Archive for the ‘Special events’ Category

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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.

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“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...“

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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.

One of the microbialites from Kelly Lake.

The «Pavilion Lake Research Project» scientists at work.

Many visitors made their way to Clinton last Saturday to find out about the project.

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About horses, birthday cake and good friends

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Twenty friends.  One birthday.  Having Echo Valley Ranch & Spa all to yourself for once.  All excellent ingredients for a perfect weekend.  And indeed, that’s what it was. All of the guests came to Echo Valley Ranch & Spa for one reason: To celebrate the birthday of their good friend Wendy.

Five horses, four cats, and two dogs:  these are the animals with whom Wendy shares her life – and she loves them all dearly.  The reason is obvious; animals are Wendy’s greatest passion.  And it has been that way for all her life.  In Wendy’s case, all her life means 70 years.  Quite a while or so it seems.  However, looking at Wendy it is hard to image that she has been around for such a long time.  She just does not look her age – seemingly unfair to some – definitely great for Wendy!
Moreover, an occasion like the 70th birthday needs an appropriate celebration.  Wendy and her husband Eric were of the same opinion, and so they invited 20 of Wendy’s good friends to spend the last weekend of May with them at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.  Everything was about celebrating: dancing, laughing, horseback riding, hiking, spending quality time with friends, or simply taking some time to relax in the spa or outside in nature.  Wendy fully relied on Norm and Nan’s excellent hospitality to make her birthday weekend a special occasion.  She knew she could trust them because Wendy has been a guest at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa for many years, and became a dear friend to Norm and Nan during that time.

Where Did the Suitcase Go?
All of the guests including Wendy and her husband Eric arrived at EVR on Friday, the 28 May 2011.  Everything was perfect.  Or so it seemed…  It turned out that Wendy had forgotten to bring her suitcase.  The birthday girl without clothes?  Impossible!  As usual, Nan knew what to do.  Without further ado, the two raided Nan’s closet and found Wendy suitable birthday attire for her first evening at Echo Valley Ranch.  The suitcase made it to the ranch later that weekend – it was funny start to the festivities nevertheless.

The atmosphere during the weekend was inspiring, warm-hearted, and most of all cheerful – a party among true friends.  Always in the midst of it all was Belly, Wendy’s beloved dog.  It didn’t take long for her to win over the hearts of the other birthday guests as well.
During the day the guest were able to take advantage of all the great things Echo Valley Ranch has to offer.  They went horseback riding, hiking, biking, or simply read a book, spent some time outside with the many ranch animals, or enjoyed one of the great BC Spa treatments.

The Big Day
Chef Jason Folk attended to the guests’ culinary needs by preparing delicious meals that made mouths water.  In addition, the Thai crew outdid themselves once again, preparing an exceptional selection of dishes for the Thai night on Saturday evening.  It was quite a party on Saturday night: the guests were dancing to Thai and Canadian tunes and surprised Wendy by singing a special song for her.

Finally, it was Sunday, the 30 May, the big day: Wendy’s 70th birthday.  Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so the BBQ night had to take place inside.  However, that didn’t disturb the good mood at all and the birthday cake remained dry.
Overall, a perfect weekend with satisfied guests.  And hopefully a good reason for Wendy to think about spending her 80th birthday weekend at Echo Valley as well.  We are already looking forward to it!

Birthday girl Wendy with husband Eric.

Unforgettable: a song for Wendy.

Spring encounters: wannabe tiger meets ranch dog

Wendy and some of her friends are going for a trail ride.

Chef Jason presents the birthday cake.

A perfect weekend: Wendy and all her friends.

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New Year's Eve

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

December 31st 2009

It was a glorious day today, a balmy -5C and beautiful hoar frost coating the trees and everything else outside, all highlighted by the sun. All of the outdoor activities were taking place, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, and just plain walking around and taking it all in. I drove two of our guests down to the canyon and all in all everything was super.

The food is always a big hit and our New Year’s dinner was no exception. I have included some pictures but for the midnight shots I was too busy popping the champagne bottles to take pictures.

(more…)

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