1 day to go.

Today was another crazy day. I was shooting Video for Coca-Cola, covering a few VIP's who were running with the torch. We started at the live site in Coquitlam at 7 am in the rain. We then traveled to Burnaby for our first torch runner. As we pulled up to the meeting spot, we ran into Bob Costas from NBC. turns out he was the torch runner our Coke VIP was handing the flame off to. We were located right beside a highschool, so about 30 minutes before the torch arrived, classes were let out and the streets were flooded with kids. While covering the torch relay in Whistler, I was able to run along side and get a few shots and planned to do the same here. unfortunately the crowds made this very difficult. After getting the torch kiss, where they light the next runner's torch, i took off behind the crowds, ran up about 150 meters, and found a gap in the crowd. As i stuck my camera out to shoot, one of the escort cyclists, who was racing ahead at full speed, slammed into my camera. He almost went down, and gave me the dirtiest look as i check my gear for any damage.

For our next runner, we were located along Cambie Street, where the crowds got even bigger. We were standing between 2 groups of school children, screaming at the top of their lungs while we waited for the flame to arrive. I made sure this time i stayed far away from the escort cyclists, as i did not want to be recognized.

Our day continued in Yaletown, where we shot at the live site at David Lam Park. We were among the first to enter the Coke Hospitality tent, and i have to say, it is pretty cool. Inside they have a very energetic staff handing out samples, showing some of their recycling initiatives, as well as showing off some of their involvement in past olympics. The best part was the polar bear mascot. I am sure you have seen the commercials, but this mascot was as real as they get. you have to check it out.

Luckily we wrapped up earlier than expected, so i was able to attend the Olympic Photographers reception held at the Vancouver Aquarium that evening. Sponsored by Nikon and Canon, this reception was a chance to mix and mingle with some of the best photographers in the world, in a spectacaular setting. The best part about it was that at the end of the evening they gave all of the photographers a limited edition Lowepro Flipside 500 camera bag worth about $200.