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Chilko Multi-Sport Yoga/Spa Adventure: Detailed Itinerary
Lodge-Based Adventure Far From the Ordinary
| July 6 and August 24, 2008 - 5 days |
Cost: $2995 (includes private charter from Vancouver) |
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Getting Started
Welcome to this state of the art multi-sport adventure trip in some of British Columbia's most distinct and remarkable landscapes. To fully enjoy this adventure, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. We want to be with you every step of the way in your expedition preparations so please do not hesitate to call if you
have any questions or concerns.
Notes from the Region -
A letter from Brian McCutcheon
Zooming off on one of the most spectacular plane rides on earth is the start to our adventure. It is a wake up call for most city folk, entering this landscape of ice, freckled with towering serrated ridges and dramatic glacial lakes. The 55-mile stretch of Chilko Lake is translucent and azure-like, on par with the waters of the South Pacific. The lake beckons exploration, as does the Chilko River flowing out of its north end. And it is exactly this combination of serene and bustling that makes this trip so incredible.
Priorities change during our time here. Most folks discard diets, fashion accessories, would-be sophistication and poise. Dining by the lakeside while thousands of salmon and rainbow trout leap and rise in front of you takes on unprecedented decadence. Seeing grizzlies on the hillsides from the comfort of your private helicopter and hiking in the once inaccessible alpine is truly divine. Cell phones and fax machines seem a thing of the past. The sun soothes our backs by day and sets over teal waters turning blood red, then intense violet by night. The surreal hoodoo sculptures become more dreamlike amid the midnight howls of wolves.
The Chilcotin is a land of legends, steeped with gold rush heritage, million acre homesteads, and North America's best stretch of commercially navigable whitewater. Yet, contrary to popular belief, our guests are not experienced adventurers. Our participants, who come from all walks of professional life, find it easy to check out of civilization in Chilcotin country - its checking back in that's so tough. This is one trip that leaves footprints with you forever.
Brian McCutcheon founded Rivers & Oceans in 1985 and has been operating rafting and kayaking trips in British Columbia since the late eighties. In 2000, we changed to Rivers Oceans And Mountains as the addition of "mountains" better reflects the topography of the regions we visit. The new company, ROAM, offers three distinctly different styles of adventures - Safari, Expedition and Exploratory. Brian has operated in the Chilcotin since the mid eighties and has been down the Chilko River over 100 times. For this reason, ROAM was selected by ESPN to help facilitate the filming of the "Wild Rules" reality series at Chilko Lake. When not out on the water, Brian is the Managing Director of ROAM from our offices in Nelson, British Columbia.
 Why the Multi-sport Adventure?
Our adventure begins with a breathtaking charter flight from Vancouver over the towering mountains and massive glaciers of the Coast Range. After arriving at the beautiful wilderness of Chilko Lake, we spend our days exploring the countryside and valleys that have made this region famous. Situated at the border of T's'ylos Provincial park, the north end of Chilko and the headwaters of the Chilko River system, we will indulge ourselves in a variety of adventures at our doorstep. The principle activities will be kayaking on Chilko Lake surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks in a road-less wilderness area, heli-hiking in the alpine and wildflowers of the Coast Mountains among glacier capped peaks, and river rafting the crystal clear Chilko River. The balance of the days will be filled with options: hiking, horseback riding, or fishing for world famous rainbow trout or dolly varden char. Each day, we will return to the rustic comfort and charm of our riverside accommodations to indulge in fine wine, great food and amenities such a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, yoga and massage.
Why Adventure Spa?
Like adventure travel, yoga provides individuals an opportunity for personal transformation, not just of the body but of the mind and spirit. With all our daily activities one feels at peace, energized and in harmony with nature. Each day is different, enlightening and exciting. As we do our yoga, we discover that our bodies and emotions are also changing daily. Taking the time to explore internally through yoga and meditation, we are able to integrate on a deeper level all the excitement, challenge and exhilaration of the trip. The yoga and massage also help us to keep up with the level of physical activity involved with all of our sports activities, and we will return home stronger and more supple than when we came, filled with a sense of gratitude for our bodies, our breath, and our increased endurance.
About the Accommodation
Chilko Lake Resort is located in BC's historic ranch country overlooking the lake and the headwaters of the river. The main lodge is a formidable log structure manufactured from local spruce trees. The many cabins surrounding the lodge can comfortably accommodate our guests. The main lodge has a restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, games room and sauna. It is perched adjacent to Ts'yl-os Provincial Park, the prize jewel of the British Columbia parks system. Delicious meals are carefully prepared utilizing fresh vegetables, meats and local seafood. Special dietary considerations may be accommodated with advance notice. Throughout your stay, you will have the thoughtful attention and service that you deserve.
