Whistler Magic

Whistler/BlackComb Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

 There's something very magical about Whistler...especially during the winter.  I've never visited during the winter, and was lucky enough to catch the tail-end of it, to enjoy both some of the winter and spring activities that Whistler is famous for.  It's a Top 40 Under 40 for good reason...as Whistler is a destination that offers up adventures at every turn.

I stayed at the Moutainside Lodge which is right in the heart of Whistler Village.  The Hotel is close to everything and is a stone's throw to the Gondolas for Whistler and Blackcomb. The suite I stayed in contained an upstairs loft, a kitchenette, a personal sauna and a deep jetted bathtub. Amazing.

Me at the Coca Cola Tube Park on BlackComb

My first adventure in Whistler was tubing at the Coca Cola Tube Park located at the Base of Blackcomb. From the moment my tube shot down the hill, I was hooked. The pure adrenaline rush I felt as I sped down the hill turning and spinning was incredible.  I felt like a child again.

The best part is that there is a conveyor lift back up the hill, so you don't have to lug your tube all the way to the top.  It's a great family activity - and kids of all ages are welcome to give it a go.

The next morning I headed to The Core, which is a gym that also boasts an indoor rock climbing facility. The best part about The Core, is that it has different levels of difficulty to challenge even the most experienced climber (and the most inexperienced like me!)

Although I enjoyed the challenge of making my way up the wall, it did take some time to get used to the auto belays, where speed and trust come in to play.

Making my way up the wall at The Core

But its something I've always wanted to try and in an hour, I found it to be a tremendous work out for both my arms and my legs.

In the afternoon, I headed to Ziptrek, where you truly come alive by ziplining across some of the most spectacular terraine I've ever seen. I did the Bear Tour, which was five ziplines - including some incredible suspension bridges and platforms to take in the views.

Although it is a family-friendly adventure, I would not recommend this type of adventure for children under the age of 10 due to the height and length of some of the ziplines.

However, for me, it was spot-on for the great thrills I got ziplining over the Fitzsimmons Creek.

On the last zipline, I even hung up-side down for that extra bit of excitement. ;)

My 9-year old son making his way across one of the ziplines-don't look down!

When it was time to leave Whistler, and all the incredible adventures I had behind - it was a bittersweet. For although I had an incredible time during my three-day stay, I know I will miss it, as there was so many other things to do that I have yet to experience.

But don't worry Whistler, I will be back soon........after all, summer is just around the corner, and you are only a two-hour drive from me.  Besides,  I still have to try your adventurous biking trails, ATV Tours, hiking and....well, you get the picture. ;)

A Recap of 40 Life-Changing Goals Nearly Finished

Me being hung in Goldfield, Arizona-although I did survive to live another adventure! :)

As June 11th, 2012 is coming up fast, I thought it might be wise to recap what I've been able to accomplish since I turned 39 last year....and what is yet to come! ;)


Below is my list of 40 dreams come true that I created last June, before I turn 40:

1. Work on an assembly line with chocolate  Done!
   
2. Go Zip Lining  Done!
3. Meet Tony Robbins Done! Nov 3 - Unleash The Power Within  (Attended as his guest)
   
4. Jump out of an airplane Done!
5. Publish a book  Done!
   
6. Visit Bora Bora-The most romantic place in the world & sleep in an over water villa.Done!
   
7. Throw a huge, crazy party for my 40th birthday Done!
   
8. Drive a Ferrari
9. Learn to snowboard Done!
   
10. Own a Louis-Vuitton Purse
11. Run a half-marathon Done!
12. Do the Grouse Grind Done!
    
13. Go River Rafting Done!
    
14. Learn to Rock Climb Done!
    
15. Do an entire night out with my friends Done!
    
16. Raise money for the Ronald McDonald House -  $550 raised - Done!
17. Meet Sir Richard Branson Done!
    
18. Learn to Skateboard Done!
    
19. Meet Oprah Done!  Met at Tony Robbins Seminar Nov 3
20. See a sun-rise in White Rock Done!
    
21. Fire walking - Done!
22. Celebrating turning 40 in Las Vegas - Done!
23. Volunteer monthly to work at a homeless shelter - Done!
24. Attend an Eminem Concert (Marshall Mathers) - Done! Front row in concert July 29th!
25. Meet Rick Carlisle (2011 NBA World Champion Coach of the Dallas Mavericks) - Done!
26. Go to Hollywood and do the Walk of Fame - Done!
    
