Cindy's World Travels

March 14th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Wednesday 10 March 2010

It’s 10.20am in the morning.  We were walking down the street to catch a bus and we were both blowing dragon breath.  Now – if we were at home and blowing dragon breath at that time of day, we’d know – with no question of a doubt – that hell had frozen over.  All of a sudden Vancouver decided to have a cold snap – just in time to close up all the spring flower buds that were starting to open – yep – snow was on the horizon!!

We, being the keen tourists that we are, had decided that enough of sitting around in front of a fire (yep – I’ve just decided that I am insane…. after all, why would you leave a mesmerizing open flame?????) and it was time to go and investigate some of the other tourist attractions that we hadn’t seen on our previous trips to Vancouver.  So what was our choice of venue which plied us away from the warmth and ambience of the open fire did I hear you ask?????   It was the Vancouver Police Department Museum.

Now… I know what you’re thinking….. whyever on earth would you go there????  But those of you know us well know that we are both incredibly curious creatures and of course, what better way to find out about a City than checking out its criminal history and the growth of its Police Force. 

The museum is located on the border of Gas Town, in a building that was built in 1932 and which originally housed the Coroner’s Court, offices, morgue and autopsy facilities on the top floor.  The main and bottom floors of this building were originally used for the City’s Analyst’s Laboratory and forensic facilities and these floors were not open to the public.   The museum is now located on the top floor and there is an area set-up for students and other visitors to the museum to have a go at forensic investigation from studying the clues provided – you know, kind of like a mock crime scene. 

From the information available, I understand that the top floor of the building was no longer used for the Coroner’s facilities from approximately 1980 and it was around that time that the museum first opened.  Interestingly, between 1980 and 1986 it became very popular with the movie industry for the filming of various court scenes.  I understand that it was also around that time, the autopsy facilities were re-located to the Vancouver General Hospital.   Apparently the building continued to house the City’s Analyst’s Laboratory on the lower floors until approximately 1995.  However, I did not learn during our visit where that facility has since been relocated to and given the floors originally dedicated to the laboratory were not open to the public, unfortunately I do not know what those floors are presently being used for today.  

I totally recommend a visit to the Museum.  We found it interesting and informative and we learned about the early years of growth for the Vancouver Police Force and development of the facilities and equipment used by the Police Force.  Interestingly, the Museum’s depiction of their early years of growth included a number of civilian appointments, and the re-appointment of some retired officers during the war years and at other times for specific purposes and / or set community tasks.  We also learned about the participation of the Vancouver Police Force in various community and sporting events, including team and individual Olympic events.

And, as with the growth of any Police Force, we learned of the struggle for recognition by its female support including their struggle with the appointment and responsibility of various duties before eventually becoming recognized and duly appointed as “Officers”.

We also learned that Vancouver is considered to be one of the safest cities in the world.  For example, last year, Vancouver had 18 murders – 17 of which were drug related and 1 which was related to a domestic violence matter.  Don’t get me wrong, 18 murders is still 18 murders too many but let’s face it – how many other cities can boast such a low rate?  To give you a comparison, it is reported that in 2008 / 2009 Brisbane had a total of 30974 reported incidents of crime of which 1% were homicide matters!!!!   Mind you, it is also reported that 64% of those incidents of crime relate to assault matters!!!  Yikes!  Consequently, you can see why Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in the world and I know what streets I’d rather walk around in!!!!!  Although, to be fair, the population of Brisbane continues to grow at an exponential rate and there has been a 3% decrease in crime from 2007 / 2008, so really, that could be considered a great improvement:))))))

Interestingly, Vancouver is also considered one of world’s most livable cities.  It has a very low smog rate and this is clearly evident by simply walking around in the City and surrounding suburbs.  One of the things which contributes to this is the City has introduced a very good policy on environment protection which includes extensive idle free zones for motor vehicles and an absolutely fantastic user friendly and cost effective public transport system.  There are many cities in the world that could take a leaf out of Vancouver’s book for a number of things. 

