Well, I'm sure there was an easier way, but I just simply did not come upon it, and before I trash my computer out of frustration in trying to upload photos here, I've gone to Plan B.
If you're already a Facebook Friend of mine, go there now, and you'll be able to see all 157 (that's actually less than half!) with captions.
If you're not a Facebook Friend, just copy and paste this address into your browser window: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=535222266&ref=search&sid=535222266.4096485826..1 and you'll be taken there, but then I think you'll have to join - do not be afraid - just an email address and a password, that's all you'll need. I promise the pics are worth it!
Thanks for your patience!
Linda
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday - On the Road
Today I said goodbye to my home for the last month - the chalet or cabin as they call it, of Leo and Loraine Astorino in Black Tusk Village. I have been so comfortable with them, and in their mountain home - so much more at home than I ever could have imagined. I was truly blessed to have found them as my hosts.
We departed Whistler mid-morning, and drove the Sea-to-Sky Highway back to Vancouver. The whole time, I watched the passing mountain scenery outside the car, and wondered when I would see it next.
They took the roads rather than the freeway through Vancouver, so I got to see Robson St., where all the Olympics festivities had taken place, Stanley Park, the various suburb/cities that make up Metro Vancouver, and even the infamous East Side. We dropped Leo off at their business (Astorino Catering and Hall), and Loraine and I ran a few errands. I have enjoyed Loraine's cooking so much, that I thought it appropriate they receive a food-related thank you gift from me - she had often expressed her wish for a microwave at the cabin, but said that she just doesn't ever seem to get around to getting one (and they've had the cabin for 25years!), so that's what I got her today, and I really hope they get lots of use out of it up there.
We pretty well killed the day, arrived at their home in Coquitlam late afternoon, got myself organized, had a great long chat with Siobhan over the phone, another amazing dinner from Loraine, and now I'm winding up my blog.
The next entry will be for picture purposes, and on Ontario soil, as I am scheduled to fly out tomorrow night, and get into Toronto Thursday morning, but it's really killing me to be all done here, and not back among my loved ones, so I'm heading to the airport first thing in the morning, and going to try and go stand-by on an earlier flight - here's hoping! (Cause the other night, that damn Tim Horton's commercial of the family flying into Canada for the first time, and they kiss, and cry and - man, I was a mess! You know the one?? Good times or not - I've got to get home now.)
We departed Whistler mid-morning, and drove the Sea-to-Sky Highway back to Vancouver. The whole time, I watched the passing mountain scenery outside the car, and wondered when I would see it next.
They took the roads rather than the freeway through Vancouver, so I got to see Robson St., where all the Olympics festivities had taken place, Stanley Park, the various suburb/cities that make up Metro Vancouver, and even the infamous East Side. We dropped Leo off at their business (Astorino Catering and Hall), and Loraine and I ran a few errands. I have enjoyed Loraine's cooking so much, that I thought it appropriate they receive a food-related thank you gift from me - she had often expressed her wish for a microwave at the cabin, but said that she just doesn't ever seem to get around to getting one (and they've had the cabin for 25years!), so that's what I got her today, and I really hope they get lots of use out of it up there.
We pretty well killed the day, arrived at their home in Coquitlam late afternoon, got myself organized, had a great long chat with Siobhan over the phone, another amazing dinner from Loraine, and now I'm winding up my blog.
The next entry will be for picture purposes, and on Ontario soil, as I am scheduled to fly out tomorrow night, and get into Toronto Thursday morning, but it's really killing me to be all done here, and not back among my loved ones, so I'm heading to the airport first thing in the morning, and going to try and go stand-by on an earlier flight - here's hoping! (Cause the other night, that damn Tim Horton's commercial of the family flying into Canada for the first time, and they kiss, and cry and - man, I was a mess! You know the one?? Good times or not - I've got to get home now.)
Monday - Day 22 - Spa Day
So, what's a girl to do once her unlimited olympic ski pass expires with the onset of the Closing Ceremonies? (how about those floating beavers, eh?!) Take a Spa Day, of course.
The Fairmont Chateau Whislter offers use of their facilities to non-guests for a fee (and of course I asked for the special "Blue Jacket Rate", and got a discount :), so I packed up my "house" (that's my backpack I've been carrying everywhere, every day, with everything I could possibly need from early morning till late at night, and got a ride in from a nice Newfie lady (I know - a little far from home, that one) - the dumb Black Tusk bus that hardly ever came, and when it did, was way off schedule, is no more, now that the Games are over.
I made my way through the Village, where all kinds of workers were packing up various things - disassembling stages, booths, and add-ons to restaurants that had been used as social and dining 'houses' for various countries, such as the Swiss House where we had dinner last week.
The Chateau is located at the base of Blackcomb, and is just gorgeous; the locker room shouldn't even be called that, it's so lovely - solid oak lockers, inside and out, granite counters, fresh flowers, all the toiletries and tools a girl might need, terry bathrobes, towels, etc etc. I had a great workout on the eliptical, rowing machine, and floor, for a good hour and a half in their gym - top of the line equipment, three big screen T.V.s, mountian view, and of course, smiling staff standing at the ready to serve at a mere glance in their direction.
When my workout was complete, I was into the sauna. Once all heated up, I slipped into the refreshing pool, dipped underwater, and swam forward, through a little passageway, and up I came, on the other side - that would be OUTside! The mountain towers over this area - a recreational pool, a lap pool, three large hot tubs, and a bar - with, of course, in-pool service. But, I was there to get fit, and the partying must stop sometime, after all! So, into the lap pool for me, where I swam up and down and up and down - oh, and did I mention the underwater stereo? Once that last lunge at the fitness thing was complete, I immersed myself in one of the bubbling hot tubs, then finished off in the first pool, afloat on my back, arms outstretched (this takes a certain amount of aquatic skill and concentration), gazing up at the mighty mountain.
Its long fingers of snow-white clearings descending from its peak, disappearing into the forested lower elevations...we said our goodbyes. It had been such a source of trepidation before I came, and ended up being my teacher, my confident, my friend.
The Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, Canada...where God has turned the earth inside out.
I ended off all alone in the private steam room of the ladies' locker room. Mmm...now, that's reeeeeelaxin'! Then, got myself all girlied up, and met up with Alanna and Ingrid for a final dinner out at the Rimrock. They kindly drove me all the way home, and thus ended my final evening in Whistler, B.C.
The Fairmont Chateau Whislter offers use of their facilities to non-guests for a fee (and of course I asked for the special "Blue Jacket Rate", and got a discount :), so I packed up my "house" (that's my backpack I've been carrying everywhere, every day, with everything I could possibly need from early morning till late at night, and got a ride in from a nice Newfie lady (I know - a little far from home, that one) - the dumb Black Tusk bus that hardly ever came, and when it did, was way off schedule, is no more, now that the Games are over.
I made my way through the Village, where all kinds of workers were packing up various things - disassembling stages, booths, and add-ons to restaurants that had been used as social and dining 'houses' for various countries, such as the Swiss House where we had dinner last week.
The Chateau is located at the base of Blackcomb, and is just gorgeous; the locker room shouldn't even be called that, it's so lovely - solid oak lockers, inside and out, granite counters, fresh flowers, all the toiletries and tools a girl might need, terry bathrobes, towels, etc etc. I had a great workout on the eliptical, rowing machine, and floor, for a good hour and a half in their gym - top of the line equipment, three big screen T.V.s, mountian view, and of course, smiling staff standing at the ready to serve at a mere glance in their direction.
When my workout was complete, I was into the sauna. Once all heated up, I slipped into the refreshing pool, dipped underwater, and swam forward, through a little passageway, and up I came, on the other side - that would be OUTside! The mountain towers over this area - a recreational pool, a lap pool, three large hot tubs, and a bar - with, of course, in-pool service. But, I was there to get fit, and the partying must stop sometime, after all! So, into the lap pool for me, where I swam up and down and up and down - oh, and did I mention the underwater stereo? Once that last lunge at the fitness thing was complete, I immersed myself in one of the bubbling hot tubs, then finished off in the first pool, afloat on my back, arms outstretched (this takes a certain amount of aquatic skill and concentration), gazing up at the mighty mountain.
Its long fingers of snow-white clearings descending from its peak, disappearing into the forested lower elevations...we said our goodbyes. It had been such a source of trepidation before I came, and ended up being my teacher, my confident, my friend.
The Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, Canada...where God has turned the earth inside out.
I ended off all alone in the private steam room of the ladies' locker room. Mmm...now, that's reeeeeelaxin'! Then, got myself all girlied up, and met up with Alanna and Ingrid for a final dinner out at the Rimrock. They kindly drove me all the way home, and thus ended my final evening in Whistler, B.C.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Pics are coming...
I swear they are - it just is really tough here in the hotel - I'm going to see if I can do them in Vancouver at my host's home. If not, check back in a few days - I'll get them on once I'm home, for sure - or should I say, Gord will - one of the many reasons I miss you so, my Darling!
Sunday - Canada Breaks the Medal Record!
This was the last day for our unlimited lift pass, so just haaaad to be a ski day.
I checked out, instead of checking in, as I had done every other morning, in order to receive my parting gift. You see, every day that you work, you get a sticker, and every three days that you work, your Accreditation card gets punched and you receive an appreciation gift. Girls, you'll see the loot when I get home, so I don't want to spoil the surprise here, but we'll have lots of fun divvying (sp?) it up, for sure!
I uploaded by 10am, and even though I knew many were gone, I had no idea the place would be so desolate - banners and flags are being rolled up, I didn't have to go through any security, not an athlete to be found anywhere, no blue jackets, fences down, hardly any equipment in our ski storage room, the soup tent at Midstation which was a social hive every day for the last 3 weeks was deserted. But, no bother, I'm here to ski today, so up one more chair, past the fog, to the top. And voila! Visibility!
Skied the higher runs for a few hours, and then the weirdest thing happened: for those of you who have been here, you'll know that the Harmony Chair accesses some of the most lovely skiing, and is very popular with the experts on the hill - usually lots of great skiing and boarding to be seen from the chair. But, at about 12:15 I was riding up, and I noticed the dwindling numbers had fallen to zero - I scanned the entire mountain of runs visible from this chair, and there are many - not a skier, not a snowboarder, not a Mountain Host or a Ski Patroller in sight. I suddenly felt totally alone in the world, and completely ill at ease with the thought of skiing anywhere at all. If I had a fall, I could be there forever - bloody hockey game! (Sorry hockey fans). I really felt it wasn't smart to continue while every other human being in this town was apparently glued a TV. I skied back to Midstation, and even had a tough time convincing the lift operators to let me download, as they were going to shut the gondola down while the game was on since there were no races, and the public is still not allowed up that lift. If I didn't go down now, I'd be stuck up there till who knows when. So down I came, had my last VANOC soup lunch - let's hear it for everyone's favourite - the Garlic Tomato - mmmm!
Scooped up my skis, boots and poles, and parked myself here, at the hotel, typing away for the afternoon. I did, in fact, get up and saunter over to the lobby bar to see the last two minutes of the Gold Medal Hockey between Canada and the US - so I wasn't totally ignoring it - well, almost - don't know why - don't like pickles, and don't see the fuss about hockey - just my taste, that's all. In any event, I'm very proud of Canada's most recent win - elevating us to record medal-holder status.
I'll now be off to the bus, with not just my usual backpack on my back, but my boots hanging over it, my skis on my shoulder, and two pairs of poles - a friend very generously gave me a great pair he couldn't use, so Siobhan and Brenna, if either of you wants my old poles, they're now up for grabs!
A couple of you have asked if I'm going to the Closing Ceremonies - the answer is no, one would have to have purchased tickets way in advance, which were very expensive, and don't forget, I'm not in Vancouver, I'm two hours north in Whistler.
My plan is to spend a nice evening at home with my host, Loraine. (Leo is working back home in Vancouver right now.) She's an amazing cook, we'll enjoy some wine, and I'll start to prep for my departure in a couple of days. Leo is coming back to drive us down on Tuesday morning. They have very kindly offered their home to me in the city for one more night. Then, I depart Wednesday night. I am going to see if I can get an earlier flight though - here's hoping...my heart is already on its way, now I just need my body and baggage to catch up...
I checked out, instead of checking in, as I had done every other morning, in order to receive my parting gift. You see, every day that you work, you get a sticker, and every three days that you work, your Accreditation card gets punched and you receive an appreciation gift. Girls, you'll see the loot when I get home, so I don't want to spoil the surprise here, but we'll have lots of fun divvying (sp?) it up, for sure!
I uploaded by 10am, and even though I knew many were gone, I had no idea the place would be so desolate - banners and flags are being rolled up, I didn't have to go through any security, not an athlete to be found anywhere, no blue jackets, fences down, hardly any equipment in our ski storage room, the soup tent at Midstation which was a social hive every day for the last 3 weeks was deserted. But, no bother, I'm here to ski today, so up one more chair, past the fog, to the top. And voila! Visibility!
Skied the higher runs for a few hours, and then the weirdest thing happened: for those of you who have been here, you'll know that the Harmony Chair accesses some of the most lovely skiing, and is very popular with the experts on the hill - usually lots of great skiing and boarding to be seen from the chair. But, at about 12:15 I was riding up, and I noticed the dwindling numbers had fallen to zero - I scanned the entire mountain of runs visible from this chair, and there are many - not a skier, not a snowboarder, not a Mountain Host or a Ski Patroller in sight. I suddenly felt totally alone in the world, and completely ill at ease with the thought of skiing anywhere at all. If I had a fall, I could be there forever - bloody hockey game! (Sorry hockey fans). I really felt it wasn't smart to continue while every other human being in this town was apparently glued a TV. I skied back to Midstation, and even had a tough time convincing the lift operators to let me download, as they were going to shut the gondola down while the game was on since there were no races, and the public is still not allowed up that lift. If I didn't go down now, I'd be stuck up there till who knows when. So down I came, had my last VANOC soup lunch - let's hear it for everyone's favourite - the Garlic Tomato - mmmm!
Scooped up my skis, boots and poles, and parked myself here, at the hotel, typing away for the afternoon. I did, in fact, get up and saunter over to the lobby bar to see the last two minutes of the Gold Medal Hockey between Canada and the US - so I wasn't totally ignoring it - well, almost - don't know why - don't like pickles, and don't see the fuss about hockey - just my taste, that's all. In any event, I'm very proud of Canada's most recent win - elevating us to record medal-holder status.
I'll now be off to the bus, with not just my usual backpack on my back, but my boots hanging over it, my skis on my shoulder, and two pairs of poles - a friend very generously gave me a great pair he couldn't use, so Siobhan and Brenna, if either of you wants my old poles, they're now up for grabs!
A couple of you have asked if I'm going to the Closing Ceremonies - the answer is no, one would have to have purchased tickets way in advance, which were very expensive, and don't forget, I'm not in Vancouver, I'm two hours north in Whistler.
My plan is to spend a nice evening at home with my host, Loraine. (Leo is working back home in Vancouver right now.) She's an amazing cook, we'll enjoy some wine, and I'll start to prep for my departure in a couple of days. Leo is coming back to drive us down on Tuesday morning. They have very kindly offered their home to me in the city for one more night. Then, I depart Wednesday night. I am going to see if I can get an earlier flight though - here's hoping...my heart is already on its way, now I just need my body and baggage to catch up...
Saturday - Last Full Ski Day
I had the best of intentions to actually catch some of the Men's Slalom today, as we can breeze into the Finish Area any time we wish, or I could have even accessed the course if I really wanted to, but...looking up, looking waaay up, beyond the clouds, beyond the fog - what's that? Clear visibility and 20cms of fresh snow! So, skiing took priority, and so it should, right?
Tonight was our Appreciation Reception from VANOC - they spared no expense...from 5:00 - 6:30, take the chairlift up from the village to the Finish Area, stand around in the public viewing area, have a hot dog, bag of chips, 2 wine or beer, try to hear poor acoustics of Thank You speeches, and at 6:30 we were told to vacate. The best part of the party was riding the chairlift down at night, seeing all the pretty lights of the Whistler Creekside Village. Oh, no - the best part was when they told us to pull out our door prize tickets, and I announced to my friends "Watch this - I always win a door prize - I'm very lucky that way." They all started rubbing their tickets on me, but I told them it was no good - I just had the luck o' the Irish, and it was simple as that. A few minutes later - AHA!! I WON!!! Just hilarious - you should have seen their faces - absolutely priceless - you'd think I had just performed one of Houdini's most perplexing tricks - brilliant! I won an Olympic backpack - I was quite pleased.
Back to the Weasel House, where they stayed open late for us being the last night - more chips and beer - a little toooo much for some - I'm pretty sick of the same munchies night after night, so at least they don't tempt me anymore, and I'm not a huge drinker, so thank goodness for the unlimited water bottles.
More goodbyes...it really is coming to an end...
Tonight was our Appreciation Reception from VANOC - they spared no expense...from 5:00 - 6:30, take the chairlift up from the village to the Finish Area, stand around in the public viewing area, have a hot dog, bag of chips, 2 wine or beer, try to hear poor acoustics of Thank You speeches, and at 6:30 we were told to vacate. The best part of the party was riding the chairlift down at night, seeing all the pretty lights of the Whistler Creekside Village. Oh, no - the best part was when they told us to pull out our door prize tickets, and I announced to my friends "Watch this - I always win a door prize - I'm very lucky that way." They all started rubbing their tickets on me, but I told them it was no good - I just had the luck o' the Irish, and it was simple as that. A few minutes later - AHA!! I WON!!! Just hilarious - you should have seen their faces - absolutely priceless - you'd think I had just performed one of Houdini's most perplexing tricks - brilliant! I won an Olympic backpack - I was quite pleased.
Back to the Weasel House, where they stayed open late for us being the last night - more chips and beer - a little toooo much for some - I'm pretty sick of the same munchies night after night, so at least they don't tempt me anymore, and I'm not a huge drinker, so thank goodness for the unlimited water bottles.
More goodbyes...it really is coming to an end...
Friday - A Very WET Race Day
Early rise time once again - constant rain was falling at the base level, but shortly turned to snow as we uploaded around 8. Today was the Ladies' Slalom Race. This is a short run, with the start hut less than a quarter of the way up the mountain. The gates are very close together, and require short, quick turns on the part of the skier. They get two runs - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We got in position by 8am and got off the race course by 3pm - doesn't sound like too long of a day, but standing in ski boots, on a slope, in the rain/snow, no toilets but for the trees, soggy lunch from your backpack - well, it felt like a long one.
