July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
The Itcha Ilgachuz mountains are absolutely spectacular! Especially when you travel on horseback. I went on a Pack Trip last weekend based out of Escott Bay Resort on Anahim Lake. We took three riding horses and four pack horses up to camp which we got set up for the summer. The trail really was good, I've seen it a lot worse this time of year. Except for a couple of the swamps and creeks we had to cross it was very nice and dry.
It took a good part of the day to get up to the camp and once everything was set up we cooked some chili over the campfire.
The next day we got a chance to go for a beautiful ride up high into the alpine. It was the most gorgeous day and besides getting to see the most incredible scenery we were lucky enough to come across a large herd of caribou! It was absolutely beautiful. We watched them for quite a while, not trying to disturb them, but it was them coming closer to us. They really are very curious animals and didn't mind us there at all.
What is so special about the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is that there is no road access at all, except for hiking/ horse trails. So you're definitely off the beaten paths, just like a lot of places in the West Chilcotin backcountry.
It was a great trip, hopefully will get a chance to get up into those mountains again this summer!
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Stampede time in Williams Lake, absolutely spectacular!
The 83rd Williams Lake Stampede was held last weekend and the whole town was celebrating the rodeo. Besides some great rodeo fun with lots and lots of action I had to attend one of the pancake breakfasts which is an absolute must! What I really enjoy is that almost every store and business in town is decorating with the stampede theme, besides seeing cowboy hats where ever you look! Had a great time and will for sure watch it again next year, although I won't even have to wait quite as long as Williams Lake is hosting the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals this August.