Another simple comparison, fruit & veg is sooooo inexpensive and there is an abundance of it.  It is not difficult to eat well in this city and of course I just love shopping for a multitude of different food items at Granville Island.  Now THAT is the place to shop:))))  If ever you find yourself in Vancouver, make sure you take yourself and your appetite for a stroll through the markets of Granville Island:))))  I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed:))))

Ah well, folks.  Thanks for joining us on our wordly travels this time around.  We are now getting ready to be on our way back home again so we’ll let you know when next we are off and ayonder!

Take care,

Cindy.

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March 11th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

 

 

Apple Blossoms

Tuesday 9 March 2010  

  

 Well folks  – spring has sprung!!!!!!!  Check out the Apple Blossoms!  They are all over the City of Vancouver and, in all it’s glory – is beautiful!!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark and I are gobsmacked at the lack of affably for marketing opportunities in our profession here:)))…..   

 

 

We were on a bit of a stroll and I guess they were trying to tell us something.  There may have been another way to do this but this one was reasonably effective don’t you think……  

 

 

And then we found this, which I thought would be a good place for my Puddytats (Ja’mie and Miss Molly) to hang out…..  but alas the only “cats” I saw (which is probably just as well!!) were those on the door…..  

 

 

And we all know how Mark was the emergency call up for the Australian Winter Olympic Team for the Vancouver Winter 2010 Olympics….. well, as it turns out, the Vancouverites were supporting Mark’s team nomination as well……  

    ‘nuf said?? 

In our shopping expedition we found that a Tiger Woods game – one the whole family can play, had been reduced in price from $21.99 down to $10.00… why is that do you think?????  

 

And then, when my shopping weary feet were ready falter, I found the PERFECT cup of tea in the whole of British Columbia at…….  

 

 

And after all our shopping, we’ve found where to buy ……    

 

 But I still haven’t worked out where to buy the left one – clues are welcome…..  

 

And then – wouldn’t you know it – after continuing with our wordly travels – although we still didn’t manage to locate the left one, we did however find the Canadian straight-haired version of Jonathan Thurston…..  

Jonathan Thurston – Canada style…

 

 During the course of our travels, we found a Gospel Hall.  Good thing you might say ‘cept that it appears to be located at Satan’s address…..  

Satan’s address?

 

After all our wanderings we decided we were ……  

   And needed a cold one…..

 

And so now that we have decided to take a moment to catch up on the latest “curling” and “hockey” games at the Frog & Furkin’, West Broadway, Vancouver we’ll sign off for now and catchya later!!!!!!  ))))))))  

Cindy

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March 7th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Thursday 4 March 2010

We’ve been having a great time on snow and skiing up a storm with expert instruction from our wonderful hosts (Neil & Veronica) and a Level 2 Ski-Instructor at Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia and we understand he will soon be doing his exams for appointment as a Level 3 Ski-Instructor – we wish him the absolute best with his exam results.  After having received the benefit of Gavin’s very patient expert tuition for a Double Black Diamond Mogul Run – this should be a shoo-in for him!!!!  ))))

In our last few days of skiing, we have been doing all sorts of fun stuff which includes black diamond runs, mogul runs, tree runs and on our last day of skiing a particularly “challenging”  double black diamond run called “Chute” and we’d finish up at the end of each day with a nice gentle stroll down a blue (intermediate) run or green (beginner) run to Neil & Veronica’s back door.  Yes, that’s right – Neil & Veronica’s place is ski in / ski out – quite literally. 

We’ve had an absolute blast of a good time and unfortunately, for 2010, our time at Sun Peaks Resort, has come to an end.  We take this opportunity to thank our very good friends (Neil & Veronica) for welcoming us into their fabulous home at the snow.  We also take this opportunity to thank all our Australian friends who live at Sun Peaks for the ski season (Gavin & Lynne, Terry & Kerry) and those who we’ve shared our time with this year at Sun Peaks whilst we have been here (Toppy & Holly and The Richos – Mike, Judy, Peter, Mark & Damian) – it has been nothing short of fantastic:)))  Maybe we’ll see you here some time:))) Here are a few pics of our good times to tantalise you with  ……..

