Laurentian Vacation!

Beadraich and Woodsy - Three days of taller hills, steeper pitches and vastly different culinary experiences quickly describes our time in Saint-Sauveur, QC. Our first night in La Belle Province was spent in downtown Montreal where we enjoy the experience of Rue Ste. Catherine on Boxing day. It was incredible, and completed by a visit to the Icebreaker corporate store where we were delighted to find some boxing days sales. Woodsy's research included dining of course, and we were delighted to find that La Queue de Cheval was located across the street from our hotel. WOW... it's the only thing that comes to mind after dining there.

Our whirlwind tour of Montreal included an icy drive through Old Montreal, and a trip to the Olympic Park. After le petit dejeuner at Chez Cora's, we embarked on our journey north to find ourselves in the Laurentians.

With some time to explore and our usual zest for filling every moment, we ventured north, past Saint-Sauveur to explore Tremblant and grab lunch. The Fairmont seemed a perfect place for a light lunch and a drink. Now, what would a Quebec lunch be without a wonderful plate of Quebec cheeses, and a relaxed view of the mountain? It is definately worth the visit, if you ever find yourself in Tremblant.

On to the destination of choice. We arrived at our hotel in Saint-Sauveur only a few minutes before the friends we were meeting, and quickly unpacked and ventured out to Mont-Habitants for a quick round of night sking. Now the conditions were a mix of challenging wet snow mixing into harder packed and ice after the rain, ice storm, cold weather mix. Tired and satisfied with our first day out, we needed food.

Italian it was, in a little place whose name we never did learn, but when our waiter told us they didn't have wine or beer, we thought he was joking. Upon learning that he was serious, we picked our chins up and decided so be it. Bolognaise sauce to die for, and some other great meals, we were done, and retired to the hotel to explore some more tomorrow.


The Photo above was taken along Rue Prinicpale in Saint-Sauveur during one of Beadraich's morning drives looking for java and some photos.

Morin-Height's Ski area beckoned us for our first full day of sking and any ski area located on Rue Bennett has to be a good place to visit. Conditions were ice, and clumps of ice that were formed when temperatures dropped overnight after the groomers set up the runs. It was a challenging morning that left both of us with tired legs by shortly after lunch. Tired legs and a empty stomach's lead us back to Saint-Sauveur where we enjoyed Sandwiches at a great little coffee shop called Brulerie de Monts which is located right beside the beautiful church in town.

What would a trip to Quebec be without an indulgence at a Creperie? There are at least 3 creperies along Rue Principale and we chose the one that seemed most recommended for dinner that evening and were not disappointed. The menu had pages of Crepes, Raclette's, Fondue's and generally anything else that would make for a happy, yet bursting tummy. Woodsy had a colleague from the area join us for dinner, and she was most helpful in understanding things like the importance of having Bechamel sauce on a crepe. (She was right, it was incredible).

On to sking Mont Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Avila. These two ski hills are joined and you can ski both with one lift ticket, so we started out in the -20C temperatures. Conditions were just awesome, fast, exciting, and great sking on everything they had to offer, except the terrain park. From black diamonds that made you want to race down them to the "Red Bird" which made you just want to enjoy the sking, friendships and views from the top.

By far our favourite day of sking was followed by another local recommendation that we try a little place called Cafe Citrus in Ste. Adele just up the road for the "Best Soup and Sandwich ever" we were not disappointed as we both fumbled our way through the french only menu, and our waitress who barely spoke english was very helpful in working with us to understand. It was tres-bien and lived up to the recommendation!

Our last dinner in La Belle Province was a little disappointing, so I won't bore you with the details, but will say that after a 9 hour drive through such places as Arnprior, Renfrew, Bancroft and Haliburton we are now back in Collingwood looking out the window watching a snow squall.

Bonne Annee everyone!

Merry Christmas!!

Woodsy - Merry Christmas to all friends and family who follow our blog. I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas. We have already celebrated 2 family Christmas'...heading to church, then my brother's house tonight. Tomorrow we will be in Toronto. As usual it is a whirlwind around Christmas, just the way I love it.
We will be hitting the road on Sunday. Beadraich and I are spending a night in Montreal. Beadraich hasn't been there since he was little. It will be a fun night, just the two of us. On Monday, we will be in St. Sauveur skiing with friends! Can't wait!!
Hopeful Santa finds everyone tonight!!

