WELCOME

As we wandered across the alpine one day, a trail rider friend told me that I really should start a blog. "Pardon? A what?" I said, sure that between the rustling packs, tinkling tack and hooves striking rocks, I must have heard her just clearing her throat or blowing her nose. "A blog" she repeated, "They're a great way to share and people would really enjoy reading about your lifestyle". I was thoroughly flabbergasted at the idea, but Carla's suggestion appealed to me and three years later, and with my blog knowledge only slightly increased,  I'm finally following up. 

So welcome to this peek into our lives in the West Chilcotin. Our main focus is the 600 head cow/calf operation run jointly between ourselves and my parents. My parents, Roger Williams and Wanda Dorsey, have been taking trail rides into the Itcha and Ilgatchuz Mountains since 1978 and I started in as a wrangler at the age of 12. My husband, Eli, also has deep roots in the mountains and guiding business and was raised in the Tatla Lake area. Eli and I recently purchased the guide territory Lehman Creek Outfitting and will start our first season in 2015. Our two upcoming 'top hands' are Jackson (9) and Benjamin (5) and let me tell you, there has never been a dull moment since those two came along!

Our area is considered remote by most standards. We are a four hour drive from the nearest town with a vet. Or a Walmart or a movie theatre. We don't have cell phone service. We do have mosquitoes. And mud. And snow and 40 below. And clear air, bright stars and creeks you can drink out of. We can ride out our back door and not see a sign of another human for 10 days on the trail. We can stand outside our front door and hear only what nature has to say. And do it nude and unnoticed if willing to brave the above mentioned mosquitoes or 40 below. It's a tough life in many ways, but once in your blood, it's near impossible to get rid of. 

                                                                                           Photo Credit Nan Currie


I look forward to documenting and describing our lifestyle to you and no doubt it will be a learning experience for both of us. We will be calving, branding, shoeing horses, range riding, hosting colt starting clinics, cooking, mountain trail riding, haying, hunting and guiding, winter feeding, working on fence projects and trying to keep up to two busy boys. I'll add some local history and stories, lots of photos and whatever else perks my interest or yours. 

Any suggestions about what you'd like to hear about or what you would like to see are very welcome. Your patience as I figure this process out is much appreciated. 

Photo Credit to my friend Sheena Martinez

"Cheers" to you and this new adventure and perhaps we will catch up along the trail one day.

Sincerely,
Punky