The Ladies' run is now shut down, as they are trying to preserve it for the Paralympics which start next week, so the Slalom was held on the Men's run. Now I can say that I've skiied both the Ladies' and the Men's Olympic runs - and believe me, it is in very different condition than if you were to come here, and ski these runs after the Olympics. You see, the whole focus of course maintenance has been on making it harder and faster. That means it has been packed down by workers using both their boots and their skis over the past 3 weeks many, many times. Water has been injected to solidify the surface, i.e. to stop it from softening too much in the mild temps at the lower altitudes, fertilizer is sprinkled over it, and more water is sprayed on, creating a chemical reaction that hardens the surface. One has to be verrry careful if not a truly expert skier - if you don't ski it just right, you might get yelled at by a worker who has been there since 3 in the morning, making it just so. The safe way to make it down the icy, steep pitches is to side slide. That's standing tall, with your skis very close to one another, across the hill, and lean downhill. This would be fine if all was perfectly solid, but when mild, you can easily push up a little mound of snow as you slide, and that's when they yell at you, "No sliding! No sliding!". So, all you can do is point your skis downhill and fly through that section - I had to do that a few times - scary! In between those parts, we descend as we wish, doing our turns, but staying off the track as best we can.
The Slalom race passes quickly, as the racers come one right after the other, only 40 seconds apart, so that was a good thing. But, the snow falling was so wet, that we were all drowned rats by the end. I was still coughing quite a bit, and that only added to my discomfort. Not complaining though - really - I was still very happy to be up close and personal with the best female skiers in the world watching them do their thing.
All the time I've been on duty here, I had not had to disqualify anyone due to any gate-related question, until today. The Bulgarian skier, actually just missed one of my three gates, and kept on going. Now, if she had completed the race, she or her coach may have protested, and I would have had to appear before the Alpine Jury, with my little Gate Card with it's diagram clearly showing her path of travel. However, somewhere below my area, she got into trouble, and didn't end up finishing, so the DQ (disqualification) was never in question. She was then a DNF, (Did Not Finish).
Back at Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood, Ontario, where the run is much shorter, and the skiers aren't quite up to this calibre of ability, it's not unheard of for a skier to miss, straddle, or "cut" a gate with one ski, and suddenly stop, climb back up, to the tune of the Gate Judge shouting out, "Back! Back! Back!...", and once tips of skis are above the gate "line", switching to "Go! Go! Go!". Thus, that skier would avoid disqualification. But here, they're usually travelling at such bullet-speed, that even if they hit the brakes to come back and clear a gate they missed, they're way too far down to consider it. However, today the track was so slow, as I'm sure you all saw on TV, that when the Peruvian skier got her timing off, took a turn too wide, and missed the gate above my first gate, (only a few metres up above), she stopped, quickly hiked back up, but instead of fully traversing around the top pole of the gate she missed, she just tagged it with the back of her hand grip, which was wierd, because the procedure for going back and proceeding is basic knowledge for every racer. We (the two judges in that strip of gates) were still yelling "Back! Back!..." when she just tagged the pole, and pushed off. She did finish the race, so that meant the DQ call could be brought to question with the Jury. It is normal protocol for every Judge to watch one gate above your assigned gates and one below. I told Helen, judge for that gate, that I will back her up if need be.
On our way down the race course, heading for the "ski out", so as to avoid the Finish Area altogether - we were waved over by the Chief of Gates, to proceed to the Finish for possible Jury appearance. Yikes! I got butterflies, but ventured on - it was very cool skiing right down the middle of the course, straight for the Finish Line! Did I cross? Sadly - no. The Finish Crew fences it off as soon as the last racer goes through, but I skied out to the side only metres from it, where I gave my account of the DQ to the Race Chief - there had been some question as to which racer it had been, based on the way Helen had filled out her card. So, with two witnesses to the DQ, and of course, once we described it, they said it would be obvious on video replay, so we were free to go. And the only way out? Down the very path of skiing around the Finish Horseshoe that all the Racers take to the media circle. So, ski out we did, right behind them, and might have lingered just a bit longer than security would have liked, but who cares? We were in the Winners' Circle man, and we were going nowhere fast!
Tonight was a bit sad, as many volunteers are leaving in the morning. There's only one Men's race left, so all the volunteers I've come to know on the Ladies' Crew are not needed any more. We said goodbyes in the Ski Room and at the Weasel House, signed a few Olympic flags, shared our hopes to meet again at another race (Don't worry, Honey, no time soon!), and went our separate ways. Some, from drinking at the Weasel House, move on to drinking at a pub...but, me, I finally made it back to Nita Lake Lodge to update my Blog for all my faithful followers.
It's amazing how writing a simple account of one's day can fill an evening!
The Ladies' run is now shut down, as they are trying to preserve it for the Paralympics which start next week, so the Slalom was held on the Men's run. Now I can say that I've skiied both the Ladies' and the Men's Olympic runs - and believe me, it is in very different condition than if you were to come here, and ski these runs after the Olympics. You see, the whole focus of course maintenance has been on making it harder and faster. That means it has been packed down by workers using both their boots and their skis over the past 3 weeks many, many times. Water has been injected to solidify the surface, i.e. to stop it from softening too much in the mild temps at the lower altitudes, fertilizer is sprinkled over it, and more water is sprayed on, creating a chemical reaction that hardens the surface. One has to be verrry careful if not a truly expert skier - if you don't ski it just right, you might get yelled at by a worker who has been there since 3 in the morning, making it just so. The safe way to make it down the icy, steep pitches is to side slide. That's standing tall, with your skis very close to one another, across the hill, and lean downhill. This would be fine if all was perfectly solid, but when mild, you can easily push up a little mound of snow as you slide, and that's when they yell at you, "No sliding! No sliding!". So, all you can do is point your skis downhill and fly through that section - I had to do that a few times - scary! In between those parts, we descend as we wish, doing our turns, but staying off the track as best we can.
The Slalom race passes quickly, as the racers come one right after the other, only 40 seconds apart, so that was a good thing. But, the snow falling was so wet, that we were all drowned rats by the end. I was still coughing quite a bit, and that only added to my discomfort. Not complaining though - really - I was still very happy to be up close and personal with the best female skiers in the world watching them do their thing.
All the time I've been on duty here, I had not had to disqualify anyone due to any gate-related question, until today. The Bulgarian skier, actually just missed one of my three gates, and kept on going. Now, if she had completed the race, she or her coach may have protested, and I would have had to appear before the Alpine Jury, with my little Gate Card with it's diagram clearly showing her path of travel. However, somewhere below my area, she got into trouble, and didn't end up finishing, so the DQ (disqualification) was never in question. She was then a DNF, (Did Not Finish).
Back at Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood, Ontario, where the run is much shorter, and the skiers aren't quite up to this calibre of ability, it's not unheard of for a skier to miss, straddle, or "cut" a gate with one ski, and suddenly stop, climb back up, to the tune of the Gate Judge shouting out, "Back! Back! Back!...", and once tips of skis are above the gate "line", switching to "Go! Go! Go!". Thus, that skier would avoid disqualification. But here, they're usually travelling at such bullet-speed, that even if they hit the brakes to come back and clear a gate they missed, they're way too far down to consider it. However, today the track was so slow, as I'm sure you all saw on TV, that when the Peruvian skier got her timing off, took a turn too wide, and missed the gate above my first gate, (only a few metres up above), she stopped, quickly hiked back up, but instead of fully traversing around the top pole of the gate she missed, she just tagged it with the back of her hand grip, which was wierd, because the procedure for going back and proceeding is basic knowledge for every racer. We (the two judges in that strip of gates) were still yelling "Back! Back!..." when she just tagged the pole, and pushed off. She did finish the race, so that meant the DQ call could be brought to question with the Jury. It is normal protocol for every Judge to watch one gate above your assigned gates and one below. I told Helen, judge for that gate, that I will back her up if need be.
On our way down the race course, heading for the "ski out", so as to avoid the Finish Area altogether - we were waved over by the Chief of Gates, to proceed to the Finish for possible Jury appearance. Yikes! I got butterflies, but ventured on - it was very cool skiing right down the middle of the course, straight for the Finish Line! Did I cross? Sadly - no. The Finish Crew fences it off as soon as the last racer goes through, but I skied out to the side only metres from it, where I gave my account of the DQ to the Race Chief - there had been some question as to which racer it had been, based on the way Helen had filled out her card. So, with two witnesses to the DQ, and of course, once we described it, they said it would be obvious on video replay, so we were free to go. And the only way out? Down the very path of skiing around the Finish Horseshoe that all the Racers take to the media circle. So, ski out we did, right behind them, and might have lingered just a bit longer than security would have liked, but who cares? We were in the Winners' Circle man, and we were going nowhere fast!
Tonight was a bit sad, as many volunteers are leaving in the morning. There's only one Men's race left, so all the volunteers I've come to know on the Ladies' Crew are not needed any more. We said goodbyes in the Ski Room and at the Weasel House, signed a few Olympic flags, shared our hopes to meet again at another race (Don't worry, Honey, no time soon!), and went our separate ways. Some, from drinking at the Weasel House, move on to drinking at a pub...but, me, I finally made it back to Nita Lake Lodge to update my Blog for all my faithful followers.
It's amazing how writing a simple account of one's day can fill an evening!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday - Race Makeup Day
This should have been a day off, in fact, (boy, I could really use one!), but since the afternoon run of the Ladies' Slalom was called due to fog yesterday, it was held today.
So, that meant the usual 5am wake up time, arrive at the base at 6:45am for breakfast and our Gate Judge Crew meeting , uploading by 8, all in position by 9, and race started at 10. Again, I was positioned only a short distance up from the finish, which really adds to the spirit of the experience, as you can hear the roar of the crowd, and see the country colours all being proudly waved in the wind - just great.
One of the tricky things about this being a televised event, is that we are supposed to try to stay out of the camera shots as much as possible. Now, the course Maintenance Crew, Slippers, and coaches can easily shift back, but the Gate Judge must have a clear sight line of the whole gate, i.e. from the base of one pole to the base of the other, so when the above crowd slowly and reluctantly slid back closer to the fencing, (we were on the course at this point, not behind any fencing), I just stood my ground and said, "If I move I won't see my gate, and I have to see my gate." So it's no wonder that that was the day that while watching the CTV News that evening back at the chalet, I saw myself - many times! I'm sure you've seen thousands of "Blue Jackets" while watching the Olympic coverage. Gate Judges are recognizable in that we wear a light blue large pinnie over our jackets, that actually say "Gate Judge", which makes it easy to spot yourself on screen!
Slippers who side slide the course after almost every racer, to keep it hard and smooth, wear purple pinnies, and those on crew who check Accreditation, and prevent the public from entering race areas are Stewards, and they wear green.
A story about a Slipper...these men and women have to be awesome and powerful skiers, as they spring into action once a skier has passed, side slide a few gates as fast as possible, and then scoot off to the side of the course, before the next racer comes screaming down the hill just 40 seconds later. I started chatting with one of the Slippers, and found that she was from Latvia. When I asked if she was a racer, she said that she was - she is on their national team, but didn't qualify for the Olympics, so she signed up as a volunteer on the Slipping Crew so that she could be here, up close, to support her teammate. When I asked how the teammate is doing, she told me she had been disqualified before she even started - poor girl - all this way, only to be wiped out of the competition by her boot being 0.5cm too high off her ski. Isn't that awful? Apparently, she was devasted - of course. But, anyway, that will give you an idea of the quality of skiers we have slipping the course. And, we have many former racers on the Crew - I met two former alpine skiing Olympians today actually!
With only one run to do (and even less racers than yesterday, as several had been disqualified for missing gates or wiping out), that meant we were all wrapped up by midday, and it was time for what else - skiing time!
I'm so lucky to have made a good friend in Garth, one of the Stewards who very patiently was my ski instructor this afternoon. We video taped Garth doing it right, and me doing my "best". It should be very interesting to watch when I get home - I'm sure I'm not going nearly as fast as I feeel I'm going.
Dinner out with my "adopted" Crew at a restaurant turned into the "Swiss House" for the Games - rediculously expensive, but we had a nice time nonetheless. We made our way to the Medals Plaza, as this was the day that Canada had won the Ladies' Bobsled - everyone went nuts for the team when they came out, and we all proudly sang O Canada as our flag was raised. The Germans all sang for their winners, and there was a great group of Chinese who sang for theirs. The unbridled patriotrism is just so uplifting.
My virus was starting to really take hold. Cough! Cough! So, I made my way to the bustop pretty early, but on the way...there was an interview just about to start at the CTV booth, and hey, where there's a TV camera and a Murphy...got my plastic Go Canada Go sign out of my backpack, positioned myself in the shot right bang between the interviewer and the interviewee (it was about the Ladies Giant Slalom), and whenever that little red light came on, I opened and closed my sign, moved it up and down and all around, and when the interviewers arm went up, I went down - it was hilarious - all these strangers and I just cheering away for the fun of it - I really never thought I'd do that - remember, I had left my friends already, but the opportunity was just too perfect. Well, when I got home, and the CTV news came on, we all watched the intereview excitedly, and howled at this smiling Smurf, playing to the camera in between the host and her guest - did any of you see it?
Got Steve Podborski's (one of the Crazy Canucks from the '88 Olympics) autograph, and one of the Irish Skiers - Maya (forget her last name) - on my Accreditation. Did I mention that I rode the bus home to the Athletes' Village with the whole Irish team the other night? Of course, they were very friendly. For those of you who are wondering - they have a Bobsled men's team, and two female Alpine skiers. Every time they pass during the race, I shout out "Erin go Brah!" (Ireland for ever!). They really appreciated my support every time I ran into them - we see all the skiing athletes all the time, walking to and from the lift, riding up the Gondola, at the top, at the Athletes' Village etc. I was only too happy to encourage them, as they are pretty atypical Irish athletes, and let's just say the streets aren't full of Irish flags.
So, that meant the usual 5am wake up time, arrive at the base at 6:45am for breakfast and our Gate Judge Crew meeting , uploading by 8, all in position by 9, and race started at 10. Again, I was positioned only a short distance up from the finish, which really adds to the spirit of the experience, as you can hear the roar of the crowd, and see the country colours all being proudly waved in the wind - just great.
One of the tricky things about this being a televised event, is that we are supposed to try to stay out of the camera shots as much as possible. Now, the course Maintenance Crew, Slippers, and coaches can easily shift back, but the Gate Judge must have a clear sight line of the whole gate, i.e. from the base of one pole to the base of the other, so when the above crowd slowly and reluctantly slid back closer to the fencing, (we were on the course at this point, not behind any fencing), I just stood my ground and said, "If I move I won't see my gate, and I have to see my gate." So it's no wonder that that was the day that while watching the CTV News that evening back at the chalet, I saw myself - many times! I'm sure you've seen thousands of "Blue Jackets" while watching the Olympic coverage. Gate Judges are recognizable in that we wear a light blue large pinnie over our jackets, that actually say "Gate Judge", which makes it easy to spot yourself on screen!
Slippers who side slide the course after almost every racer, to keep it hard and smooth, wear purple pinnies, and those on crew who check Accreditation, and prevent the public from entering race areas are Stewards, and they wear green.
A story about a Slipper...these men and women have to be awesome and powerful skiers, as they spring into action once a skier has passed, side slide a few gates as fast as possible, and then scoot off to the side of the course, before the next racer comes screaming down the hill just 40 seconds later. I started chatting with one of the Slippers, and found that she was from Latvia. When I asked if she was a racer, she said that she was - she is on their national team, but didn't qualify for the Olympics, so she signed up as a volunteer on the Slipping Crew so that she could be here, up close, to support her teammate. When I asked how the teammate is doing, she told me she had been disqualified before she even started - poor girl - all this way, only to be wiped out of the competition by her boot being 0.5cm too high off her ski. Isn't that awful? Apparently, she was devasted - of course. But, anyway, that will give you an idea of the quality of skiers we have slipping the course. And, we have many former racers on the Crew - I met two former alpine skiing Olympians today actually!
With only one run to do (and even less racers than yesterday, as several had been disqualified for missing gates or wiping out), that meant we were all wrapped up by midday, and it was time for what else - skiing time!
I'm so lucky to have made a good friend in Garth, one of the Stewards who very patiently was my ski instructor this afternoon. We video taped Garth doing it right, and me doing my "best". It should be very interesting to watch when I get home - I'm sure I'm not going nearly as fast as I feeel I'm going.
Dinner out with my "adopted" Crew at a restaurant turned into the "Swiss House" for the Games - rediculously expensive, but we had a nice time nonetheless. We made our way to the Medals Plaza, as this was the day that Canada had won the Ladies' Bobsled - everyone went nuts for the team when they came out, and we all proudly sang O Canada as our flag was raised. The Germans all sang for their winners, and there was a great group of Chinese who sang for theirs. The unbridled patriotrism is just so uplifting.
My virus was starting to really take hold. Cough! Cough! So, I made my way to the bustop pretty early, but on the way...there was an interview just about to start at the CTV booth, and hey, where there's a TV camera and a Murphy...got my plastic Go Canada Go sign out of my backpack, positioned myself in the shot right bang between the interviewer and the interviewee (it was about the Ladies Giant Slalom), and whenever that little red light came on, I opened and closed my sign, moved it up and down and all around, and when the interviewers arm went up, I went down - it was hilarious - all these strangers and I just cheering away for the fun of it - I really never thought I'd do that - remember, I had left my friends already, but the opportunity was just too perfect. Well, when I got home, and the CTV news came on, we all watched the intereview excitedly, and howled at this smiling Smurf, playing to the camera in between the host and her guest - did any of you see it?
Got Steve Podborski's (one of the Crazy Canucks from the '88 Olympics) autograph, and one of the Irish Skiers - Maya (forget her last name) - on my Accreditation. Did I mention that I rode the bus home to the Athletes' Village with the whole Irish team the other night? Of course, they were very friendly. For those of you who are wondering - they have a Bobsled men's team, and two female Alpine skiers. Every time they pass during the race, I shout out "Erin go Brah!" (Ireland for ever!). They really appreciated my support every time I ran into them - we see all the skiing athletes all the time, walking to and from the lift, riding up the Gondola, at the top, at the Athletes' Village etc. I was only too happy to encourage them, as they are pretty atypical Irish athletes, and let's just say the streets aren't full of Irish flags.