Ski Season is here!

Beadraich - As Woodsy mentioned yesterday, we enjoyed first tracks at Osler Bluff Ski Club yesterday thanks to some friends who signed us in. It was AWESOME! Yesterday's definition of a lift lineup was when two groups of skiers would arrive at the chair at the same time.

With -15 plus windchill, yesterday was the perfect chance to see how my new Icebreaker base layer would perform. And perform it did. I was warm all day except for some exposed skin between my goggles and beard.

The skiing? Woodsy was her usual metronome self with smooth rythmic turns, even as she was adjusting as her feet and new boots were introduced for the first time. (Carrie was right, by the end of the day her feet were getting happier and the boots were feeling better) Now, for me, I felt like a duck out of water, but after a few runs and a few pointers, I was doing better. Carrie will say it's entirely in the great Preseason tuneup from Kenmark that allowed me to even stay on my feet ;o). My legs, can't say the same this morning as they are not happy with me. Hot Tub at the gym, here I come.

A week from today we'll be in Quebec, skiing some new terrain and enjoying a little break from it all. Expect some posts, and even some photos if Woodsy will approve them.

First Tracks

Woodsy - First Tracks!!! Today was our first day out this season and we were there almost for first tracks. Surprisingly, it wasn't very busy. There weren't any lines and the conditions were amazing. I had a bit of a tough couple of first runs, as I was breaking in new boots. I perservered and the boots are much better. We had an excellent day with our friends. We are travelling to St. Sauveur for a 3 day ski trip after Christmas. I'm sure you will hear more about them in upcoming posts. I'm sure both Beadraich and I will be tired and stiff tomorrow but we both have smiles on our faces.

It's Going to be a Party!

Beadraich - These last few days have been a whirlwind of activity for us as volunteers, with a few e-mails a day with information, and things to do. We now have to spend this weekend organizing how and when we pick up our uniforms, and accreditation.

Now, the exciting thing I have to share with everyone is a link to the party that is going to be called Whistler come February. Whistler Medals Plaza will be hosting live music each night that we will be able to experience.

Inside 2 Months

Beadraich - Yesterday marked the 2 month mark until the start of the Vancouver Olympics. It seems like almost 2 years ago that this began for Woodsy and I. If you have read this blog from the beginning you most likely understand the patience we have had in getting this far, and it's starting to sink in that it's slowly becoming a reality. With the excitement comes some learning and more research. Now really, Woodsy is the researcher, as she already has a list of places to go for dinner, things to do, and places to see when we are out there. Me, I'm lazy with stuff like that, so I called Visa Concierge and they sent me a list of dining suggestions and things to do on our off days.

Now, I'm starting to learn some interesting things about Whistler, BC. It was planned from the very beginning to be a host city for the Olympics. This planning started back in the 1960's.

Thanks to those of you who sent me some stocking stuffer ideas for Woodsy, and of course Carrie at Kenmark Snow Sports as I'm starting to think she is helping Woodsy and I with a few stocking stuffers, and keeping us straight would be a tough job.

59 Days till we fly out, and truly begin our Olympic Experience.

Snow, Snow, Stocking Stuffers and More Snow

Beadraich - With 3 days of snow under our belt, and a planned weekend in Collingwood for next weekend, I was delighted to hear the news that Blue Mountain was opening this coming weekend. With our skis still at Kenmark Snow Sports getting their preseason tuneup, and the first family Christmas function on Sunday, I'm not going to be skiing this weekend.

Speaking of Christmas, Woodsy and I have decided that with the upcoming trip to Saint Sauveur for the Holidays, and then of course the Olympics, we will forego the usual Christmas gifts and just do stockings. So... if anyone has an interesting ideas for Woodsy's stocking, feel free to leave a comment.

Now.. for more snow..... I'm off to get a hair cut, and if all goes well, take my first snow picture of the year... probably to be posted here later.... Cheers.

The hill will soon be alive with the sound of shoosh, shoosh, shoosh, shoosh!

Beadraich - Our skis are now at Kenmark Snow Sports for their pre-season tuneups. This annual ritual means that there is some white stuff about to fall from the sky and turn our favourite hills into a winter wonderland of morning corduroy and afternoon moguls. Some other sure signs that ski season is imminent are that Glen Eden was blowing snow this weekend, and I've received 5 weather updates from the Weather Network to warn of possible snow squalls in Collingwood this afternoon.

