A Trip Back in Time: Exploring the historic Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition
Howard and Jacky Trofanenko with their horses Smokey and Freddy
This guest blog, including photos, was by Howard Trofanenko. Howard was the grand prize winner of our 2015 Nature Photo Contest. He and his wife Jacky were awarded a horseback trip for two through the Pemberton backcountry on the Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition courtesy of Copper Cayuse Outfitters.
Copper Cayuse Outfitters is the premier guided horse riding company in British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor and offers many different types of horseback adventures in the Whistler and Pemberton areas.
Howard and Jacky would like to extend their gratitude to Nature Canada for providing them with this opportunity after winning the 2015 photo contest, and Copper Cayuse Outfitters for donating the prize by providing an authentic Canadian Signature adventure. See more photos of their adventure by visiting Copper Cayuse Outfitters on Facebook.
Our adventure with Copper Cayuse Outfitters started with a warm welcome from our hosts Don Coggins and Dudley Kennett, wrangler Julie-Ann, and “our” horses Smokey and Freddy.
It wasn’t too long on the first day’s ride before we quickly learned we were in good care with these sure footed horses. The trails we rode covered mountain terrain that provided magnificent views as we continued to higher elevations.
Upon our arrival at base camp we enjoyed refreshments before embarking on a short ride to Birkenhead Lake where we cooled off with a late afternoon swim in the lake. Base camp is well equipped with tents and cots, a cook shelter, and shower with hot and cold water! While sitting around the evening campfire we learned about the history of the mines and traded stories.
Our second day started with a hearty breakfast, and then we were off to the mines. The horseback ride to the mines passes tree lined mountain lakes and distant grizzly bear recovery areas. Smokey and Freddy were the stars placing each hoof with precision while safely carrying us up steep narrow mountain trails to the mines, and back down.
Entering the mine was like stepping back in time to when the ore was carried on horseback down the same trails we traveled.
Suppers on both evenings was everything one would expect on a trail ride; baked beans and fresh salads served with thick juicy cuts of meat and home-made desserts. After another hearty breakfast the third day ride back to the ranch covered trails that we purposely hadn’t seen on the previous two days to ensure everyday was a new adventure.
The historic Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition isn’t an easy horseback ride on flat terrain but is well suited for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The staff and horses ensure all levels of horsemanship will have a unique experience. Don, Dudley, and Julie-Ann made us feel at ease and comfortable with the horses while we developed a bond with “our” Smokey and Freddy.
Our 2016 Nature Photo Contest has coming to an end! Once again, Copper Cayuse Outfitters has generously provided this year’s grand prize, an exhilarating 3-day horseback horseback trip for two to the historic Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition. Make sure to register for our e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to help us chose our grand prize winner whose photo will also be featured in our 2017 Nature Calendar.
