An unconventional and eclectic community, Robert’s Creek is home to quiet beaches, rambling gardens, superb hiking and biking trails, and many talented artisans. After a very nice breakfast at the locally famous Gumboot Cafe, Sarah and Kerith took as on a walking tour which included the Robert’s Creek Pier where local artists create a unique Mandala style painting each year. We then drove to SideStix headquarters for a tour of the facility where Nicolai will be working during his internship this fall. The small shop is very well organized around material flow and Nico’s experience here should leave him thoroughly skilled in crutch building and repair. Before returning us to the ferry we were treated to what is easily the best sorbet Jeanine or I have ever sampled. Unfortunately, Nico will arrive too late in the season to enjoy this treat.

Acclaimed as one of the top three scenic drives in Canada, the Sea to Sky Highway, a 100 mile portion of Highway 99 North that connects Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to just past Whistler, B.C. lived up to its reputation. Stunning views of lakes, mountains, fjords, inlets, and waterfalls are incomparable. We stopped frequently for photos and to take short hikes to both Shannon Falls (1000 feet) and Brandywine Falls (210 feet).

Our destination for the evening was the resort town of Whistler where most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, bobsled, freestyle skiing and all snowboarding events were hosted during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It has a permanent population of approximately 10,000, plus a larger but rotating “transient” population of workers. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snowboarding and, in summer, mountain biking.