Gazette Monthly | October Newsletter

President's Message
 
2017 is a year that will go down in the history books as the fire season smashed records in British Columbia.
 The Flying U was closed for 6 weeks and we were forced to evacuate the herd  twice. 

On August 25 we reopened and it was business as usual including two weddings, an artist workshop, and a full Ranch on Thanksgiving. At the end of the day the fires never reached our land or our beautiful Green Lake. Also, the herd was well cared for and came through the experience fine. 
 
Going forward the fires have triggered a thorough review of the preparedness of our beloved ranch. We see this as a window where we can make changes in the ranch and the way we operate. This will be a process that will take several years and will involve fire guarding the ranch, and forming an emergency fire fighting response team. We are also developing a site management program for our herd including the development of satellite safe areas. At the end of the day our goal is to preserve the ranch for future generations and to safeguard the lives of our dear animals with as little stress as possible.
 
We are very excited to move forward and 2018 is shaping up to be a banner year for us. As you read the newsletter you will see details of many exciting new initiatives designed to keep your Flying U the best Ranch in Canada.

- John Lovelace

Chetwynd Ranch

We are pleased to announce that we now have a sister ranch in the Peace River. This is not a guest ranch but operates as a full working ranch. We feel this is a strategic move to insure feed supplies to the herd as summers in the Cariboo are projected to be dryer in the years ahead   Formerly it was known as the F Bar D ranch and we have already cut our first 2900 bales of mixed alfalfa hay. We have shipped 300 bales down to the Flying U in late September and the herd has all the feed it needs to carry it through the winter.

Taylor Lake Pasture

Closer to home we are in the process of adding to our grazing licenses. This new grazing lease is just north of the Ranch. It's 3000 acres of forests, meadows and lakes in the Taylor Lake area. Again, we feel that this will be extra insurance for pasture for the Flying U herd. Our sincere thanks to the Fremlin family for making this possible and in assisting in the transfer to the Flying U. 

New Tractor

We have acquired a new tractor for Steve. It's a real beauty with a heated and air conditioned cab.  Its primary function will be to move hay out to the herd in the winter months. 

Lakeside Tents

We have added new remote "glamping" locations for next year. The idea is to provide accommodation "off the grid" away  from the ranch where guests can ride out and camp overnight under the stars in a lakeside setting. The camping will be on a wood floor with a deluxe tent with  beds and bedding. They will be available at a small premium and will be offered from July 1 to Aug 31. We think it will be ideal  for someone who just wants to get off the grid for a few days or a romantic getaway for couples of all ages. Call Victoria at anytime for more information and to reserve.

Archery & Yoga

Two new initiatives proved to be very popular last year. So we have decided to make them  permanent activities . Yoga will be held every morning at 7:00 am on the dock. Our staff thought long and hard about a name. We are calling it " Yoga on the dock ". 

Archery facilities will remain in the wooded knoll just west of the ranch. This will be offered daily in the summer at 7:00 pm 

Spring 2018 Ranch Opening Work Week

How would you like to be a wrangler for a week? This year the Ranch will be open April 20, 2018 to April 27, 2018 for guests who would like to join us  in our annual Spring work party. Its all about fixing fences, opening trails, piling firewood,  cleaning up the tack room, and sprucing up the grounds. There's fellowship, great meals, nightly camp fires  and lots of chances to ride. Dogs welcome if they want to help . Cost is only $126.00 per day and you can join us for for the week or for a three day period. In years past this was a very popular event for the guests. 

Registration will be on a first in basis.  

Corporate Retreats


Did you know that the ranch caters to many groups and companies each year?  The Flying U works with  clients to tailor custom programs. A healthy mix of professional development, team building, and relaxation will leave your group refreshed with a new sense of vigour and professional commitment. The ranch is also a special destination for family reunions and corporate retreats, giving everyone time to relax during their all-inclusive stay. Call the office anytime to discuss your group events. 
Weddings 

Flying U gives you a beautiful setting for your wedding. There is no better place for your unique western-style wedding than at Canada's oldest guest ranch. Let our wedding planner design the perfect venue for you and your guests on your special day. Our venues include opening night meet and greet in the saloon, outdoor wedding by the lake, hay rides, reception and banquet in the lodge and your wedding night dance. 

We have 3 openings left for the Spring of 2018!
15 Days To Stake Your Claim On A 2018 Long Weekend At The Flying U Ranch!

Long weekends are a tradition at the Flying U and every year they book up fast.  So from now until November 1st we are offering your choice of weekends in 2018 at this years prices.  When you book you will automatically get your choice of preferred cabin and horse and we will even throw in a  complimentary bottle of wine. 5 weekends to choose from so book now.
 
Victoria Day 
May 18th - 21st

Canada Day 
June 29th to July 2nd

BC Day 
August 3rd to 6th

Labour Day 
August 31 - Sept 3rd

Thanksgiving 
October 5th to 8th

The Flying U Ranch | 250-456-7717 | [email protected] |   www.flyingu.com
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