THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS--VICTORIA TO WHISTLER

The mobile phone buzzed, jumped around and played an annoying tune. It was 5:30, time to get up, shower, and BBB. (Bags Before Breakfast). The tour was well organised, we would put our bags outside the room and we wouldn't see them again until inside the next hotel room. The breakfasts everyday were to be seen to be believed. (I don't know why I never took a photo of them.)

We boarded our colourful coach which would become home for the next seven days. We changed seats every day. We left Victoria and drove through Vancouver Island until we reached Nanaimo, where the coach drove onto a ferry.

The ferry took us across to the mainland at Horseshoe Bay.

Although misty, the scenery was wonderful where The Coastal Mountains tumbled into the sea. We had lunch on the ferry and sat next to two Canadian girls and it was interesting listening to their stories of life in Canada.

We were on the way to Whistler, where the 2010 winter olympics were held. Consequently the Sea to Sky Highway had been upgraded. This drive along Howe Sound is rated as one of the most scenic in the world and I can vouch for that.

We pulled off the road to take a short walk into the forest to view The Shannon Falls, the highest in BC.

Soon we arrived in the lovely ski village of Whistler. We had an hour to explore before our rooms were ready. Just about every shop, cafe and bar had an Australian working there. I think the Aussies have invaded Whistler. We had lunch in the above restaurant the next day while Bill waited to see a doctor. He had an infected toe and was starting to hobble around in pain. So we got it looked at before we headed into the boondocks.

In the afternoon we were off to The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, (the pink one in the background) our rooms were big and beautiful with a view of Blackcomb Mountain.

By now we were all starting to become friends and we had many enjoyable meals together. After dinner we had a presentation by Michel Allen, a world leader in Black Bear research. It was informative and entertaining. Tomorrow we are going to swing from peak to peak.