Thanks to the virtually infinite generosity of my friends Paul and Justin, I got to hang out at their place in Whistler this year for the second time. What was different this time? Well, I knew the mountain already, and so had much more fun exploring. My crazy friend D. (who wouldn't want to be named) was there, too - he shoved me up the worst couloirs on the mountain, and together we conquered some really fun terrain on Blackcomb.

The snow was wonderful, especially on the last day - when I sailed Peak to Creek in the flying powder. The bottom part was scary fun: the snow was criss-crossed by skiers and boarders, but it was still so soft everywhere you felt like you were surfing on whipped cream.

I was entirely surprised by the infinite politeness and friendliness of Canadians, again. As a matter of fact, I came to get so used to it, my first two days in the Bay Area were a culture shock of sorts. I thought everybody was mad at me, until I realized that's the way people are around here.

And of course, I was back just in time to witness the worst storm in years. Trees down, power out, and sheets of rain gushing down, all stuff we hadn't had in Whistler, no doubt. And to mock me, now Tahoe has FEET of fresh snow. And of course my board is stored in Whistler...