As the date of my departure from Whistler approached, I felt a wierd mixture of stoke, anxiousness, excitement and uncertainty about the looming adventure. I had a rockin last few days in Vancouver - skating around going to gigs and parties and crashing on Dani and Jarrods 31st floor couch with a million dollar view. On my last frigid morning in the dark, lugging my possessions in my vagabond surfboard bag - I saw a skunk cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and wander down to the waters edge - I figured this was a good sign so I was happy.