Wednesday - Race Day
Today's transportation to Creekside was brought to me by - a limo ride!! Turns out the driver actually worked in the same hotel as me at the same time, back in the day, when I was a university student bartending at Banff Park Lodge - summer between 3rd and 4th year - 1983. He was the first person I've seen wearing a suit in three weeks! We didn't know each other back then, but it sure was a blast from the past talking about our lives there that summer - wow.
Ladies' Giant Slalom - starts up high, lots of gates, racers wear protection on the front of their poles to whack the gates out of way, and a Gate Judge has to keep a very watchful eye for skis and boots rounding those gates, as the racer comes much tighter round them than they did in their tuck position of the downhill events. They get two runs - one scheduled for morning, one in the afternoon. So, for we Crew, that means a 7am arrival for a 10:00am Start, lunch on the go, and standing, standing, standing, all day long.
I was put in a new position, which I quite liked: I was watching the gates just at the top of hot air. Was anyone watching when Lindsey Vonn, (the American superstar) wiped out into the fenced and got all tangled up - that was right after she passed my second gate. It was cool to get the report from the medic as to her hand injury before that was released to the media. The only sour part of that was that she complained about the course to the media for throwing her off balance enough to catch an edge and send her careening into the fencing. Yea, yea, superstar - how come everyone else made it past that spot okay?
And then the fog returned...the afternoon run was postponed, and postponed again, and eventually called for the day. They would have to continue tomorrow.
This was the day my virus grew - cough increased, chest and throat pain - and standing in the damp fog all day didn't help. One of the Medic's said he'd give me a once-over after the race, but there's so much that goes on when the race is done, and with everyone springing into action, that got forgotten. But, he had said that I should go to the Polyclinic at the Athlete's Village if I wanted to see a Dr. Ooo...I've heard it's state of the art...it is in the Athlete's Village after all - an area my Accreditation doesn't cover, but hey, if I need medical attention and all, well, this could just work out fine.
Oh, but before I go there, I just want to tell you about getting off the hill that day - we'd heard with the mild temps that the bottom was just brutal to ski out, and we'd been watching coaches scoot down an alternate route right beside the Finish to meet up with their athletes, and at this point, as everyone is exhausted, cold and damp, there's a lot of "What are they going to do, fire me?" attitude going around. So, this was so cool...we skied down, and right down the path where the athletes ski out of the Finish, and the media lean over the fence to get a few words from the winners. There are cameras - both still and TV everywhere, there are cheering countrymen, there are people staring wondering just what is a Gate Judge (my big bib over my jacket labels me), and she important enough to take a photo of? We lingered, we took pics, we listened to interviews - fun.
On my way home, I usually transfer busses just outside the Athletes' Village, but this time, I walked into their security tent and asked to see a doc at the Poly Clinic. Well, you'd think I'd asked for an appt. to see the bloody Queen. I had to get an "Upgraded" Accreditation, be escorted to the shuttle, and although it took an hour, I was in! Cruising up the hidden road, which winds through a wooded area, in a private shuttle until you come to an area with low rise condo type buildings, parking lots, well lit streets and squares, flags, olympic rings, many tents for the many services they offer the athletes, and of course, lots of athletes. Funny, when they come to the mountain, I always say hi first, and they respond - they're all so friendly, but at the Village, when they hopped on the shuttle, or passed me on the sidewalk, they said hi first.
The Poly Clinic was cool - just like a mini hospital - they have emerg rooms, critical care, xray, CT and MRI machines - everything. I was quickly examined, and although I felt horrible, and my chest was sore when I was coughing, my lungs were clear, and that's all I needed to hear. I was on my way, when an ambulance helicopter pilot started chatting with me on the way out. He ended up giving me his dinner ticket, which was great, because I was starving. So, I actually had a meal at the McDonalds there - neat, eh?
Of course, had to wait forever once again for the bus once I shuttled back to the Welcome Centre, that security tent back out by the highway - ugh!
Ladies' Giant Slalom - starts up high, lots of gates, racers wear protection on the front of their poles to whack the gates out of way, and a Gate Judge has to keep a very watchful eye for skis and boots rounding those gates, as the racer comes much tighter round them than they did in their tuck position of the downhill events. They get two runs - one scheduled for morning, one in the afternoon. So, for we Crew, that means a 7am arrival for a 10:00am Start, lunch on the go, and standing, standing, standing, all day long.
I was put in a new position, which I quite liked: I was watching the gates just at the top of hot air. Was anyone watching when Lindsey Vonn, (the American superstar) wiped out into the fenced and got all tangled up - that was right after she passed my second gate. It was cool to get the report from the medic as to her hand injury before that was released to the media. The only sour part of that was that she complained about the course to the media for throwing her off balance enough to catch an edge and send her careening into the fencing. Yea, yea, superstar - how come everyone else made it past that spot okay?
And then the fog returned...the afternoon run was postponed, and postponed again, and eventually called for the day. They would have to continue tomorrow.
This was the day my virus grew - cough increased, chest and throat pain - and standing in the damp fog all day didn't help. One of the Medic's said he'd give me a once-over after the race, but there's so much that goes on when the race is done, and with everyone springing into action, that got forgotten. But, he had said that I should go to the Polyclinic at the Athlete's Village if I wanted to see a Dr. Ooo...I've heard it's state of the art...it is in the Athlete's Village after all - an area my Accreditation doesn't cover, but hey, if I need medical attention and all, well, this could just work out fine.
Oh, but before I go there, I just want to tell you about getting off the hill that day - we'd heard with the mild temps that the bottom was just brutal to ski out, and we'd been watching coaches scoot down an alternate route right beside the Finish to meet up with their athletes, and at this point, as everyone is exhausted, cold and damp, there's a lot of "What are they going to do, fire me?" attitude going around. So, this was so cool...we skied down, and right down the path where the athletes ski out of the Finish, and the media lean over the fence to get a few words from the winners. There are cameras - both still and TV everywhere, there are cheering countrymen, there are people staring wondering just what is a Gate Judge (my big bib over my jacket labels me), and she important enough to take a photo of? We lingered, we took pics, we listened to interviews - fun.
On my way home, I usually transfer busses just outside the Athletes' Village, but this time, I walked into their security tent and asked to see a doc at the Poly Clinic. Well, you'd think I'd asked for an appt. to see the bloody Queen. I had to get an "Upgraded" Accreditation, be escorted to the shuttle, and although it took an hour, I was in! Cruising up the hidden road, which winds through a wooded area, in a private shuttle until you come to an area with low rise condo type buildings, parking lots, well lit streets and squares, flags, olympic rings, many tents for the many services they offer the athletes, and of course, lots of athletes. Funny, when they come to the mountain, I always say hi first, and they respond - they're all so friendly, but at the Village, when they hopped on the shuttle, or passed me on the sidewalk, they said hi first.
The Poly Clinic was cool - just like a mini hospital - they have emerg rooms, critical care, xray, CT and MRI machines - everything. I was quickly examined, and although I felt horrible, and my chest was sore when I was coughing, my lungs were clear, and that's all I needed to hear. I was on my way, when an ambulance helicopter pilot started chatting with me on the way out. He ended up giving me his dinner ticket, which was great, because I was starving. So, I actually had a meal at the McDonalds there - neat, eh?
Of course, had to wait forever once again for the bus once I shuttled back to the Welcome Centre, that security tent back out by the highway - ugh!
Tuesday - Sunny, Sunny Ski Day
As you know, the morning started off with a bit of sleep recovery from the night before, but even though I'd only had a couple of hours sleep, by 9:30, I was up and readying myself for another day on the slopes - it was just so sunny, so glorious, I just couldnt' help myself.
When I got to the mountain, I was wondering what all the Crew was doing sitting around at the base, looking up. It turned out that the Creekside Gondola was closed because the TV towers, which had been in place at the higher elevations for the downhill runs, were being heli-lifted to lower positions in readiness for the Slalom races. Now, it just wouldn't be good Whistler Olympics press to have a helicopter drop a TV tower onto a gondola with passengers, so they shut it down entirely.
I killed some time having lunch, then bussed it over to the Village base to upload from there.
For those of you who don't know, Whistler Resort actually boasts two mountains: Blackcomb and Whistler. There is a Peak to Peak Gondola which rides suspension wires between the two peaks of the two mountains. Today I rode the Peak to Peak (it would have been a waste to do so in the fog/cloud other days) and skied Blackcomb. There's a chair called "7th Heaven", and t-shirts are sold that say "Go to Heaven - Ski Like Hell!". So hard to focus on skiing there, with the rocky walls rising above you, drop offs on the side of your ski path, and not a tree in sight to block your vision until you descend to lower elevations - just glorious.
Hey Siobhan - remember you warned me not to go "off piste"? And I said that you had no worries? Well, I may have changed my tune on that front somewhat. I'm not going way out of bounds or anything, but there's tonnes of terrain outside the trail markers, and although I can make a real mess of my technique when I go there as these areas aren't groomed, it's a lot of fun. This is where I took my ONE fall of the trip so far - but the view was so amazing at that spot, in that moment, that I popped off my skis, and must have sat there for a half hour just appreciating the gift of what lay before my eyes. I was in awe.
A few more runs, and I was done for the day - a short one, but a good one, for sure.
Out for dinner with all of the Gate Judge's Crew tonight - Boston Pizza. I think I was starting to get sick this day, because I was so tired (oh, could it have been the 2 or 3 hours sleep I had last night?), so made my way home at a decent time - you see Claire? I can go a night without the Weasel House!
When I got to the mountain, I was wondering what all the Crew was doing sitting around at the base, looking up. It turned out that the Creekside Gondola was closed because the TV towers, which had been in place at the higher elevations for the downhill runs, were being heli-lifted to lower positions in readiness for the Slalom races. Now, it just wouldn't be good Whistler Olympics press to have a helicopter drop a TV tower onto a gondola with passengers, so they shut it down entirely.
I killed some time having lunch, then bussed it over to the Village base to upload from there.
For those of you who don't know, Whistler Resort actually boasts two mountains: Blackcomb and Whistler. There is a Peak to Peak Gondola which rides suspension wires between the two peaks of the two mountains. Today I rode the Peak to Peak (it would have been a waste to do so in the fog/cloud other days) and skied Blackcomb. There's a chair called "7th Heaven", and t-shirts are sold that say "Go to Heaven - Ski Like Hell!". So hard to focus on skiing there, with the rocky walls rising above you, drop offs on the side of your ski path, and not a tree in sight to block your vision until you descend to lower elevations - just glorious.
Hey Siobhan - remember you warned me not to go "off piste"? And I said that you had no worries? Well, I may have changed my tune on that front somewhat. I'm not going way out of bounds or anything, but there's tonnes of terrain outside the trail markers, and although I can make a real mess of my technique when I go there as these areas aren't groomed, it's a lot of fun. This is where I took my ONE fall of the trip so far - but the view was so amazing at that spot, in that moment, that I popped off my skis, and must have sat there for a half hour just appreciating the gift of what lay before my eyes. I was in awe.
A few more runs, and I was done for the day - a short one, but a good one, for sure.
Out for dinner with all of the Gate Judge's Crew tonight - Boston Pizza. I think I was starting to get sick this day, because I was so tired (oh, could it have been the 2 or 3 hours sleep I had last night?), so made my way home at a decent time - you see Claire? I can go a night without the Weasel House!
Monday - Aw, man! Who Knows?!
I'm trying to remember - I really am, folks! According to http://www.vancouver2010.com/, there were no alpine events, so I guess I wasn't on duty - but I do know that I went to the mountain, because that was the day I got a ride in with a couple of RCMP officers - I KNOW! Weird, eh? They're renting a chalet just a couple away from Loraine's and Leo's, and when they saw me coming down the road in my "Smurf" regalia, offered me a lift - okay, okay, I might have sped up, flitted up the driveway, and asked if they were headed to Creekside and they very generously said they were, and offered me a lift.
Actually, hitch-hiking is very common out here. A lot of people don't have cars, and just get around by hitching rides. I'm told though, that it only works so well, due to the fact that most drivers know most hitchers - you hear that kids? This is a small mountain community - very different from "The Big Smoke"!
So, the interesting part of this lift was when the officer who was driving...out of uniform, in a civilian vehicle...got pulled over for speeding! We stopped chatting instantly, and I just sat back in the rear of the vehicle, and said, "Look, do what you have to do. I'm invisible. " I mean, it's not like I'm going to write about it in the public eye, like a newspaper, a magazine, or perhaps...a blog? (hee! hee!) Well, it was a very notable encounter from my perspective. There was little cop doing the stopping, and big cop doing the driving (remember, out of uniform, and little cop hadn't taken the time to look up the plate, he just came straight up to the window). The little cop was so obnoxious, sarcastic, and confrontational, I simply couldn't believe it. The driver cop was quiet, compliant, and indulging. It made me so mad, but I guess he didn't need me to fight his battles, so I had to stay quiet. He just received a warning (I was told today that they've been directed not to give out tickets - strange), and we proceeded on our way.
Skiing was probably great, as the sun shone for several days in a row earlier this week.
I'm pretty sure this was the day I skied "Peak to Creek". I believe this is the longest alpine run in North America, and at over 7km long - believe me - it's LOOONG! See: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/media/news/season_2005-06/060121.htm for a description. This is a run that everyone was telling me was a must run before I came out here. They said it had the greatest variety of terrain, the longest descent, and the best scenery. Best? The scenery is spectacular in every direction! So, here's the thing...there's no one skiing Peak to Creek (except to halfway down - Midstation - because they can't ride the gondola at the bottom back up.) It's within the Secure Area, and for the exclusive use of olympic alpine skiing athletes, their coaches, and their crew - Hello! No problem there, so away I went. Just to give you an idea of where it starts: you ride the Creekside Gondola up for about 15mins, you offload, then ski over to the Red Chair, which you ride up to above the treeline. That takes about 10mins. Then you ski off from its top, down a little dip (that "dip" is the size of some Southern Ontario complet runs!), to the Peak Chair. You upload there for about another 10mins, and now you've arrived - you're at Whistler's Peak - and my words just aren't acurately expressive enough to do it justice. Probably best for those of you who are interested to just google photos of it. It will be worth it, I assure you.
So, I start this run (having done it to Midstation a few times already during my stay), and 20 mins later, with a few "view breaks" (definately not for leg-recovery breaks! :), I'm still not at the bottom! Holy hanna - how long is this thing?? Then I see a sign: "3.5km to Dusty's" - that's the bar (currently Athlete's Lounge) at the Creekside Base. 3.5km???!!! I'm only half way?! So I keep skiing, my legs keep aching, I'm almost at the bottom, and what's that? An out? A side trail back to the route below the Finish Area, where we Crew and many athletes and coaches ski out all the time. Only one tiny problem... "Trail Closed". Now, I ask you...if they really wanted it closed, wouldn't they have lifted the rope and sign back up off the ground from where it was flattened, and wouldn't they have posted a "Steward Smurf" (blue jacketed volunteers who keep people away from race course runs and access trails.) Yea, I thought so too. So, over the rope I ski, and while "uh-oh", was my first feeling, it was soon followed by "Holy Crap!", and finally, "How the heck am I going to get out of this mess?"
You see, this trail was more like a very narrow access road, with icy ruts from some kind of vehicle, rocks, and crevaces which leads right under the gondola for all to see, how embarassing, and oh yea, it's a dead end, but not just any dead end - it's totally fenced in with our triple safety fencing, and what's this? An RCMP officer stationed RIGHT THERE to prevent exactly this - people sneaking on to the bottom of the race course illegally, WITH a police camera up in the tree which he quickly pointed out. Now, since this is getting a bit long, and since you all know that the good Lord (thank Him and praise Him!) blessed me with award-winning communication and negotiation skills, 5mins later (I pulled out all the stops - he was pointing out that I was in the "dirty" area, ie. not secure), he was picking up my skis and poles from off the snow, as I wiggled under one, two, three, crash fences!
Weasel house, back to some of the crew's townhouse, stayed too late, missed last bus, crashed, got no sleep, got up for first bus at 5:00am, was on the bus by 6, home by 7:15am, and oh! I guess I'm into Tuesday now, so moving right along.
(I sure hope you all know this is not the life I lead in Unionville, Ontario - let's remember, I'm just a simple ski bum on my days off - this is aaaall par for the course out here - well, par for the course for me out here, anyway - reminds me of my summer in Ireland bike touring actually - free as a bird - mmmm....!)
Actually, hitch-hiking is very common out here. A lot of people don't have cars, and just get around by hitching rides. I'm told though, that it only works so well, due to the fact that most drivers know most hitchers - you hear that kids? This is a small mountain community - very different from "The Big Smoke"!
So, the interesting part of this lift was when the officer who was driving...out of uniform, in a civilian vehicle...got pulled over for speeding! We stopped chatting instantly, and I just sat back in the rear of the vehicle, and said, "Look, do what you have to do. I'm invisible. " I mean, it's not like I'm going to write about it in the public eye, like a newspaper, a magazine, or perhaps...a blog? (hee! hee!) Well, it was a very notable encounter from my perspective. There was little cop doing the stopping, and big cop doing the driving (remember, out of uniform, and little cop hadn't taken the time to look up the plate, he just came straight up to the window). The little cop was so obnoxious, sarcastic, and confrontational, I simply couldn't believe it. The driver cop was quiet, compliant, and indulging. It made me so mad, but I guess he didn't need me to fight his battles, so I had to stay quiet. He just received a warning (I was told today that they've been directed not to give out tickets - strange), and we proceeded on our way.
Skiing was probably great, as the sun shone for several days in a row earlier this week.
