Carrying a torch?

Today's public service announcement is brought to you by Crafty Manoeuvres. This could be your moment to shine - or more accurately, you could help someone else to have theirs.

In case you haven't noticed, the design for the London 2012 Olympic Torch was revealed recently. As was some information about the relay route - we now know where the overnight stops during the 70 day relay around the UK will be next summer. Hopefully soon we'll know the exact route and we'll all be able to work out whether we'll be able to see the Torch as it makes its way round the country.

But in the meantime, you have got a chance to get involved yourself. Or at least to nominate someone you know/love/admire to get involved. A lucky 8,000 people will get the chance next summer to carry the Olympic Flame as it makes its way around Britain on its way from Greece to the London games next July. It really will be a once in a lifetime, always to be remembered opportunity.

If you know someone you think deserves to have it, what are you waiting for? Log on and nominate them today. You've got until 29th June to do it through the Olympic Organising Committee, so get a move on. There will be other opportunities through the official Games sponsors, but why wait?

You never know, next summer you might just have someone carrying a torch for you too.

Winter sports adventures

Cypress cross country trail
Originally uploaded by bexybeads

While we haven't got any snow at the house, this was what we had up at Cypress Mountain on Boxing Day. Plenty of snow on the cross country trails, and as you can see, brilliant crisp sunlight too. Definitely my favourite kind of weather.

We were there again last night for the Jack Rabbits Lantern Night Ski. No sunshine, but plenty of atmospheric candle light from the IKEA lanterns all down the sides of a couple of trails. It was really beautiful and actually not too cold for a winter night in Canada.

Unfortunately I managed to prove that the only way I can do a black run, whether it's downhill or cross country, is on my bum - some very inelegant skiing and a sore behind this morning as proof!

Cross country skiing was winter sport number 3 for me this holiday - downhill skiing at Whistler being number 1 and skating being number 2. I'm keeping fairly active this holiday, but sadly I suspect not enough to keep the pounds from creeping on as a result of my sister's excellent cooking and baking skills.

And looking out of the window now, it looks like the rain might just be trying to turn to sleet. Hopefully anytime soon it will evolve into snow (particularly now that we don't really need to go anywhere!).

On the Sea to Sky

We're on our way back from Whistler after a quick pre Christmas ski mini break and decided to have a coffee stop in Squamish. This was the view from the car park.

I think I'll need a bit more practice on the climbing wall before I'm ready for the Chief!

Watch this space for some photos of the snow at Whistler.