Echo Valley Guests

The Big Yin - Billy Connolly

2008-09-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the excitement you've been waiting for; Scottish Comedian/Musician/Actor/Presenter Billy Connolly was here along with an 8 member British film crew. The ITV film crew will spend 2 months, starting August, following the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake and Captain James Cook navigating the North West Arctic route. This is for a new television series (4 Part Series) called Billy Connolly:Journey to the Edge of the World.
Our guests and staff really enjoyed the short visit from the film crew. Although Billy took the opportunity for a little bit of R n' R, the rest of the crew were out on horseback.
We really hope that this series they're filming takes off, and hopefully we'll get to run into Billy and his great crew again. Enjoy your adventure guys!

Let's Fire up the Grill

2008-09-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

BarBQ nights are always a good social event for everyone, especially for people like Mike Savage and Anna Schweers who are taking this opportunity to pick chef Kim's brain for recipes. And as I was on my way to the BarBQ I ran into Gladys and Dugald McPherson and they were more than happy to pose in front of our traditional Baan Thai.

Here's Christopher and Stephenie Garrett spending some quality time with our pups as they wait to go on their 4x4 adventure with Brian. Speaking of him, there he is with Chris Schwob. Chris and husband Robert, shown on horse back above taking lessons, stayed on for almost 2 weeks at Echo Valley. They got to meet many interesting people during their stay here and participated in many activities. However you'll have to wait for the next blog to find out who they got to meet during their stay...stay tuned kids!

Finding Balance in a Busy World

2008-09-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

With all the distractions of the city life, jobs, money etc...it's sometimes difficult to find a balance. The Rue Sri Dat Ton morning stretches class is designed to help to bring balance and harmony. It helps to get your body moving and feeling more energized. It's even rumoured that these exercises help in youth preservation. Being happy, active and feeling balanced are all very important in helping you remain young. When guests come out to Echo Valley, we hope that they feel relaxed and this morning... I found some very relaxed guests in the Baan Thai during the morning exercise.

Just sit back and Enjoy the Ride!

2008-09-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

We tend to get a good number of visits from travel agents and so when we see them smiling as Joadey Caldwell is(pictured on horse Commanche), then we know we are doing

something right for sure!

The ability to give a massage is a wonderful gift to share but only half as nice as recieving one, especially if you're used to giving them. Hills Health Ranch therapist Cheryl and Sylvia enjoy a relaxing foot treatment in our Cariboo Spa.

And here come the cowgirls! Patti (left) and mother daughter pair Laurena and Tayne.

So you thought you knew about everything there was to do here...did you know there were also scenic flight available? You didn't?! Here's the Johnsons from Germany posing in front of Norm's plane before experiencing the breathtaking view from above. Talk about flying with the birds, EVR style!
But let's not forget why most people come here, the horseback riding ofcourse. Here's a pic of Mary and Ton from Ottawa, Ontario (so close to home for me). Mary called out to me, if I don't have a picture of this, no one will ever believe me I was on a horse! (Hope your friends aren't too jelous Mary!)
And last but not least is hobby photographer Patti Metcalfe. We (myself, Caroline, Patti and Mihoko) went on the Rheinhardt Hike together and we really had so much fun. Nothing like a bit of country air, right guys!

10 Year Anniversary

2008-08-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

And this year's winner for our most lovable and popular guest is.....(drum roll)...Paula Disney. She's been coming here year for year for 10 years and is practically part of our team here at Echo Valley. We really all had a great time with you!
But our new guests are just as important as our repeat guests and it seems like Europe has developed a taste for our ranch. I think my favorite thing about working at EVR is that opportunity of meeting so many diverse people from different countries. Speaking of which here is the (r-l.) Duncan Family, Mr. Cliff, the Horner Family men and our Falconer Brian. He's blowing a little whistle to signal for the bird to come in....and here he comes.

So after lunch it's time to get back on those horses and work off all of Chef Kim's delightful food.

Alright, 1..2..3..cheese! Thanks Horner Family for posing for that wonderful family portrait. Speaking of which, let me take a moment just to tell everyone that whenever I take your picture, please feel free to approach me if you'd like copies, it doesn't cost anything. I would love for people to take those memories home with them.

And here comes trouble, another red head like me! That's Anna with Bubbles and her brother Henry with Nin. And let me tell you, watching these 2 in their lessons was so much fun...but I'll get to that later.

