Something’s Fishy and a fly

August 21st, 2010

“Fly fishing for rainbow trout has been hot at Echo Valley despite the current summer heat wave. The trout have gone deep to cooler depths at nearby lakes, but they’re still going after the flys in the ranch’s spring-fed ponds.” says Flint, EVR’s  resident fly fishing specialist and guide.

And this week we had the pleasure of watching our new rainbow trout – 500 hundred to be exact – being released into our larger ponds. They are all approximately 1.5 pounds, with an expected weight increase upwards of 5 pounds.

“For first-time fly fishers, who hone their newly-learned casting techniques at the ponds, the thrill of landing a two- or three-pounder is obvious in their expressions. It doesn’t take long for the novices to realize the importance of the “10 to 1″ false casting technique, and instead of catching the long grass behind them, they’re casting their lines out and experiencing the thrill of the strike.”

“Even the experienced fly fishers are enjoying the action; and it’s not unusual to spot at least one or two working the ponds in the early morning and just before dusk.”

“Damsel flies were the most productive during the last week, but ants, green nymphs and Doc Spratleys were attracting their share of hungry rainbows.”  Flint Bondurant

Frontpiece from "The Art of Angling", Richard Brookes, 7th edition 1790

In fly fishing,  fish are caught by using  artificial flies that are cast with a   fly rod and a fly line. The fly line (today, almost always coated with plastic) is heavy enough in order to send the fly to the target. This is one of the main differences between fly fishing and spin or bait fishing; in fly fishing it is the weight of the line that propels the bait through the air, whereas in spin and bait fishing it is the weight of the lure that gives you casting distance. Artificial flies can vary dramatically in all morphological characteristics (size, weight, color, etc.).

Artificial flies are created by tying hair, fur, feathers, or other materials, both natural and synthetic, onto a hook with thread. The first flies were tied with natural materials, but synthetic materials are now very popular and prevalent. The flies are tied in sizes, colors and patterns to match local terrestrial and aquatic insects, baitfish, or other prey attractive to the target fish species.

Fly fishing is most renowned as a method for catching trout and salmon, but today it is also used for a wide variety of species including pike, bass  panfish, graling and  carp as well as marine species, such as redfish, snook, tarpon, bonefish and striped bass.  There are many reports of fly anglers taking unintended species such as chub, bream and rudd while fishing for ‘main target’ species such as trout. There is a growing population of anglers whose aim is to catch as many different species as possible with the fly. Even catfish can be occasionally caught while fly fishing.

It is the general consensus that the first writings on fly fishing were in AD 200 the Roman Claudius Aelianus, his book On the Nature of Animals, described how people fished with a fly in the river Astracus in Macedonia. The prey is presumed to have been trout, since it had a “spotted exterior “.

Flint teaches the guests the basic techniques of fly fishing on the ranch grounds to avoid hooking onto something or someone unintentionally :)

The collies know better than to chase a fly on a line - so off to the sprinklers they go!

Now it's time to check out the new skills ... oh - and new fish!

Here comes the poetry in motion ...

The first fish is always the biggest thrill!

The nearby lakes and dams are always an exciting getaway for newly learned skills.

Fly fishing is a truly relaxing way to learn new skills, become one with nature and share the experience with loved ones!

Abso”Bloomin”lutely Fabulous!

August 4th, 2010

We have been so busy here at EVR that I have not had time to focus on an extremely important part of , not only our daily routine, but also the sustenance that gives us all the energy, balance and power to enjoy and maintain such an invigorating and eventful environment.

So to celebrate, not only the beauty of fresh organically grown veggies, herbs,  berries and other fruits picked at perfect ripeness right here on our ranch; but also the birthday of the woman who is the brainchild behind all this healthful growth.  I will now give you a little taste of all the tantalizing and mouth watering goods that are offered daily here on the ranch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAN! … and thank you for giving us nourishment, major tummy tickling,  flavour,  abundance and taste ’scentsation’ – and simply the best gourmet produce to be found in any market anywhere!

Oh … and thank you Chef Kim and Yaloporn, Jaranja, Wanna, Tum and Mihoko  for endless  amazing meal preparation- and gardening expertise – and we must not forget Claudia, Frank, Numchai and Numchoke (for helping to make everything groooooow) and to all of you for transforming all these Godly creations into works of art on our plates that create and bring beautiful and eclectic music to our palates!

