May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
What a great trip – last weekend I got a chance to help out on a cattle drive in Tatlayoko Lake. It is one of the most beautiful valleys to start with and the weather couldn’t have been better.
So after a very scenic and relaxing drive to Tatla Lake it is only about another 40 minutes to Tatlayoko Lake, the drive through the valley is absolutely spectacular as you are surrounded by mountains. We had a fabulous dinner and enjoyed the evening around the campfire. I can never get enough of spending time away from cities and what could be more relaxing than a campfire and a glass of wine?
In the morning everyone was up early; we got the horses saddled and were out for the spring cattle drive. There is enough grass growing now and those cute little calves are big enough to start grazing out on the range together with their moms.
Couldn’t have had a better weekend!
And I’d really like to come back in the summer and do one of their pack trips into the mountains as well. Connie and Alex from Bracewells Alpine Wilderness Adventures really know these mountain ranges and I can’t wait to explore more of this gorgeous country!
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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Two of us are headed out this morning for an hour horse back ride. You don’t need an alarm clock here as the dogs make quite the racket trailing behind Bill when he goes outside to get the horses ready. We have to leave early though as we need to be back in William’s Lake by 2:00 at the latest.
We’re back now and this was a great trail ride as we didn’t stick to the typical groomed trails. Bill took us in a crosscut pattern through the woods (Tracy calls it ‘bush whacking’) and it was fun to navigate the rocks and fallen logs that blocked our path. I was riding Jessie, a small mare who seemed to know exactly what to do and where we were headed. It was a bit difficult though when we went up a series of small hills as Jessie wanted to try and get ahead of the horse in front of her, Dusty. We stopped to take a couple of pictures of one of the largest ranches in this area - over a thousand head of cattle.
Bill also gave us a great demonstration on how to pack a horse for one of their adventure pack trips into the mountains. I had seen this done on movies but didn't realize it was so complicated. Bill made it look easy though and I have a feeling any attempt on my part to repeat the process would be time consuming and less neat looking ha. Maybe I'm not cut out for a full-time cowgirl, but a few days here would be a great start.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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This is your official cow poke alert.....if you love anything cowboy this is the place to see! The main lodge reminds me of my Dad’s stories of growing up on a ranch in northern Alberta where they rode the range and herded cattle. This log home is amazing and the guest rooms are located upstairs, but you can also rent a log cabin for your stay at very reasonable rates. Canoeing and fishing and multi-day horse pack trips into the mountains is what they do best.
Your host is the resident cowboy. He can tell you old stories about Rich Hobson whose famous cattle ranch was located just one valley over in the Blackwater Country and one you’ll see on on of the multi-day horse pack trips. He is knowledgeable about the history and people who live in this area and has a great bear story to tell - actually he has several to tell - you have only to ask. He is charming and loves to talk, but you can tell he works hard and takes great pride in the lodge, the horse, and his dogs. There are three dogs and two cats and they laze around the lodge just like you’d expect to see them on a lazy hot summer’s day. I don’t think they moved the entire time we were here - in fact you have to step over them to get by - too funny!
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The setting is like something out of a Western movie, the ranch is situated amongst rolling desert hills. The family is extremely friendly and for those that are interested in becoming more self-sufficient this family can give you some valued input on how to do it.
Get your hands a little dirty while learning how to handle a horse in a safe environment with an exceptional instructor. I had Houdini for the day, this white beauty was one of a kind & can actually pick locks with his teeth... Outside of the accommodation area there is one of the largest fire pits that I have seen in BC so far. The Chezacut area is desert like with warm winds during the summer months.
The lodge is approximately 7.3 miles up from Redstone do keep track of the miles as it is easy to miss. The Ranch is on the left hand side of the road and you will find yourself turning off the main road. Cowboy hats are provided upon request!