in the area, but he seemed pretty unconcerned by the presence of humans...just went about his business getting ready for the long winter sleep ahead.




And a last look at Whistler in the valley below as we re-crossed on the Peak 2 Peak. It really was a terrific day. We walked our legs off on both of the twin peaks, saw some great scenery, recharged with coffee in one of the restaurants at the gondola terminal, and returned to the car late that afternoon comprehensively but happily bushed.

I can see why people like this area so much. Although it caters to a young, active crowd what with all of the skiing, mountain biking, hang gliding, and every other sport known to man, there's plenty to attract anyone who loves the outdoors. Met several young people (well, younger than us anyway) from England & Australia who had come here years ago on holiday from school and just never left. They were working as wait help, tour desk reps, and other visitor-oriented support staff - skiing all winter and biking and hiking all summer in one of the prettiest areas on the planet. Oh to be young again.

Vancouver, BC is next for a few days before we head for home on Sunday. We're actually cutting it short by a couple of days since the weather is supposed to turn sour again.