BIG WEST ADVENTURES

Big West Adventures email us today bigwestadventures@gmail.com

The overwhelming pace of today’s business world consumes not only our time, it consumes our lives as well and before we realize it we’re too old to enjoy all those things we dreamt of doing.

Our routine and our focus become entirely directed towards a successful business career and our lives pass by without notice, without adventure.

It is our intention here at Big West Adventures to help change the pace for you by making available some of the most breath taking wilderness adventures possible.

We live in a land of diversity and contrast, from the flat grain lands of the East to the Great Divide in the heart of the Rocky Mountains to the West, from the great Boreal Forests of the distant North to the rolling Foothills in the South Alberta’s incredible landscape is second to none.

Escape the confines of the towering city around you and come explore Alberta’s vast and incredible wilderness with us on a personalized and professionally guided adventure.

Experience the silent and inner joy of watching a small herd of nursing cow elk as they care for their calves. Feel the thrills of crawling slowly over a ridge top on your belly while you stalk a band of bighorn rams with your camera in hand. Watch in awe as you witness a mountain goat climb effortlessly through his lofty domain high in his alpine hide away.

The adventures and experiences we will share with you will create memories you will treasure the rest of your life.

Let us help you develop a deep appreciation for Alberta’s wilderness all the while learning the habits and traditional ranges of the resident wildlife as we travel together.

It is not our intention at Big West Adventures to operate a large scale commercial trail ride outfit whose main concern is the number of riders it can push through. It is our mission not to cater to the masses but to offer a truly memorable wilderness experience to those who are seeking a more personal and enjoyable adventure.

MAY & JUNE

The spring months of May and June find Alberta’s ungulate species giving birth to their young. This is in an incredible time in the mountains to witness and photograph some spectacular scenes.

Rocky Mountain Elk, Mountain Goat, Big Horn Sheep, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer and Shiras Moose offer an wide variety of observation and photography opportunities while the diversity of their spring range allows for some breath taking hiking and lower elevation horseback adventures to be had.

During the spring adventure season it is not uncommon while in the field to discover the shed antlers from the Mule Deer, White Tail Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk and Shiras Moose. These unique trophies are an added bonus to the already exciting adventure and certainly make an interesting home decoration and conversation piece.

JULY & AUGUST

The summer months are the only time that the majority of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain wilderness areas are safely accessible by hiking and horseback and believe it, there is plenty to see and experience.

High Alpine lakes, Ancient Glaciers and long mountain valleys, all to be explored while in the company of an experienced and very knowledgeable wilderness guide while on the back of a trusted horse or during one of our horse assisted hiking adventures.

With the worries of back country travel minimized in the presence of your guide, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your incredible back country adventure, soaking in the thrills of such a breath taking experience.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

As the days grow shorter and the shadows longer, the Rocky Mountains begin their colourful transformation into the snow covered silence of winter.

The alpine aspens and the high mountain Lyle’s Larch turn the mountain sides and valley depths into a cascading adventure land of gold, red and bronze. The crisp morning air and the frost covered shadows that seem to linger in the dark timbered valleys. The high Northern slopes that lose touch with the warmth of the summer sun as the days continue to grow shorter.

The echo of the bull elk’s challenge echo’s through the valley as he too feels the coming change. It is a spectacular time to witness the back country, a time to listen, to watch. It is a time to remember.

DECEMBER

The month of December brings with it the time of the lasting snows, freezing temperatures and ice covered lakes. It brings with it the time of the cougar.

With the expert use of a small pack of traditional Mountain Lion Hounds we locate, track and photograph the Mountain Lions of Alberta’s foothills and Rocky Mountains.

Our unique and exciting Mountain Lion Photography adventures not only offer an extremely rare opportunity to witness and photograph such an elusive and intriguing animal but they also assist in the documentation of cougar locations and movements.

By helping to create an extensive record of the Mountain Lion and its frequent movement our excursions are a way to contribute to the management of such an incredible species.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

The increasing snow levels in the high country have now succeeded in pushing the large majority of Alberta’s ungulate populations into their winter ranges, many of whom can be observed and photographed in large and undisturbed numbers.

The increasing snows of midwinter also provide an excellent environment for wilderness snowshoeing, a wonderful and traditional way to spend a day in the snow.

Exploring the valley bottoms and winter ranges while enjoying some great exercise and a fire side lunch certainly beats a slow and mundane day in front of the television.

Escape the winter blues and enjoy a fully guided winter adventure.

MARCH

As winter begins to see its icy grip loosen and the sun once again begins to overtake the long nights, this is the time we concentrate on the Timber Wolf.

The long winter months have seen the Timber Wolf travel far in the search for food. Their mournful howl can be heard in a large portion of the Foothills and the Boreal Forests of the North as they travel the frozen river ways in their constant hunt for prey.

Experience the incredible thrill as you listen to a pack of wolves howling to each other as they work their way down a wilderness valley towards you.

Enjoy the intensity as the pack excitedly answers the skilful and eerie howl of your wilderness guide, drawing ever closer to your hidden position with each howl.

