Wednesday, August 27, 2008

San Clemente, California

Hello all,

Just writing a short note from here in sunny California. I have been here in San Clemente, California for a couple of days now and loving it. San Clemente is a somewhat small city, a population of about, 65,000 in between LA and San Diego. It's a beach town right on the pacific ocean that get amazing waves.



Actually San Clemente area is one of the best spots to surf in North America. It has an area that beginners can start surfing, all the way up to more advanced surf spots. Also this area, more specifically Trestles beach, will be hosting the upcoming 2008 Boost Mobile Pro surf competition from Sept 7th to 13th. I wish I could stay longer to watch the comps, it should be a really good one.


2008 Boost Mobile Pro in San Clemente

I am staying at a condo that is pretty much right on the beach, with a view of the pacific ocean. It's pretty awesome, check out the pic below. It's really amazing to wake up everyday and have the ocean right there for a quick swim or surf in the morning before you start your day.


San Clemente Vacation Condo




Today I went bodyboarding, since I never surfed before, and it was so much fun. The waves where pretty gentle to my surprise and a good size for someone, like me who is not the best swimmer. Tomorrow I'm going to give surfing a shot, want to see how close or not it is to snowboarding. I already know it's going to be hard because I was trying to stand on my bodyboard and it's not easy.

Well I just want to say that San Clemente is a beautiful city with sand, sun, surf & really nice people. I think this could be my new favorite place....we'll find out. Definitely a city to check out if you have the chance.


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Monday, August 25, 2008

I'm on Alltop.com

Hey all, just wanted to let you know that you can now find my blog on Alltop.com in the Extreme Sports category, http://extreme.alltop.com/. It's awesome to be added to Alltop.com because only the best of the best blogs are there.....oh ya and me too.

Alltop, confirmation that I kick ass

Talk to you later and happy blogging.
Mike

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Saturday, August 23, 2008

California Dreaming....Wait it's Really Happening

Hello all, I'm off to California today, more specifically San Clemente for a week long vacation. Hopefully will get some surfing done and just chill on the beach. I'll keep you, my loyal followers, of my travels in sunny California.

Until next time....see ya.
Mike

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Friday, August 22, 2008

Whistler Peak Hiking

Many people flock to Whistler, BC in the summer for a getaway. Mostly for mountain biking, summer glacier riding, general site seeing and parting it up. But alot travelers to the area don't really know the amazing hiking trails that are at the top of Whistler. Ya, sure they are aware of the Peak Adventure once they reach the top they just stay in that one area for the patented photo opt.



There are 14 trails of varies levels difficulty that all lead by to the the top of the Whistler gondola. The easy trails can be done by someone who really never hikes, while the moderate and most difficult are more reserved for the experienced hiker.

Whistler Hiking Trail Map


A couple of my favorite trails are the High Note, Harmony Lake, and Harmony Ridge trail. They all ofter some really good views of Garibaldi Park and a good physical challenge. If you want to really see all of Whistler hiking has to offer head out for the High Note via Musical Bumps & Singing Pass trail. This 6 plus hour hike showcases the best views of the park, but make sure your prepared and never go alone.



Hiking on the peaks trails is one of my favorite things in the summer to do while in Whistler. So next time your up in the area take a stroll through some of Whistler peaks' hiking trails.

Enjoy.

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Whistler Bed and Breakfast - B&Bs

Below is a comprehensive list of Whistler Bed & Breakfast Accommodations

Rainbow Creek B&B (Whistler)
8243 Alpine Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-7001

Alpenhaus B&B Whistler (Whistler)
Located just a few minutes North of Whistler Village, which is at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Ski Resorts, we are ideally suited to offer the finest in holiday accommodation for both Winter and Summer activities. European hospitality. German, Japanese and English spoken.
8084 Parkwood Drive, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-3631 Toll-Free: (888)611-4037 Fax: (604)932-3681
Email: b&b@alpenhauswhistler.bc.ca

