Guest Ranch Vacations

Heavy Rains bring welcome Assistance for Fire Crews

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:35:00 +0000

It's early at the ranch. The day started at 6 am and the quiet ranch begins to come to life. Guides are beginning to tack up and get the horses ready for trip out to Spruce Lake. You can feel the calmness though. It rained heavily over night and the colder temperatures are welcome after the long heat wave. This is exactly what the fire crews needed to win that final battle with the distant fire. The sky is now clear with only a few wisps of cloud - perfect for a day in the saddle.
The horses graze in the meadows and amongst them you can see three does with their fawns having breakfast with the horses. A cow bird is riding the back of "Blue", perched and ready to scurry around the horse's feet to catch any bugs that might have been stirred up.
Early summer is one of the best times to visit the South Chilcotin Mountains. With wildlife to be found around every corner, outdoor enthusiasts better have their cameras ready! The robins are busy pulling worms for their 4 hungry babies in the nest all getting ready to fly.
The Spruce Lake crew has finished saddling horses and are ready to head up and join the rest of the staff and guide school students who are already at Spruce Lake. They'll be busy riding the mountains in the day and mingling around the campfire in the evening.
With all the main roads from Lillooet and Gold Bridge officially re-opened it appears the firefighters have got the situation under control, which will facilitate the arrival of more guests and staff. A celebration is in order to congratulate the hard work of firefighters, and to thank Mother Nature for her help in putting out the fires!

Ranch Update

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:23:00 +0000

As the sun rose over Gun Creek Road near Gold Bridge, the sound of horse bells tinkles through the cool clean morning mountain air. The staff are all hustling about with purpose, tacking up horses for a pack trip up to spruce lake side hills where the flowers area nearing their peak. The Balsam Root is amazing in this area and seeing them in the height of their bloom is a sought after experience.

As the pack trip heads down the trail - a helicopter whirls overhead to monitor a distant forest fire that is cleaning up the forest floor providing valuable wildlife habitat next season.

Next week the wilderness guide school starts!

Interns are quickly learning the ropes, grizzly sightings are happening daily, and guest ranch clients are learning new horse skills. The alpine camps are not yet free of snow but soon the summer sun will melt the last patches of snow, making way for a summer of alpine wildflower blossoms!

Wildfire Update June 6th

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:14:00 +0000

The day began at 5 am. We awoke to a thick smoke from the wildfire that had settled in the valley overnight. Two groups of eight guests and staff loaded into two vehicles and headed up the slim valley to our Leckie camp for a day ride to the spruce lake side hill meadows. The goal was to capture the beautiful alpine meadows filled with Balsam Root blossoms as well as to bring the horses home to prepare for the busy week ahead. By noon, just as the smoke was clearing, the gang reached the alpine. In the end it was a hot summer day. Under clear skies, we rode amidst the blooming alpine flowers. The four bears and the mountain goat spotted was the cherry topping to an already perfect day. Back at the ranch, a light rain was settling the dusty roads, calming the fire, and providing the necessary moisture for new growth in the small burned area.

Careless Campfire Will Benefit Forest Floor Health

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:42:00 +0000

1 June 2009
Gold Bridge, BC
As the forest fire, started by a careless campfire on May 29 in the Lillooet/Squamish forest district burns itself out, Chilcotin Holidays staff only see a small plume of smoke on the horizon amidst the snow-capped mountains. Thanks to the tireless efforts of BC firefighters on ground and in the air, the fire is self-contained and in the process of burning itself out having left nearby communities with the inconvenience of power and phone outages where power lines were damaged.

As owner, and outfitter, Kevan Bracewell of Chilcotin Holidays explains, “Fires naturally occur in almost all ecosystems and can be used as a land management tool.” The carelessness of handling campfires is a threat to people and wildlife each year. Without the immediate response of fire fighters, it could have been a different story in Gold Bridge. As Bracewell explains, “The cycle of nature will soon see revegetation and result in better mule deer wintering ranges in the areas scorched around Mowson and Pearson ponds.”

Once hydro crews get the power back on the grid, Chilcotin Holidays is prepared and looking forward to a busy season with guests arriving locally and internationally for the unique wilderness vacations they provide in BC’s South Chilcotin Mountains.

