Buy the manuals and stick to them until you know what you are doing. If you are just starting out, find an experienced 'loader that you TRUST. Ask him/her to help you with the first batch or two.
.02
Great story! I haven't been to whistler for the last three years. My buddy had to quit riding so I haven't had anyone to go up there with. It's always worth at least two weeks of permagrin.:cool: