Adventures in the Wild
These images and captions tell the tales of my wilderness experiences in Northern BC. Some people thought I was nuts to venture into such remote locations and rough-it in the bush for months on end. I have to admit, I was afraid to leave my comfort zone and experienced many a moment of self-doubt before finally bitin' the bullet and hittin' the trail.
The reality of living in the wild can be hard, treachorous and thankless work. Some days you find yourself in the strangest of pickles. Meeting a bear while looking for the horses, braving extreme weather conditions while spiking out or landing waist deep in a muddy sink hole with no one around to throw you a line. Yes, there can be many precarious situations, but the good times, the joy, laughter and comraderie definitely outweigh the tears. The trails open your eyes to some of the most breathtaking country that few people ever get to see and provides an opportunity to shed some layers, calm the chatter, overcome challenges and get back to what's really important; the simple things, an appreciation for nature, love for oneself and others.
I'm a bonafide Cowgirl. I guess this just goes to show that anything is possible, even the stuff beyond your wildest dreams.
Collingwood Bros. - Northwest, BC- Fall 2014
Year 4 as a Wrangler, 25 Days in the Historical and Spectacular Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Day 1 to Bug Lake
Horses taking a break in the morning sunshine.
Many miles were put on with these shoes.
And a friendly bunch too.
Tahltan Outfitters - Northwest, BC- Fall 2013
Year 3 as a Wrangler, 7 Day Trail Ride-in with 2 Special Guests, Followed by 6 Weeks of Love & Adventure
Cowboys packin' one annoyed horse. Chill Bazaar we got a ways to go baby!
And the string settles in ...
How's it going girl?!
Here comes Findlay, the buckin pack horse sure likes to put on a show.
Checkin' out the meandering river. I may be a little thirsty.
Camp is just around the next corner ... but you said that last time!
Tahltan Outfitters - Northwest, BC- Fall 2012
Year 2 as a Wrangler with Dad as the Cook, Hired on at an Outfit dear to my heart.
Up and down, over and around ... in search of the herd early morning with a trusty pal.
What a glorious sight. Now bring em home.
This buggy cuts through some serious terrain.
Vistas of epic proportions.
Such a classic character ready to roll.
Playful moments of pure happiness.
Prophet Muskwa - Northern Rockies - Fall 2011
My Very First Wrangling Job, 3 Months in the Wild
Horsin' around!
Yes I was lost and then somehow found.
An ongoing chore that keeps you focused and in shape.
McBride, BC to Jasper, AB Backcountry Expedition - Summer 2011
10 Days, 2 Cowgirls, 4 Horses, 1 Jimmy Dog
I rented my horses from an Outfit in McBride
And off we go ... Made it to the top of the Blueberry Trail
Molly lost a shoe and then luckily got a new one thanks to a chance encounter with the Backcountry Horsemen.
Yes, that's a bird nest on my head and yes, we're happy to have made it to our camp for the second night.
Here come the pack horses!
OK put your big girl panties on and let's go!
WagonTrail Ranch - Smithers - Spring 2011
3 Days, 14 Friends & Family, 50 Horses, 1 Memorable Birthday Gathering
Our homebase for the May long weekend.
52 or was it 53 beautiful horses - thanks Reggie Collingwood!
Ready to wrangle.
With our friend Elise.
Taking a moment in the sunshine.
Wilderness Guiding & Wrangling Course - Smithers - Spring 2010
30 Days, 12 Students, 52 Horses, A Handful of Amazing Instructors, 1 Certification & A Bunch of Tickets
Horsemanship 101
Go boys go.
Telling stories, playing games and laughing Tall tales and cowboy poetry.
What a cool place for school.