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Echo Valley Ranch takes a break

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

The summer season is over. And Echo Valley Ranch closes down for the winter – almost. Already in December, we will open back up for our guests.

The summer is over. And fall is almost over as well. Time for the Echo Valley Ranch team to look back at the summer season and take a breather. This is why, Echo Valley Ranch will close down for six weeks from 31 October – and will re-open for our guests 15 December until 8 January 2012.
For now, we can look back at a wonderful and successful summer season with many great guests from all over the world: Countless campfires. Many interesting conversations. Hikes. Fly fishing. Gold panning. Trail rides. Spa treatments. And last but not least our unforgettable Kids Weeks during the summer months, which brought so much fun and laughter to the ranch. Our eight Border Collies gave it their all, entertaining our guests with their playful manner, making them feel welcome and getting as much cuddles as possible in the process. This summer, we were also able to welcome ten new horses at Echo Valley Ranch. Already next summer season, some of them will be ready to take guests out on our beautiful trails.

Many thanks to all our guests
After countless beautiful rides, our horses are in need of a well-deserved break. That is why, all of them are now out together in the big field where they will spend the winter – so that they will be well-rested next spring to take our guest out anew.
The EVR team would like to use this opportunity to thank all of our guests who found the way to Echo Valley this summer. We had a great time with each and every one of you! Thank you very much.

Tags: Break, Re-open
Posted in News, The Ranch | 1 Comment »

Happy Birthday Chef Jason

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

He likes the ranch pigs. He loves the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And cooking is his passion. It has almost been six months since Chef Jason started working at Echo Valley Ranch – and by now he has become a valuable member of the EVR family. This is why, his birthday was a good reason to get together and celebrate as a team.

It would have been perfect…if he had gotten rich on his birthday. And it wasn’t for lack of trying. Because Jason and the rest of the EVR team gave it their all. Last Wednesday, gold panning was Chef Jason’s birthday activity of choice. However, even after an introductory lesson by our wilderness guide Daryl, the big gold nuggets where nowhere to be found. But everyone had lots of fun nevertheless. At night, the EVR team organised a big birthday bash – and for once our chef did not have to cook himself.
And it would not have been a real birthday party without presents, birthday cake and the obligatory birthday call from Jason`s mom – and maybe a glass of wine or two. It is no wonder that the party turned out great. Because let’s face it: everybody likes Jason. For many different reasons…

From Saskatchewan to Echo Valley
Our guests know it already: Jason is an excellent chef. He insists on doing everything from scratch using fresh, organic ingredients. In addition, he maintains a close relationship with the ranch pigs. Every night after dinner, he personally brings the kitchen leftovers down to the pig pen. A belly rub or some cuddles are, of course, included in the service

But how did Jason become a chef? Growing up in Saskatchewan, he worked his first job as a dishwasher in a restaurant. Jason ended up having so much fun working in the kitchen that he decided to pursue cooking as his career. After attending culinary school in Calgary, Jason has worked in numerous resorts and restaurants all over the world. Lucky for us that he now found his way to Echo Valley Ranch.

Chef Jason at work.

A toast to the chef (standing): the entire EVR team celebrates Jason’s birthday .

...of course, there needs to be cake.

B-day party fun: Yalaporn (l.) and Mihoko with chef Jason.

Tags: Birthday Party, Chef, Jason
Posted in News, Special events, The Ranch | No Comments »

“Lights, Camera, Action“ – Video Shoot at EVR

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Echo Valley Ranch has a lot to offer. Quite a multitude of things actually. Hence, it is difficult to quickly outline the variety of our activities. And as the saying says: a picture is worth a thousand words. This is why, Echo Valley Ranch will release an e-book and two new videos shortly.

Our guests, who have been here before, know it quite well: Echo Valley Ranch is one of the nicest spots in BC. There is also something fun to do for everyone: Horseback riding. Spa treatments. Hiking. Fly fishing. Biking. Gold panning. Fitness. Yoga. Swimming – or maybe just plain relaxing. Therefore, we have to find ways to communicate all we have to offer to the outside world and to our future guests in particular. Even though it sometimes seems that time stands still at Echo Valley Ranch, we are up to date when it comes to the new achievements in technology. Soon, you will be able to read about all the great ranch activities and its location in the great outdoors in our e-book. On top of that, you will be able to watch two new videos about EVR on our website. This way, it will be even easier for our future guests to see what a true EVR vacation entails.

Journalists at Echo Valley Ranch
During the last three days, journalist Michael McCarthy and photographer and videographer Graham Collins have been all over the place taking thousands of pictures and filming numerous video sequences about Echo Valley Ranch life. The footage will be used for the professional realisation of the e-book and the two new videos.
At the end of December, our guests will be able to have a look at our forty-page e-book, which will feature many pictures but also interesting stories about our ranch. The two one-minute and four-minute videos will be published on our website as early as mid October. We are really excited to see the results!