On my way to the arena I saw John Duncan and his daughters Elizabeth and Madeleine playing cards on the lawn. And you can see our puppy Joy all cuddled up to them too.

So in the arena we've got Bud Kanke with the best and most original hat I've seen so far at the ranch. Now Bud is a fairly laid back guy and so Ernie kept falling asleep in the ring. But let me tell you, I went off to photograph some more guests and when I came back both rider and horse were fully awake and going at a much faster pace.

I love watching lessons with kids (in particular funny ones like Henry and Anna). The activities the wranglers have them do are to build confidence but sometimes...they just look silly. Looks like Henry's about to take flight with Nin!

So throughout the lesson these 2 siblings were just full of giggles and saying the funniest things to their horses.

In the same week we also had 2 avid mountain bikers Christine and Rob Barker who had been here the previous year with their bikes frozen to their car. With warmer temperatures now, they were out biking every day and Christine decided to take advantage of some barrel racing lessons given by wrangler Kayleigh (pictured on right).

And there was a great deal of improvement from one lesson to the next. She was trotting around the barrels with our only barrel-racing horse here Bubbles.

The Duncan Family are all round animal lovers. So if they're not playing in the grass with the puppies, they're out on horseback.

Looks like a Norman Rockwell picture with the family altogether around the tractor. Sometimes you'll see me coming up to ask to take you family picture. And then when you get home you'll find it smiling back at you in the mail. Just a nice little souvenir to remind you of your time at Echo Valley.

The Iveson's LOVE to ride!

2008-08-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to the Iveson Family from England. We begin with young Alistair, who dreams one day of becoming a barrel racer. And who better to help him out than Kayleigh, our former barrel racer Wrangler.

And then there's Poppy, the youngest of the bunch. Poppy was very easy to photograph until...she started to trot. Look at the photo below and imagine trying to take a picture of this giggling little girl having the time of her life. It was very hard for me to keep my camera straight.
Oldest son Oliver became the star of his dad's home video and his brother Alistair's picture camera too. As you can see he is training to play a role in the next Indiana Jones film.
And even mom made it on a horse, although looking a little insecure before, she looks quite confident in the saddle now as we can see!
And then there's dad. As you saw before he's a hobby video and photographer.
So the family is normal right....? So what are they all doing on the lawn at Echo Valley with fishing rods amongst hundreds of grasshoppers...fishing for grasshoppers?!?! Oh..I see...there's Flint, he's giving them fly fishing lessons. So sorry, carry on then, Happy Fishing!

Carving Carrots and Cucumbers

2008-08-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

Spa Manager Jaranya is always happy to share her talents with others...like vegetable carving. She had all the kids attention on Thai night as the kids got to help prepare the plate decorations. They carved leaves and flowers to make all the dishes look extra special!

And there's Angelli, trying to hide a smile as she sits on Nin who's sporting a lovely new pink flower tattoo painted on by Head Wrangler Dirk.

A Ride Before School Starts

2008-08-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

School will be starting soon for these boys...but that was the furthest thing from these students minds on their family vacation! The Singleton Family (and extended family) , a wonderful mix of Irish/Japanese and Chinese, were whipping around the arena having the time of their lives!

And son Kenji even got his first pony ride ever from Nin led by wrangler Emma. Could Reika have a bigger smile on her face riding Commanche...wow, you're practically glowing. That's the spirit!

Old McDonald Had a Farm

2008-08-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Being a guest on a ranch can be even more special when you feel like you're part of the daily grind. And for kids week we make a point of getting everyone involved.

So every morning all the kids would go to the chicken coop to collect the eggs. Here's new best friends Alexandra and Megan trying their best not to disturb the poultry.

And let's not forget to introduce former guest and new kid's week employee Angelli. She was a great help to Nicole during the 3 weeks she was here to assist in looking after kids.

Yup, there was no shortage of activities like berry picking, water fights, swimming, catching grasshoppers, playing Frisbee...you name it, they did it! Kids Weeks are the most fun (and probably the wettest too!)

Throw Another Steak on the BarB Mate!

2008-08-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

So as per usual we had our Bar-B-Q night but we had a special visitor come by, Glenn. So after everyone had filled their bellies with Kim' s wonderful Bar-b-q delights, Glenn introduced himself. He told stories to us all, chanted with his drumming and even brought a game to the fire.

