Busman's Holiday

A Busman's Holiday is defined as "A vacation during which one engages in activity similar to one's usual work".

We had our May train outing booked months ago in the long dark days of December when sunshine comes at a premium to Vancouver's dreary winter skies. The end of May would be sunny and warm and the longer hours of daylight would assure us views at their springtime best through our train seat's window.

As fortune would have it, spring in Vancouver had been cool and wet, but the weather did not dampen our spirits as heavy rain clouds hung over the city on the morning we took the Whistler Mountaineer. If anything, the ethereal aura the cloudiness created had the effect of deepening the colour and enhancing the vibrancy of the foliage in the treeline during the three hour trip from North Vancouver to Whistler.

The train company's dispatch had been efficient and friendly, and the train's on-board attendants impressed us with their knowledge and service, never missing a beat when it was time to point out something of interest, even though they were in the midst of meal service.

As part-time tour guides ourselves, it was music to our ears. During the usual commentary one offers on a day trip between Vancouver and Whistler you quickly learn that timing is everything: seeing is believing. There is no point whatsoever talking about the scenic village of Horseshoe Bay when its no longer visible from the newly improved Sea to Sky Highway.

And how often I would wax poetic at the view from the bus as we drove along the highway through the Cheakamus Canyon. The winding river, white with foam as it bubbled and tumbled over the stony river bed.

Through the bus window looking down over the river, the rail line seemed to cling to the riverbank during that segment of its journey and I would exclaim to all on my bus that next time they returned to Vancouver they really must take the train up to Whistler.

And here we were enjoying that same view from our seats on board the train looking out on the Cheakamus River - and the highway beyond it.

After our arrival in Whistler we had a few hours to spend before the return trip. We decided to take the Peak to Peak Gondola, the highest of its kind in the world, with the longest unsupported span over the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

The weather remained uncooperative but it didn't deter our enjoyment of it as the cars ahead of us disappeared into the cloud, reappearing as if from nowhere. We were amazed at the engineering feat of the gondola itself - its height and endless views. And not to be missed, the glass bottomed cars, which revealed greenery as if in miniature through a metalic picture frame.

The return train trip to Vancouver was very enjoyable - complete with afternoon tea. The improving weather allowed us time to enjoy the views over Howe Sound outdoors in the vintage rail car.

What a glorious day - and what a bonus for those of us who sometimes guide to be able to pick up a few tips from those who guided us!