Hittin' the Slopes

We wanted to take advantage of all of the snow the Cascade Mountains are getting this winter so we took a trip up to the Stevens Pass Ski Area to get some runs in.  We also took the opportunity to travel to Leavenworth, Washington, about 35 miles east of Stevens Pass.  Leavenworth was originally a small timber community in the early 1900's.  In the early 1960's, due to its struggling economy,  the city transformed itself into a mock Bavarian village.  While it may seem a bit too contrived to succeed,  Leavenworth has established itself as a year-round popular destination for Seattle-area residents and tourists and appears to be thriving today.

The Bavarian theme is present throughout the village and especially on the building facades.

Some of the sights around town.

Leavenworth is situated on the Wenatchee River, scenic even in winter.

After dark, the village literally lights up.

The following day, we were off to Stevens Pass. It was snowing most of the day so their wasn't much of a view, but the skiing was fun.

After a full day, it was back to Poulsbo.  Have a great week!

....and a happy New Year

So, after a sufficient number of holiday parties, Christmas Eve dinner with some Poulsbo friends, and unwrapping  presents on Christmas morning, we hit the road and the waterways (via the ferries) and headed to British Columbia, Canada for the New Year.  First stop was Victoria, the picturesque capital of BC.  

We waited to get on the ferry to cross the strait of Juan de Fuca.

A festive touch on board.

Approaching Vancouver Island.  Victoria is to the right.

Once in Victoria, we walked to Fisherman's Wharf, a unique spot where people live in "float homes."  Usually a popular tourist destination, it was pretty quiet this time of year.

The BC Parliament Buildings light up the Victoria sky with over 3300 light bulbs

We stayed at the Fairmont Empress.  In true British fashion, the Empress is best known for the extravagant afternoon tea that is served daily in the hotel. After all the holiday goodies, we decided to pass.

This is the lobby all gussied up.

The hallway to the room.

And the room was very comfy.

The next day we were off to Vancouver, which required another ferry ride.  The scenery was spectacular.

Our first stop was Granville Island Public Market, a feast for the senses.  

The following day we headed to Cypress Mountain, a 30 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

During the 2010 Olympics, the snowboarding and freestyle skiing events were held at Cypress Mountain. 

Not feeling very Olympian that day, we decided to do some snowshoeing instead.

We were out for about 3.5 hours, taking a break for lunch.  

The view at the end of the hike.

Then it was back to Vancouver for New Year's Eve dinner at a downtown Thai restaurant and a couple of nights at the Wedgewood Hotel.  

Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2011!