Whilst it is very sad to be leaving our friends and Sun Peaks, on an up note…. We are now off to Vancouver to spend some time with Mark’s Aunt Marisa so stay tuned!!!!

Cindy

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March 2nd, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Sunday 28 February 2010      

Today we (Mark and I), went on a sleigh ride:))  I felt like a big kid in a candy shop – I was so excited about the idea of going on a sleigh ride that I was bouncing around like an excited 4 year old:))) Our sleigh was horse-drawn by 1 Clydesdale and we had a tour host who was happily telling us all about the areas that our sleigh was visiting.  The sleigh itself looked just like something Santa Claus would use ))))   Such fun.      

We were surrounded by snow, our host has provided us with blankets to snuggle under in the sleigh coz the ride was at sunset and it had started to get a little bit chilly.  The whole way through the sleigh ride I was absolutely beaming – it was such fun listening to the sleigh move across the snow and feeling the slippy / slidey sensation that kids must experience when their parents drag them around on a tobaggan:)))      

As we were approaching the end of one section of our sleigh ride, Mark commented that it was fun to see that I was so thrilled to bits with the sleigh ride and……..  

HE THEN PROPOSED TO ME!!!! 

OMG – How romantic was that!!!!!!!!!!     Yes.  That’s right folks – Mark has managed to shock the absolute bejesus out of me and we are now engaged:)))))      

So umm…. Excuse me if I’m a little short on words to say just right now – I’m still gobsmacked – thrilled to bits & very excited but nonetheless somewhat gobsmacked:))))))      

Cindy.      

Mark just proposed

We’re engaged

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February 28th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Thursday 25 February 2010

Sun Peaks – 3 Mountains 1 Village.  M-A-N what a place:))))

We have spent the last few days skiing up a storm.  Our hosts, Neil & Veronica, have been leading us all over these mountains when they are not working and it’s been GREAT!!  One of my favourite runs (for a great view) is Back in Time which is on Mt Morrissey.  It’s by no means a difficult run – the run leads from Mt Morrissey back to the Burfield Chair.  This particular chair takes you up to the top of Todd Mountain.  Why is this my favourite “view” run? The scenery is nothing short of spectacular.  There is so much untouched snow on the trees and hillside of this run which glistens and beckons in the sunlight.  Looks like thousands of little diamonds glinting and winking at you in the sunshine.  Absolutely mesmerising.  Most of the way down this run I was so spellbound that I had my head turned sideways to the left checking out the view of the scenery – meanwhile everyone else had galloped miles ahead of me.  Ahhhh….. they don’t understand that sometimes you just gotta slow down and take the time to experience the joys of life – you know, to smell the roses (so to speak)….

At this time – I STILL didn’t have a camera at my disposal (keeping in mind our camera had died a few days previously)…. Nonetheless, I have since purchased a new camera so the next time I do this run I’ll do the click-happy-thing to share the awesomeness of this beautiful experience.

Since then we have had the benefit of brilliant and patient instruction from Neil for Off-Piste Skiing.  Neil and Veronica are both Level 2 Ski Instructors here at Sun Peaks Resort and we are fortunate enough to be their guests for our two weeks at Sun Peaks.  For those of our loyal readers who are not skiers, Off-Piste Skiing means off the beaten track, or skiing off the dedicated runs.  These lessons have taken us down moguls (bumpy runs that look like a series of volkswagons), through trees and into deep, very soft powdery snow where if you stand still for too long you sink in it. Absolutely fantastic.  I can’t imagine how to describe this experience – however, I’ll give it my best shot.

For our first venture, we started on the moguls at Rice Bowl, took The Back Door into Spillway then through to Lower Last Chance.  These are all Black Diamond Runs.  Our second venture which was all off-piste was through Cahilty Trees down, around and over a bear’s den and then into The Other Way and we finished up our third section on the OSV Moguls.

