HBC 2010 Canada Olympic Gear Craze!

So I loved the HBC 2010 Olympic Gear when I saw it unveiled awhile back but never in my wildest dreams thought that it would sell out all over the country! I was passing the Olympic superstore on West Georgia in Vancouver the other day and could not believe the lineup down the block just to get into the Olympic section of the bay! It was sheer chaos but surprisingly the line that stretched over 2 blocks (which would in Toronto outside a nightclub would equate to: go home, you're not getting in) went by a lot faster than anticipated.

They let in 50 people at a time and have some ultra efficient tellers because once you actually find what you want, you have to line up yet again to pay! I went to the store to try to get either a childrens XL or a ladies small red Canada hoodie. The biggest size they had in the store was a children's 7/8. I may be small but I am definitely not that small!

In the end I had to settle for a boys 10/12 jacket which I am totally in love with. It looks just like the one in the pic depicted below except perhaps not as long in the torso since it is cut for boys but it fits me well since I am short anyway.

Because my jacket is children's gear I did not have to pay PST which was an added bonus. So needless to say it was a successful trip to the Olympic superstore and I walked away from it relatively happy considering the 2 hour drive and 200 person lineup. The next day though one my best friend's called from Toronto asking if I could get my hands on a set of those apparently elusive in Ontario Red mittens! Fortunately I was able to get her a pair for her birthday before they sold out here as well. Yippee!

The vibe in Vancouver right now is so proud to be Canadian! I absolutely love it and drink in it's energy every night. I can't wait to head down there tonight sporting my jacket and mittens and mingling in with the crowd!

On a side note, yesterday Maelle Ricker, who currently lives in Squamish was the first Canadian female to win gold on home soil in the Women's Snowboard Cross. GO CANADA GO!!!

Oh Canada!

I came across this video awhile back and meant to post it. I love Canada! Check it out:

More Olympic Excitement!

So the torch passed by my house today and I ran outside to get in on the action! I love the energy that the Olympics has brought to Squamish, if only it had this energy all year round! Despite the rain and dampness, everyone was thrilled and excited at the torch relay today. Check out some of the pictures below and the video! Taz (my dog) has seen 90% of this country, climbed mountains, wake skated, tubed and now he has also seen the Olympic Torch!

Anticipating the Torch's arrival

Here it comes around the corner!

There it is!

2010 Olympic Torch has arrived in Squamish!

Today was a phenomenal day...I incorrectly thought the Olympic Torch arrived in my town tomorrow but then saw the relay on the road as I was driving home! I ran home and grabbed my camera and headed down to the festivities at Brennan Park.

Sporting my Olympic Red Mittens in support of Canadian Athletes!

Crowd awaiting the torch's arrival

The beauty of living in a small town is that I was able to get very close to the torch and even hold it at one point. The photographer will release the photo of myself with the torch in 48 hours so I will post it when I get it!

The final torchbearer for the evening, the torch remains in Squamish

tonight and the relay continues tomorrow.

The energy of the crowd was absolutely amazing. Check it out!

The torch relay continues its route 5 doors down from my front door tomorrow morning so I will be sure to stand outside and cheer the torch on as it makes it way to Whistler. Olympic Fever has come to Squamish...Whistler...Vancouver...BC! I also cannot wait to attend the hockey game that I scored tickets to! GO CANADA!