Peaked at Sun Peaks

A wildly anticipated March break ski holiday at Sun Peaks, British Columbia was off to a good start... except there was a funny feeling in the air.  At the airport I had a foreboding, a little like our Istanbul school break we did and didn't take (turned out to be a good story about adapting, overcoming and being deported Turkish Delight meets Midnight Express). 

We had our social distancing already at the departure airport...

Prairie farmland
qualifies as socially distanced 

We got on the plane and ... the passenger in front of me had a mask on and was speaking German!  This is not helping any anxiety about COVID-19.  Oh no, we're doomed!!

That unsettled feeling hit again, with my cousin Brenda's text while we were transferring in Calgary.  Oh this is feeling all surreal again.  

Whew, we arrived in Kamloops with our shuttle waiting for us  - but missing 2 suitcases.  Oh dear.  At least we had our outer ski wear for the next morning.  

Nothing like a trip to the outfitters for some expensive and snazzy base layers.  I can mention E's psychedelic-peace tights and SmartWool socks, but I don't know if Adrian's B3NTH package technology and pucker panel underwear is supposed to get a mention.  

We hit the slopes and had a fantastic sunny day with 2m of base snow.  No queues, just a lot of hill to enjoy.  The highlight of the first day of skiing was with Nancy Green, 3 time Olympian and former Senator.  She toured us on the  hills and gave a Sun Peaks history lesson and introduced us to ski-cross... (hear the forelling music?)

Nancy Green still floats on skis

On our way back to the hotel, the featured drink was a ...oh boy... a harbinger....?

We had fantastic accommodations to kick off our ski-boots and relax in front of the fire with an amazing view of the mountains.  And a nice glass of wine.  

Brenda said even in peak season, 
Sun Peaks allows for social distancing without queues.  Don't let the secret out !

Adrian and E 
with the pool to themselves

Day 2, another perfect sunny day with even milder temperatures and open slopes.  

Ski PPE

My new skis were carving turns and feeling good.  Adrian challenged me to a ski-cross race.  Now ski cross is like motocross zooming around bumps and turns on skis.  Well, I was going to show him who was the faster, better skier and take him up on that challenge.  

Racing red!

A hesitant turn and boom! Blew out my knee (and dang, lost that race).  This was time for ski patrol to come and get me.  

Hi, I'm Dallas 
and I'm here to help you

Is this for real?!  Did I also suffer a concussion?  OK, this ride down the hill is going to be so worth it.

Take me away 
Or just take me

The prognosis was better than anticipated, as it looks like an meniscus and MCL sprain and not a tear. Whew.  But it did mean that it was the end of my skiing.  I was so upset, missing out on an expensive trip and not being able to do something I love and had been anticipating for a long time.  

I was able to bear weight soon enough 
as the swelling subsided, 
but am still hobbled...

Don't worry Mom, 
we'll enjoy the slopes for you.

Day 4. My semi-isolation started early.  I made it out on crutches to enjoy more of that glorious sunshine, by myself.

Feeling envious 
of the skiers 
and fantastic conditions

Day 5 took a turn.  Sun Peaks ceased ski operations at the end of the day due to COVID-19.  It was only a matter of time before everything would shutter to reduce the spread of the virus, and importantly protect employees.  

We could either fly home early and listen to the reciprocating saw as our basement demolition progressed or stay in the posh accommodations with a beautiful view and a ghost-town ski village.  We had to wait somewhere so we chose to stay until our scheduled flight.

View from our balcony
Definitely a melancholic feeling
with everything closed down

No one here...

A New Zealander contemplating 
her fate as our new reality sunk in.
The board pretty much summed it up

We enjoyed what we could.  
We'll be back to ski again -
 and hopefully not make use 
of the emergency number next time.

Keeping socially distanced 
outside at the Kamloops airport

At least 2 m apart

We're home safe and keeping our physical distance, which is easy if you just don't go out.  Wash your hands, stay home and watch for my next isolation post on Winter 2020.