We’ve both been to BC many times, but interestingly neither of us has ever been to Whistler. Cully and Terri suggested taking a day, traveling the hour and a half or so up there, and seeing what it was all about. We thought it sounded like a great idea and we all went up there on Sunday.
The trip along the Sea to Sky Highway is spectacular. It is so beautiful. The highway hugs the coastline and you look out across the water and see the numerous islands dotting the horizon and Vancouver Island acts as an impressive backdrop.
Once we got into town, we had a quick bite to eat and then walked through the village a bit towards the lifts and gondolas taking visitors up the mountain in different directions. The weather was gorgeous, but hot … nearly 90 degrees! Our first trip was on a gondola that took us straight up out of Whistler Village. The gondola car was enclosed and afforeded a great view, but it was also quite hot and stuffy.
At the station at the top, we paused a bit for a few more photos, of course:
We stayed there for just a bit before boarding the “Peak 2 Peak” gondola that bridges Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Wow, what a great view and fun ride …
Descending Whistler Mountain as another Peak 2 Peak tram ascends.
Soaring above the tree tops. Blackcomb Mountain is just ahead.
A fun and scenic rid over the valley between the two mountains.
Looking back towards Whistler Mountain.
Once off the tram, we surveyed the area and found a trailhead for a trail leading through the alpine forest. The air was fresh and smelled like a Christmas tree farm. Wildflowers were in full bloom and there was a slight breeze every now and then to cool us.
Really, the only bad thing about it up there … and it was REALLY bad … was the number of enormous flies and bees that seemed very intent on attacking us and making any time standing still a frantic swatting event, as evidenced in this photo …
Fly in the eye!
There are several flies on us in this photo. I'm not missing a leg. I'm doing the shoo-fly jig.
So after an abbreviated hike with the flies, we decided we could head back down the mountain. We had heard that one of the chairlifts was operating to take people off the mountain and that it was a very scenic and enjoyable way to get back to the village. It definitely was.
Once we made it back to the village, we had a few cool beers (well, some of us did), played some cribbage, and then enjoyed a dinner outside before making our way back to Vancouver.
Hmmm … there weren’t any shots of Cully and Terri in this series. They were there! And we had a great time with them on this trip to Whistler and throughout their entire stay here. They’re very easy to travel with and we’re really looking forward to seeing them in a couple weeks in Sonoma after I’m in that area on business. Today they depart for Victoria and then start their journey home.
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