So there are 2 sticks and one has a ring and the other doesn't, in which hand is he holding which stick. That's the basics but Glenn describes and demonstrates it much better than me. I think everyone definately got a kick out of it and they all stayed until the fire went out.

And there's Megan catching grasshoppers...her new enemy (after her older brothers but loads of them in her bed one evening, poor darling). But she had a good sense of humor about it ...and got her revenge.

So after the game the adults ...I mean the kids...rushed back to the fire to roast some marshmallows and make smores...no wait, I did mean the adults, as you can see. And the biggest smile is on the face of our big kid Nicole.

Anyone who's ever called into our Vancouver office will know who Nicole is. We were lucky for these 3 weeks as Nicole donated her time to come up to the ranch and entertain the kids.

Yes that's right, smores are made of gooey marshmallow mushed together with Hershey's chocolate then all squished between 2 graham crackers, thanks for the demo Megan! Campfires are always a favorite with both big and small and a great way for everyone to get to know each other in a more casual setting!

Family Fun for the Morses and Middletons

2008-08-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

This week we had lots of fun with these 2 English families.
Here's the Middletons coming back from a ride with wranglers Julie and Dirk.

The Middletons took every chance they could to go riding. And as time went by, even 8 yr. old Megan improved, with the help of horses Moonwalker, Nin and our wranglers of course!

And here Megan and Alexandra wave to each other out of excitement. Lessons with other kids is definitely the best way to go!

But let's not forget our other special guests, the Morses, who graced the saddles of our horses every day too!

These 2 last photos were my favorite of the Morse boys because of the beautiful morning lighting and real feel of being on the range. Lookin like real cowboys there boys!

Kid's Weeks Have Begun

2008-08-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

As the week went on we got busier...and busier...and before you know it we officially started our kids weeks! The next few blogs will be filled with little shiny faces on horseback and lots of other fun activities.

Here's 5 yr old Alexandra, her and her family are regular guests here at the ranch. You can tell by how confortable she looks on Nin.

Sometimes I take for granted how lucky it is to get so close to a falcon, but when I see the looks on the faces of our guests....I see how enjoyable it can be.

Of course there aren't only kids here during Kid's Weeks, we also had plenty of other guests like these 2 honeymooner's enjoying a ride out with wrangler Emma.
And here's one of our favorite guests, Lumina. She liked it so much here she ended up staying for an extra week. Echo Valley is definitely the ideal place for a little R&R....Riding and Relaxation.

Back in the Saddle again

2008-08-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

After a busy week with the family reunion, the ranch quieted down for a few days. And what better way to spend it than horse back riding! So here's Meghan leading the way on the School house trail with father Alistair on Panther and boys Hayden (on Commanche) and Torsten (on Breeze) following.

And what better way to end the day than with a good old Bar-B-Q. The whole family had a fun time playing with our dogs but I think Torsten had the most fun with pups Echo and Joy....dogs are friends for life.

The Thomas and Blais Family Reunion HoeDown!

2008-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

So here's probably the biggest blog in history but hey, 52 people really need a lot of space....and a lot of photo coverage...boy did I have my hands full. So in these first couple of photos you can see our wranglers busy teaching riding lessons or playing games with the kids? Yup! Lotsa fun to be had, they played red light green light, had a horse walking race and gave pony rides to the small and adventurous!

Not only did the kids participate in horse back riding but they also tried to make themselves handy, like 10 year old Trent pictured feeding the chickens.

Alright kids....you had your fun..now let's get the grown-ups out to play cowboy for a day! I didn't see very many games played but everyone seemed to take their turn trying to set a new speed limit for the ring.

Our most cultural night at the ranch, Thai Night! The Thai staff started carving vegies about 2 days in advance to prepare for the dinner. I was able to get some behind the scenes photos in the kitchen.

Hey, what you cooking there Wanna? Sure smells good.

Yalaporn, along with all the Thai staff spent all day preparing for this meal. Everything must be prefect...especially when the boss is in the kitchen.

Ahhhh....thanks for taking a moment for a pic Nan and Wanna! Nan was in the kitchen keeping herself busy as well, but she took time for a few photos...especially nice one with her and hubby Norm! Like little love birds, aren't they.

Yalaporn is there to help explain what each dish is and for those of you who like something a little spicy, this would have been your night!

No Thai Night is complete without traditional Thai dance and costume. Everyone was impressed by the performance from Yalaporn (in red Thai costume), but 4-year old Shae was in awe.

