Sunday August 6 – Whistler

A very smoky haze again – no wind to blow it away. 

the hotel

After breakfast our Free Choice activity was a 4x4 trip up Blackcomb Mountain in a red jeep. There were two jeeps in the party for eight people. This took us up dirt roads and tracks to the top, crossing ski runs and going under ski chair lifts. Unfortunately the beautiful view was not to be had, as the smoke haze was too thick.

Inukshuk, the logo for the 2010 Winter Olymics

Stuart about to throw an ice ball

wildflowers abound

not at the moment!

On the way down we went to the little dam where they pipe water to the hydro plant further down for electricity. The water was greeny/milky caused by fine rock dust ground off by the glacier way above. Our driver gave us a little 4x4 experience, having the vehicle standing almost on its nose. We passed an Olympic venue, the luge/skeleton run.

Lunch was an Aussie meat pie in the market area in the village. So nice!

Later in the afternoon the smoke haze reduced considerably, and visibility much greater (even though still a bit hazy). We walked back into the village to look around. There are three sections to the village, and we walked around it all. Saw the Olympic Plaza, which still has the rings proudly displayed. 

earlier in day

later in day

this little girl was about Harriet's age, and having a ball

Names of all medal winners, including a couple of Aussies

violinist and dancer in the plaza

We also walked to the Cultural Centre of the Squamish and Lil’wat people, and found it very interesting.

For dinner we ended up with some pizza slices which we ate beside the river.

We saw a little chipmunk which was darting under and over the large rocks. It found a discarded ice cream cone and picked it up to eat. It darted away when Lesley approached too closely.