This past weekend was spent in Whistler, BC.  I had been to Vancouver, but never north into the beautiful country that lies in all directions from the city.

Early Friday morning I left Phoenix to Seattle and then onto Vancouver.  The flights were uneventful and smooth, but customs into Canada was ridiculous.  The lines were two hours long (based on what I heard as I was walking through), but I was talking with the pilot as we left the plane to customs and he suggested I follow him to another area.  That suggestion saved me about an hour.  Being a pilot in and out of Canada makes you a bit more knowledgeable about shortcuts.  Thanks for that!

The drive out of the city was easy, traffic was light and we arrived in Whistler in under two hours. Friday night it rained, but it did not stop us from walking around the city and linking up with another friend.  We all went to an “Irish Pub” where a decent band was playing some Irish tunes.  I enjoyed the Salmon skewers and chips. Very good and a little more healthy than most of the other options available.

Saturday we went out for breakfast, then to the top of Whistler Peak to hike a bit, take pictures and have a delicious local brew.  After that we went across on the “Peak2Peak” to Blackcomb (more info), had a sandwich and enjoyed the view.

Saturday night we ate at the Fairmont and the trout was so delicious.  Trout is favorite fish when prepared properly.  What I consider “properly” is when it is cooked in butter, salt and pepper with some lemon at the end.  Cook it like I prepare it when camping and it’s fresh from the water.  I was at a place in Scottsdale a few years ago and they breaded it…WHAT!?  Oh well, I gave them my feedback on that choice.  It was horrible and a great way to make a great fish inedible.

Sunday we had breakfast at the hotel and then went hiking a little north of the village around Lost Lake.  It was a perfect day with perfect weather.

Back in Vancouver I had enough time to repack for the flight back and go to sleep.  Early morning flight, customs went quickly and I was back in Phoenix Monday evening.  Fast weekend, but a very memorable one.

Here are some pictures:  Click