For some reason I’m sleeping better than both at home and on past trips. I haven’t a clue why, but I’ll take it! So after a good night’s sleep I woke, posted my daily flora, and after dressing went to the living room to find most people up.

Dan was in charge of cooking a scramble, so he began doing that. We all sat around and … well … okay … we yakked some more! (You knew I’d have to write that, right?)

Breakfast was slow in coming, but coffee was had. No cappuccino or latte here, but a cuppa with a bit of milk sufficed.

Eventually Ruth Ann said that the gondola we had talked about taking would work for today: the sky was clearing and we’d have some good views. So we all got ready and got into cars to head to the village.

I hadn’t realized that Whistler was an Olympic site, and so was rather astounded at the “village”. When I think village I guess I’m thinking tiny area. But nope. Loads of fancy lodges, tons of restaurants, and famous label shops. (But I had yet to see those … I’m getting ahead of myself!)

Richard parked the car and the six of us in his car headed toward that “village” and went toward the place to purchase our tickets. When we got to that area I looked up and saw cyclists racing down hills. It’s a rather amazing thing to see them.

And then I saw Kirstin (the bride-to-be). She and I talked a short while and finally the other five joined us, as did Steve (the husband-to-be). I hadn’t met him before so it was great to finally connect.

After chatting we went to purchase our gondola tickets. Now I have a tremendous fear of heights, as many know, but somehow a gondola just feels different and as long as I’m facing the right directly (looking up when going up, looking up again, when going down!) I’m pretty much fine. Most of the time.

We reached the top and walked around a bit. I took some photos that included the Olympic rings. (Too bad I didn’t think of getting one with Dan and me. Oh well!)

Then we all went for a short walk, which began by spotting a hoary marmot.

I saw a flower of interest (surprise, surprise). Ruth Ann later identified it for the both of us. This is Dwarf Fireweed.

Then we reached a lovely view so many photos were taken.

And more a bit further …

Finally I also spotted lupine! I will forever think of Ruth Ann’s Scott when I see lupine. It’s like a memory blessing.

We had a light lunch (well, some of us did — others sat and watched us eat), and then took the gondola back down.

We did a bit of a walk in the village and walked back to the car.

Then back to our vacation home it was. Time to chat … um … I mean yak … read, and rest, and eventually get some dinner. Tonight we opted for Italian and also opted to order it online in order to pick it up, and eat at the house. Not all of us ate that meal: a few headed off to a “rehearsal dinner” (although I don’t believe a rehearsal took place), so I went out to see those three (Ruth Ann, Erika, and Berlyn) who looked so very lovely!

Again, I neglected to take photos. The dinner wasn’t all that picturesque, but I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of the three heading out. Sigh. I guess I’m just a girl of little brain these days.

After dinner it was more conversation, along with Reese’s peanut butter cups. The latter might mean I won’t score as high with my sleep tonight, but time will tell.

Now, at 9:37, I will send this off and do a bit of reading and then attempt sleep.

Goodnight!