Why was Neil so patient did I hear you ask?  Well… at the top of Rice Bowl, I stiffened up – fear kicked in, so naturally I leaned back up the mountain instead of leaning down the mountain.  This is a disastrous move as you lose control and of course – you fall.  However, Neil – being the saviour of the moment – noticed I had stiffened up before I even dropped over the ledge to get started on my downward journey.  He talked me down the first 2 turns and got me to stop where he was waiting for me.  He talked me through some relaxation techniques to build my confidence – getting me to breathe deeply for relaxation and gave me a brilliant tip to focus on so that I didn’t re-focus on my fear.  He told me to focus on my fists pointing down the mountain with my topside fist being in front of my lower side fist.  This was brilliant advice for me – I am normally really good at leaning down the mountain but Neil explained that my fear was making me unconsciously turn my body to face back up the mountain, kind of like in an effort to grab hold of it because it was closer to me than the downward bit.  By giving me that focus – that of my fists pointing down the mountain rather than focusing on my “body turn” meant that my arms “pulled” my body to face down the mountain because if you have your fists out in front you and pointing down it’s pretty difficult to face your body up the mountain – in fact, you’d have to be all sorts of a contortionist to do so:))) 

Then…. all I had to focus on was my pole planting.  Neil was instructing me on the finer arts of pole planting in this lumpy stuff so that I could turn on top of a mogul instead of failing to turn in the ditch of a mogul (which were the results of my previous poor attempts at moguls).   Mind you, he was actually instructing 4 of us (Ian (Toppy to everyone on the planet except his Mother), Holly, Mark and I) but each time he explained something he took the time to explain it to each of us in such a way that each of us gleaned something for ourselves as individuals.  Funnily enough though when it came to pole planting on the moguls, 3 of us needed the same instruction tips as we each shared a similar problem and that was not planting our poles soon enough or definite enough.  Meanwhile, Toppy was doing really well at the moguls – he was like Neil’s example to us and steamed on ahead for us all to focus on his path and ski style… Kind of like a kids’ game of chase – we were focussed on catching up to him:))) 

To finish up today, we did another turn up the OSV Chairlift and traversed across to do our final run for the day down Sting which is a groomed black diamond run.  All of us absolutely blitzed it down Sting.  It was a great way to finish what has been an exhausting but exhilarating day.  

Are we all buzzing? Absolutely!  Did we deserve our relax in the hot-tub today?  You betcha!  What was the hot-tub like?  :))  Well…. I might just have to save that tease for some other time )

Cindy.

PS…. In the last 24 hours it has been dumping snow constantly….  now it’s all powder all over the mountains…. almost like off-piste skiing on the groomed runs too!!!!  Today – I have been skiing knee deep in snow on some runs – the silence of skiing in this type of powder is definitely mesmerizing to say the least )))  

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February 28th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Wednesday 24 February 2010

You may recall I said that Canada has NEVER lost against Germany in the Olympics…. WELL…. Canada absolutely flogged Germany.  So that means they were now playing a quarter-final against Russia.  It was destined to be a very exciting game – the place to view it – Bottom’s Bar & Grill, Sun Peaks Resort.  Who were we with to watch this awesome event – a whole bunch of our Brisbane mates who were here to celebrate Mike’s Birthday:))  Yep.  That’s right – we had a birthday boy in our midst.  Such fun:))

Bets were laid – amongst our group – and Mark (I still can’t believe he did this!!) bet against Canada – he reckoned Russia was going to win (the traitor).  Can you believe it??  He was betting against our hosting country.  I was absolutely gobsmacked.

Anyways…. Back to the game….  The atmosphere at Bottom’s was electic – the bar, as expected, was packed to the rafters. 

The Canadian players filed out onto the field.  We had a bellringer in the bar and the bell was rung.  Holy Cow! There was no way you’d miss hearing this bell inside a 2km radius!!  Interestingly the team jersey was opposite to what it has been.  It is usually red with a red maple leaf and a white outline, 2 white stripes around waist and hips and 2 white stripes around the arms, a double white “v” around the neckline, the player’s number is then emblazoned on their back, in white with their name above their number.  This time, the jerseys were the exact opposite – primarily white with red stripes etc.  The reason soon became very apparent. 