27. See the Grand Canyon Done!
    
28. Visit Costa Rica- Done!
    
29. Hike through a rain forest - Done!
30. Tubing - Done!
31. Appear in a Music Video Done!
    
32. Attend a Premier of a Movie & walk down a red carpet in LA - Done!
33. Lose 25 pounds Done! (Lost 35!)
34. Tour LA Done!
    
35. Work in a soup kitchen Done!
    
36. Visit Montreal in the summer Done!
37. Go Snowshoeing - Done!
    
38. Get an entire make-over Done!
    
39. Swim with Sharks - Done!
40. Learn to Kayak - Done!

Grand Canyon

During spring break, I decided to fulfill another 40 Under 40 goal, and visit the Grand Canyon. I have never been to Arizona, but thought it would be a great time to take the kids and do some exploring.

Despite what people think about Arizona being hot during the winter months, the climate actually changes quite dramatically depending on what area you are in.  For instance, if you are in Mesa, Arizona, the temperature is around 85 - 90 degrees.  However, when you make your way towards Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon (approximately a five hour drive), it dips down to a cool 6 degrees.  The Grand Canyon actually had snow in various areas. 

However, nothing took away from the sheer beauty and awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon.  We even went back at sunset to take in the glorious colours that blanket the Canyon at twilight.

Whether we were horseback riding through the desert, hanging out at the Galaxy Diner on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff or experiencing the wild west in Goldfield's Ghost town - there was so much to see and do on our way to seeing the Grand Canyon!

Galaxy Diner on Route 66

Goldfield Ghost Town

Loved being able to fulfill this 40 Under 40 goal (and so did the kids!)

Snoweshoeing Under the Stars

Me enjoying the snowshoeing trek up Cypress

It's a dark Friday night, and it's pouring rain, but I can't wait to be out in it. The reason is clear, as I pull my car in front of the ticket office on Cypress Mountain. I watch as a few dozen brave souls anxiously wait for their snowshoeing experience to begin.

It's a goal I've had in the back of my mind for many years, mainly because it's a sport that is low-risk in injuries and has a high return for burning calories (approximately 600 per hour).

Snowshoeing appeals to me because it seems like a great way to see the sights on the mountain - and walk on some awesome powder.

Our guide, Mark Waldbillig, helps ease us into our trek with some fun games like "Simon Says" in the snow (where the winner getting to put their wet clothing next to the fire after our trek).

It was evident from the start, as Waldbillig led the group up the mountain, that snowshoeing and his appreciation for the mountain is in his blood. As we walked, he pointed out several different plants and trees to us, as well as a quick education on preparedness when hiking on the mountain.

We followed Waldbillig up the mountain using the top part of our snowshoe to dig into the incline. Gone are the days where long, wooden snowshoes are used. Instead, it has been replaced with lightweight aluminum snowshoes that are nimble and easy to trek along the trail.

Many snowshoe enthusiasts can hike the trails on their own during the day. However, at night, it is imperative that a trained professional accompanies you (to ensure you don't get lost).

One of the highlights of the snowshoeing trek was when we had to slide down a part of the mountain to reach another trail. It brought out the kid in us all.

Many people in our group (myself included) were having so much fun, we were oblivious to the slushy rain pelting us during our hike.

What I discovered about snowshoeing is that it's a sport easy to learn, and fun to do in a group. The average age in our group of 12 ranged from early 20s all the way up to a couple in their 60s, proving it's a great activity for any age.

After approximately 45 minutes, we reached our destination: Hollyburn Lodge, which was built in 1926. Waiting for our group inside was hot apple cider, hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue. It was a great way to cap off our snowshoeing experience and relax for a bit, before making our descent down the mountain.
Our bellies still warm from beverages and fondue, I was a dismayed it was over.

Looking at the stars above and the lights below from the city, I knew I'd be back to do it again, many times.