We had decided to make our way to the starting area when we arrived at the Sliding Center. We made it to turn 11 and decided we were good. When we first got there, it was so warm with our big winter coats, snowpants and winter boots on. I actually took off my coat for awhile to cool off. Luge was quite the adventure. We were close enough to touch the track which, I still find interested considering all the accidents. Not quite sure how it was safe for spectators to sit as close as we were but, it didn't stop me. We watched the preparation of the track and the practice rituals of the athletes. It was pretty cool.
One of the US lugers, going through her pre-race routine. It's not interpretive dance like we originally thought.
United States luger
USA luger - this is just past the finish line
We left just before the end of the event and took the tram back down the mountain to the bus. We quickly boarded the bus and were on the road for the 2 hour trip back to Vancouver. It was now raining which makes me a little nervous on mountain roads but since I wasn't feeling overly well, I opted to fall asleep and hope the nausea would pass. I had warned Amy if I hit her, to move quickly as I would be making my way to the bathroom quickly. Fortunately, I did not get sick on the bus. When we arrived back at the Institue drop-off, we called the taxi Deb had recommended only for them to tell us they didn't pick up where we were but they very kindly gave us the number another service. Funny thing about standing in the rain in Vancouver in February..... it's still not standing out in the snow in Wisconsin in February. lol
Wow, we ate some good food on this trip. This was where we ate Friday night. Spicy and good!!!!
Coffee shop Saturday morning
Amy and her pretzel at the Irish Pub
What is Amy eating here? It's not a chocolate chip cookie. That's your only hint.
Ballard Brothers. Fabulous blackened cajun salmon burger. Oh, for yummy!!!!
Amy and Buddy
Karen, Bruce, Amy and Me at the Irish Pub Saturday night
Good crab cakes and wine. Amy and I enjoyed the whole bottle.
On the flight out to Seattle. We look pretty rested don't we. I'm sure that won't last long.
Karen and Bruce
larger fishing boats
Amy was rocking the boat
The gift I was supposed to bring back to Bobber. It didn't fit in the suitcase. Buddy had a better chance of coming home with me.
Part of a memorial to Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie
I wanted to throw the fish but could not. And, we didn't get chased by the whole octopus either.
World Spice - Smells fabulous
Amy on the train
That couldn't possibly be sun, could it?!?! We must be out of Seattle.
Us on the train
Presents Deb brought us.
And, we brought them Bucky T-shirts.
Deb is great at hospitality. We even had champagne when we arrived.
Lanterns made by local school children
The view of Downtown from Granville Island
The show was "From Russia with Love"
Yep, here they are.... the ukulele and suitcase drum player. Not pictured are the boy and uncle who helped with bingo, the perogies (sp?) or the kazoos. Really makes you wonder what kind of show we were at doesn't it. Fortunately, Lana won a CD during the bingo game. I bet if we ask real nicely, she would make copies for us.
A smurf took this picture. They were so helpful.
Oh so beautiful
On the way to our first Olympic event
One of the activities in Whistler Village. They even had people there to take pictures.
Have you met our new friends Blondie and Bear?
The make-shift memorial for the Georgian Luger is below the Olympic rings. Just behind the rings was the Whistler Ceremony Site. It also had a flame. 
Going up to the Sliding Center
One of the US lugers, going through her pre-race routine. It's not interpretive dance like we originally thought.
United States luger
USA luger - this is just past the finish line