APRIL & MAY

The arrival of the warm air of spring has now caused the high alpine snows to loosen their grip on the mountain peaks and the back country fills with the ominous rumble of the deadly avalanches that claim even the strongest of those who choose to venture forth.
We leave Mother Nature to herself during this time of the year so her creeks and rivers may rise and fall, swelling their banks while the high country peaks shed themselves of their snowy winter coats

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE ADVENTURE!! email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Horseback riding with "Big West Adventures"

HORSEBACK RIDING IN ALBERTA WITH “BIG WEST ADVENTURES”

Sit, hang on and shut-up. This seems to be the general attitude for most of Alberta’s horseback riding facilities.

More often than not someone from, or visiting Calgary Alberta who wants to spend some relaxing time with, on or around horses must either tolerate riding around in a large circle while stuck in the confines of an arena of some fashion or they are stuffed into a line- up of people they don’t know and shuffled off for a bump and grind one hour ride.

At “Big West Adventures” horseback riding is just a small part of your experience. Get to know the animal you will be riding. Learn to properly groom and handle your trusted mount. Take the time to stand in the presence of the mighty horse and feel his comforting soul reach out and touch yours.

We’re not in the “sit, hang-on and shut-up business” at “Big West Adventures”, we’re in the experience business and to us, every minute spent with a horse is time very well spent.

The connection between horse and rider is a very important part of our Adventure Program at “Big West” and we strongly encourage you to spend as much time as you wish with your horse.

“Big West Adventures” is NOT in the hourly ride business which would force us to work behind the confines of a regimented schedule. We spend a day with our clients, teaching, enjoying and creating memories that will last a life time.

The sound of the wind, the smell of the wild flowers and pines, the sound of horse’s hooves, the warmth in your heart. At “Big West Adventures” those are just some of the feelings you’ll experience while you enjoy your horseback ride into some of Alberta’s most spectacular country.

Take pride in your new found knowledge of horseback riding and horses. Feel confident in telling your friends how you learned to take a proper seat on the back of a horse, how you now know how to navigate a wilderness trail while feeling the strength of a sure footed horse beneath you.

With hundreds of miles of wilderness trails to ride in Alberta your first experience with “Big West Adventures” will certainly not be your last.

“TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE” with “Big West Adventures”

We’re only a “click” away   email us: bigwestadventures@gmail.com  

Written By: Ron Arnett
"A man from the wilderness"

TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE WITH BIG WEST ADVENTURES

 

Tired of the taste of exhaust in the back of your throat?

Tired of rubbing elbows with people you don’t know while riding the C-Train to work?

Feel like the walls of your office are closing in on you?

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; Alberta’s most dedicated four season adventure company.

“Big West Adventures” offers fully guided customized wilderness adventures, whether it’s an afternoon hike along the High Wood River or a full day horseback adventure into the incredible foothills or mountains South of Calgary your adventure with “Big West Adventures” will be one you’ll remember for years to come.

So many of today’s tourist oriented companies care not for the quality of experience they give their clients, they care only for the money they make while expending as little effort as possible.

“Big West Adventures” is dedicated to making your wilderness experience the very best it can be by making it educational, exciting and personal.

By accommodating a limited number of guests during each of our wilderness excursions “Big West Adventures” maintains a very personal approach, working to give each guest the utmost attention and care.

We’re in business because of you.

We want to share our extensive knowledge of the wilderness with you.

We strive to ensure that each adventure is just that, an adventure we were fortunate enough to experience with you.

At the end of the day you’ll leave satisfied and with a deeper appreciation for Alberta’s vast wilderness and the wildlife that lives there in abundance.

Life is an adventure; let “Big West Adventures” share a truly exciting and unique wilderness adventure with you every time you need a change of pace.

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; you’ll just keep coming back for more.

email us at bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Escape into the Wilderness

Escape into the Wilderness

When is the last time you sat on a ridge top and listened to the sound of the wind whisper through the trees?

When was it you last sat mesmerized by the slow dance of a campfire’s flames?

Can you recall the last time you heard the strike of a horse’s shod foot as he carried you across a creek high in the mountains?

The smells, the sounds and the sights of a wilderness adventure will linger forever within the confines of your mind, giving you escape from the hectic pace of a busy life when you most need it.

No ringing phone. No buzzing text messages. No emails demanding your attention. Only the sound of the wind, the smell of the pines, the warmth of a Southern slope’s afternoon sun. Peace and serenity. Escape.

With “Big West Adventures” you can experience Mother Nature’s touch without the hurried pace of a generic tourist trap. We cater not to the masses but to you, to your personal needs and desires. Striving to ensure you leave with only the fondest memories possible.

Share with us the ultimate in wilderness adventures. Whether it be from the back of a horse, a fully guided hiking adventure or a trek through Winter’s wonderland on a set of snowshoes “Big West Adventures” will create for you memories that will make you smile for years to come.

“Big West Adventures”…..we’re only a “click” away….. bigwestadventures@gmail.com

THE MIGHTY HORSE

In the beginning the Creator made the heavens, the earth and all the creatures within, he stopped on the seventh day taking rest, taking time to cast a backwards glance over his work. With a wrinkled brow he came to the realization that he had made some mistakes in creating mankind and it became obvious that man would require assistance while on his journey through life.

The great Creator gathered unto him all the creatures of the earth and in a kind and gentle voice he explained that man would be in need of assistance as he traveled on his journey through life. Choosing to allow the creatures to decide amongst themselves as to whether or not they wished to help man on his journey the creator stood in silence as the animals pondered his request.