To book your next wilderness experience, or for more information, contact:
Chilcotin Holidays
Tel: 250 238 2274
Fax: 250-238-2241
Email: adventures@chilcotinholidays.com
Or visit: www.chilcotinholidays.com

Whitecap – Quiet and Willing to do Anything

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Seven years after a car accident cracked her back, Amber is happy to be in the saddle again. Having picked Whitecap from Chilcotin Holidays’ herd of Cayuse mountain horses for sale – those having paid their dues in packing riders and gear to the tops of the South Chilcotin Mountains – Amber has found a calm and trustworthy companion while she gains her balance and core strength back.

Her ferrier loves her. She trailers awesome, making it easy for Amber to take Whitecap anywhere. And she’s responsive to leg and anything you ask of her. Amber points out, “Whitecap just does what she asks of her and is quiet about it.”

Amber’s thankful for the fantastic job Chilcotin Holidays did in training their horses. Often away weeks at a time, she returns to ride Whitecap in the same disposition that she left her horse – calm, stable, and reliable. No surprises – which is just what she wants.

27 May 2009
A. Knickle, Prince George, BC

One Log at a Time

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:09:00 +0000

A handcrafted log cabin will last for generations. Building it yourself is an exciting adventure, but, when reality sets in, it often becomes a frustrating venture if you’re neither familiar with all the steps nor have the time to explore your options. We do more than build log cabins. Chilcotin Holidays incorporates your personal touches from start to finish and we create your dream cabin from the ground up. Having over forty years of experience harvesting logs and building log structures, building your dream home is accomplished in four easy steps. We simply:
1. Design a log cabin to your specifications
2. Build it
3. Transport it to your site
4. Set it up for you
We can create your Canadian log cabin using one of these log species: Engelman Spruce; Lodge Pole Pine; and Douglas Fir. Pre-built log packages are available on-site at our ranch in Gold Bridge, BC. Call or email us today.

SLPBL Opening Soon

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:06:00 +0000

Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge is equipped with everything you need to enjoy an exciting wilderness holiday. Our historic cabin is located on the north end of Spruce Lake with accommodation facilities set amongst the pines. It includes eight 10’x12’ walk about tent cabins with flooring, wood heaters and two single beds each, and a sleeping loft in our lodge cabin. The camp is equipped with two campfire areas, picnic tables, a shower house with hot water, and a corral and tack area to service horses.
During the days you can head out on your own to hike or bike around the area. Or you can just kick-back and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Chilcotin Holidays offers services for those, who would like to have their own gear brought into camp via packhorse. Contact us for more details about our full guiding services.

Gone Fishin'

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:03:00 +0000

One of our guides, Guido, went down to test the waters last week. This is what he had to say about his fishing experience: “We caught the first brook trout of the season down at Pearson Pond last week. The ice on the lake has melted and you could tell the fish were hungry after the long winter. In less than 15 minutes we caught our first big brook trout! As we checked it’s stomach, it was packed full with flies. Later on we saw trout rising to the surface all across the lake. They almost jumped into our boat! It’s too bad we didn’t take any fly fishing gear with us. I’m sure we would have caught a few more “Brookies”! After the ice melts in spring you really get to do some “big time fishing”! They’re hungry and they’ll almost take everything they can get. So it’s a good time to go fishing, as even beginners are guaranteed to be successful. After May we fish the lakes in higher elevations, like Spruce Lake. The ice melts later there, so we will have the same great fishing up there well into summer. At Spruce Lake you can catch huge wild rainbows and bull trout!”. Fishing enthusiasts will be eager to check out Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge! Keep an eye out for the website next month for more details.

Alpine Hiking Season Approaching

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:58:00 +0000

The countdown is on for the opening of the alpine hiking season. We’re eagerly following the receding snowline and already getting anxious to get up those mountains. Our staff will be starting to set up camp in the next few weeks, as the blossoming of the alpine wildflowers in June is just around the corner. We’ll have everything ready to go for you so all you need to do is let the adventure begin. You might want to start wearing in your hiking boots, which is sure to get you in the hiking mood. Keep an eye out for our hiking trip specials and take a moment to review the self-guided hiking trip options available this year.

