Call Us At: 1.877.456.7717
GAZETTE MONTHLY | February 2021
In this Newsletter:

*Light At The End Of The Tunnel 
*Very Mild Winter At The Flying U 
*Update: More Horses Arriving From Alberta In February 
*Largest Ever Group Of Returning Staff For 2021
*Christmas At The Flying U Could Be A Reality 
*Surprising Uptake On 5 Days For Price Of 4 
*Operating Protocols or 2021 Similar To Last Summer 
*Lots Of Great Job Opportunities Available For 2021 
*Great Response For Volunteer Program
*Gammie House New For 2021
*Starlink High Speed Internet 

President's Message

Hard to imagine but in just 7 weeks it will be the first day of Spring.  As Anita Krizzan puts it, “Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.” But Spring 2021 will be like none other. With vaccinations by the millions, a decline of COVID-19 cases and a gradual renewal of hope we finally encounter the light at the end of the tunnel. This will be a time when folks can get out on the land and finally start living again. It all points to a great season at the Flying U Ranch and we will be ready like never before. Here is a look ahead for 2021 at Canada's oldest guest ranch.

John Lovelace
President and CEO
Flying U Ranch
Very Mild Winter At The Flying U

So far Winter 2020/2021 has proven to be very mild with little snowfall. As one local said “Haven't seen it like this in 22 years”. This has been ideal for wintering the herd who have 300 tons of the best hay we could buy. Even the peacocks spend most of their days outside despite their nice warm quarters beside the blacksmith shop. The ranch snow plow has had very little use this winter too. Not that things won't change but so far so good!
Update: More horses arriving from Alberta in February

This February will see plans to bring 16 more horses from Alberta. As we said in the fall newsletter our goal for 2021 is to dramatically increase the number of beginner friendly horses to accommodate all the new people who are discovering the joys of riding. So, we have had to increase our search area for just the right horses and Alberta seems to be the sweet spot right now. It appears that all outdoor activities will be popular in a post pandemic world and the Flying U wants to be on the forefront of the ranching community. You will notice a big difference in the herd this summer.
Largest Ever Group Of Returning Staff For 2021

This summer guests will feel right at home to see many familiar faces! Cowboy Steve, our senior wrangler and the backbone of the ranch, will be back in the saddle. Ariel will be back with her great talents of working and inspiring the youth, Angela, who was a guest favourite at the barn took a year off last year to hone her vet skills. She will be coming back to the barn (so you can expect more barrel time trials again. “Chain saw” Will, who knows the trails better then anyone, and does the work of three men clearing and maintaining 200 kilometres of trails will be back in the wrangling department. Victoria will be moving to the equine department with the same great management skills she honed in the front office. Amelie, who joined us last year will be back at the barn, Rainy will be back in housekeeping after taking a year off in Williams lake. Kyle will be in the kitchen, Ashley will be back in the front of lodge after taking last year off to have a baby, and Daniel will also be back in the front of lodge. Also, Dallas, who almost single handedly painted the entire ranch last year, will be back working on landscaping and exterior maintenance. 
Christmas At The Flying U Could Be A Reality 

In a post pandemic world we see the rush to outside activities will be a major factor in BC Tourism. One of the most often asked questions we get is “will the ranch be open during the winter?”. So, we have taken a hard look at the pros and cons of a four season resort and while no final decision has been made it's looking like winter operations could become a reality as early as 2022. There is just no better place to spend a winter vacation then in the Cariboo. We have wonderful skiing opportunities at the ranch, both cross country and downhill at nearby Mount Timothy (which just reopened). Plus, there is ice fishing, sleigh rides, cozy log cabins and executive homes and a great lodge to rest up after a long day outside. A final decision has not yet been made but steps are being made to formulate our plans so stay tuned.
Surprising Uptake On 5 days For Price Of 4 

Last fall we announced our new 5 days for the price of 4. We were surprised that many people who had already booked have let us know they will be extending their visit. This is a great opportunity for the ranch as it helps with the horse assignments and housekeeping turnovers. It also effectively discounts the cost of a ranch stay by 20% If you want to add an extra free day to your vacation give Victoria at the office a call at 250 456 7717.
Operating Protocols For 2021 Similar To Last Summer 

We are expecting that by the summer the majority of our guests will have had the COVID vaccines and the numbers of new cases will have fallen dramatically. But it will not be business as usual at the Flying U Ranch. We will still have all the same protocols in place for 2021 that got us through last summer so succesfully. In other words, social distancing, masks and hand washing stations will still be the order of the day. If you want to see how this protocols work please have a look at https://www.flyingu.com/covid-19-update
Lots Of Great Job Opportunities Available For 2021 

While we are delighted to have so many returning staff, we are on a recruitment drive for some new additions. First with Victoria moving to head up our equine department we have a brand new position for the Resort Manager at the Flying U. We are looking for the right individual that can look after the guest bookings, run the restaurant and bar services, lodging and housekeeping, and guest services. We are also looking for a full time maintenance man to look after many of the new ranch additions especially if we are going to be open in the winter. We are also looking for wranglers who can help with trail rides and riding lessons as more and more new riders visit us. Plus we are looking for cooks and servers to join us. There is a complete list of the jobs we are looking to fill here.
Great Response For Volunteer Program 

Last fall we introduced a new program for volunteers in 2021. Now people can come up to work for periods of a minimum of 1 week to 4 weeks maximum and stay for free. Ideal for both students or retired people on a budget. We offer staff housing, free meals and unlimited use of the ranch facilities. In exchange, the volunteers help for a few hours a day in the barn area, the kitchen, front end, housekeeping or hospitality. If you are interested, send in your application here on our volunteer page. Hope to see you next summer!
Gammie House New for 2021

We are now taking reservations on the newly renovated Gammie House. This house is perfect for company retreats/weddings or large family groups. The home comes complete with washer and dryer, two full bathrooms, two separate eating areas, a private screened in porch and two separate decks.There are 5 bedrooms including a separate loft for the kids. Minimum booking required to reserve this home is just 6 but the home can sleep up to 12 guests. 
Starlink High Speed Internet 

The Flying U will be one of the first to get Starlink satellite high speed internet in Canada! It will be set up in the Gammie House and more units will be added as they are available. It is only fitting that Canada's oldest ranch will get Canada's newest satellite service. 
P.O. Box 69, 70 Mile House
BC V0K 2K0 Canada
1.877.456.7717