I have arrived!

I am established here in Canada! Squamish, to be exact, with my wonderful host family: Joe and Nancy Sotham, and their son Will (18). They have 2 older daughters living in the big city of Vancouver. I am SO pleased and feel extremely lucky to be placed with such a great couple - they are into fine food, wine and travel as much as I am, and there was an instant rapport! Bonus: The direct bus to Creekside (my work venue) is a 2 block walk away!

The drive up here was absolutely gorgeous - visibility was perfect and I could clearly see all mountain ranges from the Olympics (ha!) to the Cascades, Mt. Baker, and the Tantalus range.

So the Sea to Sky highway has been improved tremendously, however, when there were already 2, wide, improved lanes, they created 3 lanes out of it using 3 foot plastic poles, spaced about every 25 feet, dividing the lanes. I first encountered this setup my getting in the middle lane - it is very like being in some wierd video game - stay between the stakes or you will die! There are long sections set up like this, for up to 5 k in distance. The Squamish residents now call the Sea to Sky highway the "Yellow Stick Road".

After meeting and unpacking a bit, I did my road trip up to Whistler and got my accreditation and uniform - it's fantastic! (the ladies like to look fine) My hostess Nancy will photograph me in my getup in the morning. I was very pleased to get the "outdoor" gear - full ski pants - this ensures I will NOT get stuck in the network closet.

I already have established my line - everyone (absolutely everyone) asks you where you are from - I get to say: "I am an Olympian, from Olympia, Washington" - super dork - I'm almost sick of myself already. But - no time for that - my first shift is tomorrow. 8:30 to 5:30. Totally excited, and Joe is making prime rib for dinner when I get back - I am so spoiled!!!!