Well, I was out skiing on another day off today with Geoff and Terry (two very distingushed members of the Canadian Ski Patrol). While having a quick lunch, we were approached by the Whistler Blackcomb podcast producers wanted to do a quick interview. Terry was quick to volunteer.
And here are Terry and Geoff in a rare moment. They are actually stopped.
Yet again, it was a cloudy day in Whistler. We did have breaks in the clouds - but this gives you a good perspective of what we've been skiing in at the alpine. Note how the clouds are at the same level... they used to be hovering over the ski area:
Here's just a shot from the Whistler gondola of Blackcomb mountain:
...and these are from the "Peak 2 Peak" Gondola, which allows you to travel between Whistler and Blackcomb.
If there are two things affecting the Olympics the most from my perspective, it has to be weather and transportation. Quite frankly, I think that they are doing the best that they can with the transit issue. They are covering an extreme amount of area and there are only so many buses you can have driving around. Granted it could likely be a little more efficient; but all things considered, I think they are doing a good job. It's just that I hate waiting for buses! When I don't have to wait it's great. When I do.... well, it's a pain.
If there are two things affecting the Olympics the most from my perspective, it has to be weather and transportation. Quite frankly, I think that they are doing the best that they can with the transit issue. They are covering an extreme amount of area and there are only so many buses you can have driving around. Granted it could likely be a little more efficient; but all things considered, I think they are doing a good job. It's just that I hate waiting for buses! When I don't have to wait it's great. When I do.... well, it's a pain.
Weather has, by far, been horrible down low and great up high. The good news is that on my days off, I spend them 'high' on the mountain. Last night 20cm fell - and I took advantage of every single centimetre! However, it usually has fallen as rain when down low... and when I am working, I am, by definition, in a valley. It's something that no one can do about it - and I am just lucky that my uniform jacket seemed to have an extra layer of waterproofing. I'm not complaining! The forecast is for sun and warm temps for the next few days. It will be nice to work without the ever-present threat of rain for a change.
From a patrolling perspective - it is very similar to working a marshal station at Chico Racing. You are asked to monitor a specific area of the course for safety concerns, and deal with any issues as they arise. I was lucky enough to be placed near a spectator pathway - which meant easy access from one perspective, and I got to interact with a lot of members of the public who were asking about the race going on. It was certainly exciting to be part of the action -and if you know me at all, I also have the gift of gab.
After the races on Monday, I was able to get out for a ski. There's nothing more humbling than having a bunch of Olympians passing you like you're standing still. Can I use the excuse that I'm carrying a radio and pack? Nah, I really can't.
Tomorrow is another race day at cross country. Cross country events haven't got a lot of air time on TV - however, from what I understand, that's not the case in Europe, where it gets a significant amount.
I did snap a bunch of pics - but with the flat light, many didn't turn out. I plan on hitting up the Whistler village sometime soon (...again...), I'll be sure to snap some pics of the Olympic stuff going on around town. My last visit was a little spur of the moment - which is pretty much what happens every night around here! All the best!