Lorimer Ridge Pension (Whistler)
Mountain views, twin & queen beds, duvets, private baths, fireplaces, balconies, guest lounge, large deck, billiards room, whirlpool & sauna. Complimentary breakfast included.
6231 Piccolo Dr., Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)290-5833 Toll-Free: (888)988-9002 Fax: (604)938-9155
Email: lorimerridge@telus.net

Chalet Bambi (Whistler)
Chalet Bambi is a Swiss Chalet nestled in the beautiful Whistler Valley, offering spectacular views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, where you are only a short walk to Whistler Village and Ski lifts.
6182 Eagle Dr, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-3292 Fax: (604)932-4493
Email: bambi@whooshnet.com

Snow Country Cottage B&B (Whistler)
Cottage-style antique furnishings, fireplace, hot tub, guest kitchen & lounge. Complimentary pick up and hearty breakfast.
2114 Castle Dr, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-1178
Email: snowcc@direct.ca

Idylwood Inn (Whistler)
The Idylwood Inn is a spacious (3,500 sq. ft.) chalet. Guests have option of booking our 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom or 5 bedroom chalets. With an open & spacious layout there is plenty of room for small groups & families wanting to spread out. The Inn is tastefully decorated with the best in comfort & quality. Ideal for family reunions & corporate retreats.
8725 Idylwood Pl, c/o Box 797, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-4582 Fax: (604)932-4556
Email: info@whistlerhome.com

Durlacher Hof Alpine Country Inn (Whistler)
1 km north of Whistler Village, traditional Austrian hospitality, european inn, private baths, jetted tubs, down duvets, balconies, spectacular mountain views, lounge, garden terrace, sauna, jacuzzi. Complimentary breakfast.
7055 Nesters Rd, c/o Box 1125, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-1924 Toll-Free: (877)932-1924 Fax: (604)938-1980
Email: info@durlacherhof.com

Renoir's Winter Garden B&B (Whistler)
Modern West Coast home with views of Whistler Mountain, queen/king beds, 3-4 piece baths, private entance, free guest internet access, hot tub. Gourmet breakfast included.
3137 Tyrol Cres., Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-0546 Fax: (604)938-0547
Email: renoir@dualmountain.com

Inn At Cliff Top Lane (Whistler)
1 km from Creekside gondola. West Coast style home in quiet area, antique furnishings, queen beds, duvets, homemade quilts, ensuites, jacuzzis, guest dining/living room with fireplace, hot tub. Complimentary full breakfast.
2828 Clifftop lane, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-1229 Toll-Free: (888)281-2929 Fax: (604)938-9880
Email: info@innatclifftop.com

Belle Neige B&B (Whistler)
Tranquil Mountain Setting - Magificent Mountain View, private self-contained suite, rooms, outdoor hot tub, delicious breakfasts, duvets, bathrobes, mulilingual hosts. Discounted ski passes.
8597 Drifter Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-9225 Toll-Free: (800)611-4869 Fax: (604)938-9762
Email: webmaster@triple1.com

Alpine Lodge Pension (Whistler)
Modern ski lodge, just 3km north of Whistler Village, single-queen beds, private & shared baths, complimentary breakfast, dining room, guest lounge, fire place, sauna, jacuzzis, guest kitchen, complimentary transportation to the village & lifts. Pet policy.
8135 Alpine Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-5966 Fax: (604)932-1104
Email: reservations@alpinelodge.com

Limoges Inn at Whistler (Whistler)
Enjoy warm Canadian hospitality with a "Touch of Provence" at Limoges Inn, one of Whistler's premiere bed and breakfasts. Centrally located just minutes from Whistler Village, the gondolas, the Valley Trail, Whistler Golf Course and Alta Lake.
3016 St. Anton Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)905-6777 Fax: (604)905-6788
Email: innkeeper@limogesinn.com

