We decided that Sun Peaks is a small version of the Isle of Man. You just keep bumping into people you know and everyone looks out for each other – a great community. Without organising it, we saw loads of people we knew (past instructors, past adaptive sports colleagues, fellow students from 2019 who have stayed out there, staff from our hotel (Mike and Viks ) that still work there etc). We got to ski with Andy and Taj, both now very slick and smooth skiers. We got guided through some fun tree runs by Sean on his board, which Kyle (our old instructor) had shown him. We caught up with James, Matt and Rich for an apres beer or three, did Quizzy Rascal’s quiz hosted by Craig and Lucie, just like 3 years ago.
So it was great being back but ultimately it was soon time to leave. Rik and Rob from Wintersports came to wave us off and we were on our 45 min transfer to Kamloops Airport (which is probably smaller than Ronaldsway on the Isle of man). The flight over The Rockies to Calgary was stunning 😍, we even got to see Sun Peaks from the air.
We had 6 hours layover at Calgary Airport and luckily found an area called “The Relax Zone” with comfy recliners, which had Pete snoring away after we’d eaten our packed lunch (still hobo travellers at heart).
The flight was pretty good, 3 movies watched and a few wines. Then, because of the irregular IOM flights, we had to overnight in Gatwick. A quick Google showed some restaurants a 30 min walk away, so off we went. No 1 choice was a Turkish but that had a wedding on, so we went for the no 2 choice of tapas. What a taste sensation!! And reasonably priced too.
Then a cheap pint at Weatherspoons while waiting for the bus.
After a great lie in till 11am we checked out at 12 and walked back to the same area and had the Turkish for lunch. It too was sensational. Two foods you can’t get on the IOM, so a real treat. We walked back to the hotel and gave the staff a box of chocolates (for storing all our bags in an office) along with a donation to their charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Flight home was all good, then the last of the covid paperwork hoops and we were home. Pete’s parents had brought his van down so that we could fit in all the luggage! And just like that, the adventure was over. What an amazing 6 weeks! 😍
So even though we had deliberated the risk of the trip when Omicrom loomed large, upon reflection we are so glad we went for it. We have come home with 2 CSIA Level 2 certificates, new skills, amazing experiences of heliskiing and skating on lakes, some great memories with old friends and lots of new friends. Thanks Canada. I think we will be back ……