I'm pretty sure this was the day I skied "Peak to Creek". I believe this is the longest alpine run in North America, and at over 7km long - believe me - it's LOOONG! See: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/media/news/season_2005-06/060121.htm for a description. This is a run that everyone was telling me was a must run before I came out here. They said it had the greatest variety of terrain, the longest descent, and the best scenery. Best? The scenery is spectacular in every direction! So, here's the thing...there's no one skiing Peak to Creek (except to halfway down - Midstation - because they can't ride the gondola at the bottom back up.) It's within the Secure Area, and for the exclusive use of olympic alpine skiing athletes, their coaches, and their crew - Hello! No problem there, so away I went. Just to give you an idea of where it starts: you ride the Creekside Gondola up for about 15mins, you offload, then ski over to the Red Chair, which you ride up to above the treeline. That takes about 10mins. Then you ski off from its top, down a little dip (that "dip" is the size of some Southern Ontario complet runs!), to the Peak Chair. You upload there for about another 10mins, and now you've arrived - you're at Whistler's Peak - and my words just aren't acurately expressive enough to do it justice. Probably best for those of you who are interested to just google photos of it. It will be worth it, I assure you.
So, I start this run (having done it to Midstation a few times already during my stay), and 20 mins later, with a few "view breaks" (definately not for leg-recovery breaks! :), I'm still not at the bottom! Holy hanna - how long is this thing?? Then I see a sign: "3.5km to Dusty's" - that's the bar (currently Athlete's Lounge) at the Creekside Base. 3.5km???!!! I'm only half way?! So I keep skiing, my legs keep aching, I'm almost at the bottom, and what's that? An out? A side trail back to the route below the Finish Area, where we Crew and many athletes and coaches ski out all the time. Only one tiny problem... "Trail Closed". Now, I ask you...if they really wanted it closed, wouldn't they have lifted the rope and sign back up off the ground from where it was flattened, and wouldn't they have posted a "Steward Smurf" (blue jacketed volunteers who keep people away from race course runs and access trails.) Yea, I thought so too. So, over the rope I ski, and while "uh-oh", was my first feeling, it was soon followed by "Holy Crap!", and finally, "How the heck am I going to get out of this mess?"
You see, this trail was more like a very narrow access road, with icy ruts from some kind of vehicle, rocks, and crevaces which leads right under the gondola for all to see, how embarassing, and oh yea, it's a dead end, but not just any dead end - it's totally fenced in with our triple safety fencing, and what's this? An RCMP officer stationed RIGHT THERE to prevent exactly this - people sneaking on to the bottom of the race course illegally, WITH a police camera up in the tree which he quickly pointed out. Now, since this is getting a bit long, and since you all know that the good Lord (thank Him and praise Him!) blessed me with award-winning communication and negotiation skills, 5mins later (I pulled out all the stops - he was pointing out that I was in the "dirty" area, ie. not secure), he was picking up my skis and poles from off the snow, as I wiggled under one, two, three, crash fences!
Weasel house, back to some of the crew's townhouse, stayed too late, missed last bus, crashed, got no sleep, got up for first bus at 5:00am, was on the bus by 6, home by 7:15am, and oh! I guess I'm into Tuesday now, so moving right along.
(I sure hope you all know this is not the life I lead in Unionville, Ontario - let's remember, I'm just a simple ski bum on my days off - this is aaaall par for the course out here - well, par for the course for me out here, anyway - reminds me of my summer in Ireland bike touring actually - free as a bird - mmmm....!)
Warning: the next few days are a wee bit hazy!
All right Blog Readers, I have to apologize for my absence...I do have some excellent reasons for my lack of writing efforts, but...I also have some really lame excuses which, I think if you were here, both you St. A student friends of the Llewellyn sisters, and my grown up friends living this experience vicariously, would totally support!
I shall start the next blog with Monday - I made some notes in my journal I've been carrying with me (All it's been used so far for, is exchanging phone numbers with people so we can all text each other as to where we're skiing, eating, drinking, etc.) while we were on a fog delay the other day, and am hoping I remember things in the proper order.
Now, I would like to say that one day, my absence was quite justified due to a bug that I've picked up, affectionately known as "Crew Cough".
So, read on, and enjoy!
I shall start the next blog with Monday - I made some notes in my journal I've been carrying with me (All it's been used so far for, is exchanging phone numbers with people so we can all text each other as to where we're skiing, eating, drinking, etc.) while we were on a fog delay the other day, and am hoping I remember things in the proper order.
Now, I would like to say that one day, my absence was quite justified due to a bug that I've picked up, affectionately known as "Crew Cough".
So, read on, and enjoy!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday - Day 14 - Slow Down Day
I know what you`re thinking, yes, I know...slow down! From What! (The question mark isn`t working right now, so insert them in your mind`s eye, as need be.)
I really hadn`t spent the time with my hosts as I felt I should, so I wiled away the morning sitting in our chalet, drinking tea, doing laundry, watching some Games coverage, and having a great visit with Loraine. I also made a long call home, and found out you guys were all getting together at Mom`s with the cousins for Rosalee`s (my sister-in-law) birthday, and that made me a bit homesick. Happy B-day Rosalee!!
There was a Men`s Super G Race today, but it was finishing by the time I slowly made my way from home.
Another sunny day on the mountain, fantastic conditions, and met two local girls (separately) who each took me under their wing, and lead me down new runs I hadn`t tried, and I can`t believe this, but I actually descended a black diamond mogul run!!! It wasn`t pretty as far as technique goes, but hey, I did it. Thanks to Louise from Whislter, and Laura from Vancouver for being my guides - oh, and Laura for pitching in to a mountain-top rendition of Happy Birthday to You for Rosalee over the phone, followed by my technological struggle to send Rosalee a video message of the panoramic vista.
I had the best of intentions to go to Mass today - no, seriously, I did - those of you who know me well, know that that is something that I want, need, and love to do, and with the view from the church that I described in last week`s blog, that`s a bonus reason! Aaaanyway, I downloaded at 4pm, giving me plenty of time to get my gear off, and hop the bus to the church by 5pm, but juust as I was stepping out of the gondola, I realized ``Aghh!! I`ve left my backpack up at midstation``, so I had to sit right back down, and ride the gondola back up, retrieve my pack, and ride down once more - no way I could make it to the church on time. (I feel a song coming on! That`s for you Dad! )
I really needed that pack too, as it was full of my girly clothes and makeup for the evening, as the `Cool Kids` (the Course Crew from my station for races) were going out for dinner, and had invited me to join them. So, after the transformation from Smurf clothes to my civvies, we met up at the Weasel House for a few aperitifs, and then walked over to the Creekbread Restaurant for some wonderful pizza made in their wood burning oven. Yummmmy!
Sadly, no RCMP cruisers were poised to give a lift to a wayward volunteer, and none of our group was driving, which was definately a good thing - lushes! So, I had to play the waiting game for the bus once again.
PS If you are one of the daily followers, note that I added a bit to yesterday`s entry after the fact.
PPSS It`s awesome for me to hear from those of you who are following - I love seeing your names at the side of the blog where you`ve signed up, but there are many more who are just dropping in from time to time, and it`s just great to hear that you`re enjoying it. A special `Hi` to Monica, my CFF (cycling friend forever) back home who Siobhan tells me makes her morning tea, and first thing sits down to read the blog. I`m living the dream for you Monica, and all the other Moms reading this, who are craving just a little less responsibility, and maybe a bit more freedom in their lives - this is really food for the soul ladies - I know this sounds very ``Oprah`` of me, but be sure to grab whatever down time that feeds your soul that you can - for me, it`s found in nature and activities in nature. Seek yours, find yours, and celebrate it - just for you!
I really hadn`t spent the time with my hosts as I felt I should, so I wiled away the morning sitting in our chalet, drinking tea, doing laundry, watching some Games coverage, and having a great visit with Loraine. I also made a long call home, and found out you guys were all getting together at Mom`s with the cousins for Rosalee`s (my sister-in-law) birthday, and that made me a bit homesick. Happy B-day Rosalee!!
There was a Men`s Super G Race today, but it was finishing by the time I slowly made my way from home.
Another sunny day on the mountain, fantastic conditions, and met two local girls (separately) who each took me under their wing, and lead me down new runs I hadn`t tried, and I can`t believe this, but I actually descended a black diamond mogul run!!! It wasn`t pretty as far as technique goes, but hey, I did it. Thanks to Louise from Whislter, and Laura from Vancouver for being my guides - oh, and Laura for pitching in to a mountain-top rendition of Happy Birthday to You for Rosalee over the phone, followed by my technological struggle to send Rosalee a video message of the panoramic vista.
I had the best of intentions to go to Mass today - no, seriously, I did - those of you who know me well, know that that is something that I want, need, and love to do, and with the view from the church that I described in last week`s blog, that`s a bonus reason! Aaaanyway, I downloaded at 4pm, giving me plenty of time to get my gear off, and hop the bus to the church by 5pm, but juust as I was stepping out of the gondola, I realized ``Aghh!! I`ve left my backpack up at midstation``, so I had to sit right back down, and ride the gondola back up, retrieve my pack, and ride down once more - no way I could make it to the church on time. (I feel a song coming on! That`s for you Dad! )
I really needed that pack too, as it was full of my girly clothes and makeup for the evening, as the `Cool Kids` (the Course Crew from my station for races) were going out for dinner, and had invited me to join them. So, after the transformation from Smurf clothes to my civvies, we met up at the Weasel House for a few aperitifs, and then walked over to the Creekbread Restaurant for some wonderful pizza made in their wood burning oven. Yummmmy!
Sadly, no RCMP cruisers were poised to give a lift to a wayward volunteer, and none of our group was driving, which was definately a good thing - lushes! So, I had to play the waiting game for the bus once again.
PS If you are one of the daily followers, note that I added a bit to yesterday`s entry after the fact.
PPSS It`s awesome for me to hear from those of you who are following - I love seeing your names at the side of the blog where you`ve signed up, but there are many more who are just dropping in from time to time, and it`s just great to hear that you`re enjoying it. A special `Hi` to Monica, my CFF (cycling friend forever) back home who Siobhan tells me makes her morning tea, and first thing sits down to read the blog. I`m living the dream for you Monica, and all the other Moms reading this, who are craving just a little less responsibility, and maybe a bit more freedom in their lives - this is really food for the soul ladies - I know this sounds very ``Oprah`` of me, but be sure to grab whatever down time that feeds your soul that you can - for me, it`s found in nature and activities in nature. Seek yours, find yours, and celebrate it - just for you!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday - Day 13 - Race Day
Yea, right, Race Day - oh the women raced all right, but did Linda work? No. Did Linda ski perfect hills under a perfectly blue sky, while the sun gradually burned her delicated Irish skin, even with sunblock? YES!
I had risen at 5am, got a ride in from Black Tusk with yet another RCMP officer, (they`re so nice), in yet another cruiser - but - I've graduated to the front seat now - more leg room up there! His job is to drive up and down, and up and down, and up and down the highway - I just happened to get him at the turnaround at Black Tusk, where I was waiting for the bus and chatting up a couple of road workers.
Speaking of RCMP officers, they are everywhere - there are over 3,000 of them here from all across Canada. And I think truly they are so bored, that they love talking to the tourists, athletes, and volunteers. There`s even a team of in-uniform officers whose job it is to ski the hill all day - tough posting!
Now that we're into the Slalom Races, the runs are shorter, and so they don't need as many Gate Judges, so a few of us will get one of the races off this week as a result. Today was my turn. But, since I didn't know that until after I arrived in uniform, ready to work, I had to ski alone. But with my new-found skills from yesterday...I...wait for it...skied my FIRST black diamond run at Whistler - woo-hoo!!! Yes, it was steep, and yes, it was fast, and I loved it!! Oh yes, and it was scary too, but I did it. It`s all in the edging, man, all in the edging.
But, before I went off for my ski, I forgot to mention that I actually went to the Finish Area, and just sauntered in - gotta love my Accreditation - to the public viewing area - you`ve probably seen the crowds sorrounding the horseshoe-shaped Finish Area - that`s where I was. It was really cool to see the whole race from start to finish on the jumbo-tron, and then live for the last few gates, where the skiers come literally airborne over the last ridge, appropriately dubbed`Hot Air`, and scream down the final pitch in a tuck, where they break the finish èye`, so their timing and placement are instantly displayed. I love that the crowd cheers for everyone - all countries - the spirit of comradary among the volunteers is great, but we`re working together. What`s really amazing is the common bond among the public. Everyone is so friendly, so naturally interactive - and why not - we`re all here for the same reason - to celebrate our appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears these athletes have endured to compete for each of their nations.
Very hot face from sun, must go refresh with...oh, I know, a chilly glass of wine from the Weasel House!
Bonus - someone had a car - yayyyy - no long wait late at night for the bus out at Athletes Village! Sure, it`s nice to stand just inside the Reception Tent, where there`s heat, and all the athletes say hello as they are dropped off from their evenings out, and one can admire their various winter fashions, but seriously, this long waitin for the bus thing is just not appealing when you`re asleep on your feet.
I had risen at 5am, got a ride in from Black Tusk with yet another RCMP officer, (they`re so nice), in yet another cruiser - but - I've graduated to the front seat now - more leg room up there! His job is to drive up and down, and up and down, and up and down the highway - I just happened to get him at the turnaround at Black Tusk, where I was waiting for the bus and chatting up a couple of road workers.
Speaking of RCMP officers, they are everywhere - there are over 3,000 of them here from all across Canada. And I think truly they are so bored, that they love talking to the tourists, athletes, and volunteers. There`s even a team of in-uniform officers whose job it is to ski the hill all day - tough posting!
Now that we're into the Slalom Races, the runs are shorter, and so they don't need as many Gate Judges, so a few of us will get one of the races off this week as a result. Today was my turn. But, since I didn't know that until after I arrived in uniform, ready to work, I had to ski alone. But with my new-found skills from yesterday...I...wait for it...skied my FIRST black diamond run at Whistler - woo-hoo!!! Yes, it was steep, and yes, it was fast, and I loved it!! Oh yes, and it was scary too, but I did it. It`s all in the edging, man, all in the edging.
But, before I went off for my ski, I forgot to mention that I actually went to the Finish Area, and just sauntered in - gotta love my Accreditation - to the public viewing area - you`ve probably seen the crowds sorrounding the horseshoe-shaped Finish Area - that`s where I was. It was really cool to see the whole race from start to finish on the jumbo-tron, and then live for the last few gates, where the skiers come literally airborne over the last ridge, appropriately dubbed`Hot Air`, and scream down the final pitch in a tuck, where they break the finish èye`, so their timing and placement are instantly displayed. I love that the crowd cheers for everyone - all countries - the spirit of comradary among the volunteers is great, but we`re working together. What`s really amazing is the common bond among the public. Everyone is so friendly, so naturally interactive - and why not - we`re all here for the same reason - to celebrate our appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears these athletes have endured to compete for each of their nations.
Very hot face from sun, must go refresh with...oh, I know, a chilly glass of wine from the Weasel House!
Bonus - someone had a car - yayyyy - no long wait late at night for the bus out at Athletes Village! Sure, it`s nice to stand just inside the Reception Tent, where there`s heat, and all the athletes say hello as they are dropped off from their evenings out, and one can admire their various winter fashions, but seriously, this long waitin for the bus thing is just not appealing when you`re asleep on your feet.
Friday - Day 12 - A Day Off
A day off? Are they kidding me? Oooookaaaaaayyyy...what to do, what to do...oh, I know - I'll go skiing!
I am so fortunate to have made so many friends who are very experienced skiiers (former racers, instructors, ski patrollers, fellow race crew members, and ski coaches, from all over Canada and the US (mostly California and Colorado), and one of these new friends also had a day off yesterday - Garth - and we just skied and skied and skied. He gave me just a few tips, and wow! What a difference. Family...look out, Mommy is skiin' at a whole new level!!
The sun shone all day long, and it was pretty hard to tear ourselves away from the soup tent, after we lunched. All these course workers in blue bring the chairs outside and bask in the sun - it's absolutely mind-numbing.
After the slopes, we hit the Weasel House, where I met...Nancy Green!! For those of you in the next generations up or down from me, just Google her, and you'll find out she was a skiing superstar back in the day.
It was such a lovely night that a few of us of us hit a nature trail under the cover of darkness, and took it as a alternate route to the bus stop: twinkling stars , crisp, but not too cold night air, water trickling by in a nearby brook...so romantic...sigh...
And now for something completely different, but definately memorable...the basement ski room is where we all store our equipment overnight. Although I carry a big backpack to and from the hill with me, at least I don't have to carry my skis, boots, and poles. Picture hundreds of boots being worn in the snow all day long, and then all taken off and placed in this space all in about one same hour every afternoon. It's a great bonding space, a great place to meet up with a friend, and a much appreciated storage space, but I swear, if I ever inhale through my nose in that room ever again, I will die from STINK POISONING!
I am so fortunate to have made so many friends who are very experienced skiiers (former racers, instructors, ski patrollers, fellow race crew members, and ski coaches, from all over Canada and the US (mostly California and Colorado), and one of these new friends also had a day off yesterday - Garth - and we just skied and skied and skied. He gave me just a few tips, and wow! What a difference. Family...look out, Mommy is skiin' at a whole new level!!
The sun shone all day long, and it was pretty hard to tear ourselves away from the soup tent, after we lunched. All these course workers in blue bring the chairs outside and bask in the sun - it's absolutely mind-numbing.
After the slopes, we hit the Weasel House, where I met...Nancy Green!! For those of you in the next generations up or down from me, just Google her, and you'll find out she was a skiing superstar back in the day.
It was such a lovely night that a few of us of us hit a nature trail under the cover of darkness, and took it as a alternate route to the bus stop: twinkling stars , crisp, but not too cold night air, water trickling by in a nearby brook...so romantic...sigh...
And now for something completely different, but definately memorable...the basement ski room is where we all store our equipment overnight. Although I carry a big backpack to and from the hill with me, at least I don't have to carry my skis, boots, and poles. Picture hundreds of boots being worn in the snow all day long, and then all taken off and placed in this space all in about one same hour every afternoon. It's a great bonding space, a great place to meet up with a friend, and a much appreciated storage space, but I swear, if I ever inhale through my nose in that room ever again, I will die from STINK POISONING!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday - Day 11 - Another Race Day!
First, I'd just like to thank the Fairmont at Whistler for offering the pay per use of their spa area option to sore-legged skiers. Supposed to be $30 per use, but a few of us flashed our blue jackets, and bragged just a liiiittle about what a great race we put on today, and boom! 10bucks each. 3 outdoor hot tubs, two outdoor pools, an indoor hot tub, a swim through from inside to outside, gorgeous locker rooms, with robes, towels, toiletries, etc for all - just beautiful!
