Wilderness Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:06:00 +0000

A story from a current member of staff is Michelle who came from England to pursue a change of lifestyle, here is her story:

I have 12yrs work experience in my usual occupation, which was a full time senior administrator. I also did part time bar work and waitressing. I didn't enjoy either of these work environments and I always imagined that one day I wouldn't have to fall back on the only work I knew how to do.

The reasons I came to Canada was to follow my dream and to discover a different way of life. I knew living a life in England wasn't for me there was something else something more fulfilling waiting in the background, I just needed to realize it and make it happen this brought me to Chilcotin Holidays!

The environment at Chilcotin Holidays ranch offered a chance to grow, evolve and I discovered the more I became involved and invested myself to learning, the more opportunities opened up for me. For the first time in my life I found that I had chosen to apply myself to learning and had given myself the chance to become part of something bigger.

I completed the 1 week guide school as I felt it provided a good grounding to start with and then I was then able to develop the skills I learnt.

I discovered that the completion of the guide school was just the tip of the iceberg, it opened up a door to a whole new life, a life that I can be proud of and be happy to take on the new challenges as they arise. I am now entering my second season at the ranch and finding that the longer I am here the more I evolve and this is where I excel the most.

For More information on Employment at Chilcotin Holidays please go to the their website by clicking here

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

At Chilcotin Holidays we are dedicated to training our staff for each job that needs to be done. David is learning to use the chainsaw to cut up logs to chop up wood to keep the fires burning in the ranch house.
We also have a number of schools that you can enroll on to become a professional in the Wilderness Tourism industry from becoming a Wilderness Guide to building a Log cabin.
If you can see yourself becoming part of the team at Chilcotin Holidays visit the employment pages on our website by clicking here

It's getting cold!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

Everyday on the ranch is an adventure, we are experiencing -25 temperatures and the sky is so blue. Our horses have icicles on their whiskers and fluffy winter coats. All the staff are getting involved; rolling the hay out for the horses, feeding and watering the dogs, maintaining the fires to keep the ranch house warm and our guests comfortable. As part of the team at Chilcotin Holidays there are many opportunities to get involved in the everyday activities especially the unexpected challenges!
If you can see yourself becoming part of the team show your interest by clicking here and submit an employee application form.

Do you want to change your lifestyle!

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0000

Michelle is from England who worked in an office for the best part of 10yrs. She came to Chilcotin Holidays following a dream which she made a reality. She joined the Guide School in August 2011 to gain the skills she needed to change her lifestyle and create a future to work in the Wilderness.
Can you relate to the mundane 9-5 work whether in the office or something you have been doing just because it's within your comfort zone. Stretch your imagination like Michelle did and join the team here at Chilcotin Holidays!

People from all walks of life visit Chilcotin Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Johanna is originally from Germany. She did a pack trip with us last year,decided to give up life as a hectic fashion designer and took our guide school this year!

Alzira from France is a qualified lawyer but she couldn't be further from the courtroom learning to shoe and pack horses on our May guide school!

Grizzly Viewing in the Chilcotin

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:19:00 +0000

Prime Grizzly viewing in our sub alpine camps is June 1st through July 15. But most horse pack trips see grizzlies right through to October. Last week our Guide School saw a Sow with 4 cubs- a pretty unusual sight!
We can also do Truck based Grizzly viewing day trips, and have courses in bear defense for those who want to enjoy the wilderness in a responsible way when on their own. Call us for details and to book your opportunity to see these animals in their home. A true Canadian experience unlike any other.

Hike the Chilcotin Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Join us on one of our Hiking Trips in the Chilcotin Mountains. We offer guided multi-day alpine hiking trips and wilderness trekking tours. Explore secluded alpine basins keep your eye out for abundant wildlife and enjoy open-air lunches with stunning scenery. We have over 150 species of wildflowers which cover the alpine meadows during the summer months.