Russia was a primarily red jersey with white features.  Their jersey also had blue stripes in the same places that the Canada jersey had their red stripes.  Could be very confusing if you weren’t paying attention….

They show the head coach (Mike Babcock) of the Canadian team – he looks like the most stressed man in all of Canada.  The game begins – the bell rings, the crowd roars.  CANADA SCORES! The bell rings again, the crowd rocks!!  It’s a highly energetic, aggressive game – the first period comes to an end and the score is 4-1 in favour of Canada (of course).  The bell has been going crazy.

Second period Weber scores and the score is now 6-1, the crowd and the bell go crazy.  Russia scores – the score becomes 6-2 and the crowd applauds the defence – I must admit, the Canadian goalie put his whole body on the line – nobody could have asked for more.  Within seconds of the Russians scoring, CANADA SCORES!!  The crowd goes beserk – tables are thumped, the bell is rung and PERRY of the Canadian team is the man of the moment.  The score is now 7-2 in favour of Canada.  But wait – there’s more – Russia scores again – the 2^nd period ends with the score at 7-3.

The 3^rd and final period starts and Volchenknov deliberately thumps “our” No 21 – Staal with his hockey stick and just about knocks our bloke unconscious.  The crowd goes wild – screaming abuse at the tv’s and the refs and the rest of the Russians.  Fists of rage are waved in the air and the abuse continues….. Justice prevails.  The refs sin-bin Volchenknov (although only for 2 mins – can you believe it!!!)  But at least that gives Canada a 2 min power-play. 

It’s 5 mins 19 seconds to go and Russia tightens up it’s defence as Canada does their best to make the most of the power play.  The power play comes to an end, Russia is again a full team and…. Russia gets a power play of 2 mins!!!  The moment is tense – the crowd awaits the next move with abated breath – 1 min to go in the power play and Russia goes to score BUT WAIT!! – Canada saves:))  The crowd cheers – the crowd sings – the crowd is happy.   The score is still 7-3 in favour of Canada….  There is 2 mins 43 seconds to go…..

At 2 mins 34 seconds the team numbers are dropped to 4 per side… this is a good sign for the Canadian team and the crowd jumps up to sing….

Shar-Nar-Nar-Naaa….. Nar-Nar-Narrrrr-Nar….. Hey-Hey-H-e-y…. G-o-o-d-b-y-e……

There is 45.5 seconds to go and the teams are full strength again…..  The crowd roars, they leap to their feet, they dance, they clap hands, they thump the tables, they sing……

7-3 CANADA WINS!!!!!!!

Ahh….. another great game!!  And what a great way for Mike to celebrate his birthday – how much more fun could you have in a day????

Cindy.

PS – Canada has since flogged Slovakia and they now go for GOLD against USA ))  What a game this promises to be!! ))

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February 24th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Sunday 21 February 2010

We finished skiing for the day at 2.30pm – mind you – we had some GREAT runs today…. BUT – more important things were aloft…. Yes that’s right – Canada was playing USA for a trial game in the Olympic Ice Hockey and a hush had fallen over all of Canada… as the time drew nearer people were speaking in whispered tones….  except at Masa’s Bar – Sun Peaks Village which is where we had stationed the perfect table for viewing this long anticipated event.  Here… this was a joyous event – an event worthy of much raucous and rowdy behaviour )

The bar was packed.  If you didn’t score a table early, it was standing room only.  There were many many Canadian Ice Hockey jerseys present.  There were many Canadian beanies.  The wait staff of Masa’s were wearing their Canadian jerseys.  The chefs were wearing their Canadian jerseys.  They named a drink for the occasion – Canadian Ice.  There were meals on the menu depicting the importance of the occasion.

