Last Day at WOP

Nice people I was working with in WOP and it's sad to leave. But it was an interesting experience. There are small rewards given to the volunteers after so many shifts and today was a last day for one of our blood collection officers. They gave her a nice Olympic souvenir watch- they look very nice and I'll be happy to get mine at the end of the month. We tend to lose track of the days and the dates so "if we're still in Whistler , this must be February". I met an Ottawa police officer today at the workforce meal tent and he works at the station closest to our house- I was hoping for a get out of jail free card but that wasn't forthcoming.

There are lots of paramedics around for the Games and about 7 ambulances are parked just up the street.I have a picture of them but I thought Matt and Lisa would enjoy the picture of the snowmobile ambulance and the local paramedic. Maybe Lanark County should consider adding one to the fleet.

I spent some time watching the 3rd set of jumps for the ski jump this afternoon. I then notified and spent some time with a guy who is currently one of the top ski jumpers in the world- very pleasant young man and his English was excellent. The next picture shows part of the Mixed Zone at the ski jump venue-this is the area where the press gathers to interview the athletes after they perform. Very busy area during the real competitions. What I saw today people are paying $80 to $160 to see Friday morning. 




In the morning I was over at the cross country site- busier there now than the past few days. This picture is of me standing and waiting for an athlete to finish his training session. I'm carrying a clipboard with notification documents and the back pack beside me has several containers of water to offer the athletes. It was about 0C and snowing but overall winter here is much more tolerable than back home. I was reminded of the old saying "there is no bad weather , just the wrong clothing" . Well I was quite comfortable in spite of the standing and it's fun to watch these world class athletes.

I mentioned I have a young Norwegian roommate named Christian. Well I have a $2 bet with him about the hockey game next  week Canada vs Norway. I had to spot him 2 goals to collect on the bet but he does remind me that Norway beat Canada at the 2008 World Championships 2-1. When I say that was Canada's B team he doesn't care - a win is still a win.

On a closing note there is a novel out called Red Snow about a physcopath killer on the loose in a snowed in Whistler - I think I'll wait until I'm home before I read it.

Finally I get to sleep in Friday morning. Do some laundry as well- Deen has given me lots of instruction so I should be OK . We'll see. And apparently there was a bear up at the sliding centre in Whistler - aren't they supposed to be in hibernation?

I return to being a Village Person Friday afternoon and evening - hope I get a chance to see the Opening Ceremonies on TV.