Whistler's calm before the Games

The last few days since my arrival have been lovely. There is the last-minute hustle and bustle that is to be expected, and everyone has been delightful and easy to work with. I now have my uniform and credential, and all is good.

The snow here at the Whistler Olympic Park is plentiful -- a huge, deep base -- and conditions now are marvelous. The cross-country course, biathlon venue and the ski jumps are groomed to perfection. Fore jumpers were practicing on the Normal Hill today.

Camera positions are being installed -- cables being laid by skilled hands. It's fun to watch this ramp-up period. There is so much energy.

You have perhaps heard about the last World Cup prior to the Games in cross-country skiing at the Canmore, Alberta Nordic Center.

This venue hosted the Olympic Games of 1988. The Italians sparked to life this season with top-notch male performances and Canadian star Sara Renner earned a superb bronze in the women's sprint events. This bodes well for her come Games time.

The wax cabins are open for the teams, but only a few were here today: notably Norway, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Russia and Estonia. As the days lead up to the Games, these waxing huts (actually trailers) will be brimming with excitement. Wax techs will be toting quivers of test skis and testing wax with the precision of scientists.

The night before last, the torch made its way through the Whistler village to huge crowds; it was a beautiful scene. Some said the crowds were over 20,000 in town.

The roads leading up to Whistler have undergone massive changes in the last year. They are much more drivable than ever and come with never-ending vistas that simply take your breath away.

By tomorrow many of the Nordic teams will have arrived, and I should have more news.

As I write, it is clouding over, but people have said not to expect any snow for at least the next five days.

OK, enjoy your day.