Haus Heidi Pension B&B Inn (Whistler)
European hospitality awaits you with balconied rooms, private baths, gourmet breakfast, sauna, whirlpool, guest lounge with fireplace. German speaking hosts.
7115 Nesters Rd.c/o Box 354, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-3113 Toll-Free: (800)909-7115 Fax: (604)932-4116
Email: frontdesk@hausheidi.com

Swiss Cottage (Whistler)
Swiss hospitality, traditional alpine B&B, quite, river setting, duvets, ensuites, whirlpool. Complimentary full breakfast included, homemade bread made on the premises. German & French speaking hosts.
7321 Fitzsimmons Dr. c/o Box 1209, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-4187 Toll-Free: (800)665-1998 Fax: (604)938-1531
Email: info@chaletluise.com

Chalet Beau Sejour (Whistler)
Modern alpine-style home, down duvets, ensuites, guest lounge, fireplace, hot tub, spectacular views from the deck. Complimentary hearty breakfast. Spanish, French & German speaking hosts. Adult oriented B&B
7414 Ambassador Cres., Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-4966 Fax: (604)938-6296
Email: sejour@direct.ca

Alpine B&B (Whistler)
8179 Alpine Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-6889 Fax: (604)932-4331

Brio Haus (Whistler)
Bavarian-style home, down duvets, ensuite & private bath, guest kitchen, tv lounge, fire place, family room, coin-laundry, complimentary full breakfast, sauna, jacuzzi, on bus route.
3005 Brio Entrance, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-3313 Toll-Free: (800)331-2746 Fax: (604)932-4945
Email: info@briohauswhistler.com

The Meadows Inn B&B (Whistler)
PO Box 806, 1334 Collins Rd, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)894-6009 Fax: (604)894-6786Haus Stephanie B&B (Whistler)
Alpine chalet in quite location, private entrance, kitchen facilities, private bath, balcony, whirlpool. Complimentary bus/train pick up & hearty breakfast
7473 Ambassador Cres.c/o Box 1460, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-5547 Toll-Free: (877)932-5547 Fax: (604)932-5547
Email: dorisvw@telus.net

The AnneRose Inn (Whistler)
Japanese themed B&B within walking distance to village. Evening wine & cheese, gourmet breakfasts, and romantically lit garden hot tub await you!
3016 St. Anton Way, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-9868 Fax: (604)938-9897

Stancliff House (Whistler)
3333 Panorama Ridge c/o Box 995, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-2393 Fax: (604)932-7577

Cedar Springs B&B Lodge (Whistler)
Quiet Canadian lodge, gardens, beside park/valley trail, duvets, views, fireplace, balconies, 3 course gourmet breakfasts, afternoon teas, home baking, hot tub, sauna, bike rentals, vieos, free parking, shuttle
8106 Cedar Springs Rd., Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)938-8007 Toll-Free: (800)727-7547 Fax: (604)938-8023
Email: cedarsprings@whistlerinns.com

Golden Dreams B&B (Whistler)
Unique theme rooms, duvets, robes, private/shared baths, fireside lounge, kitchen, mountain views from outdoor hot tub, quaint garden, trailside. Legendary vegetarian breakfast. Discount ski packages. Children welcome.
6412 Easy St, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-2667 Toll-Free: (800)668-7055 Fax: (604)932-7055
Email: Ann@goldendreamswhistler.com

Haus Landsberg B&B (Whistler)
Quiet house with views, private baths with jacuzzi tubs. Complimentary bus/train pick up & breakfast. German speaking hosts.
3413 Panorama Ridge, Whistler, BC
Phone: (604)932-5233 Fax: (604)932-5233
Email: haus@uniserve.com

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Rome Snowboards 2009 Site is Live

Hey all, the new Rome snowboards 2009 site is Live...check it out.

http://www.romesnowboards.com/


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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

"Ready" Absinthe Films Movie Premiere in Vancouver

Just wanted to pass along some exciting news about an upcoming snowboarding movie premiere. Absinthe Films is premiering their new film, "Ready" in Vancouver on Wednesday Sept 3, 2008 at 8pm. Not only are they premiering the film by there will be an autograph session with Matt Beardmore, Romain De Marchi and Wolle Nyvelt. Here are the details:

Ready?