As it has been proven to me over the past week with guests from Egypt, the UK, the Netherlands, Seattle, New York, California, France, Switzerland and local ‘Canadians’ … not to mention the past weeks where guests were from a plethora of nations – people from anywhere in the world appreciate food that is picked fresh, straight from the grounds on which they sit (or run or ride) with the awareness of its source and the people who take part and pride in the harvest.  I am very proud and thankful to be spoiled by this humble ‘group o’  gardeners and gurus o’ grub’!

... gardening with a view

mmm

... always something nearby to stop and smell as you are roaming around the ranch

... always smiles :)

Coda, the garden guard cat

sweet peas

Three new baby willows beside the ponds

time for dinner

appetizing!

dessert anyone?

...what talent

... mmm ... nothing like fesh herbs right from the garden to enhance the taste and texture of perfectly roasted EVR beef...

Well now I’m hungry…again!!

The Buffalo over Bowman

July 25th, 2010

Over the past week or so we have had two visits from two different Search and Rescue crews landing on our runway sporting the great Buffalo!

Canada has six Buffalos with four ready for service at any one time, the other two being in for repair. The Buffalo will be replaced with the Hercules which has advantages but will not be able to function in the mountains like the Buffalo. The Buffalo burns one ton of fuel/hour when at cruise speed!! – it can fly for 6.5 hours. The EVR runway is 60 ft wide, the Buffalo wing span is 90 ft and can take off within 1000ft!

The Buffalo that visit with EVR are stationed at Comox on Vancouver Island and have used EVR as a practice area on many occasions – this last practice was quite different in as far that it was for more advanced crew members who are capable of dropping men and gear by parachute into small areas surrounded by trees – unlike the other drops which used the hayfield  -  the tight spot drop is probably applicable to 99% of the cases in the mountains!

After an hour or so of circling the ranch, dropping test ribbons, supplies and some men with parachutes,  the crew joined us at the Dove Lodge for an extensive buffet lunch before heading back up in the air.

Norm's sessna pales in size comparison to the Buffalo!

Parachuters loading their gear back onto the plane.

A shot of the first visit as one of the paracuters landed in the horse pasture. They expressed to me that this was the first time that they were concerned about animal "droppings" whilst landing! On their second visit they landed in the dense forest so these "droppings" were not so much a concern. Mt. Bowman sits boldly in the background.

Some of our guests ventured on a guided day hike up to the summit of Mount Bowman. It is part of the Marble Range mountains, named after the high grade limestone that forms its body – it was pushed up from the ocean floor by the tectonic collision that took place way back when. Mount Bowman forms the backdrop for EVR when looking towards the east and is 7,280 ft high. It contains caves which spelunkers visit. This time of the year the wildflowers are everywhere, making for an especially picturesque trek. A photographer’s paradise! The hike to the top and back, from the starting point on the west side of the mountain, takes about 5.5 hours. But of course there is always time to rest and take in the sites and sit down for lunch while checking out the incredible view that extends for many miles.  It is a very popular climb for avid mountain hikers.

More than half way up Mount Bowman

Approaching the peak

What an incredible view!

Rest stop ... but almost there!

Time to take it all in...

Time for lunch!

Bessie leading the way down

We were delighted to have riders from such places as the UK, France, USA, namely California,  Seattle and New York and some travel writers from various locales, all of whom honed their skills on horseback!

Some guests rode every day in order to check out the variety of trails and horses available.

A family of riders

... the view is probably a tad bit different than England :)

As the weather continues to be fabulous we anticipate the long weekend approaching with many more fun times to be had by all!

Happy 80th Birthday Ursula!

July 16th, 2010

This past week we were treated with the presence of Ursula Bahlsen and family and friends who joined her here at EVR to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Ursula Bahlsen and family

On July 9, 2010 Ursula Bahlsen turned 80 years young. Ursula discovered EVR after two friends from Hannover went on a driving trip through BC and discovered EVR and told Ursula about it. Ursula and her oldest  son Alex, who is a pilot,  flew out to the ranch for lunch in August of 2008 at which time Ursula immediately booked herself for a two week stay at the lodge in September of 2008. After her stay she notified Alex’ wife Elizabeth that she would like her to plan her 80th birthday celebration at EVR in 2010.