It was the dog that first stepped forth with a wet grin and a wagging tail, looking up into the kind and gentle eyes of his creator the dog said, “It will be I that helps man throughout his journey, I will walk beside him as he travels down life’s road, keeping him company and giving him protection when danger is near.” The Creator smiled, reaching down to softly stroke the dog’s head he said, “Man shall consider you his friend and companion from this day forth, I am pleased.”

When the Creator lifted his gaze from the dog’s smiling face his eyes met the steady gaze of the mighty horse. The horse said in a strong and majestic voice, “You shall walk beside us my tiny friend, walk beside us as I carry man through this world. I shall carry the burdens of man upon my back. I shall pull behind me the weight of his laden carts and plough, leaning into the struggles of man’s life as if they were my own. I shall sacrifice the freedom that I was bestowed in order to help man conquer the difficulties he must face. When man is troubled or unhappy, all he must do is look deeply into my eyes, to feel the warm embrace of my magical spirit and I shall help him feel strength within.”

The Creator’s eyes flooded with warm tears as he listened to the mighty horse and when the steed’s voice fell silent, the Creator place his hand gently upon the horse’s neck and turned to all the Creatures gathered before him. “I have witnessed this mighty being display courage and fortitude, showing a pure and kindred soul, let it be known amongst you that from this day forth the mighty horse shall hold a sacred place deep within my heart.”

Written by

Ron Arnett

"A Man from the Wilderness

email us at    bigwestadventures@gmail.com

A Mother's Love

                                                                 “A Mother’s Love”

 The Southern slopes were now turning green with their early season foliage, the creeks were swelling their banks and the mountains echoed with the thundering sounds of the last of the great spring avalanches.

Spring was in the air and the excitement of new beginnings was everywhere.

The glacier lilies were slowly starting to push their way to the surface, the willow and alder bushes were working to produce their new buds and the sun was gathering strength each morning as it climbed the peaks, casting it’s welcome warmth into the dark shadows of the long winter past.

It was there, high on the southern slopes of the great mountain that she, a four year old black bear sow, chose to introduce her new cubs to the world.

She had given birth deep within the confines of her winter’s den, one, a small brown boar and the other, a tiny black female. She had spent the weeks prior to the  spring thaws deep inside the dark and musky surroundings of the den, nursing the tiny cubs, holding them against the warmth of her breast, feeling the instinctive bond of love grow with each moment that passed. Every time one of the cubs would stir, struggling to regain its hold on one of her nipples, she would feel something stir inside her, warmth and love for her tiny child, a love only a mother can feel.  

Instinct had told her when the time was right for her to leave the den the first time, and, leaving the two now puppy sized cubs alone in the darkness, she broke open the entrance with a strong push, stumbling into the fresh air and warming sunshine. She was hesitant to travel more than a few hundred meters from the den yet her exploration was enough to tell her that there was enough growth amongst the fresh foliage to support her growing hunger.

The winter months had been long, and supporting her own bodily needs and the growth of her two nursing youngsters had depleted her stores of fat and inner proteins. She needed to feed now and the cubs needed the fresh air and sunlight to help them along with the amazing speed at which they grew.

When she returned to the den she could see the tiny tracks of her boar cub at the entrance, knowing he had now tasted the freshness of the outdoors, tasted the freedoms that awaited him and his tiny sister beyond the confines of the den. An excitement stirred within her as she crawled into the den and a desire to show her children their new world began to burn inside her.

 More than a week passed, finding the young mother leaving the den more frequently, traveling further from the steadily growing cubs each time she ventured forth. Each time she returned she could see the evidence that now both of her youngsters were leaving the safety of the den and once she had returned to find them engaged in a wrestling match several meters from the entrance. The time was now upon her to take the pair of inquisitive youngsters on their first full day’s outing, time to show them the amazing world that surrounded them.

As the days grew slowly longer and the sun steadily warmer, the young mother found herself leading her joyous little cubs further and further from the safety of the den, further into the excitement of their new world. She watched carefully over the growing youngsters as she fed in the warmth of the spring, ever watching, feeling protective warmth grow within her as the days passed and the cubs grew, a mother’s love.

The young boar cub was beginning to gain a confidence in his surroundings and was soon testing his mother’s patience with disobedience and solo adventures, one of which found him hanging in an alder tree with no idea of how to get down. His bawling soon brought his mother to the rescue and after several encouraging grunts he released his frantic grip on the suspended limb, tumbling from his perch to the ground below with a thump.

His little sister was much more reluctant to leave the safety of mother’s side, rarely venturing more than a few meters away from her watchful mother. She did however, spend considerable time watching her brother get himself into all sorts of predicaments, almost enjoying, with a little sister’s contempt, when mother would swat him off his feet for becoming too frustrating or getting underfoot and disrupting the task at hand.  

The days grew longer, the spring snows subsided and the growth of the fresh clover in the valley bottoms soon drew the young family down from the safety of the high country, down into the depths of the valley, closer to the ugly brown lines carved into the earth, the access roads pushed into the heart of the wilderness by the timber companies.

Rich clover thrived along the edges of the mountain road and its sweet aroma attracted several of the valley’s resident bears, both grizzly and blacks to the lush and tasty feed. The young mother soon found herself feeding on the soft shoots that had sprouted along a shady road way, leading her young family slowly into the depths of an unfamiliar valley, leading them away from the safety and seclusion of the high mountain slopes.