Watching Yalaporn dance inspired everyone to get up and dance! Even the kids were right into it and after the dance, everyone was still in such good spirits...perfect time for a.....GROUP PHOTO..YEAH!!!

There's daddy Randy in the hot tub get super-soaked by Chae, Max and Amy.

Now I didn't put the word HoeDown in that title for nothing. The family took out some time to show off their talents for the talent show they had been rehearsing for all week.

The day before leaving was their Survivor Day. Oh yes and for this they had to push through egg toss (you have some egg on your face Bryn), team building activities involving water, intense balancing acts (although looks like some of the men were practicing their dance moves) and at the end of the day I got involved too. Fasted hand in the west with a rope, that's Trent, and I know from personal experience. Yup, that's me who got lassoed by him.

But when all is said and done, the most exciting activity that week was the dance with live music, guest star performers Patsi and Elvis! Everybody was dressed up 60's style to get the party really rockin, even wilder than a jailhouse rock! All in all, the family had fun and we really enjoyed ourselves too!

Meet the Parents

2008-06-19T12:57:00.001-07:00

And there they are, all cuddled up together, the owners Norm and Nan surrounded by their dogs. There's Nan on the left with her horse Adonis.

Blogging Issues

2008-06-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, Kat here. I'd like to apologize for the lack of new posts as of late. The blogger seems to be having issues and the option of adding images (which is the best part) doesn't appear to be available. So, as soon as the blogger is up again, look forward to see your shining faces and those of all the woodland animals up again! See you soon, I will keep you posted. Hope to see you out here soon, Kat

The next Jamie Oliver

2008-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

So not only did the Fishman family indulge in a little horseback riding but they also tasted some high class cuisine made by Chef Kim and... their own son Justin, as Sous Chef. 13 yr. old Justin showed off his culinary skills in Chef Kim's kitchen for the afternoon to prepare dinner for that evening.

Justin stepped up to the plate (the hot plate that is,) to take all the advice he could get from Danish chef Kim here at EVR. Being a vegetarian is even more of a challenge in the kitchen. So we all anticipated the evening meal....and let me tell you , it was nothing short of gourmet.

After alot of sweat and tears Justin served our guests, along with owners of EVR, Nan and Norm (pictured). By the end of the night all the plates had been licked clean! Thanks for a wonderful meal Justin!

Size doesn't Always Matter

2008-05-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mr. Marty Fishman, his wife and 2 boys came out to Echo Valley for a short weekend stay but managed to pack in just about everything you could possibly do. They were impressed and so was I, watching their 13 and 8 yr old sons out on the horses.
Here's Graeme, only 8, making horseback riding look like child's place. So like the title says, size doesn't matter in this case!

Taking kids out riding is a joy for the parents to watch in the safe and nurturing hands of the wrangling. And you can see how fast Graeme is going as Wrangler Julie goes into high gear, running along with him and his horse.
I don't know if Graeme is smiling at himself because of the fun he's having or because of Jokster Julie who's taking a time-out after all that jogging.

Now it's 13 yr. old Justin's turn in the saddle as wrangler Anna accompanies him. Justin also gave Anna the chance to show off her running skills in the ring.

Dad pulls the boys in for a quick meeting. So boys, think you've got it down now, lets put our skills to the test boys! And the race is on and....oh, soryy dad, think Graeme took that one!

After all that riding, time to take the horses to wet their whistlers, always a nice moment to share with the horses. Ok boys, lets get together for a photo by the stable, picture perfect...

Get up and dance...Thai Style!

2008-05-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

With a big group like this, the trip wouldn't have been complete without getting the whole gang together for a photo or 2. And the staff was ofcourse more than happy to get in there too! Below is Yalaporn dressed in traditional Thai costume dancing after everyone has filled their bellies with some delicious thai food on Thursday's Thai night. And at the end everyone has the chance to get up and dance and mingle with the staff and enjoy the music. I don't think I see a single face without a smile on it!

From the busy office to the Horse Coral

2008-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

So a couple of days ago we had a great group here from a pharmaceutical company. They had lots of dramatical team building activities in the Baan Thai but also got some outdoor time. Horse back lessons, roping, trail riding, frisbee golf, hot tubbing and even eeperienced thai food and dance (which you'll see in the following post.)

Round 'Em Up Cowboys!

2008-05-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Climbing up the hill along the fish pond are guests Janine and Jeff, followed by Wrangler Emma. This was a one-of-a kind experience for the young couple who even got the chance to help round up some cattle, see photo below.

