As expected we had a broken night due to time shifts and possibly to much beer and not enough water yesterday evening! We eventually woke about 7.
We got ready and repacked the suitcases while having a coffee and then headed out to the car. Keith had been doing some investigating on Dodge Durango's and was keen to lift the bonnet to see what size engine it had. A 5.7 litre v8 monster lurked beneath! This is quite a high end motor for a rental!
We were unsure what to do for breakfast this morning, restaurant onsite did a reasonable looking breakfast but in the end we decided to head to the local supermarket. We got easily distracted looking at all the lovely fresh produce, fruit and veg, salads and deli meats not forgetting the live lobsters and crabs.
We eventually got ourselves organised and loaded the basket with orange juice, croissants, cheese and their version of corned beef. We also collected some cakes, crisps (Lays, of course) and some sweets.
Our plan was originally to head to Capilano Suspension Bridge but after a bit of discussion we decided instead on the small, and free, Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. A lovely drive through suburban North Vancouver had Keith wondering if we could move there! A fairly quiet carpark greeted us and after paying for the car parking we sat and ate our croissants with orange juice.
Fuelled we donned walking boots and headed off to find the bridge. Not difficult as it was literally 5 mins walk away. After walking across the bridge we continued on the path through the trees alongside the river. We weren't alone but it still felt so peaceful and beautiful. Unfortunately the other bridge is being refurbished so we retraced our steps back through the woods and over the suspension bridge.
Back in the car we checked directions for the main highway to whistler, and then set the audio guide I'd bought. This worked brilliantly, giving lots of info about local area history including lots of talk about past Olympics in the area. We were soon wowing at the scenery around every corner. The sea/inlet and the islands to the snow covered mountains in the distance framed by tall pine trees. We reckon driving this road alone is worth the trip! Unfortunately no photos here.
The audio guide also suggested stop points, short ones (perfect for us) or longer ones if you have more time and want to hike. First suggested stop was Shannon Falls. We had only just started walking along the path when suddenly the top of the falls was visible over the tree line. A very short walk brought us to a viewing area to see the whole 335ft of waterfall cascading over the rocks. Stunning.
Back in the car and a very short drive, just a few hundred metres, brought us to the Sea to Sky Gondolas. After fiddling with the parking app, we found the ticket office (adult tickets approx $75cad each). With no queue for gondolas we were quickly in and on our way! We had the 8 seat gondola to ourselves. I faced outwards while Keith chose to face the mountain, we weren't sure sitting together on one side was safe. Have to say, I was pretty nervous going up! And up and up! Journey takes around 11 minutes. Wow, what views. Desperate for a drink we headed first into the cafe for a latte plus a huge warm cinnamon bun to share! We were lucky to find an empty table outside looking out at the view. We were surprised how warm it was up there, t-shirts were plenty warm enough. We finished our coffees and headed for the suspension bridge. Yep another, slightly longer this time. Another viewing platform to admire the views and we decided to walk back across the bridge. A short stop in the gift shop, fridge magnet purchased! And then we headed back to the gondolas for the ride back down. We opted for a private one so had a short wait but worth it. We both faced outwards going back down, getting braver. An awesome experience and once we'd done it decided it was well worth the price.
We travelled on towards Whistler with one more stop just before we got to the town, another waterfall suggested by the audio guide. Another short easy walk of about 10 mins brought us to a viewpoint for brandywine falls. Smaller than Shannon falls but also different in its formation.
Once in Whistler we followed the instructions to our accommodation at The Aspens. We have a one bed apartment for 2 nights here. First thing was a cup of tea, enjoyed on the balcony.
After a rest we decided to take a walk into the village area. Whistler village centre is pedestrianised and there are pathways from our apartment block down to the village, takes about 15 mins). We walked through the village and decided to have dinner at The Brewhouse. I ordered beef and mushroom pasta stroganoff and Keith had a beef and blue pizza. Both were really lovely, with Keith claiming it to be the best pizza he'd ever eaten (he's not really a pizza lover but this really hit the spot). We'd also order a couple of local beers, Keith's was abrown ale that looked like a light stout and I had passionfruit flavoured lager. We chose to sit outside which was lovely and was just starting to get a little chilly by the time we'd finished eating.
Full, we wandered back, uphill, to the apartment.
What a day, the scenery has so impressed us. The air feels clean and crisp. We have been so lucky with the weather today, glorious sunshine (unfortunately due to change for at least the next couple of days). We have walked a fair amount and eaten well. Hopefully all that fresh air will help us sleep tonight.
Keith's step count today showed just under 18000
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