The Terrain
Our trip begins at the north end of Ts'yl-os Provincial Park. Established in 1994, Ts'yl-os (pronounced "sigh loss") is 233,240 hectares in the Chilcotin Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Although Chilko Lake is the centerpiece of the park, it is just one of the many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and un-serviced leaving its' visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in. We are also near Nazko Lakes Provincial Park and Stum Lake Provincial Park. Both were recently expanded to protect wildlife habitat and BC's only colony of nesting white pelicans, respectively.
The River
Participants are continually overwhelmed by the excitement and beauty of this natural corridor. The Chilko River drains Chilko Lake making this free flowing waterway perfect to raft from May through October. When compared to busy rivers south of the border this circuitous system is considered a wilderness waterway. The Chilko is one of North America's best rafting rivers and boasts miles of roller coaster rapids that will keep you grinning from start to finish. Obviously the Province of British Columbia agrees with us - as they have established more than 17 new parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
Cultural Notes
To Aboriginal people of the Nemaiah Valley, Ts'yl-os is more than a provincial park. Ts'yl-os was a man, or at least he used to be long ago, and like any man he had his moods. Given his towering height of 3,061 metres (Mount Tatlow on a map), it is wise to respect him and especially not to point at him. His presence can be so dominating that when occasional bad weather hits the valley, the 250 native residents wonder if it is a message from their spiritual protector.
For the isolated Nemaiah First Nation, their agreement with the park represents an important, but tentative first step toward reconciliation with the outside world. It is this world that led to the so-called Chilcotin Indian War of 1864 and the subsequent deaths of many. Today, that historic uprising against the white intrusion on to Chilcotin Lands continues to colour the native's psyche and the park's future.
The silty confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser was also a major territorial boundary. The Ts'ilhqot'in people of the Athapaskan language group, held a territory on the Northwest side of the confluence where the Junction Sheep Range is located. Small bands of natives traveled the Chilcotin watershed, hunting and gathering food. During salmon runs, these bands would come together at the mouth of the Chilcotin.
Professional Guide Services
Our guides are as impressive as the scenery; passionate about their work, they are delighted to pass on their knowledge and skills. As university and college graduates, they have strong backgrounds in natural history, geology and anthropology. They also have knowledge of the local region and its folklore. Part naturalist, trained in wilderness first aid and professionally certified, our guides are eager to please and will ensure you have a memorable experience.
Hannah Johansen, owner of Alpenglow Adventure Spa at Big Sky, Montana, leads the staffing for our special Yoga Spa Adventures. With her 23 years experience in yoga, massage and public speaking, she teaches and shares fun, educational and life affirming skills that help our guests fully integrate the thrills and exhilaration of the healing qualities of the great outdoors. They return home with stronger, more supple bodies, as well as new skills to continue to enhance their health and well-being.
Hannah's connection with adventure travel groups has allowed her to lead and participate in yoga and massage programs while rafting the Grand Canyon, trekking through Nepal, sea kayaking in Baja and scuba diving in the Maldives. She recently returned from the Caucus region of Central Asia where she shared her massage and yoga skills with an international group bringing dance concerts to refugee camps. She received her Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification in 1990 with further certification in 1997. In 2004 she received her 500 hour Amrit Yoga Certification and is currently a masters degree candidate in Yoga Sciences.
Equipment
Our kayaks are manufactured in B.C. and are ideally suited for the waters we are paddling. When on the river, we utilize state-of-the-art self-bailing crafts. The rafts have been designed with center mount oar rigs and allow participants the option of paddling or just soaking up the views. For those unfamiliar with self-bailing boats, the benefits are revolutionary. As water enters the boat, it collects on the inflated floor then drains out through grommet holes along each side. With advance notice, a Beaver bush plane on floats or helicopter can be located to the resort for those wishing to add-on fly-in fishing.
Weather
The Chilcotin is one of the driest areas in Canada. Rainfall during July and August averages less than a few inches per month. Temperatures can reach the mid 90's (degrees F) during the day and drop to the mid 50's during the night. Convection showers are not uncommon near the Coast Ranges.
