April 2004 Newsletter

SUMMER IS FAST APPROACHING!!

Spring has sprung on Pearson's Pond.  We were so glad to see an early spring this year.   We have already turned the irrigation on and the grass is green with the beautiful blue pond rippling against the meadow.  The ice left the first week of April this year and the birds have all returned.  It is definetly a merry melody out our front window.  All the Menhinick's are well and the kids have been busy playing with their chickens and rabbits.  Our new baby is now here and is a very welcome bundle.  She decided to come a little earlier than expected.  I guess checking out the range wasn't her idea of fun!

It looks like it will be a great year in the mountains.  The wildflowers will be spectacular and we are expecting a colourful display on the way to Spruce for the beginning of June.  We are starting to see our first black bears now.  They are out eating the new grass.  The mama deer are looking full and I am sure we will have some spotted babies around by the end of May this year.

The horses all wintered well at home.  They are losing all their winter coats and are anxious to get out on the fresh grass.   We are on countdown now to spring turn out for them and we will be happy to see them hit the hills.  Feeding them all this winter was a big job!  It was nice to have them all home though.

Currently we are promoting a PHOTO CONTEST.  For all of our past clients we offer you to send us in one of your best or most memorable pictures from a past tour.  Please note that pictures will not be returned to you.  Winners will be announced in one of our newsletter.  All photos are to be in by July 1st.  First place prize is a SLWA Vest with Baseball Cap from our Gift Shop, Second Prize is a SLWA T-Shirt with Baseball Cap and Third Prize is a SLWA Baseball Cap.  We hope you will all have a great time looking through your pictures and we can't wait to see them!

Summer is not too far away now!  We have several specials on for the month of June and some of July.  We still have space available to work with your groups ideal dates.  As well we have room on our very popular Taseko Lake Tour in August.  Our groups last year were incredibly impressed by the spectacular scenery.  The opportunity to travel through two Parks and two different districts in 7 Days was fabulous.  The weather was unbelievable and the pictures that were taken were spectacular!  Definetly a memorable trip!

We look forward to hearing from all of you soon.  We would love to assist you in your  holiday planning.  We have so much country still to explore!  Call us soon to discuss your family or groups summer adventure today!

All the best for a fantastic, adventurous and memorable 2004 Summer!

Warren, Casie and Crew

Following you will find some specials for those on our mail out list to enjoy!!

2004 SPECIALS

WILDERNESS GUIDE TRAINING SCHOOL

Are you looking for a career in adventure tourism or the horse industry? Would you like to further your knowledge of back country living and basic horsemanship? Then this is the course for you. Our spring program is at a special price as we are actively searching for employees for the upcoming season. We will provide participants with a solid combination of working knowledge and practical skills for --horse handling, horse shoeing, horse packing, feed and range management, mountain riding, pack trip preparation, back country camp selection, working with teams, plant and wildlife identification and so much more! Start your career in adventure today! This program is registered with PPSEC and HR funding is available to qualifying candidates.

May 3rd to May 16th (2 Week Beginner Program) reg. $2000.00 sale. $1500.00

THIS PREVIOUSLY FULLY BOOKED PROGRAM NOW HAS ONE SPACE AVAILABLE!!!

Our next Guide Training Program begins on June 1st and space is still available but filling up fast!

PACK HORSE TOURS:

Take yourself on a journey back to the days of the pioneers, to a time where you and your horse carried the simple belongings needed for survival. A time where the rugged beauty of the Chilcotin high country yielded its breathtaking treasures only to those who ventured off the beaten path and where new wilderness adventures awaited in every brook, vista, glade and peak. Every tour includes excellent photo opportunities, wildlife viewing, fishing and memories to last a lifetime!

3 Day Tour (Weekend Special)

June 18th to June 20th reg. $510.00 sale. $475.00

July 9th to July 11th

4 Day Tour

June 15th till June 18th reg. $680.00 sale. $625.00

5 Day Tour

June 21st to June 25th reg. $850.00 sale. $800.00

Sept. 27th to Oct. 1st

TASEKO LAKE TOUR

Departs Main Ranch: August 3 Fly’s Out Taseko: August 9 (8 places available)

Fly In to Taseko: August 9 Home to Main Ranch: August 15 (3 places available - men only)

Our Taseko Lake tour is the ultimate journey into the back country. This tour is designed for experienced riders with a high level of comfort in the back country. We must have a minimum of 7 riders each way for it to go. Otherwise the tour will be converted to a 7 day extended back country tour and fly out of a closer destination or be vehicle supported. Ride the wide open spaces of Taseko, see Big Creek Provincial Park and Spruce Lake Park all in one trip!

7 Day Tour with transfers $1550.00 per person

YOUTH CAMP

Do you have a youth at home (ages 13 to 18) looking for an exciting summer adventure, the ultimate Grad Get A Way or just wanting to learn more about horses and the wilderness? Have them come and challenge themselves! This program is participation at its fullest. It is proven that animals bring out the best of people and the knowledge of how to live and respect the back country will build self esteem and self confidence in all! Our 7 day program will teach them basic horsemanship skills, horse grooming and care, mountain survival skills, safety around animals and in the wilderness and so much more. Camps are fully supervised, separate accommodation for male and female students. (July 16 - 22)

7 Days with first night and meals incl. $1100.00pp

CALL US TODAY TO ASK ABOUT OUR OTHER SPECIAL PACKAGES or BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE!!

Back Country Horseman Seminar with Tours ** 7 Day Extended Back Country Tours ** City Slicker Package

SPRUCE LAKE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

Gun Creek Road, Gold Bridge, B.C. V0K 1P0

ph. 250-238-2375 fx. 250-238-0100

www.sprucelaketours.ca rides@sprucelaketours.ca