The cubs were resting, nestled underneath the safety of a huge spruce tree and it’s drooping limbs, cuddled together in the warmth of the afternoon shadows while their mother fed quietly and alone along the edge of an aging  road way. Suddenly her head came erect, her senses sharpened, a distant and strange rumble in the valley depths had broken the silence, an unfamiliar sound that scared and worried her. She tested the wind with her keen nose, listened to the strange sound as it drew nearer, turning towards the shadows along the creek were she had left the cubs with a fear growing inside her. She hurried towards the cubs when suddenly a horrible burning pain slammed into her side, a cry of pain and anguish burst from her as she thrashed in agony, trying desperately to reach her babies, to protect.

 The rifle awakened the cubs with a horrible start and they listened in fear as the awful thunder echoed again through the valley.

The pain stricken moan that escaped their young, loving and protecting mother caused panic in the tiny siblings, and they listened in horror as the echoing thunder was followed by strange and horrific yells a hoops from some strange and evil being.

They waited, trembling in fear, waited for their mother to come to their side, coming to protect them, to save them, to love them. They waited, waited alone until the starvation claimed them both in the dark and ominous shadows of the valley depths.

They waited, waited as dozens of young cubs wait every spring, waiting for their murdered mothers to return, never understanding as they grow weaker and weaker from the starvation and pain that claims their tiny lives.

Written by:

Ron Arnett

 “A man from the wilderness”

email us at    bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Alberta's "Big West Guide & Wrangler School"

Since the days of Lewis and Clark there has been the need for Wilderness Guides. Men who lived in the furthest outreaches of the civilized world, men who had learned the way of the wild, men who stood a head above the rest when it came to overcoming the hardships of mountain travel.

As time passed and civilization pushed its way further into what was once considered wilderness, there still was found the need for those men who knew the ways of the wild.

The wealthy men of the world found much pleasure in the pursuit of the great creatures of the wild yet they lacked the basic skills of wilderness survival and soon found themselves dependant on the skilled woodsman of the day. Thus, the dawn of the Big Game Guide and the Guiding Industry.

For decades Wilderness Guides have led clients into the mountains in search of adventure and the possibility of harvesting a big game trophy yet now in the 21 century this way of life has become in danger of extinction.

The lack of recruitment, the dwindling supply of those adventuresome young men wishing to live the life of a Wilderness Guide has indeed become the most ominous threat to a once stable way of life.

Non-hunting adventure seekers have now, in many regions, taken the place of the once steady stream of Big Game Hunters yet the serious lack of qualified Wilderness Guides sees even this industry in peril.

So many of Western Canada’s back country operators now rely on seasonal employees from around the globe to work as Back Country Guides and Horse Wranglers in order to continue to stay in operation. This is without doubt a double edged sword as many of those now employed as Wilderness Guides are nothing more than tourists’ themselves, sometimes knowing no more than those they lead.

Without proper education in Horsemanship and Wilderness travel today’s Guides and Wranglers are not only placing themselves at great risk, but those they are entrusted to accompany as well.

The “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” has been developed in order to help educate those who wish to seek employment in Western Canada’s hunting and non-hunting guiding industry. There is a high demand for trained Wilderness Guides and Horse Wranglers. There is a need for the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” both here in Alberta and in Western Canada.

With over four hundred back country operators in Western Canada there is a great demand for a steady supply of qualified help, without a proper means of education the industry will most certainly always be under staffed.

Become a valuable employee to the hundreds of back country operators in Alberta and Western Canada by becoming a graduate of the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”, a life of adventure and reward is waiting for you.

Study the art of wilderness horse packing while you’re learning how to handle a string of sturdy pack horses. Learn to master the art of tying the single and double diamond hitch, the basket hitch and the barrel loop. Show up at your new job as a Wilderness Guide or Horse Wrangler and be proud in your ability to handle yourself in even the most difficult of back country situations.

It is here at the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” you can enjoy the challenges of learning the dying art wilderness survival and back country horsemanship from men who have spent decades mastering their skills.

A life of adventure and excitement awaits you; we’re just a “click” away….

email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Alberta’s “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”…..

Customize your Adventure with "Big West Adventures"

Customize Your Adventure

Why become just another person in a saddle?

Why be just another faceless client who doesn’t really matter?

When you share in one of “Big West Adventures” wilderness excursions you are not just another client, you are the reason why we are there.

So many of today’s tourist oriented companies show little care in how the client views their experience, they care only in catering to the masses in hopes of generating more money.

We at “Big West Adventures” are concerned first and foremost with making your wilderness experience the ultimate back country adventure, catering to your desires and expectations, not the bus load of people in line behind you.

Whether it is a horseback adventure, a hiking excursion or a winter outing on snowshoes we pride ourselves in making your wilderness experience one you will remember fondly for years to come.

Join “Big West Adventures” and share in the excitement of a personalized wilderness experience.   email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Life as a guide

As I look back over the past 30 years of my life, years spent living the life of a wilderness guide and horseman, I search the depths of my soul for regrets and I find none.

My life in the mountains has been anything but easy. Broken bones, hardships and friends lost to an unforgiving wilderness yet I would not for one second change my course if I were given the power to do so. My life has been solid, unforgiving and real.

