My Day - so far!

Beadraich - With my first day of work out of the way, I now have an even bigger respect for everyone who works tirelessly to put on any ski race. Whether it's the people at Osler Bluff or Chicopee, or the Weasels and Sled Dogs putting on World Cup calibre races the work is exhausting.

I started today with my alarm clock going off at 3:20am, so I could be at Creekside, checked in and ready for breakfast at 4:00am. I arrived a few minutes early and had breakfast, coffee, and watched the news broadcasts of yesterdays tragedy and opening ceremonies.

We heard early on that the Men's Downhill was postponed and we would be working on a new schedule, but no one knew exactly what that schedule was. Rob, my Crew Chief found me and informed me that we would be "Loading" at 6:30. So, I waited and eventually saddled up the gondola and we made our way up, and then skied down to the Garbanzo chair in the dark. Night skiing at Whistler is a little different than Chicopee as the only lights are security lights for the Olympics.

Bootpacking, sideslipping, B-Fencing, bootpacking and more bootpacking made up my first day before we worked our way down and eventually to Chickpee. Chickpee is the crew replenishment station positioned near the start of the Dave Murray Downhill Course, and is a welcome refuge from the cold and wind. (they also have really good soup)

Now for some descriptions, B-Fencing is the first fence that a skier will encounter in a crash and is designed to give way and gently slow the skier while absorbing some energy. This is different than A-Fencing that is in place and under high tension to spring a skier back towards the course, should they make it past the B-Fencing. Bootpacking is a tireless stomping up and down of ones skis and usually done in groups to pack a portion of the race course. Sideslipping is the only method of travel on the race course. It is a sideways slipping of the skis in order to not create ruts or in anyway damage the race course. It's also what you may see on TV in between racers to smooth out corners and ruts on the race course.

Woodsy and I may visit the Weasel House tonight.

Random Photos of Whistler

Beadraich Photos - This is the "Blimp" that is tethered over Whistler Village and is rumoured to be full of hi-tech security and surveillance devices.
One of two stages that provide live entertainment at various times during the games. There is also a large "medals plaza" which will be home to some very big name acts.

The CTV broadcast centre where you will discover that the mountains in the background that you see on TV are in fact, a photograph backdrop.

The fog that has settled partway up the mountian is part of the reason for a postponed mens downhill race today.

3 weeks... plus a day.

Beadraich - So in the last week, I've spoken with my crew chief in Whistler and now I have a better grasp of what I'll be doing out there. I will be a part of a small crew that will likely be responsible for a section of the race course. We could be smoothing out ruts, shovelling snow, cycling equipment and fencing/Willies Bags, or even setting up fencing and gates.

Now, I don't think they will be trusting setting gates with an inexperienced person like myself, but according to my crew chief we will get lots of help, instruction and time to rest.

Am I nervous? Yep, I don't know how steep the pitch will really be, and I've never had to ski with gear, or even much without poles, and I'm sure the terrain in general will be overwhelming at first, but it will be an incredible challenge and experience.

I do know that my Crew Chief stressed, if it feels unsafe, or uncomfortable, don't do it. so that is reassuring and leaves me feeling less nervous. I'm sure I won't be the worst skier out there.

Anyhow, I'm off to work on my list of things that I will need in order to survive the days on the hill, and nights on the town ;o)

Cheers to everyone who has followed us this far, and thanks for the support, encouragement and well wishes.

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.

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.