When we got home last night, exhaustion had finally caught up with us and the 65kms over four days had resulted in an inability for the body to function. The chance of writing a coherent blog (if they ever are coherent) was pretty much nil so mindless TV quickly gave way to sleep. I’m starting to think I might just need a holiday to get over my holiday. Don’t like my chances of the boss approving that!
Yesterday I ticked off one of my bucket list destinations, Whistler. I didn’t quite get the opportunity to tick off all of the bucket list activities (great reason to return some day) as it would appear that the Westaway Travel Weather Curse has well and truly morphed into what will now be known as just the ‘Westaway Travel Curse’. Actually, it is such a frequent occurrence that I am just going to refer to it as WTC from here on in. We couldn’t have had a more perfect day with amazing blue skies and warmth finally making it’s way through (mandatory bogan tying of jumper around waist called for). The WTC struck in epic fashion with all of the mountains closed (missed it by one day) and the gondolas and Peak 2 Peak being shut for maintenance before the summer season starts up in five days. There was momentary excitement, as one of the express gondolas had people on it (and bikes). On closer inspection we discovered that this was only for the hardcore (lost their brains or too young to care) adrenaline junkies who thought it was a great idea to fly down the side of the mountain with only a metal bar (which just happens to be located between their legs) separating them from the ground. Here we were being discriminated against riding because we didn’t have the balls to risk life and death.
Deciding that we were all too intelligent for that risk taking, or perhaps just too old, we headed out on a hike along the nature trails to ‘Lost Lake’. Considering our run of luck with lakes (I’ll blame WTC) over the past couple of days the prospect of visiting Lost Lake wasn’t over enthralling. It may however work off some of the calories that would later be consumed. Being in the wilderness (flashbacks of The Revenant again) in bear country, we were all a little unnerved by the signs that greeted us. One was starting to wonder if flying down the side of a mountain on two thin pieces of rubber was more appealing. Nothing like a sign telling you to use an area cautiously to make you think about your options of activities. Pondering the thought of how one actually uses an area cautiously, I was once again reminded that I was indeed still the slowest in our group and had again forgotten to pack the knee stabbing knife. When will I learn?
I did manage to get in some practice on how to safely pull off a selfie for any future bear encounters (I’ve got it down pat by the way). The others were more concerned that I was going to electrocute myself on the power box under the sign. I was more interested in preparing for a bear than the ‘Danger Electrocution Hazard’.
Unlike Beaver Lake (the lake you have when you’re not having a lake), Lost Lake didn’t disappoint. Unlike Beaver Lake (where the only sighting of beavers was the female anatomy kind, no grossness intended), Lost Lake was breathtaking. The inability to ride the gondolas was forgotten as we hiked around the lake and soaked up the amazing views. Canadians are truly blessed to have this at their fingertips.
On returning to Whistler Village we stumbled across a place that offered all meals for a bargain price of $5.95 (a win for tight arse Tanya). The food was good, the surroundings enjoyable and the staff from every part of the world except for Canada. Our Aussie waiter, who was also the barman seemed to have chaotic organisation down to a fine art. I think his laid back Byron Bay personality helped. The place was so busy and he still managed to mix up the drinks, chat away to us and explain the Canadian popular drink, the Caesar. I tried my hardest not to screw up my face (don’t need any additional wrinkles) as he explained it was made with tomato juice, vodka, sardine and clam juice, Worcestershire sauce and a few other ingredients I tuned out to (he lost me at sardine). Needless to say I wasn’t a fan and declined the chance to do as the Canadians do. I’ll stick to the maple…..maple pancakes, maple ice cream, maple fudge, maple candy, maple bacon…..and the list goes on.
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