So we hired a car for the weekend and headed up the Sea to Sky Passage. This road links the north to the south and more importantly Vancouver to Whistler. We got one of the most gorgeous days, about 14 degrees sunshine for miles! The road is a great drive, bending around huge mountains and gorgeous ocean views. It reminded me a lot of the Lake District, even when we drove through a town called Ambleside! Our first stop was a waterfall called Shannon Falls just south of Squamish which Megan insists on calling Squirmish! It is renowned in the Lonely planet as being the Outdoors capital of Canada – I didn’t think that much of it really – the drive was much nicer than the town itself. Next stop was Whistler for the Para Olympics and to get a feel for the place before boarding the next day. It wasn’t what I expected – much smaller and hugely commercialised. The village however did remind me of Tremblant – a real Ski resort… Then it was up to Pemberton and a hike to see Naimo Falls. The whole area is simply stunning – forest everywhere with a real sense of nature. It also has a real sense of loneliness; I could imagine stepping off the track and being lost for days, if not months. So far we have not seen a bear but I am crossing my fingers. The drive back had a different sense to it also, due to the sunset. It was gorgeous – especially in Twilight when the sun reflected off the sea and mountains. We also visited the Cypress look out on the way home for a fantastic view of Vancouver. Whistler-Blackcomb tomorrow to use the new board, and for Megan to prove she can outski me!!!! very excited!