Flowers Flowers Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:43:00 +0000

From May to September the South Chilcotin Mountains are alive with flora and fauna. Horse riding, wildlife viewing and flowering alpine meadows is the best all-round combination for a wilderness vacation.
Do you want to see a Grizzly Bear lying on his stomach pulling himself through a field of wild flowers with bouquets of flowers sticking out the side of his mouth?

The yellow flowers of the Spruce Lake side hills will be a bumper crop in May and June 2011. Balsa Root is what these colourful flowers are called. The name does not match their grandeur. Because of the good snow pack this Winter, the mountains side will be painted yellow for 6-8km in length and 1 km deep. the flower heads are over 4 inches in diameter. There will be clusters of 10 to 20 flower heads in each plant and they will stand over 24 inches tall, belly deep to the horses. To witness this display of nature at it's peak is a rare experience of the Chilcotin Mountains not had by many.

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Mantracker, Terry Grant, rides the horse trails of the Chilcotin Mountains

Tune in April 17th 2011 9pm ET/PT to OLN for the premiere episode of Season 6 featuring our guide Russ Floyd

Shane Doan, Team Canada, hockey player and Phoenix Coyotes captain and his brother Brook are the hunted on the premiere episode of Mantracker, Season 6. Russ Floyd acts as Mantracker's right hand man and Chilcotin Mountain guide. Russ and Mantracker, Terry Grant, rode our mountain horses in the pursuit of Shane and Brook- the hunted in the premiere show, April 17th 2011.

How did Russ get a chance to ride with Mantracker on the international reality TV show? When Russ was 18 he took the Wilderness Horse Pack Guide Training Program with Chilcotin Holidays. He learnt all the skills to be guide, then he taught the guide training programs at Chilcotin Holidays. Russ guides year round doing Mountain Horse Pack Trips, Grizzly Viewing Trips, Horse Logging and Horse Shoeing.

The Horse Back Guide Training first program is full - the second program runs May 16th - 28th - we say that if you want to work as a Horse Back Guide, take the the first schools of the year and you're ready to work for this season. We do schools until mid-September so if earlier ones don't fit your schedule, you will be ready next season.

Russ guides guests in the same mountains the two episodes of Mantracker were filmed. Guests can request to ride the same horse and ride the same trails that Mantracker rode when he hunted Shane Doan and his brother in the premiere episode.

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:16:00 +0000

Personal Development for Smart People- www.stevepavlina.com

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:11:00 +0000

The idea of helping yourself to grow as a conscious human being accepting your life purpose, inspiring you to feel more motivated, energized, and passionate, so you can finally experience the kind of life that deep down, you always knew you were meant to live. You’re here to express and share your creative gifts. This site will help you make conscious decisions in your personal development journey and courageously follow through. This means having the maturity to take 100% responsibility for your health, your career, your finances, your relationships, your emotions, your habits, and your spiritual beliefs. The goal is to help you achieve outstanding effectiveness while maintaining internal balance, where your thoughts, feelings, actions, and skills are all working together to create the life you truly desire.
Are there many fears holding you back? How would you live if you had no fear at all?
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.
- Mark Twain
As you get older, you reinforce your fear reactions to the point where it's hard to even imagine yourself standing up to your fears.You react to life instead of proactively going after your goals.
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.
- John Quincy Adams
Real courage is a mental skill, not an emotional one. Courage is a learned mental skill that you must condition, just as weight training strengthens your muscles. Write down one of your fears that you'd like to overcome. Now start by setting a goal to complete number one on your list. The second approach to building courage is to acquire additional knowledge and skill within the domain of your fear. Fear is not your enemy. It is a compass pointing you to the areas where you need to grow.
Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.
- Erica Jong
You will begin living far more consciously and deliberately than you ever have before. Instead of reacting to events, you will proactively manufacture your own events. You must still face the reality that your life is yours alone to live. You can never give away your personal responsibility for the results, you and you alone must bear the consequences. If you commit to following the path of courage, you will ultimately be forced to confront what is perhaps the greatest fear of all - that you are far more powerful and capable than you initially realized, that your ultimate potential is far greater than anything you've experienced in your past, and that with this power comes tremendous responsibility. Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
- Dale Carnegie
So go ahead and feel the fear - then summon the courage to follow your dreams anyway. That is strength undefeatable.