I have experienced the death of three of my fellow mountain men, men with whom I shared many a fire, men I called friend. I dealt with the loss of seventeen good horses over the years, good friends and companions each and every one yet it was the life we chose, it was the way we wanted it to be.

Snow storms and high water floods, grizzly bears, upside down horses and broken bones. We were men of a different breed, hard and calloused men who shared the hardships and laughter of a life few could understand. Men of the mountains.

I watch now as today’s youth, young women and men cease to exist as soon as their I-Phone loses service. Pants down around their butt cheeks, hats on sideways and faces decorated with such a variety of jewellery that they look like they stumbled and fell face first into their grandfather’s tackle box.

Adventure is a day trip to the mall where they stand in small herds of unknowing and unwilling souls who seem to lack any direction in life what so ever.

What will become of the way of life we the men of the mountains once shared? Who will dare to step foot off the ash fault and lead the few into the depths of Mother Nature’s bosom?

Horses, high country, rocky trails and river depths, who will know the ways of the wild if someone does not teach them, who will become the mountain men of today?

The double diamond, crow’s foot hitch and the barrel loop, only a handful of men even know what these things are any more and even fewer men have stayed in practice with the art of wilderness horse packing.

It wasn’t but a week ago I witnessed a group of gents bungee strap a lop-sided buddle of crap onto an unimpressed horse. I was amazed when I heard one of them use the phrase “Horse Packer” as they worked together to stretch the bungee strap an extra foot.

The world seems to be filling up with those who like to call themselves hunters yet I cannot actually remember seeing a recent photo of an elk on a pack horse, I have however seen the ridiculous display of three men abreast trying to drag a bull elk out of the bush with their poor unconditioned horses who were near collapse.

There will always be those who want to experience a true wilderness adventure, whether it be during a big game hunt or a family outing and there will always be the need for those who hold the knowledge and skills required to safely lead them through the difficulties of mountain travel. It is with this in mind the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” was founded.

Let us not see our way of life as true mountain men and wilderness guides die, let us teach the youth of today the old ways, the way of the horse, the way of life in the back country.

Written by:

Ron Arnett
“A man from the wilderness”

email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

High Country Places

A man from the mountains and high country places where blue ribbon glaciers hang like time’s ancient veils.

Dark timbered basins and age hidden trails winding down through the valleys to where the South wind prevails.

The creak of my saddle, a cool breeze in my face, solemnly thankful to ride alone in this place.

A land long forgotten by today’s modern race, hidden from the hustle of life’s hasty pace.

Clear mountain spillways and soft singing brooks, nothing to fear from the world’s guiltless crooks.

High soaring Eagles and free roaming bears, living life’s wonders without debt laden cares.

A land without faces, empty and cold, no place for the timid, the weak nor the old.

A place seldom traveled by the empty at heart, those missing life’s lessons, deaf to the music of a Wapiti’s challenging cry.

I walk amongst you in your buildings of steel, a land without faces where a smile is surreal.

A place far to busy for a youngster to know, the warmth of a home life,  of a kitchen’s welcome glow.

A land without faces, filled with store fronts and greed, passing by the homeless and needy without the slightest of heed.

A land without faces, of multitude races, a land without hope, near the end of its rope.

Jammed city places, traffic that races, sirens wail, the wrong go to jail, gangs on street corners and over worked coroners, in your land without faces where life quickens by.

You pass each other with a cold hollow eye, never as much as a halfhearted “Hi”.

I walk amongst you as you search for your gold; you’re missing life’s treasures, forgetting the old.

With a deep rooted sadness, a life without gladness, you stumble down life’s rocky trail, destine to end up weak, timid and frail.

What of life’s lessons, the forgiveness of transgressions, the joy of helping those in need, the light hearted feelings of forgotten greed.

Your world without faces of small cubical places, has lost it’s Lustrous glaze, as I find myself bewildered on your streets of a tangled maze.

A door held wide for some oncoming folks, “Yes ma‘am“, “No sir”, “Ma’am if you please”, you cast a sideways glance like I’ve a contagious disease.

Dark and weathered under this black Stetson hat, subject of your glances, pointed fingers and whispered chat. 

I am but a mystery, something odd and untold, dressed like an outcast, from the land of the old.

High topped boots, long riding coat, bright colored kerchief, weathered hat brim, cold piercing eyes from the shadows there in.

I find it now a burden to want to remain any longer in your world of fear and pain, for I long to return to my high country places, to a rough and unforgiving “land without faces.”

Written By;
Ron Arnett

"A man from the Wilderness"

A Land Without Faces

I walk amongst  you, here in your city, a man from the wilderness, a man who has spent countless years in the solitude of the mountains, listening to the silence, to the wind, hearing the rivers and the birds. A man who has spent his nights watching the stars through unveiled skies, listening to the distant  and mournful cry of the wolf, listening to the quite of the night.

 I walk amongst you, in the midst of your mountains of concrete and steel, your trails of ash fault and cement, listening to the roar of your engines, the wail of the sirens, listening to the deafening pulse you seem not to hear.

 I smell the exhaust, taste it in the back of my throat, feel it burn my nostrils as the poison enters my lungs, chocking me, starving me of the once fresh and clean air I breathed so deep and freely, air that was pure, free of the toxins that hang over your great city like a dark and ominous cloud.

