You are currently browsing the Maple MOLE weblog archives for April, 2008.
Spring arrives
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Having aborted our skiing trip, we decided we wouldn’t waste the day, as the weather was looking good. We returned home and changed in to cooler clothing and headed for Stanley Park, which meant driving down town – hmmmm. This was when we realised warmer weather means everybody heads for some green open space. But we didn’t let that get to us. Unfortunately as newbies who had only been to Stanley Park by bus meant we had never really noticed how little parking there is in Stanley Park. Whilst Mark drove around the park trying to spot a space I was busy snapping shots of spring happening. Feeling a little defeated with two outing now failed in one day we headed for home. With the sun blasting through the windscreen we were desperate to get some of the fresh air. Five minutes from home we found the spot, Burnaby Lake. We took a stroll and watched the Canada Geese and other birds enjoying the sun. The mountains looked good for here too. Wasn’t the day we had planned when we set out, but at least we achieved something. Pictures of spring arriving and Burnaby Lake can be seen on my picasa link.
Skiing at Grouse
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
When in Rome etc etc, so when living in Vancouver you have to ski. There are 3 mountains that the locals use, The most popular being Grouse Mountain, it over looks the city of Vancouver, at the base you take the gondola ride to the peak, that takes about 6 minutes. Its strange when you get on fully kited to ski but it raining, then 6 minuets later you get out and there’s 5 meters of snow. Plus they offer good deals on passes. Our very first trip to Grouse was really a fact finding mission to what it was all about. As well as skiing you can go ice skating, snow shoeing and have a sleigh ride, or just take in the views.
Having kited ourselves out with relevant equipment in the sales, apart from ski’s and boots, and purchased our passes, we booked our 1st lesson. It was interesting! The boys were very patient with their slow parents and patiently waited for Mum and Dad to get their act together. Mark spent the first hour falling over whilst I was picking up speed. Then I had an unfortunate incident at the top of the rope pull where I could feel my knee was not happy and frankly the dollar signs were flashing in my eyes, Fortunately I called on our instructor who came to the rescue. I then came to a stand still as I watched Mark and the boys picking up the pace. However after nearly 1.5 hours on the nursery slopes my legs and arms were feeling a little weak and as my knee was intact I felt maybe I should call it a day. E & O were doing well and made it down the cut, which is the easy slope.
During the next week E made the decision to go with snowboarding and Mark and I picked up boots and ski’s, we have decided to wait until next season to get O’s as I am sure he will be slightly bigger by next November when the slopes open again.
Before the slopes closed for the season we managed to fit in two more sessions. Its a bit more scary when there is no instructor leading you. I stood at the top of the nursery slope and as watched whilst my legs turned to jelly, my mouth went dry and my heart was pounding. As Mark and the boys got into it they kept passing me saying ‘come on Mum you’ll be fine’, but I was far from fine. However I did manage to shift my butt and slowly wind my way down the slope whilst lots of 5 & 6 year old whizzing past me. This was not the best day for me, having spoken with friends afterwards they told me no to worry it happens – I was sure they was just being nice. However I soon discovered on our third trip that it was OK and I was soon finding my ‘feet’ and gaining confidence, although still on the nursery slope I was relaxing and beginning to enjoy it.
Our third trip up the mountain was the last day for skiing at grouse this season. We initially went on Saturday, arriving around 10:30, only to find an enormous queue. After a little investigation we discovered that the gondola that holds about 100 people, was closed for servicing and the old gondola was being used. This holds only 44 people, hence the queue. After a family discussion we decided not to bake in the heat at the bottom of the mountain, and we would return tomorrow bright and early. This we did, arriving at 8:30 the next morning with only 10 minute wait. Having not done this before we thought the last day would be mega busy. This was not so, the slopes were empty so we decided to make the most of it and didn’t come back down until 4:30. All very tired, but having had a great day. Whilst we was up the mountain the clouds cleared and the skies were blue. We/I was not prepared for this so we all had a lovely glow by the time we got home. Now we just have to wait for the next season. Although we do plan to go up the mountain and see what they have on offer during the summer, I want to see what it looks like with out snow.