The trip to Whistler

The morning didn't start out too good. As we were walking to the pick up point, Fairmont Waterfront, after breakfast we felt a few spots of rain and the clouds were looking a little menacing. The forecast was for 30% chance of rain. In the coach travelling to the station, Rocky Mountaineers own private station, the rain fell a little heavier. We were welcomed by our carriage attendants, Trena and Louise, with a glass of Buck's Fizz. We then discovered we were to be served breakfast. I thought only Hobbits had a second breakfast.
One of the bits of literature passed our was a map of the route which gave the mile points for the main points of interest so it was easy to know when to dash to the observation car.
One of the points of interest was about up to 3000 bald eagles nesting in the area. I went out and began to scan the sky and trees hoping to see the eagle when I suddenly
one was sitting on a overturned tree route about 100 yards away. I just pointed my camera and fired away. It was just so incredible.
By the time we got to the newly opened Rocky Mountaineer Whistler station the sun was shining and it was getting pretty warm. We transferred to coaches to take us in to Whistler Village and the first thing we saw after disembarking from the coach were not skiers or snowboarders but cyclists coming down the dirt tracks. We then noticed that the ski lift was carrying cycles and cyclists up the slope.
Unless you are a dirt cyclist, a skateboards or a hiker there is very little to do in Whistler other that shop, eat or drink. We whiled the time away with a very slow meal and read our books.
Our return journey was by seaplane, or float-plane as the locals called them. We were picked up late by the coach and the plane was late arriving from the previous trip. That said the flight itself was very enjoyable. There were 12 people returning and we each had a window seat. The views were wonderful as we flew over the snow covered mountains and green forests. We were treated to a view of Downtown Vancouver before arriving at the terminal.
We have now repacked all our gear so we will only have to take one suitcase with us to Seattle and Victoria. The Ramada will store the other two cases for us.
Another early start tomorrow as we travel into the United States to Seattle.