On To Whistler

 

While researching the "must see" things to do while we were in Vancouver a drive along the Sea to Sky Highway seemed like a "must do" so off we went happily munching on the hazelnuts we had purchased at the local farmer's market.

 The weather was picture perfect and the sights were... well, beautiful.

 Not long after arriving in Whistler, we enjoyed a delicious vegetable pizza while watching the cable cars make their steady ascent up the mountain.  I knew getting to the top of the mountains was the "must see" way for fully experiencing the beauty of the area.  However, I wondered whether the height would be an issue for me.  It's been a long, long time since I've been on any type of cable car or ski lift.  I decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it.

After lunch we purchased our tickets for the Peak to Peak Gondola and with slightly sweaty palms I hopped in and off we went.

 Stepping out of the cable car at the first summit, we were in awe of the natural beauty to be found in every direction.  The air was so fresh and clear.  I felt like I had just stepped into a postcard.

We were interested to learn about the small animal who was instrumental in the naming of Whistler Mountain:

We then boarded the 2nd gondola to continue our trek up the mountain.

 

By now I was a seasoned gondola traveler and quite enjoyed the gentle glide through the treetops.

  Soon it was time to exit the gondola.

Right away we saw a large group of people squatting down with cameras poised.  We were soon pointing the camera at this:

 The Whistling Marmot!

He wasn't whistling, but he sure was attracting a lot of attention.

We enjoyed a cup of coffee while overlooking this amazing sight.

Oh how I wanted this day to never end :).

But, all too soon, it was time to board the gondola and return to reality.

I'd like to extend a special thank you to the British Columbia gals for your comments on my previous post.  I nearly cried when I found out about your upcoming book signing at the Granville Island Ten Thousand Villages.  Oh how I would have LOVED to be there for that.  The hardest part of this trip has been being so close and not having the opportunity to meet you.  Through the years of reading your blogs and following your Mennonite Girls Can Cook story I have been completely enthralled with your beautiful province.  The chance to experience it has been more wonderful than I can begin to convey. 

Anneliese, to answer your question in comments,

 Yes, I have noticed the logo on your license plates.

In fact this is one of my over 500 photos.

I now know, without a doubt, that it is indeed a beautiful, beautiful place.