Yetso's @ 48 North

Sorry, long time no post. Going back to work, taking time off work, not working hard – All have conspired to make me exceptionally lazy. That, and beer. And football.

Anyway, I’ve promised a review of our Whistler Thanksgiving and now must make good. Without further ado….

Back in May when we booked the condo, I asked my Australian friend John, if he would like to join us. He promptly said ‘Yes, of course. Count me in”, which of course meant he had 6 months to formulate his excuse for not going. Fourtunately we were able to coax another friend to join us on short notice. Everyone, meet my Irish/New Zealand friend – Johnny O’ Yates –

This one’s a bit of trouble, and couldn’t wait to get out and about. No sooner had we got there, and he was raring to go. He even brought his own money –

So, off we went. Traditional first stop for a bit of food and something to drink, The Dubh Linn Gate. Good Irish bar, and right up Johnny’s alley –

So a shot of Jamesons, and a pint it is. After the drive, how about something to eat? Johnny  says, “Yes, please”

Amazing little bugger can really put away the chitlins

The beer was flowing, but we know from past experience that poor Johnny can only handle 1 shot of Jamesons, so we kept him on a tight leash. Alas not tight enough, as the first time we turned our backs, he was carrying on to no end. He loves being among his own people

We also know that when he starts singing traditional Irish songs with the band, it’s well and truly time to retire for the evening

So we head back to the condo, walking thru the Whistler Olympic Plaza. Leftovers from the 2010 Winter Games, and being put to GOOD use this weekend by hosting a Loverboy concert Saturday night. Dan and Julie almost crashed when I told them we scored 3rd row tickets

We hit the hot-tub for a spell, then off to sleep. Poor Johnny knew we were right to cut him off, the proof was in his hot-tub ettiquete

The next morning dawned with a foot of new snow on the ground and a bunch of chipper campers. What do chipper campers need? Breakfast!

Then, how about a little walk to prevent coagulation of all the cholesterol just ingested? Okay, good idea. Maybe skinny dipping in the lagoon? Too cold for that

Besides, lagoon is closed you idiots. Go back and watch the parade or something would you?

Sure is peaceful up here.

Let’s be Americans in Canada and go drink beer and watch football? Okay, let’s go! Found a new pub, not bad. Not good. Just new.

Well, time to go. The Dolphins on Turkey Day? Seriously. Let’s find us another joint. Something with a bit of class. And good beer on tap. Ric’s Grill

You sometimes have to put boundaries on people to keep them from getting themselves into trouble

It’s when you get up to use the restroom, that they sneak off and get into all sorts of mischief. Like, diving into the wishing well and acting like Daffy Duck

Time to start heading down the hill, we can stop for another round and a snack, and then we gotta get the feast prepared. How about a look into Blacks? Okay

You flirt, leave the poor Australian girl alone.

Why don’t you sit outside and cool off for a bit.

We’re off to the store for a few things for the Thanksgiving feast of which there are no photos. Turkey on the BBQ is always a good call. Thanks Blacks, thanks IGA

So Friday turns out to be a chamber of commerce day – Clear skies, lots of snow, and a mountain that’s open for business. We take a walk in search of the Upper Village and a decent photo or two

We manage to find the Fairmont, and in it they have this little spot for people watching. Perfect, let’s see about something to quench the thirst and the hunger

How’s the band? Not so good. All in good fun

Time for a roadie and then the tab

Saturday we got the tail end of the weather system that brought all the snow – In other words it rained all damn day. So much for our planned snowmobile ride

And our planned heli-ski trip

They even shut down the bobsleigh run just before our turn

Turned out to be a good day for shopping, football, bloody caesar’s and beer

We inquired as to where we should go, and this nice young lady pointed us to the Irish bar

Said it was lots of fun and they even had live music and stuff. Off we went

Not again! We have got to get out of here before things get out of hand. One last stop at the Brewpub for a photo of the train running around the rafters of the place

And with that, we…

… called it a weekend.

We had a small group this year, and had a really nice time.

Too bad my Australian/Arizonian senorita couldn’t join us. Maybe next year? Johnny O’ Yates has already called dibs on the second bedroom, so you’ll be on the couch if you do make it John.

Barley got into a scrap with someone, probably his sister, and ended up with a fat face (sorry, not a great photo)  –

The vet made him look like a typical teenager with a half shaved face and a pierced cheek. The guy at Starbucks wanted to him him to be the new counter kid, thought he’d “fit right in”.

Cat is too mellow to even care, poor bastard. Tube came out last Friday and he’s on the road to whatever it is that cats aspire to achieve….

Just for half a day while in town for a bit of work stuff. So we acted like tourists and did tourist stuff. Took a boat ride around the harbor. The sea based x-band radar was in for work, usually it lives off the coast of Alaska somewhere. Lots of coppers watching this thing. Read the Wikipedia page about it, pretty interesting, and REALLY big – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea-based_X-band_Radar

They had to move it out of the way to get one of Shell’s mobile drilling plaforms to it’s dock for repairs.

Nice view from the water –

Then, in an effort to feel more like tourists, we went to the –

Watched the guys throw dead –

Went by the original Starbucks –

Then a bit of dinner and that was pretty much it. Sometimes it’s fun to play tourist in your own town.

Thanks for stopping in and making time for the visit Steve. Good to see you.

This is what happens when you get run over by a Chevy S10 while riding your motrorcycle home from work

Then you get all dressed up

And they REALLY screw you

Doc says I did a ‘bang-up’ job of tearing all 6 ligaments. As bad as it gets before things start going SNAP. He’s happy with the work and the prognosis is good. Screw should come out in CORRECTION – 3 MONTHS. Then a little more sling time and back to work. Golf game should be tuned up in time for The TYMI at Pebble next year.

The Tom Yetso Memorial Invitational is in it’s infancy, but growing. This year we doubled the size of the field from 4 to 8

Weather was fantastic for the day, the first tee shot – RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE

The onlookers were serious in their preparations

Some not so much

Time for a tuneup – 8:05 Heineken

Seriously, perfect day

Priorities – Skycaddie, off. Water, unopened. Beer, check

The future is growing all around us. Thanks to the Wente family for putting up with us, and providing what I think is a rather fun golf course.

After golf, the fun continued

The Troop

Carry on

If you smack my ass again

I will choke the air out of you

Seriously, thanks everyone for a grand time. Steve and Amy, letting us invade your house, BBQ and refrigerator for the post party was above and beyond – Thank you!

APW and family for making the trip – Thank you.

Til next year (Pebble Beach anyone?)…

Spring is coming! Things will start to rust soon.

Nothing can stop it, not even dead leaves –

Dr. Seuss planted these to show up early –

Even the Camellia we tried to trim/kill is making spring noises –

Poor daffodils don’t get enough sun –

Here is the most certain sign yet that spring is here –

Just enough of this;

And all the sudden, Hopps thinks she’s all that;