Driving to the Olympics

Early on in the planning process I decided I was going to drive to Vancouver. Everyone I told seemed to be shocked. It just made sense to me. Most of the staff that I work with were driving to Vancouver so I knew it was possible. Plus you always end up needing a car and I couldn't imagine paying to rent one if I could drive.

So my trip to Vancouver started in Park City yesterday afternoon. I decided to add a couple hours to the trip and go through Butte, Montana so I could see the family. When my cousins Lindsey and Reilly had come down for the Snowboard Grand Prix, Reilly and I had made plans to watch the Opening Ceremony together. I lucked out and despite an unexpected snow the roads were clear and I made good time. (And it turns out I was wrong about there not being a snow plow between Idaho Falls and the Montana border. I saw the first one ever yesterday.) I made it to Butte by 6pm and had to make the all important stop at Pork Chop John's to pick up dinner for me, Reilly and Grandma. (I think you have to be from Montana to understand that stop.) Then it was time to settle in and watch the Opening. It was very sad to see the accident that killed the young luge athlete from Georgia. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those athletes, teammates and family members. We enjoyed the rest of the evening though. Every time Shaun White came on TV Reilly got excited since that is his favorite athlete. He also enjoyed the polar bear in lights. I enjoyed the ski and snowboarders that were suspended in the air. Plus it is always fun to try and pick out our athletes when they showed them walking in or sitting in the crowd. It looked like they were all having a wonderful time, and the ceremony outfits looked better than expected. I loved that I started getting text messages from friends asking if I was already up there or even if I was at the ceremony. I cannot afford those tickets and have never tried to get them. Maybe someday after I win the lottery. But it was nice to hear from my Cali friends.

This morning we had an early start so that I could meet the family for breakfast before heading out. It was a bigger group than expected. I got to see my aunt, uncle, and cousin Shane, plus Grandma and Reilly. Before I left Butte I had to get a picture of one of the many signs wishing Mogul athlete, Bryon Wilson, Good Luck! He is a local Butte boy so the town is very excited to see him race tomorrow (Feb. 14). I met Bryon three years ago when he was a Rookie. Lately I got the opportunity to meet the rest of his family. I'm thrilled that he made the Olympics and I hope to see him and his teammates kick butt tomorrow.

Then it was off to Seattle. It was a beautiful drive until I got past Spokane. I never realized that Washington had so many miles of flat fields. Finally gave in and called mom for an update on Olympic news. Fortunately I was not missing too much. Occasionally there is something good to be said for NBC saving things for prime time. I get to watch our female mogul athletes compete tonight! I was just tired enough to think it was funny when I saw that there was a town called George. I thought it was even funnier when my brain started working and I realized that meant it was George, Washington. I kept looking to see if there was a town called Martha. It started raining before I got to my friend Angela's house. That made the last part of the trip a bit of a nightmare. I was thrilled when I finally found the house and got settled in to watch Olympic coverage. Unfortunately, Angela is not here but I greatly appreciate her letting me crash!

Tomorrow I pick Todd up at the Seattle airport and we head to Vancouver. (Angela lost her passport so Todd stepped in to attend the first two events with me in her place.) It is going to be an amazing experience! I'm just glad to almost be there.

Just saw Apollo Ohno's first qualifing heat. WOW! Go USA!