The second run of the Ladies GS race was postponed this afternoon. This crew (approx 550 people) worked their asses off today starting at 4am to get the race to go. Weather can't stop Weasels from working hard. The first run was very foggy, seeing people like Lindsay Vonn crash. Difficult conditions even for the best racers in the world, so it was very dis-heartining for the crew not to get the second run in. To make matters worse, more snow is on it's way tonight and half the womens crew was asked to return for the second run tomorrow at a 2am breakfast, 3am load time. (the other half an hour later). I'm certain that is the earliest any course crew team has been asked to come in. A small bit of good news for them was that they will be served a hot breakfast at Dusty's early tomorrow morning, rather than in the breakfast tent. Each and every one of them has 'hero status' in my books.
When I filled out my volunteer application in mid-2008, I had applied to be on 1) the medical/first aid crew 2) alpine racing and 3) computer support. To think that I recieved a placement on the 'mens' side of Alpine feels more like I won a million dollar lottery. The number of channels that my application went through and the possible outcomes of my application amazes me. I drew the longest straw I possibly could have. The people I have met and the experiances I am having will last a life time with out doubt.
My day started after an 11 hour sleep. I can't recall a time that has happened before. In bed by 9pm, up at 8am. My hip was still really hurting so I headed off to my massage at 10am. During this process, it was found that there was not a muscle in my body that wasn't crushed. Though I feel much better, I still have a way to go to get back to normal. Even Ferd told me the other day that he has never seen me so fit. Hard work is good for the soul and for the body.
After a lunch at home consisting of a grilled peanut butter sandwich and a banana, I headed for the village to meet Tom Redford. Tom and I play hockey together every Sunday night in Uxbridge and he has been a good friend for many years. Tom came to Whislter in Jan 4 on assignment with Bell Canada. He drew the Whistler card and has been part of the team that built the 'media centre'. They have setup a complex that supports every network that broadcasts from the games: OBS, NBC, CTV, TSN and more. He will be stationed here until long after the para-Olympic games where they will tear down the whole mess and move back home. His kids are all older, but I'm sure his wife misses him dearly.
Canada played Russia this afternoon in a very spirited game. After Tom headed to work at 4pm, I made the decision that the best place to see this game in Whistler was at the Weasel House. It's $7.50 a beer everywhere else. Though this was the very first day so far that I didn't have skiis on my feet on the mountain, you are always welcome in the tent. It was the first time I've been in there wearing 'civil' clothing, so it did feel a bit strange. While in the tent, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to none other than Kathy Kriener of Timmins Ontario. Kathy is an Alpine skiing Gold medalist from the 1976 Olympics at Innsbruck. We had a nice chat for a bit. I can tell you that rubbing shoulders with people like that is very inspiring indeed.
I'm writting this on the bus back to Pemberton after seeing (on TV) Canada take Gold and Silver in the two women bobsleigh races. The person beside me on the bus was there for it! What a grat experience that would be. I've been told that the men's crew is back for a 6:30am breakfast, 7:30am load tomorrow. Our last race is not until Saturday, so I will be confirming this via the Men's Crew hotline when I get back to Pemby, but after a few light days, I'm ready for duty again.
Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!!
Go Canada Go
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