Spring Bear Viewing

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:55:00 +0000

The bears are back! Ranch staff have spotted quite a few bears already this season. They’ve come out of their wintering dens and are looking for food! The fresh green grass and sprouting shrubs are just what they’re looking for. Ranch staff went wildlife viewing on 1 May, and spotted 31 mule deer, one coyote, six grouse, twelve Californian Big Horn sheep, and four bears (two cubs, a sow and a four year old male). Spring is a great time to see the wildlife! Check out our website for details on our four-day wildlife viewing trips, there are a few spots still available in May.

Easter at the Ranch

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:52:00 +0000

The Easter bunny certainly didn’t forget to visit us as the ranch this year! While there may still have been a bit of snow on the ground, our Easter egg hunt was very successful. We also had fun painting and colouring some very impressive eggs of our own. Our guests from Germany enjoyed some trail riding and we even had one of our past staff, Thuy, join us for the weekend of festivities.

New Season

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Although the horses are hesitant to get back to work after months of R&R, with “Tent City” set up and the first guide school of the season underway, the familiar hustle and bustle around the ranch indicates a new season has begun. Trimming hooves, shoeing, packing, long reining, clearing trail, heading to camp - the long-standing tradition of passing down knowledge about the industry to new, eager wilderness guides is a highlight around the Ranch. Whether you’re taking part in the training or witnessing it during your guest ranch stay, one thing is certain – you’ll experience the magic of the mountains and the wilderness like never before. The horses at the Ranch are eagerly awaiting May 15th. This is their favourite day of the year, because after eating dry hay for 6½ months, they are released up onto the range with abundant fresh grass and the freedom to roam the mountains.

Calm, Stable & Reliable Wins Out at the Wild and Woolly Show

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Magnum’s sturdy build, solid footing, and calm disposition stood out amongst the rather nervous and flighty horses at the Wild and Woolly Show hosted by the Rusty Spurs 4H Horse Club last Saturday. Placing first in Road Hack and Trail – Linda maneuvered Magnum with the utmost of ease in the arenas.
On his first outing from the stable, and into the spotlight of the ring, Magnum easily followed Linda’s queues – both hand and leg signals. With braided mane and tail, he looked the part and went on to place third in Showmanship, fifth in English Equitation, and third in English Pleasure.
According to Linda, Magnum is a fast learner and eager to please. Although jumping seven foot fences at the ranch with ease, his calmness around water, walking over wooden bridges or platforms, over logs, or just about anything else – which is just an ordinary day on our wilderness trails – makes us think he’s a perfect candidate for cross country.
For more information on purchasing Magnum, contact Chilcotin Holidays at (250) 238 2274 or adventures@chilcotinholidays.com.

We miss you, Vera!

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:53:00 +0000

Vera began her stay at Chilcotin Holidays in September, 2007. She started out as a WWOOFer – Willing Workers on Organic Farms and quickly settled in as a core staff member at the ranch. Although she has a college degree in business under her belt, Vera was eager to experience everything that the wilderness lifestyle had to offer.
She made our guests happy cooking up delicious meals and managing the ranch kitchens and then started to work in our office, keeping everyone on their toes! Last spring she took part in our 2-Week Wilderness Guide Training Course and quickly learned the ropes of being a guide. She learned the names and personalities of all of our horses, and guided numerous pack trips throughout the summer. Vera has now taken some time off to do some traveling and we wish her all the best on her future endeavors. Who knows, she might even be back to do some guiding this summer! We’ll keep our fingers crossed!

Trips for Seasoned Hikers and Past Guests

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Over the years at Chilcotin Holidays we’ve had the pleasure of making acquaintance with many people from around the world. We’d like to welcome our past guests back to enjoy the experience again. We have more options to choose from, from the all-inclusive, guided variation you’ve been accustomed to, to a more independent “do-it-yourself” type of trip. With this option you can still take advantage of the services we offer, such as horseback aided transportation of your gear to camp. If you’ve got a group of experienced hikers, you can head out on the trails on your own at your own pace. Our new pricing system for camp rentals and guide services makes this all possible. If you’re interested in finding out more about these options, check out our website. We’d love to go over the options with you in more detail.

Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Spruce Lake Backpacker’s Lodge will be opening May 20th for the summer. Situated right on Spruce Lake, these facilities offer you everything you need to compliment your next “do-it-yourself” hiking, biking or fishing backcountry vacation. Whether you fly in by floatplane, hike, or ride in on horseback with one of our guides, we’ll have everything there for you that you will need to make your trip a success. With a mere 2.5-hour drive from Whistler, this is a popular destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Complete with tent-cabin accommodation, food & drinks, a selection of items in our store, trail maps, fishing gear, and boat rentals, Spruce Lake Park Backpacker’s Lodge is open all summer so that you and your friends can enjoy yourselves, without having to worry about bringing out all your gear. This not only saves you money, but also saves you the hassle of packing your own heavy camping equipment, and food that will only weigh you down. Let us do the work so you can play. Contact us for more information! 250-238-2274

Amazing Photos of Wildlife

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:01:00 +0000

We’ve had a few guests here this season for winter predator viewing adventures. Here is one of our favourite shots taken during their trips!
Have some great wildlife viewing photos of your own from one of your trips with us? We’d love to see them! We’ll post some of the best shots next month in our blog. Make sure to send the photo credits along with the pictures! You can email your photos to this address.

2010 Olympic Games Add-Ons

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Staying in a small rustic guest ranch located deep in the wilderness, living close to nature and listening to the call of the timber wolf, riding horses in the snow, snowmobiling through spruce forests to mountain top lookouts, travelling on a wooden sleigh pulled by a team of draft horses through the snow, or cross-country skiing is something you don't want to miss next winter.
Most people can’t imagine how vast their wilderness experience options can be on a ranch holiday at Chilcotin Holidays Wilderness Guest Ranch. We encourage “city folk” to step out of their comfort zone and explore all the activities this environment has to offer. Your winter adventure can range from 4 to 7 days or longer all inclusive of accommodation, food and activities.

Come stay in a wilderness alpine cabin in the mountains so you can experience what it’s like to live in harmony with nature. Leave civilization behind — no noise, interruptions, stress, or pollution. In BC’s untouched wilderness you can cut your own fire wood, or watch while your guide takes care of this, cook over a woodstove, gather water from a glacier-fed stream, and — when the chores are all done — go snowshoe or ski in the surrounding alpine meadows.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Vancouver to Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch
The first day of your Guest Ranch Adventure sees you leaving the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver in the early morning, departing at 7am. Travel the historic highways with opportunities to spot wildlife as the road winds itself along famous rivers and pristine lakes. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of mountains and canyons as you leave the driving up to us. After the spectacular 5-hour drive, arrive at our Guest Ranch at noon in time to hear the dinner bell ring. Sit down for a homemade lunch of fresh vegetables and salads, hearty homemade soup, freshly prepared sandwiches and oven baked biscuits.
When you have taken your fill, your guides will take you through a thorough Horse Orientation. We begin by matching you to your horse and getting a good fit with your saddle. Our horses are Mountain Cayuse horses that live and work in the mountains. These unique horses come from the wild herds of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, a mixture of breeds developed over generations. They have a stamina, toughness, energy, intelligence and spirit required to take riders safely into the mountains. Whatever your age or experience, we have just the horse for you.
The Orientation will give you a complete introduction to Western Mountain riding. You can get involved in bridling, saddling and learning how to tie the bowline knot. You will learn how to control your horse by practicing horse sports in the gymkhana, and once all the “kinks” have been worked out, we take you along the forested trails.
After getting your first taste of Western mountain riding, return back to the Ranch in time for dinner, and enjoy the friendly conversations over the dinner table. In the evening, relax in our sunroom or a indulge in a quiet moment on the Ranch deck which faces the rugged Coast mountains, before resting comfortably at the Ranch, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2 to 6 – Ranch Program Options
Western wilderness themed adventure multi-sport is unique to Chilcotin Holidays. Here is the only place where a person can participate in unique cultural and historical western wilderness activities. Choose one or more of the following options:

