Torch came through Cross Country today

Our first day using the Bus system was a bit sketchy. I'm pleased I bought a head light to find my way walking the km down Lorimer Av from our home stay to Whistler Village at 6am. A bit tricky to find Lot 5, the only depot to catch the bus to WOP. I didn't realize the buses only leave once per hour, and missed mine by 5 minutes. I was to be a marshal supervisor today, not a good idea to arrive late. After begging a night shift snow removal lad who was on his way home (but in the other direction), I hitched a ride up to Callaghan. Made it in time to sign in, receive my lunch ticket, and head to our marshal trailer for our "Just-in-time" training ! Pfew, that was close. Tomorrow, I'm getting up earlier, to not make this a trend. Still on Ottawa time, so OK for this.

Dirk was up and at it, about 2 hours after I went to bed. His crew is doing a great job and were stoked to finally see athletes skiing on the race trails. Not many teams are here, most are in Canmore at the World Cup. And I believe the Norwegians are training and living in Silverstar, by Vernon, BC. The Swedes maybe too ???

Around 2pm, the torch passed through the Cross country stadium, carried by rowing Gold medalist, Don Arnold now in his '80's. A few photo ops were had - here are two shots - the first being co-chief of competition Rob Berhardt with chief of venue, Len Apedaile. And the second is chief of stadium Mark B, chief of course Mike Edwards, groomer Simon (formerly of Hardwood Hills) and Dirk.

As the torch was run down the Callaghan road by quite a few local sensations, one being Mountain Biker Leslie Tomlinson ...we were stuck driving behind in a very slow train that took us 2 hours to make it home. But the excitement of seeing so many Canadians dressed in red and white waving our flag was amazing. Later tonight the torch is going up the mountain with the late crazy Canuck Dave Murray's daughter, Julia who will be competing in her first Olympics at the age of 21. Then a slew of surprise skiers will bring it down to light the cauldron in the Village Square. The realization that the Olympics are here...in Canada is now quite alive !