September 5 th

Golden vacation - Day 3

Posted by Cuzzy as Katie, Youtube, trips, video

Day 3 ( Aug 31 -wedding day)

Just like every day on the trip I was awake pretty early and this time I had to figure out what I was going to do until Katie got up. It was 10am according to my body clock but only 7am in Golden. So I got dressed and went out for some breakfast or at least hoping to find some.

The general store did not open until 8am so I filled my time with walking the grounds, checking everything out and of course taking pictures. It was so quiet and peaceful at that time of day. The air was brisk and the sun was just rising over the mountain tops. Perfect setting for many wicked shots.

By the time I had walked around and got my camera heated up with numerous photos the store was open. I went in and picked up some orange juice, a muffin and some Kicking Horse coffee for the sleepy one over in the room. I went back and watched a little TV as Katie awoke. She was trying to get in as much sleep since she had another busy day ahead of getting ready for the wedding which was at 5pm.

The girls plan was everyone was going into town to have their hair done for the ceremony. That meant everyone else had a free day to do whatever they wanted to do. The resort had horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, a hot tub, a fitness room and of course just sitting back and looking at the view.

Once people were up plans started to formulate. Kyle, Anjali, Rob and myself decided to check out the bear sanctuary. The resort has a enclosed space for one grizzly bear that was rescued and now they take care of him and watch him for research. The bear’s name is Boo and he has quite the life. His own area, food taken care of and has an audience everyday. Now don’t get to upset, it is not a zoo. He has so much space to roam and he has no interest in people or what they can offer him. He basically lives just like he would in his own world, he just has a little help from trained professionals.

Seeing Boo was one of highlights for me. We had to take a chair lift up to the area and that was pretty cool. The view was amazing and the air was so cool and refreshing on my face. Once we checked out Boo and got the tour and the info on him we went back down to the bottom to ride the gondola back up and over Boo’s land.

We lucked out because not only did we see a giant bear dump (Kyle is happy to know the answer to “does a bear shit in the woods?”) but we got to see him run and yes it is true they can get up to speeds of 60 km/hr.

Once over Boo we kept going towards to top of the mountain and that is easily the highest I have ever gone. I believe the top was 7000 feet and the view was unreal. Of course my camera battery quit but I was lucky to know that later we were coming back up for the wedding. So I just sat back and took in the view.

At the top we walked around and watched mountain bikers start their decent and looking out into the many mountains. There was the moment when Rob and Anjali figured out they had been taking photos for two days with no film in the camera. It was tense but we now can all look back and laugh. I forget who said it but who still uses film cameras?

As the day moved on we went back down the gondola and had just enough time to grab a bite to eat at Extreme Peaks, the resort bar. The burger was just what I needed before going to get ready for the wedding. By the way at this point I had my second sunburn on my head in as many days. The general store was out of sun screen and I really should of tried harder to find someone who had some.

I went back to the room and had a beer as I got ready for the wedding. A shower and shave felt really good before putting on my suit and getting all pretty. I had to bring the a-game since I knew Katie would look great in her dress.

4:30pm came and I rode up the gondola with Steph’s parents, Ed and Marlene. We looked for bears and enjoyed the ride and you could tell we were all excited about the wedding.

Once at the top the greetings began, the arrivals of guests was endless and the smiles were all so big. Everyone looked so nice in the fancy outfits and suits. Add the amazing view to the mix and it seemed like the perfect setting for a wedding. I bet every girl their, even the ones not too big on marriage were dreaming of being the bride.

We all took our seats, the wind picked up and the ceremony began. It was a short and sweet procession but it was so well done and perfect. Katie looked so beautiful and despite parts where she was behind a tree I pretty much watched her the whole time instead of watching the bride and groom. The speeches were touching and it had some laughs when lines were forgotten or said full of inside jokes. Before I knew it the wedding party was leaving and getting set for a great party ahead. Mike and Peggy were husband and wife and that was certainly a great reason to celebrate all night on top of a mountain.

From their champagne was toasted and the drinks started to flow. We all stood and mingled as the dinner was prepared. I only noticed the altitude after the first glass of champagne. The rest of the night I felt fine and I don’t think it was as bad as some of us thought.

Once we were all seated the M.C. started the show. Just like with all weddings there was the way we all got the bride and groom to kiss. At this wedding each table was given a word and they had to perform something to the bride and groom. There were poems, songs, interpretive dance and even a rap song. So much fun I wish I had it all on video to show you. I was sitting at the head table with Katie so I was right there to see it all unfold and see Mike and Peggy’s reaction to it all.

The meal was great, I had the pasta and salad and a few glasses of wine. Dessert was this tasty french ice cream dish that I would of liked more of haha. Before dessert there was a great SlideShow of pictures of Peggy’s past and then Mike’s and then the two of them together. I know there were a lot of tears in the room during that one.

Once everything was cleared up the dance party began with the first dance. I got to dance with Katie as everyone joined in following the bride and groom’s lead. After that the music was great, the dancing was stellar and the night turned out to be amazing. Everyone left having a great time and you could tell we were all so exhausted.

The gondola finally started taking people down after some lightning had delayed everything. We all made it back down safe and sound and for those of us still standing there was now the after party to go to. It was once again above our room and we did not stay very long. Within an hour of coming down the mountain I was passed out in bed with a smile on my face from another incredible day. Congrats once again to Mike and Peggy and to everyone who made the wedding a great event.

Here are the pictures