Working as a Wilderness Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Hi, my name is Ed; I’m 52 years old and live in St Albert Alberta. I’ve been coming out to the Chilcotin Holidays Ranch for the last four years now. I’ve attended the Wilderness Guide and Outfitter courses and have been guiding guests and working around the ranch doing whatever needs to get done.

I grew up a city slicker but worked summers with my uncle who was a horseman with the
harness racing circuit in Manitoba. I loved the horses and atmosphere around the barns and helping to get the horses ready for the season was great fun.

I left home from Winnipeg when I was 17 years old and joined the Canadian Army. Travelling extensively and conducting operations around the world and Canada, at 47 years old I realized it was time to change my combat boots for cowboy boots. I since have been working full time for the Alberta Government as an Emergency Management Officer.

I have come out to the ranch every year as my working holiday and for some life balance. At first I was concerned about my age but now find, although not quite as fast as the 25 year olds,my stamina for the long days has not failed me and I truly feel rejuvenated by the experience each and every summer. I find working with younger people has an infectious spirit that provides for well- being beyond explanation.

My wife kids me saying “you’re are a sucker for hard work”, wilderness guiding is just that, however it is very rewarding hard work and at the end of each and every pack trip it gives me a the sense of satisfaction upon completing another journey that feeds me throughout the remainder of the year in that job back in Edmonton that provides me to eat regular.

Life on the ranch is filed with spectacular views, fresh mornings, and eagerness of physical and mental well-being. Great food for healthy eating, beautiful ranch accommodations for guests and clean well managed camps for the mountain trips are second to none.

There is a true infectious enthusiasm from everyone; guides, ranch hands and staff that the guests cannot help but absorb to give them a great experience. There is more than plenty of wide openness that Chilcotin country provides for, to all who venture into her. Whether a summer trip or a winters frolic, no one could help but feel invigorated! If I were only 25 all over again, mountain life may have become a full time venture for me, que sera sera… life may have turned out a little different but it is still pretty darn good with my “life balance” trips every year ha ha!

I have had many experiences in life and as a paratrooper, however I continue to realize each season at the ranch that my individual growth never ends, life just keeps providing excitement,and I’m a sucker for it all-as my wife says.

Take care all and we’ll see you on the trail in the very near future at Chilcotin Holidays were we will pitter-patter down the trail, sing and yell- Yahoo! Ed

Chilcotin Holidays Staff Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:40:00 +0000

Spruce Lake Lodge Manager - June 1 to Oct 30 - 5 month opportunity to live at Spruce lake in the midst of great fishing, abundant wildlife, alpine meadows and dramatic scenery and nice guests.
Duties - Keep the camp clean, maintained and accommodate guests.

Brett Camp Lodge Manager - July 1 to Sept 30 - 3 month opportunity to live in the alpine meadows with a herd of horses and nice guests from around the world.
Duties - include keeping the camp clean and maintained, looking after a herd of 10 horses, doing day rides with guests and cooking meals.

Chaunigan Lake Lodge Staff - May 15 to Oct 30 -
Opportunity to live at Chaunigan lake resort and be part of some of the best trout fishing in BC. Meet nice guests and staff from around the world. Get experiences in fish resort operation in everything from kitchen to horses, fishing to resort maintenance.

Chilcotin Holidays Office Staff - From March 1 - Year Round.
Opportunity to live the wilderness lifestyle with great guests and staff from around the world. Work opportunities include, marketing, sales, bookings, accounts, licensing. Recreation options include ranch riding, grizzly viewing and mountain pack trips.

