After many weeks and lots of fun times we are preparing to say our goodbyes to Whistler, it's been an incredible few months but a mixed bag all the same. Highs and lows of various degrees but I'm pleased to report, it's mostly full of great memories. Something tells me this is more of an Au Revoir than a goodbye. Talk of return has already begun long before we've left.

Skiing has unfortunately not been high on my agenda after the little incident early on in the season, but with help from an excellent physio (thanks Shane!) I was soon up and about again, traipsing the village stroll and perusing the shops. Me and the mountain will have our time in years to come and I truely hope this little escapade will blur into a little blot on the horizon of my skiing career. In the mean time, James has been progressing from pretty darn good to bl**dy amazing in my eyes, and yes I am talking about his skills on a pair of skis. He can now tackle pretty much any terrain you can shake a stick at and the powder days, speedy groomers, chutes, bowls and cornices have all played a part to make his season a memorable one. Couloir Extreme remains his favourite spot to date and when I look at it I can't help but be proud. One of my instructors early on in our time here helpfully told me that there are a few fatalities on that spot every year as if you fall you don't really have any chance of stopping until you get to the bottom, oh and the only things that would stop you are the splendid rocks jutting out on the way down. Fortunately for me James nails it every time he takes a jaunt down that run and he's tackled much more challenging mountain madness including bush rat to name but a few. Whistler Blackcomb truely offers something for every skier!

So it will be with sadness that we say bye bye to Whistler, to the snow (yes it's still coming down) and to the lovely people we've met along the way. Our hopes of seeing a bear are dwindling as the days tick away, luck seems to be an elementas quite a few are out of hibernation now and sightings are common place in the village. Nevertheless with rather more luggage than when we arrived it is time to make tracks and head on our homeward leg of an incredible year.

First stop Toronto to see family and we can't wait. Thanks Ann for playing host, it's going to be amazing to see you! Then it's on to New York before our return to blighty. There is still so much to look forward to and we can't quite believe this year is coming to an end.

Let us not rush ahead of ourselves too quickly, there are still a few days left of snowy loveliness, topped off with a perfect Telus Ski and Snowboard festival finale.