There were many ages attending her celebration from 6 to 82, including guests from Hannover, Hamburg and Munich, Germany; guests from Monaco; guests from Alberta and Ontario; and also up from Leesburg, Virginia. 7 out of Ursula’s 12 grandchildren were in attendance. The missing 5 grand children were all in Europe and unable to attend.

Norm and Jacques arrived back from their flight to Nunavut, just in time for the BBQ and marshmallow roasting out at the fire pit. It was the perfect opportunity for the family to catch up outside under the stars while the “kids” (of all ages) shared their s’mores creations.

The following days and nights were filled with a variety of activities offered here at the ranch.

The entire group of family and friends sincerely thanks Nan and Norm for providing such wonderful hospitality in such a beautiful place. Each and every staff member made our celebration a truly remarkable one and one which we will all treasure. The spa atmosphere and services are world class and believe us when we say that there are a few individuals in this group who are true spa connoisseurs.

As experienced by our group of ages 6 to 82, there is something for everyone at EVR.  We had groups horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, going on 4×4 excursions and of course utilizing the wonderful spa services.  Dear old Jack and his family of 9 border collies are quite the hit as well keeping the children busy and accompanying guests on their excursions.  Of course we were all taken in by those cute little pigs, Charlotte and Tiger.

The food!  Oh my, we can’t say enough about the food!  As with the activities there is something for everyone at every meal.  The wonderful soups, entrees and desserts were a site and oh so wonderful.  Our greatest thanks to Chef Kim for making our stay so wonderful and making Ursula’s birthday dinner celebration so special with that magnificent birthday cake.  Thai night was extra special as well with exquisite Thai dishes and beautiful Thai dancing.  The entire staff is so accommodating, helpful, kind and always wearing a smile.  It’s like one big happy family and it was nice to be part of that family during our stay.

Keep up the wonderful work and we will certainly see you again soon!”
Elizabeth and Alex Bahlsen

Alex Bahlsen was busy flying back and forth to Kamloops and Calgary picking up family and friends to join in Ursula's celebration.

Chef Kim dishing up some BBQ classics for Ursula.

Roseman was very excited about roasting marshmallows!

The fire pit was a great place for family to catch up.

Early morning stretches at the Ruesri dat ton classes became a ritual for some in the group.

A day of horseback riding was a natural choice for some as Ursula 's daughter Dagmar is an accomplished equestrian, along with her children, one of whom is even a bull rider!

Others indulged in many hiking excursions.

Yalaporn delighted the Bahlsen's with her Thai dancing.

...then it was every one else 's turn to try!

How many people that you know spend their 80th birthday on a 4x4 excursion and gold panning?

...followed by a gourmet dinner and birthday cake!

Even the young ones were dressed up for the occasion!

Champagne on the patio

...Hubertus and Loitzel discussing attire :)

Alex and Elizabeth

fly fishing

mountain biking

horseshoes

Thank you to Ursula, Alex, Elizabeth, Dagmar, Hubertus and the rest of the Bahlsen family for sharing your celebration with our family here at EVR!Thank you to Ursula, Alex, Elizabeth, Dagmar, Hubertus and the rest of the Bahlsen family for sharing your celebration with our family here at EVR!

Summertime … and the livin’s easy

July 7th, 2010

The past week has been quite exciting, adventurous, educational and inspirational! We have had visitors from many walks of life, from many parts of the world, join us here at Echo Valley – Thai monks, travel and tourism writers, winemakers, computer engineers, Marathon runners (and very long distances at that), traveling medical aids, and Great Danes (of the canine variety), to name a few.

Fun was had by all as they hiked the canyon, rode into the meadows and through the forested trails – the younger girls tested their skills at barrel racing and herded the cattle to a new range. There was some archery and plenty of fly fishing both here on the ranch and at the nearby lakes. Our Friday night BBQ became a fun filled night alongside the fire pit with great conversation and some tunes. Mountain biking, hiking and running followed by some rejuvenating spa treatments were the popular choice for some – even the younger boys indulged in their first massage. I think they’re hooked!

Norm and Jacques are on their way home from Eureka, Nunavut as we anticipate their arrival in the next few days. The sun is shining and the temperature has risen. The celebration of Canada day has finally brought real summer weather to our patios as we share conversation in the comfort of the outdoors each night after a glorious meal.

Hello Summer :) !!