Day 19 - Final day at WCR (Creekside) Venue

I was at the bus stop at 1:30am to find that Richard had been there already for 20 minutes. We waited until 2am and finally a bus arrived. When the door of the bus opened, the driver informed us that he wasn't leaving for an hour!! After a 15 minute shouting match between the bus driver and Richard, another bus finally arrived. The one that was there returned to the top of town to wait for his 3am departure. Very frustrating indeed. We did finally make it to Dusty's by 3am. The place was jammed with Weasels sleeping all over the place. This group is dead tired. After a crew chiefs meeting we were told to hold until 6:30am where a program of 'boot step, product distribution, slip and then water' would be done. They call it 'farming the track'. Dave and myself were going to be on the 'boot step' team. Off to sleep in the ski patrol locker room, since they have a couch.

At 7am we all assembled at the slalom start. We began the program on the main start by doing the toe step all the way up, following the track. This was really really hard to do without slipping off and crampons could not be used. When the program was completed, the 'inspectors' came and they determined that the track would not hold up, so the alternate start must be used. All that work for nothing. After a reset of the start, we began the program on the entire track. I've got some good photos and videos of this process. It took us 45 minutes to 'march' down the track on our heels and toes. My hip muscules were shot by the time we reached the finish line. During the race, I had no track side duties so I watched the first 20 racers from the soup tent at the base and then returned to the ski patrol couch for another short nap. Sleep at this point was more important than watching the whole first run. At 12noon we all assembed at the slalom start again to do the program all over again on the reset for the second run. A bit easier this time as it only took us about 1/2hr and it wasn't quite as slippery. We all recieved a loaud applause from the stands as we crossed the finish line. This time, instead of napping again after, I headed to the top of Muirs with Brad to catch the race. Great spot as you see them come over Boyds and pass over Muirs into the finish. Canada was on he podium for a short time. Too bad about the Canadian alpine racers: so much pressure on the home field.

After the race, Brad allowed me to come to his place at First Tracks where I had a nice shower and got changed into dry clothes. Today was the wettest day yet by far. Just soaked by the end of the day. I felt pretty good even though I'd been on shift since 3am. From there we made a pit stop at the Weasel tent before going to the VanOcc volunteer appreciation party at the 'timing flats' or finish area. They gave us 2 free beers and a hot dog. After a few lame speaches and some draw prizes (they gave away the days race bibs), we all headed back the Weasel tent. Tonight was the last night it would be open. I continue to meet so many people each day in the alpine workforce. After today I will feel a sence of 'detachment' for sure; as working shoulder to shoulder, day in day out with these people makes you get 'attached' to them in some way. Sad to say goodbye to so many new friends. Klyde from Fernie gave me an open invite any time of year to come visit Fernie. I've been there once but would love to go back.

After a 'long' bus ride back to Pemberton, I uploaded a bunch of photos and went to bed. I'm meeting Wommie and Michelle at the Roundhouse, top of Whislter to watch the big game (USA vs CAN, gold medal).

Go Canada Go