Jobs Available

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Chilcotin Holidays - the Canadian Tourism Training Center is looking for highly motivated staff. Anyone who is on a working holiday, a short-term stay, a SWAP program or WWOOFing can apply. We offer positions for staff wishing to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks. Longer stays are welcome! Have a look at the following positions:

Office Department

Skill Requirements: Will train for specific tasks but some office and accounting experience is needed.
Knowledge of "Simply Accounting", College training or work experience an asset. Need computer skills, good telephone manner and good work ethic. Must have good knowledge of English language.
Specific Duties: Accounting, Answering phones, bookings/reservations, typing fulfilling enquiries.

Outside Department - Maintenance

Skill Requirements: Repairs and maintenance.

Specific Requirements: Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Mechanic skills, plumbing skills, electrical skills an asset. This is a general maintenance position, which covers a wide variety of duties that are required for the repair and maintenance of a ranch.

Kitchen/Housekeeping Department

Skill Requirements: Home or work experience cooking. Must have good knowledge of English language.

Specific Duties: Prepare meals and deserts from set menu. Prepare special dishes for guests with food allergies. Purchasing and ordering. Maintain a clean and professional working kitchen. General cleaning and maintenance. Will train.

Outside Department - Ranch Hand

Skill Requirements: Horse experience preferred

Specific Requirements: Feed and tend animals. Fix fences, move irrigation sprinklers, Gardening, recycle garbage. inventories, help guides with chores, maintain saddles. Will Train

As the ranch is located in a remote setting, staff must relocate.

We provide free board and accommodation and a true Canadian wilderness experience.

Call us for any questions or send us an email. Apply by email: adventures@chilcotinholidays.com. For more information regarding positions or to learn about the ranch, please check out our website: www.chilcotinholidays.com

Guest Ranch attracts many international Staff Members

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:00 +0000

This June, right in the middle of our busiest season, Eleonore Dyck was scheduled to come to the ranch to experience Canada's wilderness as part of her "Work and Travel" adventure. Back home in Germany Eleonore works in the justice system and was hoping to get a change of pace for a few months during her travels. Here is an excerpt of what she wrote about her experiences during her stay with us at the ranch:

"When I came to Chilcotin on my first day June 18th I didn't know at all
what was expecting me; and after 3 months and 10 days it turned out being a big
adventure in life.

"A lot of people that I met at the ranch staff and guests hardly believed that
I'm a public official and work in the Justice System back in Germany. I could
soon see that this was a great place for me to take a break from my work back in Germany. At the same time, I kind of felt like I was still there because there
were a lot of German people here. The first thing I noticed was the amazing views. The area here is very beautiful and it is something I won’t soon forget.

"I started working in the kitchen right away and learned pretty quickly
because there are procedures for everything. I was surprised at how fast you
get to know people here, and quickly made some great friends that I continue to
keep in touch with even after they have left. I guess it’s because you are
working and living with the same people every day and have no choice but to
become close. You must help each other and make sure that you work as a team so that everything gets done well and on time.

After a few weeks we had the opportunity to go to Spruce Lake
to relax for a bit. A lot of people went to Calgary to watch the stampede, but I
decided to go to camp with Marc and Olga to get a break. The ride there was great. We were led by guides Damian and Linda, and were making some movie clips for David, the camera guy. They left the next day in the morning, and me, Marc and Olga made food, and fire, and had a great time. When it would rain, you could see the fish come out of the water. We caught some fish for lunch and dinner almost every day.

I went swimming in the amazing lake and went for some hikes. After over a week, I had missed the ranch and got so much new energy that I was ready to return.

After more than a month, I got some more responsibilities than before and was dealing with guest relations as well as cooking. It was stressful sometimes but I still had fun and was able to manage everything because I got to get to know all the guests and learn about their experiences and their lives. The families we had visit us were extremely nice and excited about their trips and I kept in touch with some of them.