Wildlife and Flora
The Chilcotin is home to the largest herd of California bighorn sheep in the world. During the rut, the big spiraled horned rams will charge at combined speeds of 50 miles per hour and butt heads 30-40 times a day, an exhausting, and often fatal fight for sexual supremacy. Another fleet footed hunter in the region is the cougar. Like other predators, cougars will prey on the weak or young. But in the Chilcotin, three quarters of all the sheep killed are adult rams. Biologists believe the large horns used in the rut, impede the rams' peripheral and rear vision. More times than not, however, cougars are harassed to leave their kill because of the persistent coyotes. Some coyotes become the cougar's lunch, but the big cats are more likely to look to other sheep, moose or deer. Fortunately for the cougars, all are in abundance.
This area is also the home of black bear and grizzly. The healthy bear population slurps down the abundant rose hips and berries in the aspen groves. August departures are virtually guaranteed sightings because the bears are feeding on the plentiful salmon runs. Beaver, river otter and mink can also be seen along the riverbank. We have counted over 30 species of birds on this trip. They include bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons and many species of hawks. Canada geese, great blue herons, sage grouse, Lewis woodpeckers and many varieties of songbirds are also present. This diverse environment is also home to seven different bat species such as the western-footed myotis and Townsend's big-eared bats.
The upper Chilko is covered with lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. As you drop in elevation the trees become sparse. Large open grasslands interspersed with cottonwood and ponderosa pine is dominant in this dry climate. Sagebrush and prickly pear cactus cover parts of the desert on the lower Chilcotin and the canyons of the Fraser. Insects are comparatively rare. A few mosquitoes may be present, but they will be of little concern. The largest airborne bugs are butterflies, more than 40 species. Each is associated with a specific plant, and many have exotic names like painted lady, aster checkerspot, woodland skipper, and white admiral.
Fishing
Chilko Lake is a truly world class fishing area. It has the third largest sockeye salmon run in the province (over 2 million return annually) and is a spawning ground for spring and coho salmon as well as steelhead. For the fly fisherman there are also plenty of rainbow trout and dolly varden. We suggest you bring a rod with case and the smallest of tackle boxes with the appropriate lures or flies. If you would like us to, rods can be arranged with advanced notice.
Personal Preparation
No previous experience is required. Your guides will give you an orientation to safe wilderness practices on the first day and teach you all the basic skills that you'll require to safely enjoy the trip. Our prime consideration is to provide you with a trip that is as safe and comfortable as possible while still maintaining the integrity of a wilderness experience. Activities are always more fun when you are physically fit so try to exercise regularly prior to your trip. You can be confident regarding your level of experience with yoga practices. Beginners and advanced students alike will benefit equally from the daily practice of yoga and deep breathing. All participants will be required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to departure.
Ecological Sentiment
We are committed to the preservation of British Columbia's wilderness habitat. Our excursions are designed to promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make our province unique while preserving their fundamental integrity. We ask participants to share our concern for the environment by practicing low impact touring in this sensitive area. We believe the survival of the natural environment and the wildlife it supports depends on establishing an economy beyond simple resource harvesting. Our goal is to immerse our clients in BC's vast natural beauty, which in turn supports eco-tourism as a viable, economic choice.
Registration
In order to confirm your departure and helicopter availability, we require a $500 deposit. All payments are non-refundable so we recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance at the time of deposit. Upon receipt of deposit, we will send you a letter of confirmation, pre departure information, equipment list, medical questionnaire and liability release form. The latter two items should be returned to our office with the balance of payment due 90 days prior to departure. We look forward to seeing you on your Multi-sport adventure.
Services Included:
Return air charter from Vancouver to Chilko Lake
4-nights of lakeside accommodation based at Chilko Lake Lodge
Complete professional guide services
Sea kayaking on Chilko Lake, heli-hiking in the Coast Mountains
river rafting trip (whitewater or float) on the Chilko River
½ day horseback ride and ½ day fishing
Guided hiking
All meals while at the lodge or on activities from Dinner Day 1 through Lunch Day 5
Cocktail reception
Two yoga classes daily
Two ½ hour massages
Services not Included:
Accommodation in Vancouver, liquor or sundries at the resort
Items of personal nature, and equipment outlined in personal equipment list
fishing license
additional massage treatments at the rate of $45 for ½ hour, $90 for one hour, $135 for 1.5 hours
Multi-sport Itinerary
Day One (Monday)
We all meet at the Esso Avitat near the SOUTH TERMINAL (Remember this is not the main Vancouver International Airport terminal.) Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage as this will allow for easy storage. As soon as everyone's gear is stowed, we will board our chartered plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers to Chilko Lake. Here at the headwaters, we will meet our guides, check into our rooms and enjoy the afternoon and evening at the Resort. Time permitting you'll receive your welcome massage before or after a lakeside dinner where we'll go over last minute details and issue expedition equipment. We'll wrap up our busy day with a group yoga stretch and a relaxation meditation to prepare us for our upcoming adventures!
