It appears that I wasn’t the only blogger holidaying out in a Canadian red state: Roger Simon spent some time in Alberta, the Dorsman family traveled north to visit the Blackwater Spruce Ranch in central British Columbia like they did last year. And our hosts Dale and Yvonne Dunn did everything to let us enjoy horseback riding, wilderness, ranch life and their excellent cuisine which given their line of work meant lots of beef, the type which you won’t find at your average butcher. Again, if this is your kind of holiday then this is your address, probably one of the best of its kind in North America.

Given the ranch’s remote location I was put on a harsh diet of no news, no internet and lots of sleep, all of which should help contribute to a refreshing start now that the summer is drawing to an end and life will start to get back to normal. Of course, some impressions:

The stables as seen through the eyes of my four-year old daughter Maeve after getting hold of the camera. As you will see, wildlife is part of the scene here and I can attest to having encountered one moose and calf, a black bear and numerous deer. For a big city person like myself, still major news.

In the truck - me with sunglasses – on our way to Titetown lake.

Titetown Lake, civilization miles and miles away.

Irene and Pieter and their horses during a five hour trailride doing parts of the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail.

Colts. Beautiful colts.