I went for a big hike today in Whistler, BC…

More of a hike than I anticipated, really. In fact, I did the super-steep trail twice! But let me start from the beginning of the day.

I’m staying with one of my best friends, and she is amazing. She set me up with her bike to ride to the village if I wanted to. I had two choices of bikes, the sexy sugar-skull cruiser, or the mountain bike.

However…

Even though I totally dig the cruiser, the only bikes I’ve ridden in the last few decades have had hand brakes, not pedal brakes. I got on this thing, tried to go a few feet, and almost fell off.

My friend’s house is at the top of a big hill. I looked down, and decided I did not want to learn to ride this thing on the hill. Something told me that if I did try to take it, I might come home with some bruises, so I put it away.

So pretty, though.

Next, I thought I’d try the mountain bike. I can handle that. But the tire was flat.

Okay, then.

I took the truck into Whistler village. It was the best choice in the long run, because I had my guitar with me this way. And, honestly, after the hike I did, there is no way I would’ve been able to bike back home.

---

Whistler Village – Upper Village, and Blackcomb Mountain.

---

The Farmer’s Market was happening in the Upper Village today, so I walked from the parking lot to the market. On the way, I went past the Squamish Lillooet Cultural Centre. I didn’t go in this time around, but it’s a beautiful place and I’m glad to see First Nations culture being honored in this way.

Here’s a raven totem pole in the Upper Village. I assume it's a raven. Maybe an eagle? Looks like a raven to me.

There was an interpretive trail as well, where I learned about more uses for cedar and nettle.

In the village, I wandered through the busy Farmer’s Market area, loving the fact that herbs are planted in flower boxes as often as flowers themselves.

At the bottom of Blackcomb Mountain, there was some fencing up announcing what the construction area was about. Seems a new gondola is coming. This resort goes big with everything they do. Really big.

But I didn’t want to hang out where the people were, I wanted to be up the mountain, in the trees.

So I started hiking.

Up, and up, and up I went.

Here’s the current Blackcomb gondola.

I hiked up steep terrain for a couple of hours. I may have ignored a closed sign on the trail, but I wasn’t the only one.

The trail meandered through old-growth forest, along this beautiful creek.

I love seeing the mountain peaks in the distance through the trees.

So when I got a ways up the trail, my legs started feeling wobbly. I’ve done more hiking in the last couple days than in the last four years, since having kids, so it’s understandable.

I figured I’d head down, seeing as my legs were so tired.

BUT…

When I got nearly to the bottom, I realized I’d left my sunglasses somewhere at the top of the trail. Doh!

Here’s a video where I tell you about it. Lol!

I was surprised how strong I felt on the way up the second time. I found my glasses, too!

---

Food and other fun stuff.

---

When I finished up hiking, my next mission was to find something to eat. I wandered in a famished, wobbly-leg daze down to the main village, where the eye candy was so nice I almost forgot about food.

Almost.

Here’s a sexy truck I drooled over for a minute.

I hesitated entering the main part of the village at the bottom of Whistler Mountain because it gets so busy with mountain bikers there that it can be a gong show. (Yes, Whistler is often a gong show, but it’s amazing, so it’s worth dealing with that.)

Actually, I hung out at the entrance for a while enjoying the view.

The mountain is nice too. ;)

Actually, Whistler Mountain is one of my favourite mountains on earth. My heart gets a little melty when I’m here and looking at that beauty. She’s a strong one.

So, yes. I found food.

Then I headed to a café, and had virtual coffee with @enginewitty, and @deerjay who was hanging out in #thealliance castle. Thanks for keeping me company, you guys.

What a view. Wherever you are in Whistler, look up and you’ll be awestruck. I love this place.

I spent the evening playing guitar by the river in Meadow Park again.

So peaceful. I am so grateful.

---

Thanks for coming on my adventure with me! I hope it made you smile. 💖

Whatever happens, keep singing your song!

Peace. @katrina-ariel

All photos mine unless otherwise credited.

---

Author bio: Katrina Ariel is an old-soul rebel, musician, tree-hugging yogini, and mama bear to twins. Author of Yoga for Dragon Riders (non-fiction) and Wild Horse Heart (romance), she's another free-spirit swimming in the ocean of Steemit.

dragon art: Liiga Smilshkalne

---

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR WITNESSES

Witnesses keep the blockchain alive, and it costs nothing to vote for them, so please do so. @steemgigs, @noblewitness, @enginewitty, @jatinhota, @jackmiller, @drakos, @adsactly-witness, @c0ff33a, @pfunk — there are so many good ones. Do some research and cast your votes!