Backpacker Buzz

It’s been 4 weeks since I left Canada to spend time in the mountains of Italy and then Austria for the end of the European ski season, but all the adventures of Canada and the Olympics still hold strong in my mind..... As things wind down and I have to think about getting ‘back to reality’ I wanted to reflect and send out some massive, massive thank yous....

Number one big, big appreciation of course goes to HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL and all the people I met in the various resorts working for them.... a big thanks to the company as a whole for running such a totally awesome competition – if you ever see this kind of thing advertised I say do it, do it, do it!! Without HI I would never have been in Canada for the Olympics and been granted the experiences I had. When I arrived HEATHER and SHELBY made me feel very welcome and made my task in hand a really happy one, along the lines of “Get out there, have fun, meet the people, see as many places as you can and let the world know what you find!”. Could there be a better request than that?

Thanks of course to the guys at the HI VANCOUVER CENTRAL – the place is great and they welcomed me with open arms. I met so many cool people as they came and went at the hostel, I got to hang out, chat to fascinating characters over breakfast and have a generally fab time.... with its location on the main strip it was easy to get out and about and see everything tat the city had to offer... the Olympic spirit was simply incredible and the site of thousands of people chanting, Hi-5ing and giving each other hugs from early morning through to the small hours every day was amazing.... I still smile thinking about an impromptu singing session with a guitar player on the street at 4am not far from the hostel doors with about 15 people gathered round!

Up at Whistler a big thanks goes to DARCY and his team.... the remote feel of the place was fantastic... a bit tricky to get to, but well worth it... and the new premises that open this year should be even better.... I was treated really well and the guys there were super friendly and helpful... looking out over the frozen lake each day was a great start to any day, especially when I then headed off to the Olympic village!

Also in Whistler I must thank BETONY from the SKI CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN and new mate LUKE for looking after me so well out and about in town.... they took me for beers, for dancing, introduced me to BBC TV crews, got me into the various bars in town and shared plenty of comedy moments.... oh, and of course gave me friends to rip the powder with up on the hill – what a fabulous place to ski, there is some stunning terrain to play with out there and we had several deep powder sessions! Whistler has gone on to its have its 2nd snowiest season since records began!

On that note, I’ve got to say how cool it was to meet the ‘RICKFACE’ from the UK up on the slopes as he spotted my GB flag flying behind me..... the guy is an awesome skier ready to huck anything he sees, doing the most insane drops and making them look easy – keep it up man! His sister RACHEL who works in Whistler is one to watch too, especially when they are egging each other on.... the FINDLER clan certain rock the mountain and ‘fly’ all over it on skis...

As things in Whistler ended my adventure of course continued up in Banff at the superb BANFF HI ALPINE CENTRE... what a great hostel! It’s got mountains looming in the distance, it’s own restaurant, own bar, an ice climbing wall and of course some wicked staff! Probably the biggest team I encountered on my travels, but again helpful and friendly... a big shout out to the in house rockstar / manager KEN who looks after everything and keeps it all in shape.. it was great seeing him in so many modes, from official welcome to running the ice climbing wall and then getting the head-banging going down in the bar for jam night! That’s what we call multi-talented...

Up in Banff too a big thanks to ANTHONY BROOK who took time out to look after me and be my personal guide to the area.... if you have the chance to get out and see the Rockies you really must! The area is stunning and Anthony took me skiing in Sunshine, Lake Louise and also to do some skinning to get beautiful views of glaciers... a breath-taking region..... out there too I met the most chilled out and relaxed guy in Banff I reckon – if you want to get away from it all and go a bit rustic, make it along to RAMPART CREEK and hang out with TYLER.... in the not to distant this could become a literal reality as there are hopes to put some sports climbing routes just out the back!! TYLER has the right attitude to life, running a great place but keeping everything calm and appreciating everything the wilderness around him has to offer.

I must also give a huge thanks to THE SKICLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN for giving me loads of support before, during and after my time there.... I had fellow members and reps voting for me and then watching me on the blogs afterwards – I hope that you all enjoyed seeing my ramblings from all over the gorgeous regions of Canada!! T

hanks so, so much to everyone I met along the way.... whether it was the chicken wing experience with DAVE and MIKE or my guided tours around the forests from MARIANNE.... the sight of 3000 people doing ‘Dancing in the Street’ or a thousand people going mad watching Canada vs Switzerland in a theatre... everyone was super-friendly and really do seem to love life in Canada!

The whole competition experience could not have been better..... Canada really is a truly wonderful country and I had the most brilliant time over there. If you haven’t been then you must... if you live there you are very lucky indeed and must not take things for granted; get out there and enjoy the country as often as possible! There’s only one more thing to say.... WOOP WOOOOOP!! Thanks Canada!!!