Learn the art of mountain riding, Trimming horses hooves, Learn to shoe a horse, Floating a horse’s teeth, Ride in the snowHorse sleigh rides for one hour take you back in time
Shooting a Rifle on our target practice range
Snowshoeing the way the pioneers did it, tramping through the old growth forest trail.
Cross country skiing around the ranch trails
Snowmobiling in the Canadian wilderness along forested trails gets you right out there in to the wilderness
Viewing golden eagles or bald eagles as they scavenge for food during the winter is a great way to view these majestic birds up close
Predator viewing safari, stalk one of the most elusive predators in North America
Mountain Lion – Search the fresh-fallen snow for tracks that can lead to rocky viewpoints Here stealth matters when searching out the lairs of the most elusive of our wildlife
Timber Wolf – Sit on the edge of a frozen lake in the early morning and call to a wolf pack When they respond it will send chills down your spine with the excitement of connecting
Enjoy a Canadian First Nation cultural experience at our wilderness guest ranch while sleeping under the stars in a traditional winter house called a kikwilly. Here (similar to the summer tipi), the sleeping areas are around the perimeter walls with a fire in the center serving as a place for cooking and socializing. Come along as we stalk wildlife, just like the native Indians did for thousands of years. We will show you how to identify animal tracks and how to cook over a campfire. Imagine sitting around the campfire at night sharing stories of the wilderness - the mountain lion, the timber wolf, and the traditions of the native people. Play a game of Lahal, a native Indian game for division of assets practiced to this day at native celebrations.

Day 7 – Chilcotin Holidays to Vancouver

On your last day, just when everyone thinks they have done it all we introduce some new adventure! We then take off the saddle for some bareback lessons. And, for something a bit different, test your aim with some biathlon target shooting.

After practicing your marksmanship, enjoy a farewell lunch before departing at 1pm. Reflect on your adventure on the 5-hour drive back to Vancouver and arrive in Vancouver in the early evening.

Photos of Magnum

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:09:00 +0000

We've received such interest in Magnum's progress, that we thought we would post another photos of him and Linda down in Vancouver

Linda's Spring Break Review

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch is a place of endless opportunities to challenge one’s self. Standing in the snow-covered field with snowmobiles rumbling beside me, I had to convince myself to step out of my comfort shell and try something new. Ripping around the fields on a snowmobile got my adrenaline rushing. I could not get enough of the exhilarating ride on the "Enticer". I surprised myself a second time by driving the monster logging skidder, the first vehicle I have ever driven. I even learned how to use a chainsaw! Being in the mountains full of beautiful, snowy scenery and riding my favourite horses in the company of great friends, rounded out my spring ranch experience. I arrived home and excitedly claimed that I had the most amazing spring break ever, despite doing school homework and ranch chores!
Linda, BC

Update on our Friend Warner

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:01:00 +0000

Our friend Warner met his new family last summer and has settled in nicely on Vancouver Island. His new owner, Kimberly, updated us in December: “He continues to be a star as is currently known as ‘Warner the Wonder Horse’! We are having a barn addition built and his stall faces the new construction. He is closely supervising each board going up and I am sure he has picked out his new stall in the addition”.

We just recently asked Kimberly how he was doing and she wrote: “Warner is the best investment I ever made in a horse. He is so rock solid on the trails that I never have a worry with him. His personality in the barn is a delight and he greets me each morning with a whinny...yes, I know he is just looking for food but he also dips his head over the stall wall and waits for his kiss on the nose before he goes to eat.
“He is bottom of the pack here which can be a concern but he has made it all work. He is respectful of the other horses and is slowly ingratiating himself to them and has no issue being out with the herd.
“I am so happy with Warner, I have recommended Chilcotin to two other people that I have come across in the last week that are looking for well trained trail horses. I wouldn't hesitate to take another one of your horses, in fact, I would love to!
I hope to get out for a ride this week and I can get a picture of Warner in his new (used) Wintec Aussie saddle. I managed to find one with the adjustable system to accommodate his high withers.
“As for the barn, we landed up being delayed to snow in mid December. We have our new training area and stalls mostly done but we are waiting for the lumber for the stall walls. I am so happy with the space. It is 40' by 70' and is 16' tall so we will have no issue with ground work with our foals. We made it high enough to ride in although that was not the primary purpose. As well as a training area, it can serve as a great spot for the horses to get out of the rain in the winter.”

We’d love to hear how some of our other horses are dong at their new homes. Please send your updates and any photos you have of our old friends and we’ll be sure to post them next month on our blog.