Our table?  What made it so perfect?  We were stationed between the big screen which was like a cinema projector screen and we had LARGE flat screen tv’s viewable from every other direction from our table.  There was not one seat at our table that didn’t have a great view of a screen.

The whistle blew, the puck was tossed, the game began.  Never a bigger nail-biter have I seen.  The crowd went quiet.  The crowd roared.  The crowd pulsed forward.  The crowd recoiled backwards.  The crowd went wild – Canada had scored – “HE SHOOTS – HE SCORES” is the sign that is waved.  The crowd cheers.  Drinks are served.  The crowd applauds. 

The mood of the crowd is palpable.  USA has scored.  The crowd goes quiet – they play the replay – the crowd jeers.  The crowd accepts that the goal is paid.  A hush falls over the crowd as the game gets underway.  The crowd goes wild – Canada has scored “HE SHOOTS – HE SCORES” is waved around the bar.  The crowd dances. 

Regretfully…. The end of the game is nigh and USA is in the lead.  The crowd holds it’s breath willing Canada over the goal line again.  The game is close.  The crowd holds hands, praying, hoping, willing them over… the blower goes… the game is over USA has won this round….

BUT – onwards and upwards….. CANADA is not out of it yet – Canada is to play again on Wednesday 23 February 2010 against Germany.  They have NEVER lost at the Olympics against Germany.  Now THIS should be a good game:)))))   Ahhhh….. the crowd is happy again…..

Cindy

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February 24th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Snow covered pines & the view

 

Snow covered pines before Bluff

 Saturday 20 February 2010   

Well folks – today we nailed it.  We’ve skied a huge number of runs today which were a mixture of black diamond and blue runs.  And wouldn’t you know it…. Today – very sad day…. our camera died (and I don’t just mean a flat battery either)…… Army bugle call here and all say “Oohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….”.  I pulled out the camera to take some spectacular shots of our group going down a black run – what a view it was – AND ….. then the devastating news became apparent…….  

Nonetheless, the view – let me try and share that with you…. 

At the top of a black diamond run called “Bluff”- we were at a level of 1849m.  The run goes down in 3 sections.  The first would have been about 55 degrees with a small ledge break about 2m wide.  The second was also at a drop of about 55 degrees with a break ledge of about 2m.  Both of these sections would have been about 400m long.  Meanwhile, the third section of the run was at a drop angle of about 70 degrees and was about 1000m long – no break ledges until the “SLOW” sign at the bottom where the run joins the path of a green back to Sun Peaks Village.  The bottom section of the run didn’t get a lot of sun that ay so parts of it were particularly icy.  Now.,.. I don’t know about you but I personally think that can make doing some turns well…. rather interesting:)))))   Don’t ya just love that sort of challenge….:))   

Both sides of the run were lined with snow covered pine trees – the tops of the snow covered pines were glinting and beckoning in the sunlight – a slight sway in the gentle breeze.  If you turned and looked back up the slope the glinting, sparkling, sprinkling snow looked like diamonds in the sky.  Absolutely breath-takingly spell-binding!!   I just  L-O-V-E  this view )))  Fortunately, my good friend Veronica – who’s camera didn’t die that day, was able to take a photo for me to share with you in case my description falls way short:))))  

 We had to pack it in early today because today is the day we go to the Ice Hockey (“Hockey” to the locals) to see Kamloops Blazers –v- Calgary in the town of Kamloops. But before the hockey we were meeting friends at Fric & Frac which is a restaurant that has an a ‘la carte menu ranging from ribs & steak to pasta, pizza and some seafood.  And believe me when I tell you it’s in your best interests to be HUNGRY when you go there.  Crikey!! The meals are GI-NORMOUS…. 

The hockey was great – action packed, edge of your seat stuff – good lead up to whet the appetite for the Olympics – Canada / USA game which was on the next day…. so sad…. Kamloops Blazers lost to Calgary – we were all bitterly disappointed with the end result -couldn’t believe they lost despite the fact that Kamloops Blazers scored a goal in the last 20 seconds of the game…..   