Only one problem...I kind of lost track of time, and by the time I got all dried and dressed, and back to reality, having caught a short route bus to the Athletes' Village, where I would normally pick up my long route bus, the last bus had left. Late, dark, out of town, no one around, transit only running locally now...not good. So, I asked the driver of the big Greycoach going to Squamish, at least an hour south of here, loaded with workers who have been put up on a small cruise ship in their harbour, if he'd mind dropping me at Black Tusk Village, and very kindly he agreed -- IF I would tell him where to stop on the dark and desolate highway. I wasn't so sure of that at all, as the busses that I had been riding had mostly been driving in fog, rain, and the windows were covered in slush. But, in the end, I recognized the turnoff, and he pulled off and dropped me off - now THAT was a dark walk in to Black Tusk - but, I was sure to shuffle my feet as I walked - wouldn't want to startle any nocturnal predators!
Sidebar: The most used expression I'm hearing in Whistler: "No worries!" The place is crawling with wayward 20something male Auzzies! They come to board and ski, and often never go back home. They say "No worries" in response to every "Thank you" that comes their way.
And...did you know...that the ratio of males to females in this town is 6:1? Interesting...
Down to business...today, up at a 5am for the 5:45 bus, to arrive at the hill for 6:30, have brekky and meet with my Crew at 7:00. We uploaded at 8am, and were in place by 8:30 for a 9:45 start. I must say, I'm actually making some improvement in skiing down the race course into position - and remember staying out of the lines? Well, not so much anymore - if we have to cross the course, we do - not supposed to linger, but you have to turn where you have to turn. It's so hard and smooth now, that you really have to lean into the hill, and slide right up on your edges - fun, and challenging actually.
Today's event was the Ladies' Super Combined. This means they complete a Downhill race in the morning - long, very fast, tuck position, gates very far apart, and not too many of them. In the afternoon, when the sun came round...mmmm...the same athletes raced a Slalom run. This race starts much further down the hill, has lots of gates very close together, and the racers whack them out of the way, as they round each one. It's much tougher to judge clear passage of the racers skis through the gates of a Slalom race due to the incredible speed of their turns. There were no major mishaps, but unfortunately, the favourite, Lindsey Vonn, from the States, wiped out, and so didn't finish.
Race over, sun still shining, 2pm - I can get two hours of skiing in - conditions were incredible again today, but the really great thing, is that I turned a corner in my skiing. I could see everything, there was no fog, no wet snow, no deep powder, just nice crisp winter air, glistening snow, and hills, hills, hills, as far as the eye could see.
Laundry night tonight, so must - ah, who am I kidding? It's Weasel House time!
Then really - it is laundry night.
(Reminder for me to comment on the Ski Room tomorrow.)
Only one problem...I kind of lost track of time, and by the time I got all dried and dressed, and back to reality, having caught a short route bus to the Athletes' Village, where I would normally pick up my long route bus, the last bus had left. Late, dark, out of town, no one around, transit only running locally now...not good. So, I asked the driver of the big Greycoach going to Squamish, at least an hour south of here, loaded with workers who have been put up on a small cruise ship in their harbour, if he'd mind dropping me at Black Tusk Village, and very kindly he agreed -- IF I would tell him where to stop on the dark and desolate highway. I wasn't so sure of that at all, as the busses that I had been riding had mostly been driving in fog, rain, and the windows were covered in slush. But, in the end, I recognized the turnoff, and he pulled off and dropped me off - now THAT was a dark walk in to Black Tusk - but, I was sure to shuffle my feet as I walked - wouldn't want to startle any nocturnal predators!
Sidebar: The most used expression I'm hearing in Whistler: "No worries!" The place is crawling with wayward 20something male Auzzies! They come to board and ski, and often never go back home. They say "No worries" in response to every "Thank you" that comes their way.
And...did you know...that the ratio of males to females in this town is 6:1? Interesting...
Down to business...today, up at a 5am for the 5:45 bus, to arrive at the hill for 6:30, have brekky and meet with my Crew at 7:00. We uploaded at 8am, and were in place by 8:30 for a 9:45 start. I must say, I'm actually making some improvement in skiing down the race course into position - and remember staying out of the lines? Well, not so much anymore - if we have to cross the course, we do - not supposed to linger, but you have to turn where you have to turn. It's so hard and smooth now, that you really have to lean into the hill, and slide right up on your edges - fun, and challenging actually.
Today's event was the Ladies' Super Combined. This means they complete a Downhill race in the morning - long, very fast, tuck position, gates very far apart, and not too many of them. In the afternoon, when the sun came round...mmmm...the same athletes raced a Slalom run. This race starts much further down the hill, has lots of gates very close together, and the racers whack them out of the way, as they round each one. It's much tougher to judge clear passage of the racers skis through the gates of a Slalom race due to the incredible speed of their turns. There were no major mishaps, but unfortunately, the favourite, Lindsey Vonn, from the States, wiped out, and so didn't finish.
Race over, sun still shining, 2pm - I can get two hours of skiing in - conditions were incredible again today, but the really great thing, is that I turned a corner in my skiing. I could see everything, there was no fog, no wet snow, no deep powder, just nice crisp winter air, glistening snow, and hills, hills, hills, as far as the eye could see.
Laundry night tonight, so must - ah, who am I kidding? It's Weasel House time!
Then really - it is laundry night.
(Reminder for me to comment on the Ski Room tomorrow.)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday - Day 10 - RACE DAY!!!!
YaHOOO!! Clear skies, lots of sunshine, just below zero, a firmly packed race course - perrrrrfect!!
The only down side is that we upload (take the Gondola up) two hours prior to race start - 9am for an 11am start. It was a bit tricky skiing down the race course today, as it was quite icy, but for the Ontarian in our group, the loud scraping sound of ski edges gouging out turns, and sliding parallel in very steep parts, as we carefully descended to our gates was comfortingly familiar to me. Collingwood hills often have such conditions, so I was okay.
I was positioned in the same location as for the Practice Runs, so again could hear the cheers and moans of the huge crowd, rising from the Finish Area. All went off without a hitch, but there were a few delays due to spills. One was right above our gate - I think it was the Romanian skier - and if you've read my blog from last week, you'll recall the spot I quickly removed myself from due to its danger - well, that's exactly where she went flying out of control, blasted through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fences, finally coming to a halt in the air bag. We ( a team of MD's, a half dozen Course Crew workers, my backup Gate Judge, and me, were just below that turn. I was watching gates 33 and 34, and she wiped out at 32.
The team of Medical Doctors stationed in our section sprang into action immediately, but they had to climb to get to the skier, which took a few minutes unfortunately. They worked on her for at least a half hour, before deciding to call for a helicopter evac. We all whipped out our cameras (still haven't found the time to upload photos, but I will!), climbed up the pitch (huff! puff!) and snapped some great shots of the "swingin' doctor" and the toboggan being lifted - we all got blown to bits and snow was driven into our faces with the force of the wind from the helicopter hovering right above our heads.
The word from the Dr. was that she was okay, not critical, but had a knee injury.
Mostly, we had a blast in between racers, and during all the delays - one of the crew workers became very creative with two of the cowbells people ring while cheering racers on, hanging them strategically from the bottom of the zipper of his jacket, and would do a great dance when the racers came by (we all do cheer actually for many of the racers, by the way, but of course, especially for Canadian competitors), making a terrific racket with those bells - just hilarious.
Once the race was over at about 2pm, (yes, we eat drink and do our personal business in the trees during the races) it was ski time! Sun - sun - sun - oh - my - gosh - I am a waaaay better skier when I can actually see where I'm going, and there isn't 80% humidity in the air weighing the mounds of powder down. It was perfect - I went up to Whislter Peak, where you can see the endless mountain range laid out before you as you ski...and in an hour and a half, I think I got in only 5 or 6 runs.
Lips are sunburned, face is hot, legs are a bit tired, but not too sore - all is good - Wheasel House is calling, and I must answer!
The only down side is that we upload (take the Gondola up) two hours prior to race start - 9am for an 11am start. It was a bit tricky skiing down the race course today, as it was quite icy, but for the Ontarian in our group, the loud scraping sound of ski edges gouging out turns, and sliding parallel in very steep parts, as we carefully descended to our gates was comfortingly familiar to me. Collingwood hills often have such conditions, so I was okay.
I was positioned in the same location as for the Practice Runs, so again could hear the cheers and moans of the huge crowd, rising from the Finish Area. All went off without a hitch, but there were a few delays due to spills. One was right above our gate - I think it was the Romanian skier - and if you've read my blog from last week, you'll recall the spot I quickly removed myself from due to its danger - well, that's exactly where she went flying out of control, blasted through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fences, finally coming to a halt in the air bag. We ( a team of MD's, a half dozen Course Crew workers, my backup Gate Judge, and me, were just below that turn. I was watching gates 33 and 34, and she wiped out at 32.
The team of Medical Doctors stationed in our section sprang into action immediately, but they had to climb to get to the skier, which took a few minutes unfortunately. They worked on her for at least a half hour, before deciding to call for a helicopter evac. We all whipped out our cameras (still haven't found the time to upload photos, but I will!), climbed up the pitch (huff! puff!) and snapped some great shots of the "swingin' doctor" and the toboggan being lifted - we all got blown to bits and snow was driven into our faces with the force of the wind from the helicopter hovering right above our heads.
The word from the Dr. was that she was okay, not critical, but had a knee injury.
Mostly, we had a blast in between racers, and during all the delays - one of the crew workers became very creative with two of the cowbells people ring while cheering racers on, hanging them strategically from the bottom of the zipper of his jacket, and would do a great dance when the racers came by (we all do cheer actually for many of the racers, by the way, but of course, especially for Canadian competitors), making a terrific racket with those bells - just hilarious.
Once the race was over at about 2pm, (yes, we eat drink and do our personal business in the trees during the races) it was ski time! Sun - sun - sun - oh - my - gosh - I am a waaaay better skier when I can actually see where I'm going, and there isn't 80% humidity in the air weighing the mounds of powder down. It was perfect - I went up to Whislter Peak, where you can see the endless mountain range laid out before you as you ski...and in an hour and a half, I think I got in only 5 or 6 runs.
Lips are sunburned, face is hot, legs are a bit tired, but not too sore - all is good - Wheasel House is calling, and I must answer!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday - Day 9 - What Else? Ski Day
Got the call as I was just about to leave that we were cancelled for Ladies' second Practice Runs. I could hear and see the rain falling, and something like 18cm of fresh snow had fallen on the upper mountain overnight. That may sound like a good thing, but for racing it's not. That required the couple of hundred Course Crew workers to be on the hill at 3am shovelling and stamping down the course, so that it would be ready for the runs scheduled 8hours later. By 7am, the Cheif of Race called it - too much fog, but the Course Crew's maintenance work continued throughout the rest of the day, while Gate Judges, on the other hand, what else? Ski Day.
So, remember a few days ago when I was excited about fresh powder? Yea, well, today, not so much...there was so much of it, that my skiis kept getting buried, and when your skis get buried, and your body keeps going, it's just not a pretty sight - no falls mind you, just some really wonky skiing - I'm definately going to have to consult the Skiing Powder for Dummies Manuel on this matter. In any event, I improved marginally, as I skied in and out of fog-stricken areas, road many a chair, ventured to the Peak, and got in a 5hour ski day - good stuff.
Big excitement in the Soup Tent up top, where we have a big screen tv for the workers on Break, when the Canadian won Gold for the Boarder Cross event. Canada's doing very well, and it's just magic to be among like-minded people who support these games and its athletes whole heartedly.
Speaking of tent...its off to the Weasel House for me now - cheers!
So, remember a few days ago when I was excited about fresh powder? Yea, well, today, not so much...there was so much of it, that my skiis kept getting buried, and when your skis get buried, and your body keeps going, it's just not a pretty sight - no falls mind you, just some really wonky skiing - I'm definately going to have to consult the Skiing Powder for Dummies Manuel on this matter. In any event, I improved marginally, as I skied in and out of fog-stricken areas, road many a chair, ventured to the Peak, and got in a 5hour ski day - good stuff.
Big excitement in the Soup Tent up top, where we have a big screen tv for the workers on Break, when the Canadian won Gold for the Boarder Cross event. Canada's doing very well, and it's just magic to be among like-minded people who support these games and its athletes whole heartedly.
Speaking of tent...its off to the Weasel House for me now - cheers!
Monday - Day 8 - RACE DAY!
Up before dawn once again, and on the road to meet at 7am...only thing is our particular bus route is somewhat unreliable, so I gratefully accepted a lift from Russell, a local who operates a Snow Cat (basically, a big tractor-like vehicle, that grooms or "rakes" the snow on the ski hills).
We were so happy to be actually called in for duty, but the cool thing today, is while we ran the Ladies' Practice Runs, the Men's Downhill Race was running on the run right beside us, so we had a great view of all the men, as they went screaming around the bend at about the 30th gate. We were low enough on the hill that we could hear the roar of the crowd, but it was painful, when a Canadian was on course, and we heard the sudden and collective "ohhhhhhhh...!", when he fell - very disappointing.
Our practice runs went off smoothly. I was stationed in an area with the team of doctors and their first aid toboggans, along with a group of Course Crew Workers, so it was pretty social in the down times, and when not so social, I pulled out my book. They all thought I was so well prepared - funny, we all started talking books, and said that we were going to dub our group the "Book Club" of the Crew. You see, there is a lot of waiting around time: we arrived at 7am for a 100:00 start time. We eat, we meet, we go over our paperwork, we suit up, we meet at the gondola, we gather at the top, we ski down the race course (it was pretty hard and fast today!), we climb into position, we prep our Race Cards, and then we wait...for an hour and a half, we wait.
The Weasal House (race crew beer tent) is really livening up now - people are getting to know each other, and are bonding both on the hill, and in watching and cheering for the games on tv in the tent together.
Someone came in and randomly distributed a limited amount of Medals Ceremony tickets, so a few of us snagged some, and off we went to the Village. We saw the men receive their downhill medals, and then watched a bit of a totally ho-hum concert. The Village is completely alive at night, with a spontaneous parade from the Swiss, all decked out in Viking hats, with those cowbells the size of a medicine balls, athletes mingling with the public, musical performances, heated bar and cafe patios, and a Fire and Ice Show with Boarders jumping through firelit rings!
I had a great time with my new friends, Diane and Garth.
Oh yea, then there was the little part about getting a ride home in an RCMP cruiser - those of you who I speak with in person can ask me about that! Then, once he dropped me at the gate, as I was walking up the mountain road to my chalet (many in there are rented out to cops), two completely drunk-out-of-their-minds cops, who were out for a walk, with open beers, and no coats in the rain, insisted on walking me home, then didn't believe me when I pointed them in the right direction to go back to whence they came when we arrived at my Homestay chalet, kept asking me how old I was, and didn't believe that either - he was the East Coaster of the two, the other was from Brantford - he kept exclaiming that I was "a lyin' bastard!" - just hilarious!
We were so happy to be actually called in for duty, but the cool thing today, is while we ran the Ladies' Practice Runs, the Men's Downhill Race was running on the run right beside us, so we had a great view of all the men, as they went screaming around the bend at about the 30th gate. We were low enough on the hill that we could hear the roar of the crowd, but it was painful, when a Canadian was on course, and we heard the sudden and collective "ohhhhhhhh...!", when he fell - very disappointing.
Our practice runs went off smoothly. I was stationed in an area with the team of doctors and their first aid toboggans, along with a group of Course Crew Workers, so it was pretty social in the down times, and when not so social, I pulled out my book. They all thought I was so well prepared - funny, we all started talking books, and said that we were going to dub our group the "Book Club" of the Crew. You see, there is a lot of waiting around time: we arrived at 7am for a 100:00 start time. We eat, we meet, we go over our paperwork, we suit up, we meet at the gondola, we gather at the top, we ski down the race course (it was pretty hard and fast today!), we climb into position, we prep our Race Cards, and then we wait...for an hour and a half, we wait.
The Weasal House (race crew beer tent) is really livening up now - people are getting to know each other, and are bonding both on the hill, and in watching and cheering for the games on tv in the tent together.
Someone came in and randomly distributed a limited amount of Medals Ceremony tickets, so a few of us snagged some, and off we went to the Village. We saw the men receive their downhill medals, and then watched a bit of a totally ho-hum concert. The Village is completely alive at night, with a spontaneous parade from the Swiss, all decked out in Viking hats, with those cowbells the size of a medicine balls, athletes mingling with the public, musical performances, heated bar and cafe patios, and a Fire and Ice Show with Boarders jumping through firelit rings!
I had a great time with my new friends, Diane and Garth.
Oh yea, then there was the little part about getting a ride home in an RCMP cruiser - those of you who I speak with in person can ask me about that! Then, once he dropped me at the gate, as I was walking up the mountain road to my chalet (many in there are rented out to cops), two completely drunk-out-of-their-minds cops, who were out for a walk, with open beers, and no coats in the rain, insisted on walking me home, then didn't believe me when I pointed them in the right direction to go back to whence they came when we arrived at my Homestay chalet, kept asking me how old I was, and didn't believe that either - he was the East Coaster of the two, the other was from Brantford - he kept exclaiming that I was "a lyin' bastard!" - just hilarious!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday - Day 7 - The Wandering Tourist
More rain, more fog, more cancelled races.
For a change, I went about my day in cognito...although I have to wear my Accreditation around my neck all the time, I decided to forego my Blue ("Smurf") uniform, and play tourist.
I waited out the rain until early afternoon in the food tent at our (Whislter Creekside) base, and just read my book.
Eventually, the skies cleared - now, that was a first for the last four days! You could actually see the top of the mountain - what a wonder! Although it was heavily and freshly snow-covered up there, I thought my skiin legs could use a break. (18cm of fresh powder fell last night)
The Village is really all a-buzz now, quite crowded, and full of tourists - an interesting note, if any of you are thinking this would be a great family adventure, it's really wierd, but there are no kids - well, hardly any, anyway. There are a few babies, some little kids, but extremely few families. At least for the Olympics, this seems to be a fairly adult environment.