I've just checked the Blue Mountain conditions and they are making snow on two runs. Not exactly my favourite runs, but they are runs, and if all goes well, they will be able to open in a week. Woodsy and I are planning on spending the next two weekends in Collingwood should there be snow, and we can work to once again get comfortable on skis and work out the kinks of the summer.

With snow conditions soon to improve, Christmas almost upon us, and less that 70 days until we depart, it's hard not to get to excited.

Anniversary, Weather

Woodsy - December 5...it is the anniversary of our "in person interview" at Downsview last year. Hard to believe we are celebrating anniversaries of this adventure!!


There is finally snow in our long range forecast! It looks like there could be up to 10 cm of snow on Wednesday. If that is the case, we will be grabbing first tracks next Saturday! In preparation, Beadraich is getting our skiis tuned at our local ski store. Let it snow.

71 Days - But I'm not counting!

Beadraich - I'm starting to get excited, people are subscribing to this little blog which is just a place for us to share our stories and misadventures while realizing a lifelong dream. So, thank you to everyone who is subscribing, and following us. Woodsy and I both appreciate all of the encouragement and support. It's a huge cliche, but for me that encouragement and support really makes it easier and more enjoyable each step of the way.

I have been put in touch with a fellow volunteer who is the self described "Older/Ski Bum Brother" of one of my colleagues in KW. This Ski Bum has spent his life chasing snow, and finding ways to work in the industry so he can ski for free. (Yes, I'm jealous) Sounds like a great guy who is volunteering to learn more about the Weasels, Whistler's very own group of volunteers who make each and every world cup race and now the olympics possible. I'm looking forward to grabbing a few runs with this new friend and hearing some stories of Big White and some of the other BC resorts.

Reflecting on why I want to do this, I keep coming back to the people I'm going to meet. The pints that will be drank at the volunteer pub, and the opportunity to help showcase what a great country I'm blessed to live in.

75 Days away!

Beadraich - WOW, in 75 days Woodsy and I will be boarding an Air Canada plane to Vancouver and preparing to experience something that I know I never really dreamed I would be able to.

I woke up this morning and was loading my snow tires into the car to get them changed and it was snowing. So, I naturally started thinking of the snow they are experiencing in Whistler and how much I want to go skiing tomorrow, But I'm in Ontario and we have only seen flurries.

I must say, it seems like so long ago that the casual mention of volunteering sent us down this road, but it has already been an amazing experience. and now it feels like the last 25 days have just flown by.

Steward Crew get together and Networking

Woodsy - The job I have for the Olympics is working with the Steward Crew. I received an email from the head of the Steward Crew about 2 get togethers for "Ontario Stewards". I hope I can make it to at least one of them!

Nothing to do with the Olympics...Last night, I attended a Women's networking night presented by http://www.solomag.ca/. This magazine was originally intended for single women. It has branched out now. The editor, Jacqueline is a master at networking or connecting as she prefers to call it. One of my girlfriends invited me to the event. It was excellent. I connected with many amazing dynamic women. Meredith and Susie own www.phatchicks.ca in Burlington, ON. They both have excellent attitudes about life, business and fitness. Andrea owns www.cheekymonkeycosmetics.com. It is a great cosmetic company. Check out the nail polish names!! Usually networking events are boring and stuffy. This one was far from it.

Uniforms, schedules, companions

Woodsy - I have to admit the designers of the Vanoc Volunteer uniforms knew what they were doing! When I first saw the pictures, I was a bit shocked. For some reason I thought the uniforms would feature red and white. As you can see from one of Beadraich's posts, they are blue, turquoise etc. While shopping this weekend we visited several ski shops and they are all carrying these colours.

With receiving our official schedules last night everything is becoming "real". It is very exciting. I am anxiously awaiting the local ski hills to open (it has been unusually warm here for November) so that I can test my new ski boots and demo some new skiis!

I had dinner last week with our travelling companion, Annette. Annette and I used to work together, and we have kept in touch over the years. Annette's volunteer position is concierge in the Village. I'm sure you will hear more about her as we get closer to our departure date.

Reality Check!

Beadraich - Ok, Tonight, while I was sitting watching television I received an e-mail from VANOC 2010, and my schedule is up and ready for my viewing.

So... it's real, and with 86 Days to go until we fly out, it's going to get here so quick it's not funny. Woodsy and I are both starting to get our ski gear ready, including bringing our skis home this past weekend to take in and get a tune-up.