 I walk amongst you, in your great shopping centers and malls, walk amongst you and watch as I have watched the creatures of the wilds. Watching, learning,hidden from your view while still in plain sight. I have witnessed many wonders in the wilderness, many sights to be remembered in awe, sights however, that are rivaled by what I see whilst I am among you.

 Tall, short, heavy and thin, people of most every nationality and culture from around the globe, caught in the hustle, the race of their fast paced lives. I watch, silently observe, as those around me push past each other with blank, expressionless faces. Brushing past each other without a fleeting thought or brief acknowledgement of those they encounter.

A life without faces.

Your world of haste begins with the buzzing of an electric alarm, rousting you from your tired, coma like state; a hand hit’s the snooze button while your groggy mind begs the clock for another 7 minutes of sleep. The coffee pot comes alive on the kitchen counter as its timer strikes home and it begins to puff and wheeze, filling the room with the familiar aroma of a new day’s beginning. With one eye open you watch the clock, hit the switch a moment before it again comes alive with the sound you’ve learned to despise. Feet into slippers, arms into bathrobe, staggering fuzzily into the bathroom to begin your morning rituals.

 Tooth brush hanging from the corner of your mouth you turn the hot water on full in the shower, filling the room with steam as you return to the sink to cleanse your mouth of the mint flavored foam. A few quick adjustments to the water temperature before you climb into its steady flow, the sleep driven from you as fill your hand with shampoo. You scrub and rinse as an urgency builds within, climbing from the warmth of the water and into the softness of an inch thick towel.

 Hand cream, face cream, tweezers and brush. Blow dryer, styling cream and rat tailed comb, with a whirl of frustration you leave the image of your face in the mirror, muttering to yourself about another bad hair day, silently concerned about the growing bags under your eyes, wondering why.

 Back to your bedroom, casting aside your bathrobe as you reach into the closet, tugging free from it’s now swinging hanger an outfit to suit the day, a costume with which to hide your inner self from the world around you.

 Down the hall to the kitchen with a hurried step, needing the injection of fresh roasted caffeine, the morning boost your body has been craving since the mist of the shower hit your skin. Before you reach for your favorite coffee mug, hidden on the top rack of the dishwasher, you touch the familiar power button on your laptop, your umbilical cord to the outside world. Filling your mug with strong black coffee, which is diluted with an inch of flavored cream, you hit the menu button on your Black Berry, checking your voicemails,  searching the inbox of your text messages, trying desperately to catch up with another new day and all it brings into your already too busy world.

Gulping down your second cup of near white coffee like substance as you read your emails, chewing slowly on the cardboard tasting protein bar between swallows from your mug you quickly scan the world headlines on your laptop screen. Disheartened at the current status of world affairs you shut down the laptop, slipping it into the readymade slot in your carry bag, a bag stuffed with paper files, pens, USB cords and CD’s, the essence of your professional world.

 Shrugging into your leather coat and matching gloves, into your favorite shoes as you slide your IPOD touch into your breast pocket, slipping the tiny earphones into place you shoulder your carry bag, thumbing through your bus passes as you close the locked door behind you.

Welcoming the cold winter air with a frown you hurry down the street to catch the approaching city bus, the first leg of your journey towards the office where you will spend your day far above the busy streets below. Another frowning bus driver, another packed and cramped bus ride to the city train station, a station filled with faceless bodies. Heads turn simultaneously as the next train approaches, people force themselves into line, knowing exactly where their chosen door will open when the button is pushed.

Standing, sitting, cramming into the cramped confines of the train you find yourself turning up the volume on your IPOD touch, drowning the sounds of the train and those within, secretly wishing you could somehow stop the smell of the train from entering your nostrils. Again you watch as the Transit Police exit the train with an unwilling patron with no valid pass to produce, looking back to the word game you’re idly playing on your Black Berry, trying hard to pass the half hour you must be on the train.

Finally your stop has come, slipping your Black Berry into your pocket you ready yourself to be pushed out of the train door, caught in yet another human landslide of bodies without faces, bumped and grinded out the door you go, back into the crisp winter air with a frown.

The sidewalk is slippery under your flat soled leather shoes and you begrudgingly clamber your way down the snowy street to your towering office building, considering with every step the growing pile of files on your already full desk. With a nod of recognition the security guard acknowledges your familiar face with a glance over his half read newspaper, the only one to notice your existence since you left the comfort of your home.

Into the elevator, staring blankly at the climbing red numbers displayed overhead, 37, your destination, the place you find yourself spending nearly half your life, the floor where the knot in your stomach originated, the tiny 12 x 16 office where you find yourself wishing you were not.

The same group looks away from the morning circle of conversation, their morning excuse for the procrastination they habitually show towards the start of each day, looking over their coffee cups at you with the same bleak, unsmiling faces you see every morning. Nothing seems to change. Caught in the rut of an adventure less life, caught in the rut of a life you once longed for, a life you trained and schooled for. Living in a land without faces.

Escape this world with "Big West Adventures"....We're only a "Click" away....
email us: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Written By;
Ron Arnett
"A man from the wilderness"

Big West Guide & Wrangler School

DON'T MISS OUT ON A LIFE OF ADVENTURE!!!
email us now   bigwestadventures@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

The steady annual increase in the number of tourists and outdoor adventure seekers into remote regions of Alberta require training and experience on behalf of the Guides and Wranglers entrusted with safety of these guests, guests who are seeking greater challenges and education from their wilderness holidays.

