Utterly Transported

This year marks the eighth year we have been married, thus the eighth anniversary of my living in British Columbia. Last month I was remembering how fun it was when I used to come visit Mr. O'M when we were long distance dating. I would come into town and he would have everything planned, squiring me around to show me the sights.

Usually we go away for our anniversary but this year we elected to stay in town and simply go out for dinner. Thus, I gave Mr. O'M a project. I told him that although I usually am the planner and have oodles of fun doing so...this time it was up to him. I wanted him to plan a date like he did during our courtship. It was so much fun in the weeks leading up to our anniversary, wondering where he would decide to go.

Here is the 1st Hint!

I truly did not have a clue what to guess. We kept passing roads that led to places I "supposed" we might go to. When we turned onto the highway that led to Capilano I really could not begin to guess. We climbed further and further up a moutain...into residential areas until we reached GROUSE MOUNTAIN! I squealed in delight!

The Skating Rink

The day had been a clear, sunny day. We left the parking lot behind and climbed 3,000 feet into the air. We were suddenly transported into a winter wonderland. It truly felt otherworldy. The snow was softly falling and the sky was a purple grey. There was a silky silence punctuated by laughs and whispers of delight as people's shoes made crinkling sounds in the snow.

Amazing City Views From The Sky Car

Altitudes Bistro in the Chalet




Interior of the Bistro

Seafood Chowder

Starter Salad

There is a fine dining restaurant also located in the chalet. It was closed for a private function that evening. That was fine with us as we had always intended to dine in the Bistro. Our starters were so good and the cold air had accelerated our appetites to such an extent that I forgot to take pictures of our meals. I had BBQ chicken which was excellent and Mr. O'M had the Grindburger which was also quite good.

The Grouse Grind is the name of a hiking trek up Grouse Mountain. It is a badge of honor for many to have done the Grind in good time.

View of the Trees and City Lights from the Bistro

These were beyond doubt the best vantage points I have ever had of Vancouver. We were directly above the Lion's Gate bridge. We could also see 5 brightly colored Olympic rings out on the water. It was also mesmerizing to watch how the weather behaved. You were actually able to "see" the wind in a way. For a moment the breeze would move clouds over and the lights would disappear and then the wind would move the clouds to another area and lights would blink up again. We were fortunate to have mostly clear conditions. It was wonderful!

Picture of Early Ski Bunnies

A Darling Picture of Children Skiing

Antique Skis

The chalet is beautiful and full of interesting things to look at. It has a store where there is Grouse Mountain related merchandise for sale. There is also a Theatre where there are shows you can watch. During the day there are some Grizzly bears that were rescued when they were orphaned as cubs and it is possible to see them as well.

Chalet Pillar With Ski and Snowboard Relief Carving

Zipline

It is also possible to zipline over the amazing tree canopy on Grouse Mountain for those who it appeals to. I'm sure this would make someone's heart race almost as much as mine did when I realized Mr. O'M had come up with such an adventurous, romantic date for our anniversary.

You can see Grouse Mountain's lights from almost anywhere you are in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland at night. Even driving into the city, you can usually see them gleaming. Whenever I see that track of lights I will think of our anniversary and when we were on top of the world!