Vancouver Day 3: Whistler

Six, maybe seven, hours after leaving our cozy hotel we finished the two-hour drive to Whistler. We started the day knowing the drive was as much part of the experience as getting to Whistler, especially since we were not planning to do any winter sports.

Whistler was home to the 2010 Olympics, technically Vancouver was the host, but Whistler has the rings. It is a resort town. All the businesses support the ski lifts. The hardware store has basic hardware stuff, plus board games, extra warm socks, first aid kits, and other supplies one might want when away from home.

We started with a late lunch at Stinky's. I was attracted to their vegetable beef chili. Often Chili recipes are beef with a few beans, or veggie. The hearty combination appealed to me in the snow covered village. Don had a French dip sandwich and a Granville Island Winter beer, in which he tasted a hint of maple syrup. He was hoping to get another one before we went home. The owner was super chatty, though as I write this I don't remember what we talked about. Hockey? Local beer? When we left an owner tied his dog up while he ate lunch inside the warm sports bar. He was so cute, and so sad.

There were souvenir shops, and stores dedicated to outerwear. We popped into the Eddie Bauer store. We are spoiled by the sales we find in the surplus store located in Columbus, OH. This store had not a single item on sale, though it did have ski suits and other merchandise I have never seen at an Eddie Bauer. We left without making a purchase.

As we wandered through the tired skiers I noticed racks set up to hold skis while people ate. I'm used to bike racks, but using bike racks for skis makes a lot of sense. There were other racks clearly designed with skis in mind. 

I also noticed everywhere I glanced was a postcard worthy view. I took over 200 pictures in the three hours we were in Whistler. As we were making our final walk through Whistler, little itty bitty white flurries came down. It was exactly what as needed to complete the picturesque scene.

We popped into the art gallery. They were setting up for an invitation only event, but could take a quick look at their artwork made by veterans. There was a piece with blackened soldiers parachuting into a red poppy field that transported me back to Canberra.

Our last stop before getting in the car for the two hour drive back (yes, it really was only two hours) was maple walnut and PEI blueberry Cow Ice Cream, followed by hot chocolate with a scoop of choco mint. Cow Ice Cream says they are Canada's best ice cream with scoop shops throughout Canada.

Knowing there is a 24-hour diner within walking distance of our hotel eased our concern about returning to Vancouver too late for dinner (as has happened to us on other vacations). We were in time for another meal at Burgoo.

Most everyone who came into Stinky's kept their coats
and ski caps on, except me. It was warm inside, but
wearing their ski clothing indoors was the norm