Squamish Live Work Play

2 weeks to go to the event of the year for Squamish. CRAVE – dining for dignity. 12 Chefs paired with 12 award wining BC wineries set on an edgy street backdrop at the CN Roundhouse in Squamish. There will be live entertainers wandering the street all evening to serenade you while you are wined and dined. Safe drive home is provided. All for $100 (NO HST & $50 charitable donation receipt. 100% of proceeds go to Squamish Helping Hands Society which the the 24/7 homeless shelter and food service for those in need in our community.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and they are selling quickly so get yours today. You can get your tickets at all participating restaurants, the Adventure Centre, RE/MAX, Helping Hands. Get your friends and DRESS TO IMPRESS. This will be one event that people will talk about long after it is done. Check out the facebook event page.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179322738771710

Whistler Olympic Park

Wednesday evenings are open at the Whistler Olympic Park for Skate or Classic Nordic Skiing on lit trails. I ventured there last evening on the shuttle bus provided by donation by the Nordic Shop in Brackendale. It was great to kick back with 11 other passengers for the 35 minute drive from Squamish. It was a clear stary night with the temperature around zero. The snow was fast but manageable as we skated around the various lit trails starting from the lodge. I couldn’t help but be sentimental as we passed through the Biathlon stadium with the Olympic rings still on display. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the games. What a great legacy the Whistler Olympic Park is for the locals & visitors alike. The parking lot was full with vehicles from Squamish, Whistler and even Vancouver. It was a wonderful 2 hours playing on the snow at night. I was so content to ride the shuttle home at 9pm. One of the guys had the hockey game streaming in on his iphone for everyone to follow. Doesn’t get much better. Gotta love being Canadian and living in B.C.

The land marks of Britannia Beach the sea side community along the scenic drive of the Sea to Sky Highway have changed dramatically in the last few years. The small building hanging out over the water was a historic site but not preserved in time and collapsed into the ocean one day, taking the reminder of the historic mining port with it.

The Britannia Mining Museum has had extensive renovations and a huge face lift thanks to the generous support of the mining industry and government. It is now 14.7 million later it is a pretty cool place to visit. Looking for an interesting outing head to the Museum, 30 min North of West Vancouver just south of Squamish, BC. http://www.bcmuseumofmining.org

Well it is that time of year again and with the Olympics behind us the Callaghan Valley now the new Whistler Olympic Park is wide open for the public. New this year is an expanded doggy loop and snow shoe trails where your fury pals can accompany you as well. The day lodge has a rental/retail shop and cafeteria. With state of the art grooming equipment you can count on fantastic Nordic skiing.

The seasons pass is the same price as 2008/09 season and if you purchase before Nov. 15th, 2010 you save $50. on a Adult & $100 on a family. The price is $225 & $450 respectively. Really great value. Parking is free. It is a 35min drive North from Squamish. About the same distance to Creekside Gondola. Oh what a playground we live in. For more info go to www.whistlerolympicpark.com.

When it's raining in Squamish the Mountains are getting Whiter!

The great thing about living in Squamish is that we are at Sea Level so that means it is a moderate climate. It also means in the fall and winter our precipitation comes in the form of RAIN, and lots of it. The good news is while it is raining in the “Rain Forest” it is SNOWING on the mountains. This is important for building up a base for all the winter recreation that will go on for the next few months. So don’t let the rain get you down. You’ll soon be able to play in snow. Grab an umbrella and get out about town. There are lots of opportunities to get inspired around town as well.

If you are have a business or want to find out more about business’s around town come out to the Chamber After 5pm at the Adventure Centre , Wed Nov 3rd 5-7pm. Network with other local entrepreneurs, meet the board members, share your enthusiasm for Business in Squamish. Admission is $10.00 for members & $15. for non-members. Refreshments and appies will be provided. Get involved to make a difference in your town.

I guess I know where Google is spending their “hard earned” money. Where do they find time to get any work done!?

I used to think I had it good because we had a Tim Hortons on my school’s campus…They need to raise the bar!

If I don’t have a new post next week, it is because I landed a job at Google!

If you think that summer is beautiful in Squamish, fall is even better (in my opinion). I love the cool weather, the colors of the trees changing, and most importantly all the yummy drinks and food! You can smell autumn in the air walking down Cleveland Avenue, the smell of firewood burning and crisp sea breezes. I love how you can bundle up in warm clothes, but still sit outside and have a cafe au lait at one of the many local cafe’s Squamish has to offer. What is your most favorite part about fall?

Video shot in and around the Heart of the 2010 Olympics..aka. Squamish!

Start line Squamish Airport, Finish Line Whistler. The Cheakamus Challenge claims the finest course on the planet that will make you realize why this race is the “King of the Classics”. The full pull features over 70km of riding over the full spectrum of terrain that will blow you away. With over 2000m of climbing and 40 km. of single- track trails this course has it all with the Cheakamus River running beside or below you for most of the duration. This race is the classic point to point format with big climbs, stunning views, high speed rolling terrain and of course the classic Sea to Sky single-track.

For over 20 years the Cheakamus Challenge has been the FINAL EXAM for riders wanting to challenge themselves over this classic point to point course that joins the 2 great riding communities of Squamish and Whistler with 70 km. of beautiful yet punishing terrain. Come and be a part of it and “Celebrate the Pain” as well as helping to maintain and preserve our trails.

Over the years, the trails have seen over 13,000 racers hit the course, pushing themselves and their bikes into the red zone in order to complete the journey that ends at Whistler Creek-side.

The story is truly told however with all the weekend warriors who come out to test themselves along a course with nasty climbs, flowing single-track and steep technical descents. This year marks the 20th edition of the race and the hosts are planning a party that will reward those who have prepared well.

In 2005  the Cheakamus Lite was introduced, which is a 40 km. course that still features most of the tough sections of the route and allows those without the big mileage in their legs the chance to feel it out before they sign up for the classic course. With over 600 riders expected for the long course and 200 for the lite, Squamish is anticipating on big day come September 18, 2010.