Woodsy has also been researching some gear so that we can stay warm out west (I think I have plenty of insulation already) She has pointed out this awesome stuff called Ice Breaker which is base layer and insulation layer ski apparel that is both stylish, soft and apparently super warm and you can get it from the fine folks at Kenmark Snow Sports

Excitement building!

Beadraich - http://www.vancouver2010.com/, The official games time website is now up and running and is a sudden reminder of the magnitude of the event that we are going to be a part of. I've spent some time poking around the site, looking the information on the various venues, sports, and communities that are participating and WOW, there will a lot going on.

It's 114 days until we fly out, and 116 days until the opening ceremonies. We won't be able to see or participate in the ceremonies, however we will be likely watch them on TV from a pub or apres location in Whistler.

To see where we'll be, and what will be going on the there.. check out http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-alpine-skiing/

Uniforms.

Beadraich - I'm sure Woodsy can tell you about the number of volunteer t-shirts that she helped me purge from my closet when we first started dating.

I think we have both been hoping that the Vancouver 2010 Volunteer Uniforms wouldn't become another item we would want to purge.

So, naturally we were both pretty nervous about what the Volunteer uniforms would look like after seeing a lot of the Vancouver2010 merchandise available. The colours are often not so fashionable greens and blues, and I honestly want to be able to wear this after the games with pride.

Today they introduced the uniforms that 30,000 of us will be wearing and they aren't that bad. A blue jacket with a hood that is designed to fit over a ski helmet and navy pants, and of course the blue toque will be nice and warm.

I like it.

Whistler Transportation

Beadraich - Along with the excitement of new sites, and experiences to explore, travel to a new community is always full of a little bit of anxiety for me. It's just that I'm quite used to what lies next door, or around each corner in Guelph, and I don't have that security elsewhere. So, one of the things that I've always enjoyed is reading maps. Yep, just staring at a map and wondering how do you get there from here.

Today, I've spent some time trying to figure out how to complete our transportation plans, looking at maps of Whistler to acclimatize myself with what surrounds our accomodations, and researching how to get to Whistler from Vancouver Airport. I've discovered that Pacific Coach offers an Airport to Hotel/Condo door service which is perfect, since we will have ski's and gear, as well as our usual clothing, laptops, and camera's. We will be booking this in advance to ensure seating for the 3 hour ride to Whistler.

Now, for VANOC 2010, the communities along the Sea to Sky corridor have a significantly improved public transit network, and we will now have a Whistler bus almost at our door step. This is going to be needed when I have to be on the hill at 5:30 a couple of mornings. The really cool thing is that Whistler buses have a ski rack to carry your skis to your destination.

So, the maps are now starting to make sense, I know that I can take a bus to Creekside, and even beyond. All of this planning is starting to make it feel real and closer to a dream come true and I really must thank Woodsy, as she is the one who is a planner. I would be scrambling on Feb 10 to figure out what to take with me.

Update on Boot Shopping

Woodsy - Kenmark Ski Sports...Carrie and Chris are awesome!! Nordica Olympia SM8 boots are my new babies. They are so comfortable. I found out that my 8 year old ski boots are probably too big, hence the reason why my feet get cold. We also bought 2 duffel/ski equipment bags. If we pack properly we should be able to get all our ski gear, boots, and casual clothes into one bag. (I know my Mom won't believe that!) After deciding on new boots I thought I should probably look at new skiis too. I am a loyal Head ski fan so I am going to demo a Head pair and a Volkl pair once there is enough snow. They also carry Icebreaker long underwear. I have only read great reviews about their lineup. It is pricey stuff but I am hoping to get some for Christmas. I also looked at a hat, a couple of jackets, a pair of mitts...the list goes on.
Let it snow, let it snow!

Preparations.... ok.. it's a fancy word for shopping!

Beadraich - Today, Woodsy and I are going ski boot shopping. We are off to Kenmark Ski Sports in Richmond Hill to see my friend Carrie and her husband about boot fitting, and maybe (most likely) boot heaters.

So... do I need stuff for Whistler? Yep. I need some mid/heavy weight baselayers, and a backpack camera bag with laptop sleeve. Sounds easy enough to find, but it hasn't been so easy. I've looked at all kinds of them and they always seem so impractical for what I want. So, Burton makes one, that is designed for all of the above, and snow sports, but I can't find any interior pictures or reviews of it to know if it will hold my gear.