One of the things I loved most about working here is the experience I got with the horses. I am very happy about it because I am thinking about having my own business one day, and working here has helped me understand how much hard work you have to put into it and how you have to organize and treat the staff in many situations.

Now my time here has come to an end and I am sure going to miss this place and everything I learned about myself and the people around me. I know that it is
time for me to go on to new adventures in my life and I am glad that Chilcotin Holidays was one of those adventures I will never forget.

Staff Member turns into ambitious Entrepreneur

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:53:00 +0000

Alison has been working for Chilcotin Holidays since February, 2008. During her employment at the ranch, her responsibilities ranged from customer service, office administration, form and template development, writing detailed procedures, working with spreadsheets, data analysis, staff scheduling, and marketing. Recently she has taken the first steps in starting her own business, Birkenhead Business Solutions. With a science degree in International Horticulture Management and experience in Project Management and Process Optimization under her belt, Alison is planning on working as a virtual assistant and consultant. Her home based business will give her the flexibility of offering services to companies virtually anywhere via online correspondence and telecommunications. For more information on the types of services offered by Alison, check out her website.

Melanie to Continue her Canadian Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:42:00 +0000

It’s been great having Mel as part of our ranch staff this summer. Whether she’s taking care of evacuation coordination due to the forest fires, making sure guests are booked in for their trips, organizing schedules or helping out on pack trips, Mel has taken the lead. Born in Australia, this adventurer is ready to continue on her travels. Mel plans on travelling across Canada to see the sights and have some new experiences before coming back to BC in time for the Olympics this coming winter. We wish Mel all the best on her travels and hope she will come back for a visit when she gets back to BC.

We’ll miss you, Higgins!

To the Limits

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Jennifer Acton arrived at the ranch on May 14th, 2009. A few days before her guide training course started she was introduced to the ranch lifestyle. During her training she learned the skills required to be a wilderness guide and stayed on after her course as a guide intern as part of her practical semester at university. We were fortunate to have her as part of our team up to the end of July. Here is what she wrote about her learning experience as a wilderness pack trip guide.

Self Reflection on “Suicide Ridge”
“Want to see what you are really made of when the going gets tough? When you thought you had what it takes but are now questioning everything it is that you stand for…just hold out, stay strong and keep moving. And most of all take pride in your work, make sure the job is done right and is completed to the best of your ability…and if you don’t you won’t be getting away with it!

At Chilcotin Holidays I arrived believing I had exactly what it takes to be a guide and ended up being challenged at every turn, on all front, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The benefits you receive when you do succeed far out weigh the bad days. This is a place of adventure and danger. Someone with an adventurous heart, such as I, will always remember and embrace the experiences I had here. From crossing rivers on horseback, climbing dangerous peaks for incredible views, being pushed to my limits, enjoying time with guests and staff, and meeting people from around the globe who love this rugged wilderness as much as I do. This truly is place where you see how you gold when the going gets tough. I will be leaving a stronger, more independent, self-reliable woman.”
Jennifer Acton, Wilderness Guide, Summer 2009

We're lucky to have such an amazing Crew

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Just like every year, we have amazing staff from around the world working an enjoying the outdoor lifestyle here at Chilcotin Holidays. This year, two of our staff came from Germany. Isabella and Isabel were in Canada practicing their English skills and we think they’ve done an excellent job. Here is what they wrote about their experiences at the ranch:

"Our names are Isabella Pucyk and Isabel Semp, and we are from Germany. We are both 24 years old and we study at a German University. The reason why we came here was to improve our English skills and try something totally different. We always wanted to come to Canada, it is one of our favourite countries, and we did not want to see all the usual tourist stuff. Above that, we thought, that on ranch like this you have a better opportunity to practice your English, because you are forced to speak English.

Our most favourite activities at the ranch have been to dig a hole with an excavator, to ride a lot, and to take part in a horse pack trip to two different camps: Eldorado and Spruce Lake. There we saw a female grizzly bear with 2 cubs, and many chipmunks! It was a real great experience. Besides this we saw a couple of hummingbirds. Another interesting thing was to see how to pack the horses for a pack trip and how the horses dealt with the very narrow trails in the mountains. The first shower after the trip was the best shower ever!