 Nonetheless, despite having the world’s largest meal for dinner I also ordered a SMALL popcorn to go with my bottle of water at the game.  HOLY COW….. they don’t do anything small in this Country.  The popcorn was twice the size of a large popcorn that you get the cinema at home – probably larger.  In fact, the BUCKET of popcorn being the small that I ordered was the size of a family sized bucket of KFC…..  Now then… once I picked my jaw up off the floor after getting this humungous bucket of popcorn for a cost of next to nothing… I thought – no probs – we are with a crowd of 15 tonight – I can share it amongst 15 people and “she’ll be apples mate”.  Not so…. EVERYONE was as full as a Doctor’s wallet after their meals which were fit for 4 people instead of 1 so the “general hoeing into the popcorn behavior” was somewhat short of the mark……. Ah well… twas only popcorn so not to worry )))    

Catchya again soon!  

Cindy  

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February 23rd, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Yes - we are about to ski into the clouds

Friday 19 February 2010  

  

You guessed it.  Toppy – that Kamakaze Skier – wanted to do a black diamond run on our 1^st day of skiing so what did we do??? Yep – we had to keep the child happy so we did a Black Run.  This of course was NOT my 1^st choice for our 1^st day – after all – one has to blow the cobwebs out first….       

 

Which one did we do did I hear you ask?   “Spillway”  And yep, I took one.  A spill that is… and quite frankly… it was a bloody good ‘un too.  One of our 1^st runs after having not been on the snow for a year and I must have slid almost half way down this freakin’ mountain head first on my back and do ya think I could get any grip to stop this slide. Nope.  I just kept on sliding.  The thing I hate the most about that type of slide is…I’ve got too much time to think.  Yep. Good.  I haven’t injured myself – nothing’s broken.  Nope. Not in any pain.  Good.  How the *&^% do I stop this slide?   Mental check – have I got everything – yep I’ve got everything.  Good.  *&^% – I’ve just lost a ski!!!  Crap!  If ever I stop I’ll have to find my ski. SUFFERING SUCOTASH!! I’m STILL sliding!!!!!  *&^%ing Toppy I didn’t wanna do this *&^% run on my 1^st day on the slopes after a year… how is Toppy doing???  Who the *&^% would know (and who cares anyway!!) – I can only focus on the clouds above me at the moment - I can’t focus on anything else as I’m still sliding!!!!!!! Ssssssshhhhhhhhhhkk!!!!!  I FINALLY come to a stop – oh and… thankfully, it wasn’t against a tree either.  Fortunately – I still have time to save some grace as I’m only half way down the mountain.   Good thing too and all… I actually managed to get to the bottom of the rest of this mountain on my skis and upright with a smile on my dial so all’s good.  Humour restored and I’m ready to go for the next run.      

 

Ahhh…. A gentle blue run – even if it was open (ungroomed to those who are not skiers) and yep….. I did this one upright so all’s good – I’m ready to tackle the next one )  

Way up high in the sky!!!!!

Meanwhile Holly is going great guns. She’s trialling skis to buy and has so far checked out 3 pairs of skis. Holly is so far thinking the 2^nd pair she’s tried today are the winners and I must admit,, when I haven’t been sliding head first down a mountain on my back… I also think the 2^nd set she’s tried today have been the smoothest run that I’ve seen that her have as well.  Very dignified.   Mind you, whilst not looking to take anything away from Holly‘s skiing today, quite frankly anything upright looked “very dignified” to me today )     Ah well… onwards and upwards – after all have to get to Bottoms for Apres’ Ski )))))))))))))) Cya there – oh sorry that’s right… you’re not here so maybe not!!    

