| An artificially created town, Whistler
was invented to try and seal a bid to host the Winter Olympics back in the
seventies. The bid failed but Whistler flourished. The fortune paid out
by a coterie of Vancouver businessman has resulted in a pretty, atmospheric,
chic village at the foot of Whistler mountain. This and its companion mountain,
Blackcomb, are the real reasons Whistler village exists. A twenty minute
$22 gondola ride hauls you high above the valley floor and delivers you
into the alpine world. |
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If you have been following
this narrative you'll know that on back on Grouse
Mountain we scrabbled to find every inch of snow we could. Here up
on Whistler peak there was so much snow that all the walking trails were
officially closed! Still, many (us included) start trekking up a snow-covered
path to Whistler peak. Walking and slipping on a snowy trail, the track
becomes a muddy trickle of melted snow. Not very attractive but easier
to walk on than snow. As we climb the awe and majesty of the mountains
envelops us. Wet feet, tired legs, beating heart - none of this matters
as your eyes are seduced by a beauty that empties your mind.
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You start to understand the addiction that
people have for such places. ("Rocky Mountain High"). Not only
is there space laterally, there is space vertically. At this altitude daily
life is a long way off, and it's actually hard to come back down. Those
who don't have this kind of terrain in their backyard linger, taking in
just one more sight, one more aspect, one more peak, one more glimpse of
the valley below. It is beguiling and you make the decision there and then
to remember this. |
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And this pretty much summarises how I felt
up there! |
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And after a hard day in the
snow it was back for a few drinks and songs in the comfort of our apartment
(which this time had nothing to do with Howard Johnson's!)
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