After our first week we knew all the staff members and everyone was really nice and caring. We had a lot of fun in the ranch kitchen and during our pack trip.

In the evenings we watched movies or did some other activities, like log climbing, taking the dogs for a walk or having a camp fire. Even looking at the stars was pretty exciting, because you can see a couple of falling stars.

To sleep in the tents was also very adventurous, but funny at the same time, because of all the nice neighbours in this nice little village. During our six weeks here at the ranch we learned a lot about ourselves, and where our real borders are. We found a lot of new good friends from all over the world. This stay at the ranch is one of the best experiences we’ve had in our life so far."

Staff Successes

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:22:00 +0000

The staff at the ranch have been through quite a bit over the last month or so. We have achieved a lot through a difficult time, and we are very proud of our successes as a group. During the Tyaughton Lake forest fire, we maintained a positive attitude that helped us deal with the situation efficiently. Most of the staff, guests, and guide students were moved to the beautiful Spruce Lake lodge to continue their adventure. During the time of the forest fire, we received many concerned messages from parents and friends of the staff because the media delivered a fairly exaggerated report of the fire and the area it affected. Our hardworking guides, volunteers, office staff and interns pulled together and continued working through the month among the beautiful mountains and mirror waters of Spruce Lake.

Eventually, the fire was doused by several days of continuous rain everyone had been hoping for. Over the last few weeks, our guides have done some amazing trips, and made great impressions on our guests – some of whom now want to attend our next year’s guide school. We have welcomed families, honeymooners, groups of friends, and single travelers to the ranch, and have received tonnes of great feedback. The fantastic smells of the kitchen continue to waft through the house every mealtime, and we often celebrate birthdays with delicious specialty cakes! We are well prepared for the busy months to come, and are all excited to meet the new guests and volunteers arriving shortly!

Staff Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:11:00 +0000

The last week has been one of the most relaxing in my life. While the rest of the staff decided to head over to Calgary for the famous annual stampede, my friends Marc, Elli, and I decided to have a camp trip! We worked hard over the last few weeks, and definitely needed a break. We were guided by Damian and Linda. The trip to Spruce Lake on horseback was an interesting one. We posed for the camera as David, the camera man, filmed us for the soon-to-be-released Chilcotin Holidays ad videos. Even with a pack horse, and the delays of the videotaping, it took us a mere 7 hours.
The next few days were a dream. We rowed our boats into the water and experienced some of the greatest fishing I’ve ever seen! During some light rain, the fish would literally jump out of the water like dolphins. We cooked marshmallows by the fire, and slept soundly in the warmth of the cabin every night. I often took naps by the water, waking up to the beautiful view of the mountains and crystal clear waters. On my last day, Marc and I hiked up to the highest point we could find, following the horse trails up the hill. The view was absolutely spectacular. The way down was even more fun. We slid on the shale in a somewhat technical descend, and by the time we got down, Bob had arrived to guide me back to camp. At this point, we were all ready for a hot shower. Now I’m back at the ranch, but I know I will definitely come back to Spruce Lake again. It’s a perfect place to bike, one of the greatest places to fish, and one of the most tranquil places I have ever been to. Not only have I vacationed well, but I have become an expert fire-starter and have learned the perfect technique for chopping wood. Now I’m set for life in the outdoors!
Olga Gurts
Office Staff

Elli's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:01:00 +0000

At my old university, I saw a sheet of paper on the black board about Chilcotin Holidays. One year later, I remembered about it. I wanted to go abroad before I started working in Germany and I wanted to stay in a different environment, to experience adventures, to meet other people and get out of routine.

