Well it was a tough decision… last minute Russia vs Switzerland Women’s Olympic Teams surprise exhibition game at our little rink in Squamish…or Opening Ceremonies Rehearsal in Vancouver. Life if tough. So 5 of us head to Vancouver well in advance and decide to take a chance to drive down town and park. We managed to park for $25 bucks in an underground parking on Burrard and started our adventure.

Things went pretty smoothly on our way to the Venue, through security and finding our seats. For sure we needed a couple of hours to take it all in and get through the steps. Best to just enjoy the ride and get to know your neighbour. There  are so many nice people from all over the world standing right beside you. Everyone has the same objective.  Enjoy the show, be inspired and be “in the room”.

The Opening Ceremonies were simply amazing. I have never seen such an amazing show close up and ...for free. Thank you VANOC. It is hard to describe and if I did, I would have to kill you... so just make sure you watch it Friday night at 6pm PST. We are planning a community party at Squamish House at Quest U. Buses are running all night !

Today I worked my volley shift on Blackcomb Mtn Safety. Tested my Sea to Sky Permit and drove to my parking spot. Pretty smooth. No Day Parking Lots accessable for sure. Have to have friends in the right places with your permit to ride.

Blackcomb Mountain was empty. More staff and RCMP then guests.  Skiing was great. Probably got 15cms of pow. The fog added problems to the Downhill training on Whistler. Heard about the second woman racer that hit the course and crashed and was hele-evaced. So close but yet so far.

The village is full of people from around the world. I can’t believe how many clothes I now own with “Canada” written on it. I love it. It is funny how we get caught up in the spirit.

Tomorrow, 6:40am on the bus in Brackendale to the WOP for day 2 Smurf on a Skidoo on the Biathlon Course. Gotta make sure I make the 4:30pm bus to get to Squamish House for the Opening Ceremonies! (Glad I got some Cold F/X in my volley package as well “Prost!” Nanc

Leave it to Squamish to make it’s own fun for the Games. Gregg Van Hierden the head of Food Service for Quest University and host to VANOC’s 500 bus drivers, has created a fantastic local venue for people to gather and celebrate the 2010 Games.  Squamish House, as it is named, boasts two large projection Televisions with plenty of seats and spectacular mountain views. A hockey buddy, wood worker along with Gregg designed and built the Bar out of local wood. Flags from several countries hang from the Timber frame ceiling.

What a great place to meet family and friends to watch events. Food is reasonably priced and plenty of good Canadian Beer & Spirits to cheer with. There is regular bus service on the hour late into the evening to & from Quest.  Check out this promotional video! Squamish House

Opening Ceremonies Friday night 6pm at Squamish House! ... Go Canada!

Sunday was my first volley shift in the Whistler Olympic Park which we Squamish locals like to call The Callaghan Valley. I was on a committee to help VANOC name the area for the games. We came up with a number of suggestions like the Spirit Forest speaking the Native Lands that are nearby or keeping the Callaghan tradition but in the end VANOC picked what they wanted and appeased Whistler. Now it is known as the WOP.

Anyway, first day at the WOP working my volley job on Course Crew Transport for Biathlon aka driving a skidoo around helping set up the cameras and course markers along the course. It is a great job because we are active and feel useful. We have a great experienced team of volleys and leaders who all chip in to make the work go fast. Then we have time to watch events before we head into take down mode.

There was not much to do day one as it was more of an orientation and training day. The look of the venue is really shaping up to be Olympic caliber. The athletes were training all around us. Shooting in the range and flying through the course. It really is an exciting sport. I am sure glad that spandex is a low wind resistant choice of fabric for these ripped elite athletes!

The Olympics come to Squamish. Over 7,500 people, half of the total population of our town were out welcome the Olympic Torch last Thursday. Somebody did not show up for their torch shift so the VANOC gang grabbed a lucky spectator and put him in a white track suit to run the leg with the flame!

The official cauldron was lit by 20 year old Kristen McBride, Squamish’s 2010 citizen of the year who had the torch attached to her wheelchair. CTV was filming and the mascots were working the crowd. Big Screen entertainment meant all could see and feel a part of the ceremony. The flame spent the night and started the new day with a Squamish tradition of a logging pole climb. Then off to tour the town. The streets were lined with students and citizens. The schools were very involved in welcoming the torch on it’s way North to Whistler.

Here and gone so fast. Much like I am sure we will feel after the Games are over. Nevertheless, what a rush and what a party this will be!  ....    Go Canada!