Meet the Brubachers: Sue Brubacher

Earlier this week[comma] we shared a story about one of our top visitors[comma] Doug Brubacher. Both Doug and his wife[comma] Sue[comma] are annual passholders[comma] which means they took advantage of a special promotion[comma] before the construction of the Sea to Sky Gondola was even complete[comma] and received an annual pass for only $99.00.

Both Doug and Sue's enthusiasm for getting outdside and visiting the Gondola has spread to their son Ryan[comma] daughter-in-law Lauren[comma] and grandchild Kyra. Their granddaughter Kyra has been up approximately 50 times over the summer season - and they live 90 minutes away in Maple Ridge!

By Thursday[comma] October 30th[comma] Sue had been up the Gondola 101 times. Needless to say[comma] we were curious to learn more about both Doug and Sue. Like Doug[comma] Sue kindly accepted our request to write a story about her[comma] and here's what she had to say.

Name: Sue Brubacher
Age: 61
Where do you live? Garibaldi Highlands

Where did you grow up?

Kitchener[comma] Ontario

When did you move to Squamish?

12 years ago[comma] in April 2002.

Why did you move to Squamish?

My husband (Doug) had always wanted to live in BC and when his health was being affected by his allergies[comma] it was time to make a move for cleaner air. I was able to arrange a transfer with my employer to the downtown Vancouver office[comma] and my husband had transferable skills. We chose to live in a smaller community close to the city[comma] surrounded by natural beauty and affordable[comma] so Squamish it was.

One random fact about you?

Since moving to BC[comma] I have completed over 30[comma]000 kms on the back of my husband's Harley motorcycle.

What made you decide to buy a pass for the Gondola?

We were looking forward to the opening and were watching the website for updates on the progress. When we found that the annual pass was only $99.00[comma] which was less than 3 trips on the gondola[comma] my husband marked Thursday November 28th on the calendar and was waiting for the web sale to start. What a great Christmas gift to ourselves!

What are your favourite trails?

We walk the Panorama Trail most mornings and have walked to the Shannon creek on days that we want a longer walk.

Favourite viewpoints?

I love looking at Sky Pilot on the main deck[comma] the Panorama Trail when the clouds wind through[comma] and watching the kiteboarders from the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform.

Favourite thing to do at the gondola area? 

A quiet walk on the trails followed by a coffee & muffin on the deck or[comma] when we have our granddaughter with us[comma] playing “I Spy” on Panorama trail.

What are you looking forward to in the winter season? 

Snowshoeing again after a 35 year break and enjoying the snow with our granddaughter in the tube park.

Any gondola goals?

I want to explore the Wonderland Lake loop and the Shannon Basin Trails.

Most memorable moment at the gondola?

Watching Doug’s (my husband) 85-year old uncle from Ontario who walks with 2 canes cross the suspension bridge.

Written by Caitlin Mooney-Fu