Here's looking forward to a fun day in a ski store.

Important Non Olympic Side Note!

Beadraich - This weekend is the CIBC Run for the Cure in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A cause that that deserves our support, and affects everyone.

Woodsy and I will be running (walking) and have had some generous supporters who have sponsored us and deserve our thanks.

My message is, if you haven't sponsored someone, do so. If you have time, find a walk near you and walk on Sunday. If you can't do either, call someone who is and encourage them.

Just do something to support this event.

The In-Person Interview!

Beadraich - Well, now here was a day to remember. Woodsy and I had been selected for next step, the "in person" interview. So, we co-ordinated our schedules and chose December 5th as the day we went to Downsview Government Centre for the next step.

After waiting in the lobby for about 30 minutes, our group was called. We went downstairs to an area where they first made us check through show our passports and sign an authorization for them to do a background check on us.

Woodsy and I were seperated into seperate groups for this process, and I went off to the in-person interview, and Woodsy to the "training session". My interviewer was wonderful, she made me feel at ease with the process and soon we were laughing and carrying on as we awaited the moment where they switched groups. I must say that the questions seemed quite routine things such as "why do you want to volunteer", "how well do you ski" and "how would you handle this situation" were easily answered with the truth. So.... off I went to the training session, and Woodsy into the interview, where she had the same interviewer. (I think the interviewer liked Woodsy more than me).

The "Training Session" consisted of watching a video and then doing a Group Dynamic test. During the testing we were asked to put together an athlete package of souvenirs that met a budget and fit into a box. I know most of our group was focussed on the task, but I did notice the person hovering, watching how we interacted with others. There was one guy in the group, whom we had met earlier as he bragged about his experiences with alpine racing events. He was in my group, and his personality really came out during this task. He wasn't listening to others, really had no interest in what anyone's opinion was etc, so I did my best to build concensus. I'm really hoping he isn't a volunteer in Whister.

So, Woodsy and I left and came back to Guelph to enjoy a nice dinner as a celebration for having succeeded through another step. Now it was a matter of waiting to hear how we did... which took almost 8 months to the day.

(Photo is of me outside the Downsview Government centre with the Official Olympic Volunteer binder which we were pretty proud to have)

The Long Road by Woodsy

A suggestion a year and half ago has come to fruition. The 2010 Vancouver Olympics! It was a long process but was definitely worth it. As Michael had mentioned previously, this blog is primarily for friends and family to follow our exciting journey (but we look forward to getting comments from anyone!). I do not profess to be a journalist or author. Yes, there will be grammatical errors and maybe even spelling mistakes.
We applied, had a phone interview, background check, in person interview in Toronto and training session, and finally an RCMP check. We were told we would be informed around May 2009. On August 4 (while on vacation) we both received emails stating we had been accepted. Both of our roles are with the Men's Alpine Crew; I am working with the Steward Crew. I don't really know what my exact role will be but I understand it is security of some sort.
We were a bit stressed because our original accommodations fell through but we perservered and on August 26 found new accommodations.
On September 5, 2009 we purchased our flights to Vancouver.

The Dream Begins

Beadraich - For those who don't know me, I'm Michael Bennett, a resident of Guelph, Ontario. After over a year and a half of interviews, security checks and waiting, i've accepted a volunteer position with the Alpine team of the Vancouver Olympics. I don't really know what exactly I will be doing other than helping with the "Race Course" at Whistler Creekside.

My Girlfriend was the one who started this whole idea by mentioning offhandedly one evening that it would an interesting contribution to our country and the whole world to volunteer. Having just read that Workopolis was handling the Volunteer recruitment, we talked about it and both agreed that it would be a great experience, but impossible to justify the expense of arranging accomodation in and around Whistler. A couple of days after this conversation, a friend and co-worker mentioned that his mom was looking for someone to rent her place in Whistler during the Olympics, and did I know anyone who might be interesting in going. Instantly, I knew that this exciting adventure had begun. Within a week, or applications had been submitted, and we were eagerly awaiting the first step... A phone interview.

This blog location is going to be primarily to allow me to communicate home during the Olympics to my many friends, and family who will be wanting updates to know how we are doing. Stay tuned for a continuation of the story about what contributed to my GF and I now knowing we are going to VANOC 2010 as volunteers.