Cindy   

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February 20th, 2010 | Posted by Cindy

Thursday 18 February 2010

Well folks.  Here we are with our world travels again.  At least a small part of the world anyway;))  Off to the land of maple leaves and snow.  Wonderful, glorious, beautiful SNOW!!  Oh!! And then of course it is also the land of the VANCOUVER WINTER OLYMPICS!!  (Only a minor thing to forget to mention):))  At long, long last the day has finally come and we are on our way!!!  For those of you who know me well….  you’ll know by now that I’ve driven Mark not only to drink but to seek the services of psychiatric counsel.  Well ok…. Maybe it’s not quite that drastic – but you get the general idea:))  I guess you could say on a scale of 1-10 my excitement  level is sitting at around 27!  Fortunately, another couple that we are travelling with us (Toppy & Holly) are also as undignified as I am with their excitement level.  We are confident that Mr Cool Calm & Collected (or he who likes to think he is) will cave in shortly to group pressure. 

For those of you who are following the Olympics, you will know that by now Mark stands a good chance of being called up to join the Australian Team so all our months of hard work at training should pay off handsomely.  Oopsthy!  You weren’t supposed to see my tongue in cheek then:)))

It’s going to be a long-haul to get there as we’re doing the delivery circuit (FED-EX for short).  Brisbane to LA – 6 hours up our sleeve in LA (and we ALL know how enamored I am with LA International Airport), LA to Vancouver – 2 hours up our sleeve at Vancouver (not so bad – Vancouver is a wonderful city and we all know that I could EASILY live there), Vancouver to Kamloops (the home of our favourite Ice Hockey team – Kamloops Blazers) and then a pleasant little bus ride after having already travelled for about 27 hours:)))  Ah well… end result – well worth it:))  Why is that do you ask….  Destination – SUN PEAKS – BRITISH COLUMBIA – Home of our good friends – Neil and Veronica – YAHOO!!!!!!!! 

I decided it was time to try for a nap.  Mark, the absolute sweetheart, let me spread out and he took off to the next set of seats – he went to a 2 seater and appears to have slept soundly.  Meanwhile he let me stretch out in 4 – I managed to listen to a lot of engine noise.  What a man!  Imagine letting me stretch out in 4….. What a sweetheart!  I did eventually nod off for a short while but at least I wasn’t cramped while I was listening to engine noise.  God he’s a great man.  Don’t worry – I did walk past where he was sleeping a few times because if he looked like he was stirring at all I was going to suggest he take the 4 seater but nope…. By all accounts and purposes…. he was sleeping soundly.  Ah breakfast on da’plane – a hot one too!!!! 

…..Ground speed 1066km     Outside Air Temperature -64C     Altitude 11887m     Time Since Departure 10hr 59min      Distance to Destination  1028km      Time from Origin  11.19pm     Time to Destination 1hr 20 min (ooh… running early!!)       Time at Destination 5.20am      Destination LA.  Can’t you just tell that I love these flight path indicators:))

Well folks… this time around, LA International was actually PLEASANT.  I kid you not.   We got smiley faces and jokes AND they even understood our Aussie humour in return:))  I didn’t get body searched this time and only my ski luggage had to be unlocked and frisked (more about luggage experiences later!).  AND the “lady” that got assigned the task did so with good humour and a happy demeanour.  I’m thinking that LA International has had a complete change of staff with ones that have been trained in PR!!!!!!!!! 

We, being the four of us, popped into Gladstones and had a couple of drinks while waiting for our Vancouver connection – that certainly took some time and yes…… I’m now ready to settle for a nap on the Vancouver leg so will catch you again later ….. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……..

We are now travelling up to SunPeaks and I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed thinking that today, for us, it’s GroundHog Day.  Yep.  It’s still Thursday 18 February 2010 and at that moment – we’ve currently been travelling for 28 hours.  We have another hour to go before we arrive at Neil & Veronica’s place at SunPeaks and by then we’ve been travelling for 29 hours and it will be 8.45pm but still Thursday 18 Februrary 2010 being the same day we left home although we left home at 9.30am on that very day. Like I said – GroundHog Day:))

We arrive at Neil & Veronica’s place to a very warm welcome – literally.  Not only were there big hugs all round with drinks and toated sandwiches but the fire was blazing and yes…. Snow was abound:)))  F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C….. WE HAD ARRIVED!!!!!!!

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