My first impression was: “Wow, we’re in the middle of nowhere. If I don’t like it, how can I get out of this place?” The place seemed peaceful, and the staff very friendly. Everyone introduced themselves. Mel showed me the important things to know and made sure I was cared for. I soon felt very comfortable with everyone at the ranch and the environment I was in.

I was at the ranch for three and a half weeks, but it really seems like it has been three months. I had the experience to do a lot of things I have never done before. I saw black bears, I drove the skidder, I collaborated with other staff to cook for 25 people, I saw the house of a grizzly family, I rode horses, I learned how to saddle them and ride them bareback, I learned how to shoot and more!

I came here without many expectations, but I wanted to get back to real life. In other words, I wanted to figure out what I really need in life, and the things I could do without. I realized that it is really important to get clear about what you want in life, and to be able to communicate it to yourself. There are several goals that evolved during my stay here as well. My interest in nature, and saving it grew stronger.

My goal was to experience a totally different lifestyle, and reconnect with God. I wanted to face life, and deal with people that are different from myself, making me a stronger person in the end. Nearly everything I experienced was more than I expected.

I learned many things about myself from my experiences here. I learned that I can get used to a life without the comforts of the city. I learned not to judge people, but to get to know them as much as possible. I learned to tolerate and overcome difficult situations such as when I was being pushed out of my comfort zone.

One time, we had an especially difficult day. We were on horseback the entire day, and had to run the horses home at the end of the day. All my physical strength was pushed to the limit, but in the end, I grew spiritually from it.

I found it very unique that there are very m any different and interesting people working here. I got used to everyone and felt very close to them all. In this environment, everyone has to act as a team and it is a wonderful experience to work with people that want to help one another succeed.

Elli

Mirjam's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:56:00 +0000

I left Switzerland to travel and WWOOF around Canada for six months. It’s a good way to learn from the local people when you are able to work together and it’s also affordable. I saw the Chilcotin holidays profile on the WWOOF page, and I thought “Wow, that looks like a cool place to work! Living amongst a great landscape with grazing horses and people from all over the world.”

My first impression was: this is an amazing place with a fantastic view, and the people here are very kind. I spent three weeks at the ranch and in that time was able to experience searching for and chasing horses, being evacuated and living for a week at Spruce Lake camp with a simple attitude. I worked hard, and rode quite a bit. I used to ride at home, but here it is different. I have never done bush riding before!

I worked as a ranch helper, ranch hand, housekeeper, Spruce Lake camp cook, and benefited from many different activities such as hiking, horseback riding, herding horses, viewing wildflowers, target shooting, driving a tractor, and wildlife viewing

I had a great time here. I saw my first bears, Grizzly and Black Bears, here. It’s really great to see them roaming freely in the wild. My time here was better than I expected. The situation with the forest fire made my stay here unforgettable and adventurous. My next plan is to meet up with a friend who I met on the ranch, on Vancouver Island, and spend some time together. My next adventure awaits.

Thanks!
Mirjam

Insider Tips on Catching Horses

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Damian originally comes from Germany and is spending a year working and traveling around Canada, and hoping to get some experience in log cabin building, before he goes back home. He joined us at the ranch this February and is embracing the ranch lifestyle with fervour. He completed an apprenticeship in carpentry back home in Germany last year and has proven himself quite handy around the ranch.
His free time is often spent horseback riding or snowmobiling, or helping to take care of the horses. His favourite horse is Taylor. After his first experience worming the herd he wrote: “In order to worm a horse you have to get a halter over its head. This may sound simple but there are only a few horses who are willing to allow you to walk up and put a halter on. The majority of the horses like to play tag and you have to catch them like a real cowboy. So low and be hold I tried and I succeeded roping a horse with a lasso, even though I only caught it by its leg. But we found a new and better way to catch these playful horses. Nothing beats the sweet smell of oats when trying to catch a horse!”
Luckily for Damian we have a log-cabin school taking place at the ranch this week. He’s taking part in the course and even showing off a thing or two he learned in Germany.

We miss you, Vera!

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:31:00 +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!