Spring is so exhilarating! Everything is new and happening … and at Echo Valley there are no exceptions!

We have been renovating and upgrading many things, and all the “old-timer” staff are so excited about the new staff arriving here, sharing their excitement for their new surroundings and impending work environment; the animals, the sights, the wilds of the Cariboo; the adventures and guests from Canada and abroad.

We have so many new creatures, of both the human and animal variety that it has created a new buzz around the ranch.

 Along with our local “staff lore” comes the regular springtime expectations. New beginnings! So far we received two new horses, Lacey and the Red Rocket, (Rocky) both of whom we welcomed with a great deal of treats and a little bit of spoiling and grooming. 

Brian’s falcons have laid many eggs and we will keep you in the loop  with the results as the hatching begins.

Our 11 new Black Angus heifers from last spring have begun their little maiden journey into adulthood, resulting in 7 new little calves at this point ,and more to come! The little monkeys have begun their barnyard shenanigans,  stirring up the collies, and keeping us on our toes so as to make me want to check every night for lost “puppies” ,so to speak. It’s a full time, 24 hour a day job to monitor cows calving until they are done. Horses are so much easier!!!

And last, but not least, the summer time sounds are back! The birds that parade on the nearby tree all summer long are singing their songs again, making me smile as I gaze up at that big, tall tree with a built in harmonious chorus. Our local owls are hooting and making their territorial calls … I am especially glad that they are here and keeping me company at night.

I kind of missed them all winter. Occasionally I would hear the faint and lonely call of an obscure owl, as though he was lost in our winter. But now the action is here and the sounds are profound and effective. I really sported a big smile on my face when I first heard that familiar sound. They’re back! Again!!!

I can’t wait for the momma bears and their cubs to show up in our upper pastures! They usually show up sometime around early May, and they mix in with the horses and cows like they grew up together. It’s a sight to remember. Who would have thought!

I have come across some cow moose in my travels, and the mountain sheep are rampant! Everywhere!

Well, since I have been away, and have rather neglected our blog, and keeping people truly updated; I just wanted to share some photos from before l left on my trip when we still had snow and winter was still wavering. A glorious full moon we had, and as I have said before … my simple camera does not do anything justice … You just have to come and see for yourself!