The serious lack of qualified Guides and Horse Wranglers in Alberta is forcing those operating within in the industry to rely on inexperienced employees from around the globe, most of whom are nothing more than tourists themselves seeking seasonal employment. This not only opens the doors for potentially dangerous situations to develop, but also sees the “Client” receiving less than adequate attention during their adventure, many of whom leave feeling somewhat disappointed with their experience.

This is Alberta, world famous for being the land of the “Canadian Cowboy” and home to the “Calgary Stampede”. Most every visitor is seeking a the experience of a horse back adventure, not only wanting to feel like a cowboy during their outing, but to be led by someone experienced and knowledgeable with regards to the horses, the wilderness surroundings and the wildlife that lives in the country they explore.

Horses are animals with a mind of their own, and although they may appear to be docile and complacent they can become unpredictable and even dangerous if the situation arises. Having an inexperienced and untrained guide in the lead of a group of mounted guests can only spell disaster if the unexpected may occur.

The importance of a Guide and Wrangler training program is of the utmost importance in order to ensure the safety of guests, horses and entrusted employees alike.

OBJECTIVE

It is our objective at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to train participants not only at an introductory level but also on an advanced level for those serious about seeking a career within the guiding industry.

Both our introductory program and our advanced program build confidence and character while enabling students to meet the ever growing demands of today’s tourists and the industry.

Our introductory program is designed for participants with limited horseback experience seeking seasonal employment as a Trail Guide at one of Alberta’s many daily trail riding outfits such as “Warner’s Stables” located in Banff, “Brewster’s Stables” located in Lake Louise or “Timberline Tours” also located in Lake Louise.

Our advanced level program is applicable for those individuals with specific goals in mind such as head adventure tourism guide working in Alberta’s premier back country, or managing or owning their own adventure tourism company.

 THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS

The back country tourism industry requires qualified Adventure Guides and Horse Wranglers in order to offer clients a safe and high quality horseback experience.

Graduates from the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” will benefit on a professional and personal level, gaining confidents in themselves and in the development of their work ethics and professionalism.

The employers of “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” graduates will quickly learn to appreciate the value of trained and professional employees and can certainly expect to see the continual increase in their client appreciation levels.

Clients seeking a truly enjoyable horseback experience will certainly appreciate the professional manner in which they are treated by “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” graduates, adding to the memories of their experience in Alberta.

The economic impacts of the tourism industry are significant and Alberta’s communities are quickly developing the expertise that is required for participation in this growing industry. Graduates of the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” bring their experience and knowledge back to their communities assisting with the future devolvement of the tourism industry on a local and provincial level.

 INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM

TRAINING OBJECTIVE

To familiarize participants seeking seasonal employment with the basic skills of general horsemanship, client safety and industry professionalism.

WRANGLING

 1) Learning how to safely approach, halter and release a horse

2)      “   proper leading techniques

3)      “   proper knots and tie up techniques

4)      “   equine injury identification techniques

4)      “   proper brushing and combing techniques

5)      “   proper blanket and saddle pad placement

6)      “   proper saddle placement and girth location

7)      “   proper bridling techniques and bit placement

TACK ADJUSTMENTS

1) Learning proper stirrup adjustment to suit client needs

2)      “     to identify proper saddle seat size according to client comfort

RIDING

 1) Learning proper mounting techniques

2)      “       proper dismounting techniques

3)      “       proper leg positioning and balance

4)      “       proper rein length and head control of mount

5)      “       proper way to regain and maintain control of frightened mount

GUEST ORIENTATION AND RIDING INTRODUCTION

1) Learning proper methods of guest introduction to horse

2)      “       Proper method of riding instruction for guest

3)      “       Proper method of mounting and dismounting guests

 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

 1) Learning to identify guest/horse problems

2)      “     Professional manner in which to defuse potentially harmful                   situations to either horse or rider

3)      “     The do’s and dont’s of trail riding

PROFESSIONALISM AND GUIDE ETHICS

 1) Learning proper client care

2)      “   to identify the comfort zones of individual clients

3)      “   the proper way to handle a disgruntled or rude client

 GENERAL HORSE CARE AND FEED REQUIREMENTS

 1) Learning the nutritional requirements of an equine under normal and heavy use conditions

FIRST AID INSTRUCTION

 1) Learning basic St. Johns first aid and client care

INTRODUTORY PROGRAM SUMMARY

The introductory program is conducted over a three day period during which the hours of instruction are 10 hours each day.

Graduates of the “Big West Guide and Wrangler” school shall each receive a certificate recognizing their completion and an up to date list of all Trail Ride Outfits in Alberta currently seeking employees.

Program instruction, written material pertaining to the Introductory Program, meals and lodging shall be supplied to participants during the 3 day program.

The “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” promotes a drug and alcohol free environment without exception. Any participants caught using or observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be expelled from the program and asked to leave our facility immediately and without refund.

The price for the introductory program is $600 Canadian funds per participant.

Each 3 day introductory training program has a maximum limit of 12 participants therefore early enrollment is greatly encouraged. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to ensure program availability.

Participants wishing to be responsible for their own lodging and meals while enrolled in the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” introductory program can expect to receive a $100 discount off of the regular enrollment fee.

