Riding through pristine Cattle Country
You asked us: "What's New?" - Well, This is!
This is a ride from our home base, the M&M Ranch in the foothills, heading south towards Pincher Creek in Southern Alberta. Parallel to the Rockies and the Porcupine Hills we will ride through different landscapes like forested area, grassy hillsides and the edge of the open Prairie. The scenery promises to be stunning.
Bear in mind that the 2009 launch is somewhat a reconnaissance trip. It is designed for people with good riding skills and a keen sense of adventure prepared to face the unexpected. Given the lateness in the season, we will spend some nights in B&B's with showers and a real bed and some nights in tents to enjoy the campfire romantic our trips are known for. There are several working ranches along the way which will host us and share their grounds with our group and horses.
Like the High Plains Drifter, our intention is to leave the pack horses at home so we can make better time. But unlike the High Plains ride, the Rockies will form a stunning backdrop to our west throughout the journey south.
We will ride through ranchland that hasn't much changed since the time of the first settlers in this area. The horse is still the main partner for most cowboys here.
Late September, early October is the typical time of the Indian Summer. It is famous for its clear and warm sunny days with stunning colouration of the aspen trees. With some early snow in the Rocky Mountains behind this is often the prettiest time of the year.
Itinerary for 2009
| 27 Sept | Guests arrive in Calgary, transfer to Bragg Creek, reception, overnight at the Ranch |
| 28 Sept | Ride from Ranch to Sheep River (camp or B&B) |
| 29 Sept | Ride to Highwood River (camp) |
| 30 Sept | Ride to Chain Lake/Willow Creek Area (camp) |
| 01 Oct | Ride to Chimney Rock Area (B&B at a Ranch) |
| 02 Oct | Ride into Porcupine Hills (B&B at a Ranch) |
| 03 Oct | Ride out of Porcupine Hills (B&B at a Ranch) |
| 04 Oct | Ride to somewhere North of Crowsnest River (B&B) |
| 05 Oct | Ride to South of Lumbreck, near the Castle River (camp) |
| 06 Oct | Arrive in Beaver Mines (camp) |
| 07 Oct | Transport back to Bragg Creek, overnight at M&M Ranch |
| 08 Oct | Departure |
Price includes: Nine Days days of guided riding, with historical and natural interpretation, all meals from supper 27 September until breakfast 08 October 2009, 2 nights in our guesthouse at the ranch, 4 or 5 nights B&B, 4 or 5 nights in camp (wall tents), transport to and from Calgary to Bragg Creek and return from Beaver Mines, and PHENOMENAL MEMORIES!
Not included: Alcohol with your meals (you can order beer and wine for dinners during the trip) and 5% federal tax
| Prices and Dates: | $ 2.395 (CAD), 27 September - 08 Oktober 2009 |
| Level of Experience: | strong intermediate to advanced (see details) |
| Pace and Terrain: | walk, trot and canter, river crossings, grassy slopes |
| Accommodation: | 2 nights at the M&M Ranch (surcharge for single room applies), see itinerary for accommodation on the trail |
| Route: | see trailmap |