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

THE RIDGE THEATRE
3131 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC
Doors @ 7:30, Movie Starts @ 8:00

PRIZES+VIDEOGAMES+AUTOGRAPHS

RIDER APPEARANCES BY
Matt Beardmore, Romain De Marchi, Wolle Nyvelt

http://www.sphereofinfluencetour.com/

http://www.absinthe-films.com/

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ($7.00):
WESTBEACH THE SHOP
http://www.westbeachtheshop.com
THE BOARDROOM http://www.theboardroom.com
PACIFIC BOARDER http://www.pacificboarder.com/
COASTAL RIDERS http://www.coastalriders.com/
FLUID http://www.fluidsports.com/


$2 from each ticket sale goes towards Protect Our Winters and Zero Ceiling!
http://www.protectourwinters.org/

http://www.zeroceiling.org/

Afterparty to be Announced!!

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Crankworx Slopestyle 2008 Whistler

What do you get when you mix the worlds best two wheeled warriors, a massive mountain playground on Whistler mountain and 10,000 passionate spectators….2008 Whistler Crankworx Slopestyle.



For those who are not familiar with the Crankworx festival, it’s a week long gathering of the worlds best mountain bike athletes competing is varies competitions for big prize money. And it so happens that the Slopestyple competition is the main attraction of the festival.




The competition was fierce and in the end Spains Andreu Lacondeguy took home top prize of $15,000. Andreu’s winning run consisted of a long list of impressive tricks, starting with a Double Back Flip of the first table (never seen in competition before), a Foot Plant off the Monster Snake, a Back Flip X-Up, Flat Spin 360, Topside Nac-Nac, Can-Can Step-Down, Superman, and finished off with a Back Flip onto the final Kokanee feature and Superman off into the village.



Second place went to Lance Mcdermott of the UK with a score of 91.5 and third place went to Whistler’s own Brendan Semenuk, with a score of 89.8.

Overall it was an amazing competition and I’ll mark my calendar for Crankworx 2009….you should too!!!





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Friday, August 15, 2008

Here I am

How’s it going? I’m Mike and I started this blog to share my passion for snowboard and mountain culture along with my love for travel.

I’m originally from Southern Ontario were I was raised by two amazing parents who supported me no matter what I was into. My parents bought a condo at a ski resort in Blue Mountain, which is 1 ½ hours north of Toronto, and with that they got me into skiing at about age 11. My aunt bought my first ski setup as a gift when I was 13 years old and I kept up with the two planker descent for about 4 years. While skiing at Blue Mtn one weekend I was introduced to a snowboard and since then never strapped on a pair skis again.

Years past and I was content with snowboarding on the “IceCoast” at my home resort in Ontario, but one trip to Whistler, BC changed all that. I was sent out on a business trip to Vancouver and decided to go early and spend the weekend in Whistler since I have read so many good stories about the riding there. Those two days of riding in Whistler would prove to be a driving force that changed in my life. Almost exactly a year after that first trip to Whistler I quit my corporate job and packed my bags for a season in the BC coastal mountain town…..Whistler here I come.

That winter season living in Whistler I did nothing but snowboard and I know what your thinking, where did you work? Well I didn’t work….thanks stolen car insurance money. I funded my snowboard lifestyle with some savings and a lot from the insurance money I got from my stolen Honda Civic. This was the best thing I’ve done to date and it has only fueled my passion and respect for the mountains and the culture even more.

Now I live in Vancouver, back to a corporate job, and commute to Whistler quite often, especially in the winter. People always ask me don’t you get bored snowboarding, mountain biking and hiking all the time. My answer to them is “NO”! Snowboarding and the mountains are my ZEN.

Until next time, see ya.
Mike

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