we don't need your stinkin' baggage

In the end Alaska Air got our bags to YVR only a few days late. Unfortunately the 60cm of snow on the ground meant we couldn't retrieve them until today. But retrieved they are, and unpacked and ready to be stowed until the next great adventure.

On our way to YVR we swung by the Richmond Olympic Oval, a newly built speed skating venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The Canadian speed skating championships are happening there this weekend, so considered rocking up with our $8 each (yes, 8 dollar admission for the day). Instead we wandered around and admired an impressive, beautiful piece of architecture.

And then we saw a sign that said "Public Skate tonight 6-8pm." Suffice to say we'll be there--I mean, HolyMaryMotherofGawd it's the frickin' Olympic speed skating oval! How frickin' kewl izzat?!?

R O O

We were out of town for the grand opening of the Richmond Olympic Oval. But we got to go to a public skate there this evening. OMGWTFBBQ it was so frickin' kewl!!!!

As per ISU requirements, the ROO features a 400m ice surface. The ice is harder than found in hockey or figure skating, to maximize glide and speed. After skating the first 100m I could the difference--especially on hockey skates. Being use to skating around my local ice rink dozens of times it was shocking to realize we covered 2 km in just 5 laps. My legs sure knew it though...

The venue is simply stunning, inside and out. The design is very green, integrates Musqueam detailing, and shines on the banks of the Fraser River. In daylight the spectators will be treated to the city of Vancouver and the Coast Mountains when the skies are clear.

( More photos can be found here. )

Complete photo set is here.