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| The Coastal Range from Whistler Mountain |
Third day in Vancouver. We picked up a hire car and drove seventy miles or so northwards to the famous ski resort of Whistler. There we paid an extortionate amount of money to experience the Peak2Peak gondola ride - not I hasten to add the kind of gondolas they have in Venice bur capsules that hang precariously from metal cables. These Peak2Peak cable cars link lofty Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Mountain and the middle span of unsupported cable stretches for a world record 1.88 miles.
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| Whistler Mountain - 7156 feet above sea level |
At the top there was snow, fantastic mountain scenery and views and also this chappie from the squirrel family. It is a hoary marmot. My picture doesn't give you a true sense of its size - bigger than a domestic cat. These creatures live in mountains near the tree line and hibernate for an incredible six to eight months each year:-
Later back in Vancouver we went for a drink in "The Dover Arms" where an ageing rock band were pumping out familiar tunes from yesteryear and walking home we passed a restaurant called The Ukrainian Village which of course made me think of John Gray in North Wales. I wonder if they serve rescue hens?
What fantastic views! The Peak 2 Peak gondola ride sounds amazing - extortionately priced or not. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes thrilling Jenny! I thought of Helen and Tony in their Venetian gondola and so thought - sod the price! We can eat stale bread for a week or so.
DeleteExactly! You may never pass that way again. I bet it was terrific. Was it cold up there?
DeleteVancouver does not have mountains, Mr. Pudding. Colorado has mountains. These are mere hills. No, seriously! I love marmots. We see them here mostly in Rocky Mountain National Forest. I am so happy that you and Mrs. Pudding are having a wonderful time with fantastic weather. Us? ...... we had a low of 28 overnight. Boo!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you have found so many homeless and destitute people in the urban areas. But, that is one thing that I tried to warn you about. Although, I did not know that it was also widespread in Canada. Too bad. May nature and the goodness of mankind help those in such dire circumstances.
Mount Thyme is a very big mountain! I just checked and you are right - there are a few mountains in Colorado that are twice as big as Whistler and Blackcomb. No wonder inhabitants of Colorado are always high!
Delete1.88miles is impressive. I wonder how they got the cables across.
ReplyDeleteI don't wish to worry you but many cable car wires came second-hand from mines where they had been condemned.
Now you tell me Adrian! But don't worry - we survived!
DeleteWow, that first picture looks like a painting. I'm so pleased that you're both having such a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to be able to go on these trips with you. I've just been on one with Helsie to Italy and France. And come this Friday, I'll be joining friends on their trip to Europe and Greece! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy...make the most of every second, Yorky. :)
I'm enjoying your trip YP. The scenery is amazing. Going away for 4-5 days but only down south to Cotswolds, then New Forest. Will catch up with your travels when I get back.
ReplyDeleteLove those big mountains even if they are not as big as those in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteHibernating 6 to 8 months each year must mean everything that needs to be done has to be done in a hurry, in order to finish before Hibernating Time comes round again.
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