So, being fairly adult, I thought I would take my friend Trish's advice, and hike to the other end of Whistler to experience the luxury of the Whislter Four Seasons Resort...mmmmm. It was worth holding my bladder, just to use the gorgeous lobby Ladies' Room, with a fresh linen handtowel awaiting every visitor. I enjoyed a glass in the bar there, where I chatted with a lovely couple from New York City, and a man from Dallas, Texas, watched footage be shot by some BBC reporters for the Olympic Broadcasting System of the bartender making a neat drink called "The Torch", (served in a tall, fluted silver glass, and served a-flame!), and then was interviewed by them on camera - cool!
After that tough end to my afternoon, it was time for Apres Ski at the Weasel House Tent, where there was a great atmosphere tonight, as the Men's Moguls/Freestyle event was on, and Canada won GOLD!!
We all suitably pumped to get home for a good night's sleep. Course Maintenance Crew have to meet at 4am, while this lazy-bone judge, can sleep in till 5am, as we have to meet at 7am. The men will race tomorrow, and while they do, the ladies will get off their practice runs. Both Men's and Ladies' courses share the Finish area, so while the men race, the women will practice race the top 3/4 of the course. Then, when the men finish, they'll open up the finish area for the Ladies to do the bottom 1/4. That's the plan, anway - fingers crossed!
For a change, I went about my day in cognito...although I have to wear my Accreditation around my neck all the time, I decided to forego my Blue ("Smurf") uniform, and play tourist.
I waited out the rain until early afternoon in the food tent at our (Whislter Creekside) base, and just read my book.
Eventually, the skies cleared - now, that was a first for the last four days! You could actually see the top of the mountain - what a wonder! Although it was heavily and freshly snow-covered up there, I thought my skiin legs could use a break. (18cm of fresh powder fell last night)
The Village is really all a-buzz now, quite crowded, and full of tourists - an interesting note, if any of you are thinking this would be a great family adventure, it's really wierd, but there are no kids - well, hardly any, anyway. There are a few babies, some little kids, but extremely few families. At least for the Olympics, this seems to be a fairly adult environment.
So, being fairly adult, I thought I would take my friend Trish's advice, and hike to the other end of Whistler to experience the luxury of the Whislter Four Seasons Resort...mmmmm. It was worth holding my bladder, just to use the gorgeous lobby Ladies' Room, with a fresh linen handtowel awaiting every visitor. I enjoyed a glass in the bar there, where I chatted with a lovely couple from New York City, and a man from Dallas, Texas, watched footage be shot by some BBC reporters for the Olympic Broadcasting System of the bartender making a neat drink called "The Torch", (served in a tall, fluted silver glass, and served a-flame!), and then was interviewed by them on camera - cool!
After that tough end to my afternoon, it was time for Apres Ski at the Weasel House Tent, where there was a great atmosphere tonight, as the Men's Moguls/Freestyle event was on, and Canada won GOLD!!
We all suitably pumped to get home for a good night's sleep. Course Maintenance Crew have to meet at 4am, while this lazy-bone judge, can sleep in till 5am, as we have to meet at 7am. The men will race tomorrow, and while they do, the ladies will get off their practice runs. Both Men's and Ladies' courses share the Finish area, so while the men race, the women will practice race the top 3/4 of the course. Then, when the men finish, they'll open up the finish area for the Ladies to do the bottom 1/4. That's the plan, anway - fingers crossed!
Saturday - Day 6 - Getting Restless
Just a couple of follow-up points from yesterday...
1) The security story was unbelievable...they really are going all out. Every time we enter the secure area, which our whole base area of the mountain is, which means only Race Officials and Crew, and Athletes, and that's about it, we all have to go through a Security tent set up exactly like Airport Security, x-ray machine and all. The only difference is that the ratio of Security people, Police, and Volunteers who scan us in, is about 10 to 1 - just a little unnerving. Well, yesterday, when I had had a rough start to my day, as I was feeling a little homesick, had got on the wrong bus which took me on quite the circuitous route to the village, and had been caught in a downpower at the bus stop, found that when I got to the food tent and picked up my lunch, sandwhich and apple (this is pertinent), that there was no hot water for tea. No problem, I'll just step back outside the Security barrier, go into that nice little Grocer with my tea bag in this cup and fill it with hot water there. Breezed by the guard who was not looking on my way out. 30 seconds later, tried to walk back in, and was told I couldn't enter due to the "food stuffs" I was carrying - the exact same lunch items from the exact same food tent that the guards themselves were to receive that day - WHAT?! She said the sandwhich that was wrapped could come in, but I'd have to throw out the tea and the apple. WHAT?! I had just entered this tent 5mins prior, picked up my food, and walked right back out to get the water. I was tired, I was emotional, and I fought back. That didn't go over too well, to which the RCMP officer, and three other Security Guards who drifted over will attest. I gave the apple to one guard, and the bloody tea to the exit Guard who I made it clear should be re-trained for watching the entrance because there had been little action watching the exit, and went about my day - just NUTS!!
2) The Opening Cermonies were amazing. We had a blast in the hotel lounge, cheering for every country that anyone was even remotely connected to - funny, I was the only one cheering for Ireland! We also cheered for cute flag bearers, and each and every very special Canadian who had been selected to bear the large Olympic flag - great choices, VANOC! Overall, we had a blast! (Sidebar: The Great One is certainly great, no argument there, but surely they could have come up with a more creative and impressive end to his lighting of the outdoor torch, other than joyriding on the back of a pickup truck being followed by local-yocals for however long that drive was - did they run out of budget, or time to come up with a better idea, or what?
3) Forgot to mention about the bobcat!! Did some of you see it on the news a few nights ago? I was riding up the chair with some other Race Judges, and someone said "Look, a cat crossing the Finish!" It was surely a sight to see! It was big, strong, and very agile, if not quite cautious when he came to the options of jumping three ski fences, or past the humans - boy, did he jump!
________________________________________
Today, I really felt like I've moved into this place. I simply lived as the locals lived today. No racing of course, due to rain and fog, AGAIN. So started off with laundry, while watching a couple of hours of Olympics on TV, made my way to the Village, skiied a couple of hours, which was heavy work, even at the higher elevations today - quite wet snow. Wandered the Village, and finally found my way to the Catholic Church for Mass. I was so glad that I did, as it was just beautiful - both the Mass, and the Church itself. You've seen a log cabin? Well, this is a modern log church. When you're sitting in the chairs (no pews), there are soaring windows behind the altar, through which you can see the top of the mountain, behind a foreground of majestic pine trees...this is God's country, for sure. Went back into the Village for a bit of the night life - not in the bars, but in the Village Squares. There are big screen TV's everywhere, and loads of people gathered around and in front of them, cheering on athletes - it's a great buzz of Olympic spirit! Watched the Medal Presentations, and the Whistler torch be lit, a concert by the American Rejects (interesting), and more TV - the Ladies' moguls - now that was fun - medal time for Canada!
It was a long trek home, as somehow one of the runs on my route was missed - the only hard part about where I live, is the commute - it's really hit and miss with the busses, as many of the drivers are from all over the country - super friendly, but don't have a clue where they're going sometimes!
1) The security story was unbelievable...they really are going all out. Every time we enter the secure area, which our whole base area of the mountain is, which means only Race Officials and Crew, and Athletes, and that's about it, we all have to go through a Security tent set up exactly like Airport Security, x-ray machine and all. The only difference is that the ratio of Security people, Police, and Volunteers who scan us in, is about 10 to 1 - just a little unnerving. Well, yesterday, when I had had a rough start to my day, as I was feeling a little homesick, had got on the wrong bus which took me on quite the circuitous route to the village, and had been caught in a downpower at the bus stop, found that when I got to the food tent and picked up my lunch, sandwhich and apple (this is pertinent), that there was no hot water for tea. No problem, I'll just step back outside the Security barrier, go into that nice little Grocer with my tea bag in this cup and fill it with hot water there. Breezed by the guard who was not looking on my way out. 30 seconds later, tried to walk back in, and was told I couldn't enter due to the "food stuffs" I was carrying - the exact same lunch items from the exact same food tent that the guards themselves were to receive that day - WHAT?! She said the sandwhich that was wrapped could come in, but I'd have to throw out the tea and the apple. WHAT?! I had just entered this tent 5mins prior, picked up my food, and walked right back out to get the water. I was tired, I was emotional, and I fought back. That didn't go over too well, to which the RCMP officer, and three other Security Guards who drifted over will attest. I gave the apple to one guard, and the bloody tea to the exit Guard who I made it clear should be re-trained for watching the entrance because there had been little action watching the exit, and went about my day - just NUTS!!
2) The Opening Cermonies were amazing. We had a blast in the hotel lounge, cheering for every country that anyone was even remotely connected to - funny, I was the only one cheering for Ireland! We also cheered for cute flag bearers, and each and every very special Canadian who had been selected to bear the large Olympic flag - great choices, VANOC! Overall, we had a blast! (Sidebar: The Great One is certainly great, no argument there, but surely they could have come up with a more creative and impressive end to his lighting of the outdoor torch, other than joyriding on the back of a pickup truck being followed by local-yocals for however long that drive was - did they run out of budget, or time to come up with a better idea, or what?
3) Forgot to mention about the bobcat!! Did some of you see it on the news a few nights ago? I was riding up the chair with some other Race Judges, and someone said "Look, a cat crossing the Finish!" It was surely a sight to see! It was big, strong, and very agile, if not quite cautious when he came to the options of jumping three ski fences, or past the humans - boy, did he jump!
________________________________________
Today, I really felt like I've moved into this place. I simply lived as the locals lived today. No racing of course, due to rain and fog, AGAIN. So started off with laundry, while watching a couple of hours of Olympics on TV, made my way to the Village, skiied a couple of hours, which was heavy work, even at the higher elevations today - quite wet snow. Wandered the Village, and finally found my way to the Catholic Church for Mass. I was so glad that I did, as it was just beautiful - both the Mass, and the Church itself. You've seen a log cabin? Well, this is a modern log church. When you're sitting in the chairs (no pews), there are soaring windows behind the altar, through which you can see the top of the mountain, behind a foreground of majestic pine trees...this is God's country, for sure. Went back into the Village for a bit of the night life - not in the bars, but in the Village Squares. There are big screen TV's everywhere, and loads of people gathered around and in front of them, cheering on athletes - it's a great buzz of Olympic spirit! Watched the Medal Presentations, and the Whistler torch be lit, a concert by the American Rejects (interesting), and more TV - the Ladies' moguls - now that was fun - medal time for Canada!
It was a long trek home, as somehow one of the runs on my route was missed - the only hard part about where I live, is the commute - it's really hit and miss with the busses, as many of the drivers are from all over the country - super friendly, but don't have a clue where they're going sometimes!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday - Day 5 - Powwwwwwwwderrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!
So, THIS is what they mean when they say "Powder skiing" - this is the real deal, man - absolutely incredible!
Our call time was 8am, as the Ladies practice runs were supposed to take place at 11am, but upon check-in, found out they'd pushed it forward to 1pm, that meant meeting at 11:15am - spent the next couple of hours in a meeting, socializing, eating in our base tent, and reading my book.
(Oh, I did have a run-in with security - this is just a reminder to myself to describe this tomorrow.)
By 11:15, we were all geared up, assembled at the base of the Gondola, light rain was falling upon us, fog enveloped the midrange of the mountain (where the race course is), and lovely constant snow was falling in the upper elevations! The operative word for the Race Jury though, was "fog" - no visibility at race level, meant no racing for the Ladies - cancelled - AGAIN!
So, what's a Gate Judge without a race to judge to do? Go skiing of course!! It was so incredible - I can really feel my legs strengthening with every passing day. I had a new guide today - Tish, who is a local and has been skiing for about 60 years, was just wonderful - she took me to runs I hadn't yet tried, and I loved each and every one. She left me after a couple of hours, but I didn't follow her when she "downloaded" - a term we use for riding the Gondola down from a lower level to the base, to completely avoid skiing the lower portion of the mountain - the wet cement section. So, on I skied, and on, and on, and on...with a few port-o-potty stops, and one soup tent stop, I just couldn't quit, it was the best snow I've skied in my entire life - I even skied some little moguls!!
The only dark part of the day, was when the news went around the volunteers that the Giorgian Luge athlete had crashed and died. We are all very struck by this tragedy, as we all know that our sport, among all of them, also brings with it quite a bit of danger. The level of attention to safety is off the scales though - it really is the number one priority.
I've been invited to watch the Opening Ceremonies here in the lounge here at the Nita Lake Lodge with my anti-doping friends - I can hear the girls getting louder, and the TV commentary building to the event - this is soooooo exciting!!
Our call time was 8am, as the Ladies practice runs were supposed to take place at 11am, but upon check-in, found out they'd pushed it forward to 1pm, that meant meeting at 11:15am - spent the next couple of hours in a meeting, socializing, eating in our base tent, and reading my book.
(Oh, I did have a run-in with security - this is just a reminder to myself to describe this tomorrow.)
By 11:15, we were all geared up, assembled at the base of the Gondola, light rain was falling upon us, fog enveloped the midrange of the mountain (where the race course is), and lovely constant snow was falling in the upper elevations! The operative word for the Race Jury though, was "fog" - no visibility at race level, meant no racing for the Ladies - cancelled - AGAIN!
So, what's a Gate Judge without a race to judge to do? Go skiing of course!! It was so incredible - I can really feel my legs strengthening with every passing day. I had a new guide today - Tish, who is a local and has been skiing for about 60 years, was just wonderful - she took me to runs I hadn't yet tried, and I loved each and every one. She left me after a couple of hours, but I didn't follow her when she "downloaded" - a term we use for riding the Gondola down from a lower level to the base, to completely avoid skiing the lower portion of the mountain - the wet cement section. So, on I skied, and on, and on, and on...with a few port-o-potty stops, and one soup tent stop, I just couldn't quit, it was the best snow I've skied in my entire life - I even skied some little moguls!!
The only dark part of the day, was when the news went around the volunteers that the Giorgian Luge athlete had crashed and died. We are all very struck by this tragedy, as we all know that our sport, among all of them, also brings with it quite a bit of danger. The level of attention to safety is off the scales though - it really is the number one priority.
I've been invited to watch the Opening Ceremonies here in the lounge here at the Nita Lake Lodge with my anti-doping friends - I can hear the girls getting louder, and the TV commentary building to the event - this is soooooo exciting!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday - Day 4 - Fog and Rain :(
Woke up in the dark, walked the mountain road in the dark, rode the bus in the dark, and arrived at the village in the dark, but by the time I finished breakfast, the sun was up - somewhere far, far away, behind the thick overhang of fog that shrouded the mountain all through the night and througout today.
Our crew meeting was at 7:30am, and we were all on the hill by 8:30am. We were pumped! Our team was finally going to spring into action - the reason we were all here - to work as Gate Judges. So many hundreds of other volunteers have been working so hard, and we've actually started to feel a bit restless, if not somewhat guilty, that we've been pleasure skiing, while our Maintenance Crew workers have been slugging it on the hill in all conditions from 4am - 2 or 3pm every day. They are the guys and gals who shovel, rake, and spray the stripes on the course. It's incredibly heavy labour, as they are constantly hiking it up in their sections to complete some arduous task, which often involves carrying much equipment at the same time - just brutal work!
So, to answer a burning question that I was often asked before I came here, and one which I often asked myself: do I have to ski the race course to get into my Gate Judge position, as we do back in Collingwood? The answer, is actually, yes - almost. When you look at the race hill, you'll see trees, a metre or so of snow, three layers of fencing, some wide open space, the border of the race course, spray painted in blue (another hard job constantly done by awesome Race Crew members, as it gets washed away with rain, wet snow, and skiers' tracks). We ski INside the fencing, but in the open area of snow not marked by the stripes. So, same hill, just a looooot more slowly! It's important that we slide the hill slowly, because we are doing so as a group, and being placed in position, one by one by our Crew Chief. As we're doing that, there are athletes doing their scheduled "inspections" of the course with their coaches, maintenance workers, shovelling, raking, spraying, Jury members observing (they police EVERYone), photographers getting set up, lots of people either busy, or standing still, and we've got to be careful not to take anyone "out" with carelessly fast skiing.
So, we get down to the first section where one of our senior citizen team members was supposed to be stationed, only one problem, we had overshot it. When the crew chief directed him to side step UPhill (this is a verrry steep portion of the course) about 30metres, and then hike it down a thin edge of the hill outside the fence the same distance, crawl under and through the scaffolding for a TV camera tower, and take up the spot directly opposite the gate. He gasped! The Chief acknowledged his discomfort, and turned to the group, asking for a volunteer...silence. As for me, I had been told I would be watching one of the last gates before the finish line. I had chosen that one because there would be the challenge of keeping many coaches and media people back the right distance, and out of line of the judge's view of the Gate. I told her I used to be a Teacher, and had no problem bossing people politely out of the way. BUT, I suddenly realized that I was probably the youngest in our group, and this climbing, crawling, balancing assignment just might be too much for the others - so I took it. ONE HALF HOUR LATER, I arrived 30metres up from where we had stood, only possible by taking thousands of tiny side steps with my skis, while pushing up off the hill with my poles, while carrying all my wordly goods for the day on my back - I was sweating so much that it was dripping off my face and on to the snow, but could not stop on such a steep pitch to adjust any clothing.
After the ascent, I slid down the outside of the fencing part way, clicked off my skis, and stepped the rest of the way in deep, crusty snow, until I arrived at my assigned spot. The second I did, I observed that a) I could not see clearly at all, with three layer of netted fencing in front of me, and b) I was right in the fall line! That is a major no-no. Basically, the gate was right up close to this fence, and if a skier went out of control, she would fly into the fencing, and then into me on the other side, sending me flying over the edge of a forty foot drop off into a the thick forest - not good. I was getting out of there as fast as I could, as the practice race was to start any minute. So, uuuuup I climbed, more sweating, back onto the course, skied across it to the other side, slid down, and set myself up safe and sound.
