So we're back and it feels just like coming home. We know where we are going and how to get there. The snow has definitely retreated and the days are warm and despite wanting to see a bear - there are none waiting for us today.

But one thing hasn't changed. Our guides are still pushing and prodding and getting us outdoors to enjoy MORE of the dizzying sights of the mountain.

The weather is perfect with blue skies and no wind and this is the combination that Mindy has been waiting for to get out on the Peak2Peak. This gondola is in the Guiness Book of Records because it is the longest unsupported lift span in the world!

It is a feat of engineering that links Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains and in the ski season means that Mindy and Ian can ski out of their back door and onto the Magic Chair which will take them to the Gondola and give access to over 200 runs! No wonder they LOVE this place. 

Have to say we love our backpack and can understand why everyone needs one. As soon as we leave the valley and start the ascent - it is time to unbuckle the bag and reach in and get your woolies on! The views are spectacular and we keep saying we can't wait to "rinse and repeat" to see how different this will be blanketed in deep snow in winter.

This was a magic day of just "being". We went right to the top of all the chair runs to visit the glacier and it was packed with skiers of all ages and abilities. It was just one big bowl of challenge with jumps and rails and cushioned bags for landing the not so perfect jumps. Ian was so pensive - he just stood on the edge of the snow line and peered out over the valley - you could feel that he really, really wanted to be out there.

Mac was the balance hero again - his super dooper boots keep him steady and upright and he stayed close enough to be backstop and catcher for the slips and slides. His only moment off task was when he was tempted to cause a little mischief with some snow balls at 7th Heaven!

We can't believe how many nooks and crannies there are to this mountain. Just when you think you have seen it all, you take another turn or sit on another chair lift which opens up a completely new vista. It is so beautiful and we can only imagine what it will be like under a veil of white snow. Can't wait to see it!

Mindy and Ian had to take a detour back into the Village to get to the Library (who would have thought...oh, they only want the photocopier and printer....I was excited for a minute..) and left us to find our way back (could hardly get lost - just had to sit in the gondola and follow the crowds!)

We were lamenting the lack of wildlife when right on queue, Mountain Man Mac produced just one more bear! It was like a little black speck of rock in the distance, but with a squint and a yell, he saw it move and the bear tally officially moved to 13.
 
A perfect day of exploration but we were glad to find home because we have a little taste of post cruise sniffles that we are trying to shake.

Bear Sightings = 1

Total Bear Sightings = 13