At the pig pen: photographer Graham is not afraid to get down and dirty for a great shot.

Lights, camera, action: having fun during the outdoor shoot.

Wranglers at Echo Valley: „Just try to look natural...“

Tags: E-Book, Photoshoot, Video
Posted in News, Special events, The Ranch | No Comments »

Kids Weeks at EVR – Just a Bit of Fun =)

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

It started one week ago. I will go on for another two weeks. The Kids Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch keep everybody on the go. With lots of fun and laughter, they are an adventure for kids and parents alike.

Echo Valley Ranch is usually a quiet place where our guests can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For three weeks in summer, however, everything is a bit different. It is a little louder; the guests definitely run around a little more, and plenty of laughter and action going on. The 2011 Kids Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch have begun and the kids are the center of attention.
Kids Weeks at EVR are anything but boring. There are many activities for the little ones, with horseback riding at the top of the list, of course. Whether in the form of riding lessons and pony games in the arena, or on a guided trail rides through the great outdoors with their breathtaking scenery, the kids will feel like little cowboys or cowgirls riding one of our 24 guest horses.

Scavenger hunts, badminton, barbeques and campfires
Apart from horseback riding, Taylor, our kids’ counsellor, has a great repertoire of kids’ games and activities ensuring that the parents will have some time to enjoy one of our great spa treatments, take a quiet walk, or simply relax as well. One of the weekly kids’ activities is the EVR Scavenger Hunt, the perfect opportunity for the little ones to get to know the ranch and the other kids and do lots of running in the process. Other options include volleyball, badminton, swimming or games in the pool, or playing Frisbee with the eight Border Collies.
The highlight of the week is the two barbeques and campfire nights. The kids get to stay up a little longer, hang out with their new friends at the fire, make music, and roast marshmallows.
Whichever activities the kids like, one thing is for sure: they will go home with many new friends and great memories. At Echo Valley Ranch, we are looking forward to spending another great week with our little guests. Yihaaa!

Tags: Games, Kids Weeks, Scavenger Hunt
Posted in Events, News, The Ranch | 1 Comment »

Kelly Lake: Once to the Mars and Back

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Echo Valley Ranch is at the heart of nature: fairytale-like forests, green pastures, crystal clear lakes. Who would expect extraterrestrial life forms in the midst of this beautiful Canadian countryside? The answer: NASA.

Usually, Kelly Lake is just a regular lake. One of many around Echo Valley Ranch. Usually…
That this is not always the case was proven last weekend. A great number of scientists made their way to Kelly Lake. Even NASA representatives were present. The reason: Kelly Lake is quite unique. Findings in the depths of the lake may give scientists new clues about extraterrestrial life within our Solar System.

International science project
It all started at Pavilion Lake, where scientists discovered fossile microbialites a few years ago. This is why the international, interdisciplinary science and research project is called «Pavilion Lake Research Project». In the meantime, the same structures in all different morphological forms, e.g. cauliflower, chimney, artichoke and coral, were also found in the Kelly Lake. Microbialites are carbonate structures, which form in the water with the help of microorganisms. They have been found in a few lakes on Earth; however, what sets Kelly and Pavilion Lake apart from the other sites is the unusually great diversity of the microbialites.

Hoping to meet E.T.
The questions remains: why is NASA interested in the findings at Kelly Lake as well? Well, normally, it is not surprising to find carbonate in the form of lime stones. Under special circumstances, however, it is possible that carbonate forms unique and unusual structures – mostly when life forms are involved. The special microbialites in the Kelly Lake contain single-celled microbes in contrast to the usually found dead stalactites. A unique occurrence. These microorganisms form special structures, which leave specific biological signatures behind. Up to this point, these microbialites had only been found in places without life, e.g. on Mars. The Kelly Lake structures though live in a «normal» lake under normal circumstances. Moreover, the microbiliate structures in question are very similar to the ones that existed on Earth 2.5 billion years ago.
The scientists involved and NASA, thus, hope to find answers regarding life forms in our Solar Systems based on the new findings in Kelly Lake.

A look behind the scenes
Last Saturday, the people in and around Kelly Lake got the chance to get a look behind the scenes of the exciting research project. Many enthusiasts came to the Cariboo Lodge in Clinton to listen to the scientists giving an outline of their work.
As you can see, Echo Valley Ranch is not only located in one of the most beautiful parts of Canada, it is also one of the most exciting areas of the world when it comes to future research.