Day Two (Tuesday)
After our morning yoga stretches and invigorating pranayama practice (deep breathing techniques), we'll have a hearty breakfast at the lodge, and be transferred to our rafting put-in point. The whitewater enthusiasts will descend the long and continuous rapids of the Chilko. You will be treated to heart stopping hydraulics and towering standing waves. Cascading for more than 20 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges, this non-stop excitement has made these river sections famous amongst whitewater enthusiasts. Those not seeking class IV excitement will float the upper Chilko watching for wildlife and relaxing with a book. At the end of an incredible day you will be transferred back to Chilko Lake Lodge. A massage, hot tub or short walk may be in order and we'll end our day with some yoga stretches on the deck as we watch the sunset.
Day Three (Wednesday)
After morning yoga and breakfast, its time to enjoy some fishing at Chilko Lake then set off for an afternoon horseback ride. Our guides can teach you how to fly fish or you can use spin rods all on your own. This afternoon will be a good time to soak in the hot tub, swim in the pool, go for a hike or canoe … or learn some yoga stretches to keep your casting arm in good shape!
Day Four (Thursday)
Today our helicopter will lift us up to the incredible alpine surrounding the Park. High up above Chilko Lake, nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains we will hike through endless valleys of wildflowers. This rich carpeted terrain makes for easy walking and will allow us to cover great distances. The 360-degree scenery will make you feel like the gods as you wander among the mountaintops were very few mortals ever go. Foot massages on the deck while you sip your cocktails is a wonderful way to end this spectacular day!
Day Five (Friday)
After our final group yoga celebration followed by a delicious breakfast, we will depart Chilko Lake Resort by boat as we head into this 55-mile long wilderness waterway. Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, we will spend the day paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. Once back at the ranch we will pack up and prepare for our afternoon flight back to Vancouver.
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION - "THE FINE PRINT"
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS: A $500/person non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. The trip is based on double occupancy.
CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE: If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, notify us in writing as soon as possible. All cancellations are not refundable. We strongly recommend you purchase a short-term travelers insurance policy, which is enclosed in your confirmation packet. This policy offers accident, baggage and trip cancellation protection. The policy offers a full refund if you cancel at any time for medical or health reasons. Although it is unusual, we occasionally find it necessary to cancel a trip due to conditions beyond our control. If we are unable to provide another trip that is satisfactory to you, we will refund your entire trip fee.
MEDICAL: Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying a ROAM trip. People with heart trouble and pregnant women should have their physician's approval before taking a river trip.
You can be confident regarding your level of experience with yoga practices. Beginners and alike will benefit equally from the daily practice of yoga and deep breathing. Be sure to advise your instructor of particular physical issues that should be addressed in your yoga postures.
INSURANCE: Although every effort is made to insure a safe trip for all, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler's policy. A trip cancellation policy covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury, as well as evacuation expenses, should they become necessary.
Trip participants should realize that in the event of illness or injury on a river trip, evacuation may be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner's risk and R.O.A.M., Inc and Rivers Oceans and Mountains Adventures Inc. ("ROAM") accept no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property.
LIABILITY WAIVER: Everyone is required to sign a standard release before the trip, acknowledging awareness that some risks are associated with the trip. Safety is of the utmost concern on our trips. However, due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with ROAM cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
RESPONSIBILITY-AN IMPORTANT NOTICE: ROAM and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings, and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to "self-help" and "float-it-out" without further endangering yourself or others. Please be advised our approved life jackets are rated to accommodate persons no heavier than 260 pounds and with a chest size no larger than 56 inches. We are experienced at accommodating people with various handicaps. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. On advancement of deposit the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. Prices subject to change without notice.
Contact Information
For more information on this or any of our other Alpenglow Adventure Spa trips, please call Hannah Johansen at 406/995-4663,
or e-mail her at relax@alpenglowspa.com.
| July 6 and August 24, 2008 - 5 days |
Cost: $2995 (includes private charter from Vancouver) |
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