Winter Olympics 2010: warm weather threatens Vancouver events

The Cypress Mountain resort is scheduled to host several Olympic events in February, but there is no snow.

The name of the Vancouver Winter Olympics official drink? A slushie. So goes the joke in Canada as a frantic fight to prepare one of the key Winter Olympic venues continues amid a long-term forecast of warmish conditions and rain.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Still don't like the bloke - well, maybe a bit - Go Federer!

"Still Murray has been entertaining, not to mention that rare quality amongst British tennis players, clinical. Plus he celebrates like some sort of anti-Henman. The open-throated holler, where his mouth started to morph like that bloke's in American Werewolf in London, was particularly special."

Editors note: Federer won again and defeated Murray in straight sets.

Cousin Mike and new baby Naiya

Congratulations Mike and Simmi

How do I get any work done?

Cordova Bay - after a windy day

St Ann's Academy

We took in an Imax movie (Ocean Men) and then had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory followed by a lovely walk around St. Ann's Academy. A cold but beautiful sunny day.

Birthday breakfast - John's Place

We started the day off right with breakfast at John's Place on Pandora Avenue. It's a favorite for locals (ourselves included) and tourists alike. Generous portions, great service and atmosphere.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

I love you more each passing day!

Cool shot

The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is hit by lightning in this picture captured by Mahmoud Hamdan, a student, as a huge electrical storm rolled in over the United Arab Emirates. The building is 828 m (2,717 ft) high

Tsawwassen ferry terminal

On my way back from a meeting downtown Vancouver. The traffic was horrendous as there was a fatal accident on the Alex Fraser Bridge snarling traffic over most of the lower mainland. Amazing how much traffic one bridge handles and what happens when it is closed.

They are busy earthquake proofing the boat ramps. Not sure if this was scheduled or in reaction to the Haiti quake.

Rainbow - Horseshoe Bay

I took the 12:30 pm Horseshoe Bay ferry today and Debra picked me up in Nanaimo. After all the rain on the mountains, this rainbow was a very pleasant sight.

More Monday mountain shots

This photo is from the Glacier Lodge on Blackcomb. The chair on the right is called Jersey Cream Express and the one on the left is the Glacier Express. The Glacier was closed due to avalanche danger in the backcountry and high winds. Too bad as it leads to some great terrain.

Looking across to Whistler from one of the runs leading to the Catskinner chair.

The lifts were closed for the day as we started down the mountain in a heavy snow.

The Rendezvous is the main restaurant on Blackcomb at the top of the lifts.

Monday on the slopes - wet and heavy snow

The snow was heavy and wet. About 15 cm had fallen overnight, but the freezing level was high on the mountain and before long it was raining on the lower part of the runs by the base of the lifts.

I think I need to clean the lens of the camera as I am getting this colour band in the photos.

Blackcomb Sunday morning

Painted Cliff condo's. Ski in and ski out on the side of Blackcomb.

It has been mild and rainy since Friday afternoon. The occasional break in the weather clears up the mountains, but the conditions - being polite - are "sloppy". Tonight it is supposed to cool a bit and bring between 10 - 20 cm of snow and tomorrow between 15 - 25 cm. If it is not raining, we will ski tomorrow.

Looking down to the village. This is the Wizard chair which takes you to mid station.

Peak 2 Peak

It suspends 1427 ft over Fitzsimmonds Creek.

Up on Blackcomb

We started at 9 am and finished when it was getting dark. Most of the runs were on Blackcomb and then at 3 pm we took the Peak 2 Peak gondola to Whistler to end the day.

Wally and Gregory (my two Polish co-workers)

Looking to Whistler from the Rendezvous on Blackcomb.

Whistler at night

We arrived at 5 pm on Friday night into Whistler. The Sea to Sky highway is pretty much complete and it certainly feels safer to drive. Whistler has fantastic winter lights all over the Village.

Today's chuckle

Victoria International Airport Sculpture Art

One of the giant art sculptures around the Victoria area. This was from my iPhone. Pretty good quality for a phone camera.

She's leaving on a Jet Plane...

Trista took the 6:15 Air Canada flight back to Ontario. She was able to spend 10 relaxing days at home in Victoria and will be missed now that she is gone. The days went by in a blur and it seemed like only a few days ago we were at the airport picking her up. We love you Trista.

Happy New Year

We wish you all the Lord's blessing in the year ahead. Make it a good one!