when I was away, I had a chance to visit whistler for approx
3 days… I’d only ever been to visit on a day trip before, and driven both ways
(so unable to take in the landscape, and no drinking for me!) so I think a bit
of the adventure was lost on me. I’d thought it was – for lack of a
better word – boring. lackluster. we spent the day wandering the pre-fab village, eating sushi, then hanging out while other people prepared to go get their dance on. I
wasn’t sold. driving home with 2 other people asleep in the car (my sister and
her friend), I was a little disappointed in what I thought would likely be one
of my favourite parts of BC.
so, when I had the opportunity to spend a more significant
chunk of time there this past visit, I was hesitant, to say the least. I knew I would
be spending most of my time alone, with no one to guide me to favourite places
or things. I knew it would be a lot of exploration, and alone time – and in a
space you weren’t fond of previously, that can be a daunting adventure.
so, of course, I said yes. dare me to try to find fun in a
space I didn’t like before? I’ll take that dare, and raise you a double dog dare.
and I’m so glad I did.
I took the pacific coach (which was likely more expensive than the greyhound, but convenient, fast, and comfyyyy), on friday afternoon, and spent the ride staring out the windows - instead of sleeping as i had planned.
the side of the river running through the village - my reading spot
if
I made the trip purely for the mountains, and the winding roads around the
peaks, it was worth it. but I didn’t. I arrived in Whistler, and after dropping
my weekend gear off, promptly headed out to spend the evening walking around the woodsy area. we
walked to Lost Lake - past
golf courses, and the most enormous slugs I’ve ever seen. we walked through the
village, and took in much of the forested secret places that I hadn’t had a
chance to see. the night was an early one, but enough of a taste of the
surrounding area that I knew I wanted more.
saturday
I woke up, and spent the day wandering the village alone – bought some books at armchairbooks, got an iced coffee, and sat in the village on a bench, and
read – while watching tourists and locals pass by. i popped in and out of
shops, and bumped into old friends from back home. I ate falafal for lunch, and
then spent the afternoon at rainbow beach. swam in the cool water, looking out over the snow peaked
mountains. and i think it was in lying on the grass, watching the people while the mountains
loomed, I think I knew. I was in love. i was officially in love with whistler. a quick turnaround from a not utterly convincing
trip previously.
rainbow park beach (photo by jeff)
after a dinner in the hotel, and a few drinks at home, we headed into the village – where I got a taste of what it would be like to live, eat, sleep and party in whistler. drinks at Earl’s with a friend bartending, then meeting friends to dance while another friend watched as security overhead – a spoiled life that not many would mind living. though it was a late night, the amount of people that filled the village that evening was mesmerizing – people laughing and yelling all around me, as though this was the last night of their lives.
sunday was spent lounging – and while the activities were not Whistler specific, a day in the sun, by the pool was much needed and appreciated. mountain bikers everywhere. the afternoon and evening was filled with an ATV adventure… and while some have heard the death defying story of my battle with the side of a mountain - bruises and cracked ribs aside – going really fast on a motorized vehicle was just what I needed after a lazy morning. the mountains, the small cabin at the top, the peak at the waterfall that I only was able to see because I wasn’t driving anymore…. it all filled in the spaces of the story I was creating about this little town that I hadn’t given much thought to. a bunch of us had dinner that night together – baked spaghetti made by the fabulous steve – and recollected stories of mid air flips, donuts and dirt moustaches of the day. we finally (begrudgingly) wandered into the village for a couple of late night drinks, and then made our way back home.
sea to sky highway - stopped on the way back to van
monday, we woke up and the day was filled with sushi lunch (fresh fish – fave part of the west coast), frisbee golf and a drive back to Van. sushi – dope. frisbee golf – my first time, and so worth the pain from the previous day’s tumble (though I’m not sure the people who had to play with me would agree. I’m terrible). anything where I get to hike and climb through mountains and trees, and then throw something through it? I’m in. then, in driving back, I got another chance to watch the mountains. we stopped at the side of the road on the way home – and just looked. took some photos – and in reflecting on the photos, it’s obvious… no photo can do that province justice. the photos just aren’t good enough.
when I returned to van, I wanted to instantly go back. a good thing I’m sure of it. it was relaxing and quiet. it was fun and exciting. there was so much green (trees and grass) and grey (mountains) and blue (sky and water) and white (clouds and snow peaked tips)… it was all I could do to not stay forever.
I’ll find you again whistler – and when I do, we will hold hands. and eat sorbet. and tell eachother secrets. and eat junk food all night long.
and you will love me back.
and you will love me back.