Good 'Ol Tom

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Tom, a solid built mountain cayuse horse, has seen it all. He’s a little over 15 hands, weighs around 1200 lbs, and has a calm, stable and reliable disposition. He’s a true all-rounder by any definition. Tom’s been eye-to-eye with grizzlies and has never wavered. He’s had a rider on his back running a chainsaw to clear the trail and he didn’t even blink an eye. We’ve trusted him to bring beginner and advanced riders across the mountain peaks following goat trails and never missed a step. This horse is as solid as a rock.
He’s one of the most valuable horses of the herd at Chilcotin. But it’s time for Tom to semi-retire and let the others carry the lead, so he’s ready to turn over a new leaf and take on a new role. He would be the perfect horse for anyone looking for a horse to learn to ride on and would make a great companion for a rider wanting to learn from the best. He will carry you safely over the trails so you can build your confidence as a rider and it won’t take you long to recognize that his patience and unwavering steadiness makes him worth his weight in gold. Tom is now accepting resumes, so please forward to Chilcotin Holidays.
For more information on our other horses for sale, contact us at 250-238-2274.

Ranch Special Events and Promotions

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Chilcotin Holidays is always trying to give you more. Check out our special events and promotions taking place here at the ranch this year. Here's a taste of what's to come:

Spring Break Family Package
Offers the perfect setting to spend some quality time with the kids. There will be something for everyone, including horseback riding, horseback competitions, cowboy / wrangler activities, natural arts and crafts for the kids, and more. Children staying in their parents' room stay for free when booking a week package.
Available: March 8-21, 2009

Easter Weekend Special
A fun and exciting holiday this spring. Leave the stress and hassle of preparing an elaborate Easter dinner at home and let us spoil you with traditional Easter festivities here at the ranch. Package includes: A classic Easter egg hunt, egg painting, "find the lucky egg" for chances to win prizes, horseback riding, horseback competitions, cowboy / wrangler activities, and a traditional Easter turkey dinner with all the fixings.
Available: April 10-13, 2009

Snowmobiling Adventures

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:11:00 +0000

We came to Chilcotin to have a wilderness experience at the end of our holiday in Canada. As well as horseback riding we wanted to do some snowmobiling – having had a taste of it four years previously in New Hampshire.
“You are going to get an experience like no other – and there aren’t many people who have done what you’re going to do tomorrow” said Kevan at dinner, the night before the trip.
Looking out over the snow covered alpine meadow at 6500 feet altitude after an exciting, if challenging trip up the Chilcotin Mountains on skidoos, we realized just what he meant. The scenery was… I can’t find the superlative that does justice to what it was like up there. Snow, fine and powdery, completely untouched since it fell, a clear, bright blue sky, the sun beating down and the vista of the Coastal Range Mountains in front of us– Kevan was right.
Albeit a challenging (well, for me anyway) the trip up, the privilege of being in such a beautiful place was worth it. Thanks to the patience and skill of our guides, Kevan and Guido, we had the experience of a lifetime. Would we do it again? You bet!
Jane and John, England

Finishing School – An Update on Magnum by Linda

adventures@chilcotinholidays.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:57:00 +0000

With a personal trainer and maid service, daily grooming, massage, and work out, along with free cleaning service, unlimited supply of food at necks reach, oh and don’t forget the carrot on the pillow - Magnum is eating up all the attention. Finishing school is not so bad and life in the city could not be better!
Magnum’s daily training schedule keeps getting better. Cantering circles was a whole new concept to Magnum when he first arrived but he is now able to canter them with ease and has mastered the art of simple changes. As we ride down the long sides of the ring he learns the shoulder in and haunches in. Magnum moves with easy and comfort. He is lovely to ride.
While we know Magnum can jump those fences at the ranch, jumping in the ring is a little different. Style and ease is what we are looking for. Each week he seems to improve over the jumps, coming in easy, and jumping up and over with good form. We started off small but as he is getting better the jumps are going higher. He is a powerful jumper.
As Magnum’s training continues he is willing to learn and improve. He may have his own thoughts on certain matters, as he is very smart, but convincing him is not too hard especially since he knows he gets his warm bowl of oats after a good work out! I have been really happy with his progress and he seems to love the routine of work and pamper. Magnum and I look forward to updating you again soon!
Sincerely,
Magnum's Personal Trainer and Maid,
Linda