My Jasper Story – Dana & Rockclimbing

Dana, a 4th generation Jasperite, shares his ‘My Jasper Story’. ‘My Jasper’ speaks to the stories of the people that make Jasper a community and an international vacation destination. More at: myjasperstory.com

Traverse City Family Fun: Katie’s Story

Enjoy this funny, offbeat story from the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau about a reluctant teen who learns that her parents may actually be pretty smart when it comes to picking out a summer vacation destination. Produced by Petersen Productions of Traverse City. Big fun!

Riding for the disabled – Gwen & Paul’s Story March 2009

My husband Paul was diagnosed with MS about ten years ago and as his mobility has deteriorated it has been increasingly difficult for us to go on the kind of outdoor holidays we used to enjoy. I looked on the internet for activity holidays for people with wheelchairs and saw one for a riding holiday in Arizona. We had both been keen riders and for a time Paul attended riding for the disabled. Unfortunately he had to stop as he could no longer dismount safely.

I doubted very much that this advertised holiday would be suitable but rang Have Horse Will Travel anyway. Emma assured me that this particular guest ranch would definitely be able to get Paul on and off the horse, how much he could do once mounted would have to be seen. After some discussion with Emma, she put together an individual itinerary for us and organised all the details down to the taxi!

For our first 3 nights we stayed in Las Vegas at the Flamingo hotel, right on the Strip! Our room overlooked Caesars Palace and Las Vegas was a total eye opener, more over the top than we could have imagined, lively and busy and colourful. The casinos were amazing, huge and gaudy and busy 24/7. I thought I would have to have a small go on the slots, but after I had spent a whole $5 I was so bored I had to give up – the last of the big spenders.

Emma had booked us a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and we were to be picked up at the hotel. What we didn’t expect was the long black stretch limo and driver awaiting us – wow! We were so amazed, we had expected a taxi!  The helicopter flight was awesome, much smoother than I expected. And the Grand Canyon…… what can I say, we were boggled by it, it was huge and deep and has to be seen to be believed.

On the Sunday we travelled to the ranch. This was about 2 ½ hours away, through what at first glance, seemed dry and barren scenery. The ranch itself was as different from Las Vegas as it could possibly be – quiet, isolated, calm and above all friendly and welcoming. Carrie and Dan made us feel at home straight away and throughout our stay nothing was too much trouble for them. They have such a “can do” attitude as does every member of staff, that they make you feel anything is possible.

I really did not think they would get Paul onto a horse and even if they did he would not be able to go outside the arena. To the great joy of both of us they did get Paul mounted, on a very patient gelding called Cochise. The first time Paul just went round the arena but as he was able to stay in the saddle unaided he was taken round the perimeter of the ranch. As he hadn’t ridden for over 3 years he soon tired but the big grin on his face when he came back was something special.

I enjoyed my first ride as well, just a walking ride to allow the wranglers and Carrie to decide what type of ride and which horse would be most suitable. Jef, the wrangler on my first couple of days there was super. Once he found out I was interested in the natural history of the area he went out of his way to point out different lizards, birds, plants and a lot of other information about the area. The horses were all well mannered and easy to ride. I found the first saddle I used uncomfortable, much to my surprise, as western riding always looked so much more relaxed than English. However the second day I rode a different horse with a different saddle and it was a completely changed experience as it was every bit as comfortable as I had hoped. Neck reining was a whole new process too and took a bit of getting used to, but the horse I rode was quite unflappable and didn’t get upset at my occasional lapses into riding with a direct rein, he just ignored me!

Once the Carrie knew what we were able to do I went out on some quite fast rides. There are some wide sandy washes in the area, safe and perfect for loping (cantering to me!) and we could lope for long distances, much further than I am used to. Up close the desert is not as barren as it first seems, with many small wild flowers, cactuses of various persuasions (some very fierce) and my favorites the Joshua trees. To our great pleasure Paul was able to accompany us on the start of each ride. A couple of members of staff always walked with him and he would ride out for 20 minutes or so before turning back. He could have done the same in the afternoon, but as fatigue is a major problem he usually stayed at the ranch, often surrounded by the ranch dogs who were pleased to have someone there to make a fuss of them when the staff were busy.

The weather was sunny but surprisingly cool, so riding was very pleasant.

However it got quite windy in the afternoons and on the Thursday a real sandstorm blew up. Carrie and Dan said it was only the second time they had experienced such a bad one since they set up the ranch. Most of us passed on the afternoons ride, it was like being sandblasted and quite unpleasant, although a couple of people did go out. Unfortunately the wind was so strong that it lifted the covers from the pool and hot tub which quickly filled with sand and debris. It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Dan and his team that they had them cleaned out, refilled and working as normal by Saturday morning.

The food was of the same standard as the rest of the holiday – 3 full meals per day, freshly cooked (OH the Ribs… and the warm fresh cookies….. the deserts…….)and as much as you wanted. There were some really brilliant other guests, mealtimes were great and often it was hard to drag yourself away from the table to enjoy the after dinner entertainment.

I can’t praise this holiday enough, it was magic. For any former riders out there who can’t ride now because of mobility problems this place was perfect and if you can ride it’s just as great. Our heartfelt thanks to Emma for sorting it all out and helping us through some minor hiccups. We loved it!

Unique Camping Equipment – The Inside Story On Exclusive Camping Equipment

While looking for the proper equipment for your forthcoming camping expedition, you may come across some very exclusive camping equipment. Depending upon your camping plan whether it will be in the desert, along the coastal line or in the mountains, you will require some special and unique camping equipment.

If you browse through the internet you will come across many sites online specializing in selling exclusive camping equipment. Items like snake bite kit; disguise tent and clothing or night vision goggles. Though these items may seem needless, they are required depending on the kind of camping expedition you are planning. For a camping trip in a desert, you may need a snake bite kit which can be a life saving device. If you are planning a hunting expedition then disguise tent and clothing and night vision goggles may become essential item. A whistle can also be taken as an exclusive item as it may not be something you would pick up for a camping expedition but may come handy in the time of need. Remember when buying exclusive items and selecting what you will require, all depends on the site you plan to camp in and the activities you intend doing while you are camping.

There is a variety of different and innovative tents that are manufactured and are available in the marketplace. One such variety is the glow in the dark tent. This variety of tent may be useful if you go to the bathroom at night and have difficulty in finding your way back to the tent.
The manufacturer of the tent also quotes that the glow of the tent keeps away all bugs and insects. The same manufacturer also makes polka dot tents for those who want to have a fashionable and exclusive tent. Some other manufacturer is starting to make tents for disabled persons. It can become difficult at times for a person on a wheelchair to take pleasure in camping with the rest of the family. There are manufacturers who make exclusive camping equipment with this in mind too.

There is a wide range of exclusive camping equipment available suiting any exclusive camping expedition. These exclusive items are useful to many and at the same time enjoyable as it is new and different. Some may think to carry these items is useless but at times they can prove to be not only useful but life saving device too. Nevertheless, these items can be expensive than the normal camping equipment because of its exclusivity, so keeping this in mind decide on the necessity of the equipment and not because it is unusual and new.