WILDERNESS GUIDE AND WRANGLER TRAINING PROGRAM

The “Big West Guide and Wrangler School’s” Wilderness Guiding and Wrangler program requires that you have some guiding and horse related skills. Whether these skills were acquired as a participant at our introductory program or on your own, they are required as a prerequisite of our program. 

HORSE HANDLING

 1) General review of proper horse catching, preparation and saddling techniques

2) General review of equine injury and stiffness identification

3) Learning to properly match horses with the guest abilities and comfort levels

HORSE PACKING

1) Familiarization with the “Decker” and “Sawbuck” traditional pack saddles

2) Instruction on proper saddle fitting and placement for individual pack animals

3) Instruction in proper load organization and weight dispersement

4) Instruction in proper “Pack Box “organization and weight dispersement

5) Instruction in the use of the “Basket Rope” during the construction of the “Crow Foot” hitch and the “Barrel” hitch

6) Instruction in proper load balance and top pack placement

7) Instruction in proper load tarping techniques

8) Instruction in tying the single and double diamond hitches.

 PACK STRING HANDLING

 1) Instruction in proper tail tying techniques

2) Instruction in leading a pack string safely through different types of terrain and obstacles

3) Instruction in how to approach a “tangled” pack string and how to safely diffuse the situation

HORSE SHOEING

 1) General overview of the equine foot and it’s inner construction

2) Introduction to proper hoof trimming techniques

3) Introduction to proper shoe placement and safe nailing techniques

4) Instruction in nail clenching and hoof dressing after shoeing

This section of our Wilderness Guide and Wrangler program is not intended to be an in depth horse shoeing program. It is intended to give participants a general knowledge base, supplying them with the necessary means to replace a horse’s shoe while in the field.

 WILDERNESS CAMP CONSTRUCTION

1) Instruction in how to identify the proper location for a wilderness camp site.

2) Instruction in camp construction having minimal environmental impact.

3) Instruction in how to properly identify an environmentally friendly latrine location

4) Instruction in proper “grey water” disposal

 The use of Alberta’s wilderness areas by tourist oriented Guiding Companies plays an important part in the economic growth of both the rural communities and the province in general. The continued use of these pristine areas has become a vital part of not only the tourist industry but for Alberta’s residents who enjoy partaking in a wilderness adventure.

The impact of each visitor on these fragile wilderness areas must be kept at a minimum in order to protect and sustain the allowable use of such areas. It is one of our prime objectives at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to instill in every one of our participants the tremendous importance of leaving behind them as small a footprint as possible.

CAMP FIRES

1) Instruction in identifying environmentally safe camp fire locations

2)      “          in proper fire starting procedures

3)      “          in safe and environmentally friendly camp fire disposal

WILDLIFE PHOTRAGHY

1) Instruction in wildlife identification

2)      “          in species habitat and daily habits

3)      “          in terrain assessment

4)      “          in proper game stalking

5)      “          in how to anticipate quarry movement in order to safely position guest to supply best photo opportunity.

6)      “          in how to successfully photograph wildlife in it’s natural environment while ensuring the least amount of negative impact on the animals daily habits.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND EVACUATION

1) Instruction in Wilderness First aid by a trained medical professional

2)      “         in the proper techniques and procedures used to safely evacuate an injured person

3)       “         in how to properly locate and secure an acceptable helicopter landing site

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

1) Instruction in wilderness survival techniques

2)      “          in wilderness shelter construction

3)      “          in the edible plants and mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains

4)      “          in fire building without using modern technology

5)      “          in snaring and humane methods of food gathering in extreme situations of isolation

WILDERNESS GUIDE AND WRANGLER PROGRAM SUMMARY

The continually growing and ever evolving Wilderness Tourist Industry in Alberta and North America for that matter has seen the development of hundreds of Wilderness Adventure companies both of a hunting and non-hunting nature in the past two decades. One of the key problems confronting those who operate these companies is the tremendous lack of qualified personnel available for employment on a seasonal and year round basis. It is our objective at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to make available a quality learning institute to those career minded individuals seeking a life working within the Wilderness Tourism Industry.

The age old arts of Wilderness horseback travel, horse packing and wilderness survival are acquired skills that cannot be learned within the confines of a classroom or schoolhouse, they must be passed down to those who wish to learn while being surrounded in a Wilderness environment.

The growing demand for qualified Wilderness Guides and Horse Wranglers

almost ensures our graduates of immediate acceptance into the work field. Each graduate from our “Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School “ will be supplied with a diploma outlining their personal accomplishments accompanied by a letter of recommendation for employment from the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School”.

The “Big West Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School” is conducted over a 10 day period during which the hours of instruction shall vary in length yet be based on an average 10 hour day.

Program instruction, written material pertaining to the Introductory Program, meals and lodging shall be supplied to participants during the 10 day program.

The “Big West Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School” promotes a drug and alcohol free environment without exception. Any participants caught using or observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be expelled from the program and asked to leave our facility immediately and without refund.

The price for the Wilderness Guide and Wrangler program is $2,250 Canadian funds per participant.

Each 10 day Wilderness Guide and Wrangler training program has a maximum limit of 8 participants therefore early enrollment is greatly encouraged. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to ensure program availability.

email us   bigwestadventures@gmail.com