So there may not be any city traffic round here, but keep your eyes open for Don the Donkey. He apparently thought he was part of the cattle herd and tried, with all his might, to make it behind the gate with them...and he nearly made it hadn't Wrangler Julie, caught him. Yup, never a dull moment here at EVR.

2008-05-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Pam from the US decided for a little getaway at EVR with Panther. Behind her are Angela and another new wrangler. She actually picked the perfect time to come because this is before the season really gets going, it gives you an opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness of the wilderness.

Saddle up Guys!

2008-04-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday everyone went riding but today it was only the gents. Andrew (top) is happily jaunting through the gate is on Danny. William is riding on Commanche in front of the beautiful Mt. Bowman.
And all the riders enjoy the view, with wrangler Julie (riding Penny) at the front, as they wait for new wrangler, Emma, lock up the gate behind them.

And there's Emma striding proudly on Joker. She's technically not new, as she's been here for 2 weeks and a bit, but she's fairly new to the blog....unless you got her in the frisbee throwing shots from the day before. She's been riding since she could walk..or trot, so she's pretty much at home in the saddle!

Let's Toss the Ole Frisbee 'Round

2008-04-28T20:35:00.001-07:00

One of the best ways to burn off Chef Kim's wonderful food is by playing a round of frisbee golf. And it gets even more interesting when the dogs get involved...as player William, above, found quite amusing.

And the winners are....manager Flint (left) and Andrew Warner! I'm pretty sure I came in last place, closely tied with Emma who despite her amazing arm, overthrew the frisbee quite a bit.

Starting the day on the right foot

2008-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Warner and Archer family began their day off the right way with the traditional Thai exercise; Rue Sri Dat Ton (the hermit self stretching). Beginning with a 5 minute meditation to relax.
The movements you go through help to increase flexibility in the body and muscles and the poses are much, MUCH easier than yoga.
Through stretching, application of pressure to energy points, breathing exercises and meditation, you can feel the energy flow through your body and feel young again.

I believe the 2 couples would agree it's well worth getting up for 7am. In particular if you want to go out for a horse back ride or a hike later on that day, it can help to warm up and even sooth your muscles afterwards.

And personally, my favorite part is at the end where you shake to the Thai music and dance a little, what a way to start the day!

Full House at the Ranch

2008-04-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Malcolm hangs out by the stables as he watches his daughter Nicolle and wife Hanne get ready for a group ride.
Nicolle and Hanne, mother and daughter, side by side on Breeze and Nin. They are from Denmark originally and daughter Nicolle, has a recognizeable voice. She works in our offices in Vancouver so you may have met her already without even realizing it.
Head Wrangler Dirk leads the group with Sassy. Usually groups these large don't go out riding together but because of Jack Frost, many of the other trails weren't available to ride yet.

Angelli sits with pup Benji as he waves to the camera. She spent all weekend playing with the puppies and istantly formed a bond with them. She plans to come back in a few months for kids week.

Fern takes a break to have some leisure time with the puppies.
Brave Marianne gets on a horse for the very first time. She did extremely well in the practice arena and even ended up riding out with the rest of the group later on that afternoon.
Glen checks out Brian's falcons as he's taking them out for their daily exercise and feeding. This usually takes place around 1:30 after lunch, shortly before the riders head out.

Sisters Renatta and Krystyna mount up for trail ride, the Loop, along with 5 other guests and 5 staff. The ride went on for about 2 hours and not a single person came back without a smile on their face.

Girls' Day at the Spa

2008-04-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Guests Richelle (left) and Amy (right) relax in the hottub . The girls only stayed for one night but managed to have an afternoon at the spa, went on a horseback ride and took a few relaxing dips in the hot tub. This was a surprise gift from Richelle to Amy, she'll be getting married next month. Good luck ladies and we hope to see you back again!

First Guests of 2008 season

2008-04-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

Karen and Colleen are lead by Head Wrangler Dirk on a nice morning ride with Mt. Bowman in the background. Give us a wave Colleen! Well, there' s no doubt that these ladies are enjoying themselves. And final picture on the bottom as guest Glenys is up front with Wranglers Flint and Julie following close behind. As these 3 ladies are enjoying their horseback ride, friends Winnie and Cathy are relaxing in the spa. The five ladies girl's weekend included riding, spa, hot tub, playing water polo in the pool and even some late night karoake!