I was situated right beside several Maintenence Crew workers, so could hear all the radio talk - "Foreunner is on course" Yayyy!! We're finally getting started! Shortly, a skier came flying by. I was so happy we were up and running. A couple more, and then...the fog rolled in...we were on hold for about a half hour...then, the fog lifted. A couple more forerunners...then fog rolled in again, and we held again for another half hour or so. Then, it happened: "Racer #1 is on-course" Yes! The practice race was ON! Perfect passage. Excellent. Racer #2 leaves the gate, and in a few seconds we hear "Racer down. Hold Course." "Stop Start" Well, we never did see that racer ski out of the course, we never did see her be pulled down by Ski Patrol. Why, you ask? Because, what we did see, was a helicopter medi-vac. Yes, the helicopter with the rescue doctor hanging on a harness way below flew up from the village, was lowered to the racer, who the Medical Crew (another team of volunteers) had packaged up in a stretcher, attached the stretcher, and they were both lifted up, up, and away, into the fog, and onto to the state of the art Poly-Clinic they have here for the athletes. It contains surgeries, CAT Scan machines, MRI machines - everything! So, that took quite a while actually, then there was more fog, then it lifted, one more forerunner to test the course again, because wet snow had been falling all this time, and then boom - total fog soup - just like yesterday, but with super heavy, wet snow - falling fast. After an hour or more of standing around, they called it. No more runs for the ladies - ugh!!
The rest of my day was totally uneventful...lunch, a village stroll, watched some news in our meal tent. I suited up, thinking I might try skiing the higher elevations, but everyone was coming down saying it was like skiing in wet cement and the fog is really heavy, so my ski day was done, and here I am.
Our crew meeting was at 7:30am, and we were all on the hill by 8:30am. We were pumped! Our team was finally going to spring into action - the reason we were all here - to work as Gate Judges. So many hundreds of other volunteers have been working so hard, and we've actually started to feel a bit restless, if not somewhat guilty, that we've been pleasure skiing, while our Maintenance Crew workers have been slugging it on the hill in all conditions from 4am - 2 or 3pm every day. They are the guys and gals who shovel, rake, and spray the stripes on the course. It's incredibly heavy labour, as they are constantly hiking it up in their sections to complete some arduous task, which often involves carrying much equipment at the same time - just brutal work!
So, to answer a burning question that I was often asked before I came here, and one which I often asked myself: do I have to ski the race course to get into my Gate Judge position, as we do back in Collingwood? The answer, is actually, yes - almost. When you look at the race hill, you'll see trees, a metre or so of snow, three layers of fencing, some wide open space, the border of the race course, spray painted in blue (another hard job constantly done by awesome Race Crew members, as it gets washed away with rain, wet snow, and skiers' tracks). We ski INside the fencing, but in the open area of snow not marked by the stripes. So, same hill, just a looooot more slowly! It's important that we slide the hill slowly, because we are doing so as a group, and being placed in position, one by one by our Crew Chief. As we're doing that, there are athletes doing their scheduled "inspections" of the course with their coaches, maintenance workers, shovelling, raking, spraying, Jury members observing (they police EVERYone), photographers getting set up, lots of people either busy, or standing still, and we've got to be careful not to take anyone "out" with carelessly fast skiing.
So, we get down to the first section where one of our senior citizen team members was supposed to be stationed, only one problem, we had overshot it. When the crew chief directed him to side step UPhill (this is a verrry steep portion of the course) about 30metres, and then hike it down a thin edge of the hill outside the fence the same distance, crawl under and through the scaffolding for a TV camera tower, and take up the spot directly opposite the gate. He gasped! The Chief acknowledged his discomfort, and turned to the group, asking for a volunteer...silence. As for me, I had been told I would be watching one of the last gates before the finish line. I had chosen that one because there would be the challenge of keeping many coaches and media people back the right distance, and out of line of the judge's view of the Gate. I told her I used to be a Teacher, and had no problem bossing people politely out of the way. BUT, I suddenly realized that I was probably the youngest in our group, and this climbing, crawling, balancing assignment just might be too much for the others - so I took it. ONE HALF HOUR LATER, I arrived 30metres up from where we had stood, only possible by taking thousands of tiny side steps with my skis, while pushing up off the hill with my poles, while carrying all my wordly goods for the day on my back - I was sweating so much that it was dripping off my face and on to the snow, but could not stop on such a steep pitch to adjust any clothing.
After the ascent, I slid down the outside of the fencing part way, clicked off my skis, and stepped the rest of the way in deep, crusty snow, until I arrived at my assigned spot. The second I did, I observed that a) I could not see clearly at all, with three layer of netted fencing in front of me, and b) I was right in the fall line! That is a major no-no. Basically, the gate was right up close to this fence, and if a skier went out of control, she would fly into the fencing, and then into me on the other side, sending me flying over the edge of a forty foot drop off into a the thick forest - not good. I was getting out of there as fast as I could, as the practice race was to start any minute. So, uuuuup I climbed, more sweating, back onto the course, skied across it to the other side, slid down, and set myself up safe and sound.
I was situated right beside several Maintenence Crew workers, so could hear all the radio talk - "Foreunner is on course" Yayyy!! We're finally getting started! Shortly, a skier came flying by. I was so happy we were up and running. A couple more, and then...the fog rolled in...we were on hold for about a half hour...then, the fog lifted. A couple more forerunners...then fog rolled in again, and we held again for another half hour or so. Then, it happened: "Racer #1 is on-course" Yes! The practice race was ON! Perfect passage. Excellent. Racer #2 leaves the gate, and in a few seconds we hear "Racer down. Hold Course." "Stop Start" Well, we never did see that racer ski out of the course, we never did see her be pulled down by Ski Patrol. Why, you ask? Because, what we did see, was a helicopter medi-vac. Yes, the helicopter with the rescue doctor hanging on a harness way below flew up from the village, was lowered to the racer, who the Medical Crew (another team of volunteers) had packaged up in a stretcher, attached the stretcher, and they were both lifted up, up, and away, into the fog, and onto to the state of the art Poly-Clinic they have here for the athletes. It contains surgeries, CAT Scan machines, MRI machines - everything! So, that took quite a while actually, then there was more fog, then it lifted, one more forerunner to test the course again, because wet snow had been falling all this time, and then boom - total fog soup - just like yesterday, but with super heavy, wet snow - falling fast. After an hour or more of standing around, they called it. No more runs for the ladies - ugh!!
The rest of my day was totally uneventful...lunch, a village stroll, watched some news in our meal tent. I suited up, thinking I might try skiing the higher elevations, but everyone was coming down saying it was like skiing in wet cement and the fog is really heavy, so my ski day was done, and here I am.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday - Day 3 - ANOTHER Unexpected Day Off!
Okay, so this is DEFINATELY the LIFE!!
I was called last night by my Gate Judge Chief, Jesse, with the somewhat surprising news that once again, we weren't going to be needed today, as the Ladies` course was just going to be maintained and not used today, due to mild, damp conditions. So, ahhhhhhh...a good night`s sleep was in order...a leisurely start to the day with some reading in bed, a lovely hot shower, a lovely hot cup of tea with my host, Loraine, and I was on my way to the hills.
My plan for my day off was to hit the Breadfast tent, do an 8km walking trail through the valley from Whistler Creekside to Whistler Village, have a bit of lunch, and ski a few hours in the afternoon - wanting to keep skiing to a minimum, as well, you know, don't want to burn my legs out and all...
Well...when I got to the breakfast tent, I found a couple of Gate Judge mates, and we started watching the men's practice runs on the big screen T.V., and of course thought it would be a great opportunity to catch that live, just - well - since, for no other reason than - well, we could!
But, by the time we got all suited up, and traversed our way to the gondola, the course had been cleared due to foggy conditions - no more racers. So, now what do we do? We go skiing, of course!!!
When in a mountain ski resort village, and it's raining, no worries - just ascend a couple of thousand feet or more, and you'll find snow! Uuuuunfortunately though today, we also found fog, and when I say fog, I mean "fog SOUP"! Half the time, we couldn't see a thing - absolutely no difference between the white of the snow, the white of the air around us, and sky...what sky? Man, I had trouble with this...we simply don`t get these conditions in Collingwood - I was totally out of my element: at elevations high enough that we were completely above the treeline - so, no forest, just skinny little wire posts, like the kind people in the rural areas use to mark the end of their driveways. about every 75feet. Oh, and you can`t tell when the pitch suddenly increases, except for the sudden sensation of the ground dropping away from your feet - YIKES! With the tension from skiing ``blind``, the steepness of these upper mountain runs, and the heaviness in the moist snow, my legs were just killing me after a few hours - AND, I kept taking wrong turns because I coudn`t see where I was supposed to go, and consequently kept ending up at lifts that I hadn`t been aiming for at all. But, my pals kept finding me, and all was well in the end.
Ski tip for the day from Jim, the ex Ski Patroller from Colorado: when in fog, and sking with forest on the side of the run, hug either side - the fog is much thinner there, so you can actually see the surface that`s approaching as you ski - cool! The only downside is if you catch an edge...well, let`s just say you`d better go flying INto the run, `cause if you go off the other way, you and the trees are going to have an up close and personal encounter!
Off to the Weasel House for a few, a great phone call home to family with the complimentary long distance phone provided for us, and now here back at Nita Lake Lodge for my online time.
Good news is we`re getting a bank of computers added to Weasel House - I guess I`m not the only one who`s been requesting them.
Time to go home to my wonderful hosts with their amazing Italian home-cooking, and warm reception. I am being so well looked after - I feel so special, so spoiled, so thankful...
I was called last night by my Gate Judge Chief, Jesse, with the somewhat surprising news that once again, we weren't going to be needed today, as the Ladies` course was just going to be maintained and not used today, due to mild, damp conditions. So, ahhhhhhh...a good night`s sleep was in order...a leisurely start to the day with some reading in bed, a lovely hot shower, a lovely hot cup of tea with my host, Loraine, and I was on my way to the hills.
My plan for my day off was to hit the Breadfast tent, do an 8km walking trail through the valley from Whistler Creekside to Whistler Village, have a bit of lunch, and ski a few hours in the afternoon - wanting to keep skiing to a minimum, as well, you know, don't want to burn my legs out and all...
Well...when I got to the breakfast tent, I found a couple of Gate Judge mates, and we started watching the men's practice runs on the big screen T.V., and of course thought it would be a great opportunity to catch that live, just - well - since, for no other reason than - well, we could!
But, by the time we got all suited up, and traversed our way to the gondola, the course had been cleared due to foggy conditions - no more racers. So, now what do we do? We go skiing, of course!!!
When in a mountain ski resort village, and it's raining, no worries - just ascend a couple of thousand feet or more, and you'll find snow! Uuuuunfortunately though today, we also found fog, and when I say fog, I mean "fog SOUP"! Half the time, we couldn't see a thing - absolutely no difference between the white of the snow, the white of the air around us, and sky...what sky? Man, I had trouble with this...we simply don`t get these conditions in Collingwood - I was totally out of my element: at elevations high enough that we were completely above the treeline - so, no forest, just skinny little wire posts, like the kind people in the rural areas use to mark the end of their driveways. about every 75feet. Oh, and you can`t tell when the pitch suddenly increases, except for the sudden sensation of the ground dropping away from your feet - YIKES! With the tension from skiing ``blind``, the steepness of these upper mountain runs, and the heaviness in the moist snow, my legs were just killing me after a few hours - AND, I kept taking wrong turns because I coudn`t see where I was supposed to go, and consequently kept ending up at lifts that I hadn`t been aiming for at all. But, my pals kept finding me, and all was well in the end.
Ski tip for the day from Jim, the ex Ski Patroller from Colorado: when in fog, and sking with forest on the side of the run, hug either side - the fog is much thinner there, so you can actually see the surface that`s approaching as you ski - cool! The only downside is if you catch an edge...well, let`s just say you`d better go flying INto the run, `cause if you go off the other way, you and the trees are going to have an up close and personal encounter!
Off to the Weasel House for a few, a great phone call home to family with the complimentary long distance phone provided for us, and now here back at Nita Lake Lodge for my online time.
Good news is we`re getting a bank of computers added to Weasel House - I guess I`m not the only one who`s been requesting them.
Time to go home to my wonderful hosts with their amazing Italian home-cooking, and warm reception. I am being so well looked after - I feel so special, so spoiled, so thankful...
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday - Day 2 - An Unexpected Day Off
So, we had been told to arrive for 7am today - the first day that the RCMP security sweeping would be in place - but, uh-oh, technical difficulties. As over 500 Alpine "Blue Jackets" (See the Olympic Volunteer Uniform - pics to follow), waited, in the dark, yes, again, in the dark - the security team worked on getting the x-ray machine for our bags up and running. After an hour wait, we were all getting pretty cold by then, with no breakfast, and a headache from altitude sickness (I'm told that's why I'm super thirsty all the time too - will take 4-6days to subside), we were finally let in, then all lined up for our venue check-in, then all lined up for our breakfast, and then when all was said and done, found out that the Ladies' Course was too soft and precarious to let anyone on, even the practice racers, and officials, so we were let go for the day - okay then, back to bed, or...is it skiing time???
Well...I picked the latter, baby, and I am soooooo glad that I did...the sun shone from between large, fluffy, white clouds, poised against a deep blue sky, aaaaaall day long. I rode gonolas, I rode chairs, I rode the huge and super engineering feat of the Peak to Peak Gondola that swings you over, in 11minutes, from one mountain top to ther other - incredible! I skied steep stuff, I skied soft snow, I skied groomed trails, and even zig-zagged around a few moguls (bumps). I teamed up with a chairlift mate (Rene, from Montreal) for a few runs, and he was able to guide me to the most breathtaking vistas - pictures are coming folks - time is just short right now. It was so hard to challenge myself in doing one run without stopping, because everytime the trail turned, the view of the majestic Rocky Mountains changed with it, and I just had to stop and appreciate this beautiful creation - so powerful, so peaceful, so natural...
We have these two great facilities, in two different locations on the moutain, set up for all of the Blue Jackets while we work and ski, and they are our exclusive "Warming Tents" - big white marquee style, but with walls and a door, and inside, all day long, there are lovely catering people ready to serve hot home-made soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit, cookies - we just ski in, and ski out - right on the mountain, about half way up. Funny, tourists, even stopped and take photos of all of us basking in the sun, as we sip our soup outside the tent - I love it!
After my first full day of skiing, my body was pretty tired, (legs not quite as sore as I thought they'd be - thanks to Gord for my bike trainer for Christmas!), but I knew I was behind on blog entries, so had to forgo Weasel House apres ski today, and get 'er done. So, after asking everyone if they knew where I could gain computer access, and coming up empty, I hiked it to the Village to find an Internet Cafe - reluctant to spend my hard-earned money on online time, I tried the local Library, but it is closed to the public for the Games, and instead, is a "Lounge for Athletes and Their Families". So, that was it, I gave up. I saw some fellow lady-Blue Jackets in the Village and approached them to ask if they'd seen one (I knew there were a few, just not sure where), and as women do, we became friendly instantly, and within a minute, they offered their hotel computer to me - wasn't that so nice? We rode the bus back to their hotel together, and here I have sat, in the lobby of the lovely Nita Lake Lodge http://www.nitalakelodge.com/, and got all my ground covered! Thanks to Sue and Tara from Vancouver - they work at the Athletes' Village, with the Anti-Doping team, drawing blood samples, and sending them to the Lab for drug analysis.
From here, I'll walk back out the highway once again, but this time, I know what bus to take, and when and where to get it - it's 6:50pm - with wait and transit times, I should be home by 8pm - fingers crossed!!
Well...I picked the latter, baby, and I am soooooo glad that I did...the sun shone from between large, fluffy, white clouds, poised against a deep blue sky, aaaaaall day long. I rode gonolas, I rode chairs, I rode the huge and super engineering feat of the Peak to Peak Gondola that swings you over, in 11minutes, from one mountain top to ther other - incredible! I skied steep stuff, I skied soft snow, I skied groomed trails, and even zig-zagged around a few moguls (bumps). I teamed up with a chairlift mate (Rene, from Montreal) for a few runs, and he was able to guide me to the most breathtaking vistas - pictures are coming folks - time is just short right now. It was so hard to challenge myself in doing one run without stopping, because everytime the trail turned, the view of the majestic Rocky Mountains changed with it, and I just had to stop and appreciate this beautiful creation - so powerful, so peaceful, so natural...
We have these two great facilities, in two different locations on the moutain, set up for all of the Blue Jackets while we work and ski, and they are our exclusive "Warming Tents" - big white marquee style, but with walls and a door, and inside, all day long, there are lovely catering people ready to serve hot home-made soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit, cookies - we just ski in, and ski out - right on the mountain, about half way up. Funny, tourists, even stopped and take photos of all of us basking in the sun, as we sip our soup outside the tent - I love it!
After my first full day of skiing, my body was pretty tired, (legs not quite as sore as I thought they'd be - thanks to Gord for my bike trainer for Christmas!), but I knew I was behind on blog entries, so had to forgo Weasel House apres ski today, and get 'er done. So, after asking everyone if they knew where I could gain computer access, and coming up empty, I hiked it to the Village to find an Internet Cafe - reluctant to spend my hard-earned money on online time, I tried the local Library, but it is closed to the public for the Games, and instead, is a "Lounge for Athletes and Their Families". So, that was it, I gave up. I saw some fellow lady-Blue Jackets in the Village and approached them to ask if they'd seen one (I knew there were a few, just not sure where), and as women do, we became friendly instantly, and within a minute, they offered their hotel computer to me - wasn't that so nice? We rode the bus back to their hotel together, and here I have sat, in the lobby of the lovely Nita Lake Lodge http://www.nitalakelodge.com/, and got all my ground covered! Thanks to Sue and Tara from Vancouver - they work at the Athletes' Village, with the Anti-Doping team, drawing blood samples, and sending them to the Lab for drug analysis.
From here, I'll walk back out the highway once again, but this time, I know what bus to take, and when and where to get it - it's 6:50pm - with wait and transit times, I should be home by 8pm - fingers crossed!!
Monday - Day 1 - Training
My day started with a walk with Loraine (what a great host) to the bus stop - in the dark! That was where I met my first co-volunteer friend - Doreen, a college student from Germany. We rode into town together, and sat together through our training session all morning. That session was a gathering of Alpine Skiing Race Officials, Course Crew, Medical Aid people, Timers...all the people you'd need to put on an Olympic alpine skiing event - well, just those who had just arrived for the racing - there are others who have been here - from a few days, to a few weeks, setting up literally miles of fencing, and loads of crash bags.
