Sign of Spring

3 heifers were born in the last few days at the ranch.  Calves running and playing in the spring sunshine is a magical sight.  A true sign that winter is on the way out and our season opening weekend on May19th is quickly approaching.

Calving Season

Our 2nd bull was born this chilly Chilcotin morning.  Calving season has begun which makes for long days for Ian and Darcy. Daybreak to dark (and sometimes after...) to keep an eye out for new arrivals.  Then it's a routine of tagging, disinfecting the navel, a shot of vitamins and off they go.  The snow is melting some, but a good supply of it to get through yet. Our Branding & Turnout on the May long weekend will be here before we know it!

A 2010 calf.  A little warmer here than this morning at -10!

2011 Branding & Turnout

Calling all cowgirls and cowboys. The Elkin Creek Branding and Turnout weekend will be here before we know it and there are a few cabins left to fill.  Friday, May 20^th is the first official day where staff and guests round up the cattle to prepare them for the branding on Saturday. Guests can participate in the sorting and  branding if they wish, or just watch this authentic western tradition.  Sunday , May 22^nd is the cattle drive, where the herd is driven out to rangeland, stopping for a chef prepared lunch.  Guests can opt to head home or keep on ‘driving’.  Our first guests for 2011 arrive on May 17^th, to have a few days to practice up, ‘get in the saddle’ again and be ready for this popular event at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch. Don’t wait too long!!

 

Meet the 2010 Team

Now that the season is well under way, it’s time for you to meet our exceptional staff of 2010. With guests from the UK arriving this Sunday and the first Cowgirl Bootcamp next weekend, we are keeping busy with our gravity fed irrigation system, riding/ training horses and clearing new and exciting trails. After a solid day’s work, it’s back to the Lodge for some of the most delicious food that Elkin Creek has tasted.

Happily living by our new motto, it’s sure to be an amazing season!

Ian - Ranch Manager

Susy - Lodge Manager

Angela - Chef

Darcy-Ranch Hand

Elizabeth and Kat- Wranglers

The 2010 Elkin Creek Guest Ranch season has officially begun! Branding and Turnout Weekend was a great success and a wonderful time was had by all.

With returning guests using skills acquired from previous brandings to newcomers experiencing this tradition for the first time, everyone participated in various activities: roping and flanking calves, administering injections and finally tagging and branding.

Following the hard day’s work, everyone enjoyed a hardy meal and headed to the Lounge for a Country Hoedown with great sing-a-longs to a variety of live talent. After a cozy night’s sleep everyone was up and at ‘em to saddle up their trusty steeds and head out on the authentic cattle drive.

What a memorable start to the season!

20th Annual National Festival of the West draws crowds from all over North America

....... including Jake Conkin!

You all remember Jake Conkin, guest at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch and our very own true blue buckaroo.  Well, he's spent the last week strutting his ol' west duds in Scottsdale, Arizona for the 20th Annual Festival of the West and I've recieved some reports on the fun.  It was the place to be for any true cowboy/cowgirl and western fan in North America.  With nonstop cowboy entertainment and western music, guests could toe tap their way through the western tradeshow and log home show, all the while stopping to catch cowboys presenting poetry or to collect signitures from some of Hollywood's best known western film stars.  From costume contests to chuck wagon cook-offs, I'm sure it was a 'hay day'.

Jake made his way through the crowds dressed head to toe in his western duds, dining on chuckwagon biscuits and dutch-oven-made peach cobbler. We're hoping he sends a few pictures our way, but for the time being, check out the website for a peek into this grand Festival of the West @ http://www.festivalofthewest.com/

Adios

Who needs a gym when you've got a guest ranch...burn calories while you play!

Did you know that horseback riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle?

Ranch Rider offers up a pretty darn good idea for those fun-loving travelers who are looking to live up to their new years resolutions.  Kill two birds with one stone this summer by opting for a vacation where it's possible to have a blast and keep active at the same time!

Check out the article below posted online in CANADA Magazine:

Saddle Up & Get Back In Shape

With the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those pursestrings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that ofour bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland(although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.

So if that New Year’s resolution to get back in shape has been shelved along with your gym club membership, grab the reins and head to Canada with Ranch Rider.

 Why not take your girlfriends along for theride and opt for the Cowgirl Boot Camp at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch in British Columbia. There will be opportunities to hit the trail, rope the livestock and enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and horsd’oeuvres with your BFFs in the unspoilt Nemaiah Valley.

The complete health and wellness package, yoga, massage and life-skillscoaching round off the 2-night stay. 7-nights from £1,145pp.

Departures: 11 – 13 June. Excludes car hire from £249 per week andgratuities left to guests’ discretion. Return flight from £579pp.

All prices (unless otherwise stated) are based on two sharing andinclude full board accommodation, all ranch based riding, use of allfacilities, gratuities, taxes and transfers. Subject to availability.

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811, email info@ranchrider.com orvisit www.ranchrider.com for further information.