Whistler to Vancouver, September 12, 2016

It was quiet when I awoke Monday morning

not in Vancouver but in Whistler

Above was my view...

When I left my first stop was Portobello's for a latte

and I was off for a morning walk

It was just lovely and just a bit crispy but honestly it had been colder in the morning in June when I was up there!

When I was walking I noticed a sculpture that I hadn't noticed before part of a program of public art in Whistler

You can read more about Jeri here.https://www.whistler.ca/culture-recreation/arts-music-and-culture/public-art-program

As I turned on to a trail that was quite deserted, I began thinking that there was a possibility of a bear encounter.  Just then I heard a bell worn by a young dog, quite a good idea I thought...

As I walked through the grounds of the Four Seasons hotel the bear possibilities were definitely reduced!

After breakfast, I attempted another swim but the pool was being cleaned so only the hot tub for me and then I packed up but went over to Lost Lake

for another walk

and then i did a stop in the Lower Village

And then I was Vancouver bound

The drive couldn't have been more beautiful.  It is easy to see why the Sea to Sky Highway is often called one of the world's most beautiful drives, of course in this direction you are going Sky to Sea...

You are beginning to see signs of fall...

I was able to get back home by 3:20 (the trick is getting over the Lion's Gate Bridge by 3:00 before rush hour or just waiting until rush hour has passed...

That evening it was time to celebrate a friend's birthday 

so we went to Jericho Sailing Club where the view is lovely and then a bit of a walk at Locarno Beach below.

I couldn't help but think what a beautiful day it was...

I hope you enjoyed

the getaway!

Vancouver to Whistler, Sunday, September 11, 2016

The weather forecast was excellent and there was availability at my time share 

and September is a lovely time for a road trip to Whistler

Plus Sunday is when you get to go to the Whistler Farmers' Market

but first I went to Granville Island and got some additional provisions for the trip!

First stop was the Lions's Bay Cafe and Store where I got this lovely view

Then I made a stop at Alice Lake Provincial Park which was very busy with picnickers-I noticed many different languages being spoken...

There was another stop along the way for a view of a snow topped mountain.

and I stopped at Nita Lake Lodge just to take a couple of pictures

and of course I can never resist a few flower shots

My destination Club Intrawest, now Embarc, is in the Upper Village right across from the Chateau Whistler.

It is generally quieter in the Upper Village

but not on summer Sundays when the Farmers' Market takes place

It isn't just produce as usually there is an artist demo sponsored by the gallery in Chateau Whistler

And just to give you a sample of the atmosphere...

As you can see it was just a beautiful day!

My next destination was the pool where I went swimming and just relaxed

After dinner I walked around the Upper Village

and watched the sun begin to set

and walked into Chateau Whistler's garden

a tradition of the grand old railway hotels that bordered on the wilderness

It was a nice get away from the city

and only a couple of hours away...