Scenes from the WOP

This virgin cross country ski spectator was floored by her first glimpse at a sparkling nordic ski venue. Whistler Olympic Park --or the WOP as it's rather unfortunately called in Games shorthand --is as stunning a spot as one could find. I'm sure cross country skiers the world over cut their teeth in less attractive spots, but nothing says "you've arrived in the big time" quite like a perfectly-groomed, remotely-placed, flag-limned course presided over by snow-capped mountains and throngs of crazed fans alike.

Here are some shots from the past few days of action at the WOP.

An Aussie fan getting prepped for a big day of classic sprint action.

Fans lining the slope above the stadium where the athletes start and finish.

My fan favorites: husband David Salem and daughter Thea Salem in her Olympic debut (and her pig hat).

A partisan crowd member --and ITA insider --Lizzie Torkelson.

Middlebury graduate and US Olympian Simi Hamilton getting a few last minute words of advice from his coach before he starts the men's 15k.

And he's off!

US Olympic cross country skiers getting after it on the course of the men's 15k.

The carnage at the finish line. In all my days of sports fandom I've never seen so many people collapse at the finish line. Phew: this sport must be really hard!

The fan base for US skier Holly Brooks.

A couple of fans taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in Whistler this month.

A Russian fan flying the flag.

A Norwegian fan complete with flag, viking helmet, leg of cured meat...and cell phone!

The Salem family with a superlatively friendly bunch of Finns.

Still smiling after a long day spectating.