In our session we covered safety, radio communication, rules and regs, etc. At lunch we managed to squeeze in ONE run - my first Whistler run! I didn't get to catch my breath, or a glimpse of scenery, because we were short on time, and every member of the group I was with was an expert skier, who has skied here many times, so they just FLEW down the hill, and since I had no clue where I was going, I felt the need to keep up - woo-hoo!!
In the afternoon, we broke into our job-specific groups, so our group of thirty-something Gate Judges had a workshop on all the procedures for our job...stuff our family has all been super-duperly trained to do at Alpine Ski Club back in Ontario...types of gates, how to document Disqualifications on our Gate Cards, communication with the racers, positioning ourselves on the course, etc.
By the end, it was 2pm, most were tired from their Travel Day, but when I asked if anyone was into going for a ski, of course, there was at least one taker - great! I was so lucky to have Jim, from Colorado, who was a mountain Ski Patroller for many years, as my personal Mountain Guide - he knew all the trails, and kept the pace manageable all the way - thanks Jim!
For those of you who don't ski, there is a custom of relaxing with your fellow skiers, following a day on the slopes - it's called "Apres Ski". The local Race Crew here is called "Whistler Weasels". They have a big tent, open EVERY day of the Games, 4-7pm, exclusively for the 500 or so volunteers we have on the Alpine site - comp. beer, wine, music, big screen tv, and last night, we had a visit from two men, and one of the women, from our Canadian Alpine Ski Team - that was really thrilling - they were presented with Canadian flags, and whole-heartedly encouraged by the (half-cut) crowd, to "Go for the GOLD!"
The big adventure of the night came though, when I turned into tourist, missed the first run of my bus home, which only runs every 45mins, because I was standing - in the dark - on the highway, outside the Village, at the WRONG bus stop, for an hour! Fiiiiinally, after asking every driver, of every OTHER bus under the sun that stopped for me, (they're all imports - they don't even know where they're going!) a passenger directed me to take another bus, to another stop, where I would pick up the one I needed back to my gated community of Black Tusk Village. Okay, so now I was in the right place, but I had now missed the second of the runs, so had to wait yet another 45mins for the next one, AND, this was waaaaay out of the Village, totally highway and rockfaces on either side...somewhat cool, and somewhat scary...eventually, bus came, rode it to Blacktusk, but then had to walk into the chalet in the dark - this is after a day of people talking about the coyote sightings in the area, and after I had heard them howling during the previous night. Again, somewhat cool, and somewhat scary! On the other hand, every star in the sky was visible, every constellation I have ever learned about was there - right there - and the Milky Way was totally visible - it's amazing I didn't fall into the forest on either side of the road, 'cause I was walking on this mountain windy road for 10mins with my head turned up to the night sky the whooooole time...another mmmm...moment.
After having left the Weasal House at 7:15pm, I finally arrived home at 9:45pm - good thing my backpack was loaded with all the clothes and accessories I could possibly need for standing out in the cold, damp, night mountain air for over two hours. (BTW, don't feel sorry for me...remember the comp. wine...?)
Ate, showered, collapsed into bed...zzzz...
In our session we covered safety, radio communication, rules and regs, etc. At lunch we managed to squeeze in ONE run - my first Whistler run! I didn't get to catch my breath, or a glimpse of scenery, because we were short on time, and every member of the group I was with was an expert skier, who has skied here many times, so they just FLEW down the hill, and since I had no clue where I was going, I felt the need to keep up - woo-hoo!!
In the afternoon, we broke into our job-specific groups, so our group of thirty-something Gate Judges had a workshop on all the procedures for our job...stuff our family has all been super-duperly trained to do at Alpine Ski Club back in Ontario...types of gates, how to document Disqualifications on our Gate Cards, communication with the racers, positioning ourselves on the course, etc.
By the end, it was 2pm, most were tired from their Travel Day, but when I asked if anyone was into going for a ski, of course, there was at least one taker - great! I was so lucky to have Jim, from Colorado, who was a mountain Ski Patroller for many years, as my personal Mountain Guide - he knew all the trails, and kept the pace manageable all the way - thanks Jim!
For those of you who don't ski, there is a custom of relaxing with your fellow skiers, following a day on the slopes - it's called "Apres Ski". The local Race Crew here is called "Whistler Weasels". They have a big tent, open EVERY day of the Games, 4-7pm, exclusively for the 500 or so volunteers we have on the Alpine site - comp. beer, wine, music, big screen tv, and last night, we had a visit from two men, and one of the women, from our Canadian Alpine Ski Team - that was really thrilling - they were presented with Canadian flags, and whole-heartedly encouraged by the (half-cut) crowd, to "Go for the GOLD!"
The big adventure of the night came though, when I turned into tourist, missed the first run of my bus home, which only runs every 45mins, because I was standing - in the dark - on the highway, outside the Village, at the WRONG bus stop, for an hour! Fiiiiinally, after asking every driver, of every OTHER bus under the sun that stopped for me, (they're all imports - they don't even know where they're going!) a passenger directed me to take another bus, to another stop, where I would pick up the one I needed back to my gated community of Black Tusk Village. Okay, so now I was in the right place, but I had now missed the second of the runs, so had to wait yet another 45mins for the next one, AND, this was waaaaay out of the Village, totally highway and rockfaces on either side...somewhat cool, and somewhat scary...eventually, bus came, rode it to Blacktusk, but then had to walk into the chalet in the dark - this is after a day of people talking about the coyote sightings in the area, and after I had heard them howling during the previous night. Again, somewhat cool, and somewhat scary! On the other hand, every star in the sky was visible, every constellation I have ever learned about was there - right there - and the Milky Way was totally visible - it's amazing I didn't fall into the forest on either side of the road, 'cause I was walking on this mountain windy road for 10mins with my head turned up to the night sky the whooooole time...another mmmm...moment.
After having left the Weasal House at 7:15pm, I finally arrived home at 9:45pm - good thing my backpack was loaded with all the clothes and accessories I could possibly need for standing out in the cold, damp, night mountain air for over two hours. (BTW, don't feel sorry for me...remember the comp. wine...?)
Ate, showered, collapsed into bed...zzzz...
Sunday - Travel Day!
It all started in the dark, when Gord and Brenna drove me to the airport at 6am - ugh! The reason Brenna was there, was that they were continuing on to University of Guelph, where Brenna wrestled in the Provincials and came out at the end of the day with a Silver Medal - Yay Brenna!!
The olympic spirit blossomed early this day, with the enthusiastic Air Canada emloyee at the Exec Class (aka "No Lineup") Ticket counter, who was absolutely overjoyed to hear about my upcoming adventure - I was even worried I might be running late, as we chatted so long - John, I think it was, if you're reading this...you asked great questions!
Then, it was off to...the Executive Class Lounge (aka the Maple Leaf Lounge) - mmmmmm...now, I know why the rich stay rich, so they can afford such luxury - verrry nice!
Plane travel to Winnepeg was fine, I loved flying into what I would call "REAL Winter" - big piles of snow, driving, freezing winds, and exileration one can only get from a deap breath of Northern Ontario air - it crystalizes your nose hairs instantly, and I LOVE it. Special thanks to my colleague and friend, Lou, for meeting up with me, and providing a quick tour of the near regions of Winnipeg - it was great to see you again! Oh, and I managed a quick sojourn to the Maple Leaf Lounge there too!
It was a longer flight to Vancouver, but I was totally entertained, first by a movie, and then by the incredible landscape of the Rocky Mountains - they just seemed to go on forever! Then, there was Vancouver...WHAT?? Green grass? Flowing waters? People in shorts? Rain? A sudden increase in temperature in the airplane? Weird - I had just left Arctic conditions in Winnipeg, and felt I'd just arrived in the Sub-Tropics - I was seasonally confused!!W
I found my way to the shuttle/coach where I sat among a great bunch of people, one of whom was a "local", and provided a running commentary for the two hour drive up the Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver to Whislter - just beautiful!
Everything couldn't have gone more smoothly...the bus dropped me at the Accredition (Security), Uniform, and Homestay (accommodation) Centre, where all volunteers must start. You can't go ANYwhere in secure areas ever, if you don't have your Accreditation around your neck, so it was a must, first stop. Picture taken, ID checked, fitted for uniform, given a goodie bag, and when finally at the end of the process, was suddenly presented with my extremely welcoming host couple, and another volunteer they've taken in - Leo and Loraine, and Terry - it was so easy, and so organized - for thousands of us - I was very impressed.
It was now around 7pm, which was 10pm Toronto time, and I was just spent. They brought me home to their warm and cozy calet, about 25mins down the highway outside Whistler Village.
We all socialized with a glass of wine for a bit, by the crackling warmth of their wood stove, then it was lights out - Travel Day was done.
The olympic spirit blossomed early this day, with the enthusiastic Air Canada emloyee at the Exec Class (aka "No Lineup") Ticket counter, who was absolutely overjoyed to hear about my upcoming adventure - I was even worried I might be running late, as we chatted so long - John, I think it was, if you're reading this...you asked great questions!
Then, it was off to...the Executive Class Lounge (aka the Maple Leaf Lounge) - mmmmmm...now, I know why the rich stay rich, so they can afford such luxury - verrry nice!
Plane travel to Winnepeg was fine, I loved flying into what I would call "REAL Winter" - big piles of snow, driving, freezing winds, and exileration one can only get from a deap breath of Northern Ontario air - it crystalizes your nose hairs instantly, and I LOVE it. Special thanks to my colleague and friend, Lou, for meeting up with me, and providing a quick tour of the near regions of Winnipeg - it was great to see you again! Oh, and I managed a quick sojourn to the Maple Leaf Lounge there too!
It was a longer flight to Vancouver, but I was totally entertained, first by a movie, and then by the incredible landscape of the Rocky Mountains - they just seemed to go on forever! Then, there was Vancouver...WHAT?? Green grass? Flowing waters? People in shorts? Rain? A sudden increase in temperature in the airplane? Weird - I had just left Arctic conditions in Winnipeg, and felt I'd just arrived in the Sub-Tropics - I was seasonally confused!!W
I found my way to the shuttle/coach where I sat among a great bunch of people, one of whom was a "local", and provided a running commentary for the two hour drive up the Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver to Whislter - just beautiful!
Everything couldn't have gone more smoothly...the bus dropped me at the Accredition (Security), Uniform, and Homestay (accommodation) Centre, where all volunteers must start. You can't go ANYwhere in secure areas ever, if you don't have your Accreditation around your neck, so it was a must, first stop. Picture taken, ID checked, fitted for uniform, given a goodie bag, and when finally at the end of the process, was suddenly presented with my extremely welcoming host couple, and another volunteer they've taken in - Leo and Loraine, and Terry - it was so easy, and so organized - for thousands of us - I was very impressed.
It was now around 7pm, which was 10pm Toronto time, and I was just spent. They brought me home to their warm and cozy calet, about 25mins down the highway outside Whistler Village.
We all socialized with a glass of wine for a bit, by the crackling warmth of their wood stove, then it was lights out - Travel Day was done.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Executive Class...the ONLY way to fly!
Minutes after I accepted my position as an Olympic Alpine Ski Race Judge, after choking on the inflated flight rates for the Olympic season, I booked my flight - from Toronto to Vancouver return - over $800! Can you believe that? Crazy, man!
Months later, a lovely lady in my church approached me and said she had more Aeroplan Points than she could ever use up in her lifetime, and if I'd like, she would donate them to cover my entire flight. Well, after maaaaany hours (7 in total!) on the phone with West Jet, Air Canada, and Aeroplan, (mostly on hold), the Olympic Spirit kicked in...West Jet provided me with a full refund, which apparently they never do, and Aeroplan was quite willing to have me use the generous lady's points, buuuuut - one problem - no seats left - except one - in Executive Class. So, it was back to the benefactor, and at the prospect of me using TWICE as many points as what she had originally planned, without hesitation, she exclaimed, "Go for it!!"
So, now, the girl who hardly EVER flies, is flying with the best of 'em! Woo-hoo!
And the spirit spreads...today Bell Mobility set me up with free long distance on my cell for the whole month - pretty nice, eh?
Only 2 days to go now...a few more errands, a bit more packing (to bubble wrap my skis or not to bubble wrap my skiis, that is the question...), family date night tomorrow night, followed by Brenna's Provincial Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, then off to the airport before dawn on Sunday!
Next entry will be coming to you from Whistler...up, up, and away!!
Months later, a lovely lady in my church approached me and said she had more Aeroplan Points than she could ever use up in her lifetime, and if I'd like, she would donate them to cover my entire flight. Well, after maaaaany hours (7 in total!) on the phone with West Jet, Air Canada, and Aeroplan, (mostly on hold), the Olympic Spirit kicked in...West Jet provided me with a full refund, which apparently they never do, and Aeroplan was quite willing to have me use the generous lady's points, buuuuut - one problem - no seats left - except one - in Executive Class. So, it was back to the benefactor, and at the prospect of me using TWICE as many points as what she had originally planned, without hesitation, she exclaimed, "Go for it!!"
So, now, the girl who hardly EVER flies, is flying with the best of 'em! Woo-hoo!
And the spirit spreads...today Bell Mobility set me up with free long distance on my cell for the whole month - pretty nice, eh?
Only 2 days to go now...a few more errands, a bit more packing (to bubble wrap my skis or not to bubble wrap my skiis, that is the question...), family date night tomorrow night, followed by Brenna's Provincial Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, then off to the airport before dawn on Sunday!
Next entry will be coming to you from Whistler...up, up, and away!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
3 Days to Go!
The two most frequently asked questions over the past week, leading up to my departure on Sunday, have been #1 "Are you excited?", and #2 "How did you get chosen for this?"
So, first, the first question...YEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!! I'm incredibly excited! I am not just going to the Olympics, I'm going to participate in the Olympics! That sentence, written by me, totally blows me away!
As for the second question...three years ago, our local paper, The Economist, had a little one-inch Want Ad that said "Ski/Snowboard for free at private ski club in Collingwood. Some volunteer hours required." Before I knew it, my husband Gord and I, and our three teenage girls, were FIS (International Ski Feration) certified as downhill skiing gate judges. We put in our volunteer days at Alpine Ski Club (as good as it gets in Ontario downhill skiing!), and in return, we ski to our hearts' content every winter - GRATIS!
When I heard that VANOC was accepting applications for volunteer roles, I thought I'd give it a shot. In September, 2008, we had a family meeting - I had few details, and knew this could put a lot of strain on our family - both emotionally, and financially. With this in mind, my family gave me their blessing...and the investment of countless online hours began...
From that Fall of '08, to my final acceptance in July of 2009, I engaged in a multitude of email exchanges, numerous phone calls with the Volunteer Centre in Vancouver, a pre-interview call, a long, in-depth interview call, an RCMP criminal history check, and the seemingly endless search for my local accommodation in Whislter, which, it was made clear to me, if I couldn't arrange that, they would not make me the final offer, more emails, and in the end, it all just fell into place.
Getting the accommodation was certainly the greatest challenge of all...I sent out an email to EVERYONE I knew: friends, family, clients, colleagues. I put an ad in my church bulletin, the priest announced the need from the altar, I contacted the parish priest in Whistler to appeal to his congregation, I wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Whistler paper, and it even got published, I contacted the President of the Whislter area Real Esate Board, and she sent out a group email to all of their Realtors. I put ads on Kijiji and Craigslist.
I spent all of April corresponding with hundreds of enthusiastic well-wishers, of whom many provided warm leads on accommodation possibilities, but none actually panned out, until one day...a Realtor at one of our Royal LePage Your Community Realty offices emailed me to say that she had a friend who she had visited in Whistler last summer, and that she was going to inquire on my behalf...within the hour, I received an email: "Hi Linda, You don't know me, but we're friends of Alba's (my RLP colleague), and we'd be delighted to be your hosts for the 2010 Olympics here in Whistler." I was floored - done! I could accept my position with accommodation secured, once they make me the offer.
The next amazing leg in this "journey of generosity", came to me without even looking for it - tune in tomorrow for..."Executive Class - the ONLY Way to Fly!"
So, first, the first question...YEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!! I'm incredibly excited! I am not just going to the Olympics, I'm going to participate in the Olympics! That sentence, written by me, totally blows me away!
As for the second question...three years ago, our local paper, The Economist, had a little one-inch Want Ad that said "Ski/Snowboard for free at private ski club in Collingwood. Some volunteer hours required." Before I knew it, my husband Gord and I, and our three teenage girls, were FIS (International Ski Feration) certified as downhill skiing gate judges. We put in our volunteer days at Alpine Ski Club (as good as it gets in Ontario downhill skiing!), and in return, we ski to our hearts' content every winter - GRATIS!
When I heard that VANOC was accepting applications for volunteer roles, I thought I'd give it a shot. In September, 2008, we had a family meeting - I had few details, and knew this could put a lot of strain on our family - both emotionally, and financially. With this in mind, my family gave me their blessing...and the investment of countless online hours began...
From that Fall of '08, to my final acceptance in July of 2009, I engaged in a multitude of email exchanges, numerous phone calls with the Volunteer Centre in Vancouver, a pre-interview call, a long, in-depth interview call, an RCMP criminal history check, and the seemingly endless search for my local accommodation in Whislter, which, it was made clear to me, if I couldn't arrange that, they would not make me the final offer, more emails, and in the end, it all just fell into place.
Getting the accommodation was certainly the greatest challenge of all...I sent out an email to EVERYONE I knew: friends, family, clients, colleagues. I put an ad in my church bulletin, the priest announced the need from the altar, I contacted the parish priest in Whistler to appeal to his congregation, I wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Whistler paper, and it even got published, I contacted the President of the Whislter area Real Esate Board, and she sent out a group email to all of their Realtors. I put ads on Kijiji and Craigslist.
I spent all of April corresponding with hundreds of enthusiastic well-wishers, of whom many provided warm leads on accommodation possibilities, but none actually panned out, until one day...a Realtor at one of our Royal LePage Your Community Realty offices emailed me to say that she had a friend who she had visited in Whistler last summer, and that she was going to inquire on my behalf...within the hour, I received an email: "Hi Linda, You don't know me, but we're friends of Alba's (my RLP colleague), and we'd be delighted to be your hosts for the 2010 Olympics here in Whistler." I was floored - done! I could accept my position with accommodation secured, once they make me the offer.
The next amazing leg in this "journey of generosity", came to me without even looking for it - tune in tomorrow for..."Executive Class - the ONLY Way to Fly!"
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