Tag Archives: Pigeon Lake

A magical evening spent with Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides—a fundraising event with the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association

02 Sunday Jan 2022

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Yesterday evening, we enjoyed the first day of the year in a magical way—on a sleigh ride, through the woods, in the dark, through miles (and miles— two exactly) of twinkling Christmas lights.

The sleigh ride event was offered by the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association who partnered with Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides as a fundraising event to support programs for a healthy lake and watershed. We were gifted with tickets by some good friends (Thank you!) and we made a donation to the Association to add to the fundraising pot. We were very excited! Although we had been on a handful of wagon rides (usually at the Village during Christmas or on visits to Fort Edmonton Park) we had never been on a sleigh ride through the snow.

The weather miraculously cooperated. After extreme cold warnings for over a week (-40*C with windchill) it suddenly warmed up to 8*C that evening! We dressed warm up for the 30-minute ride and when we arrived, we were greeted by Catherine (of the PLWA) with hot chocolate and a cozy fire.

The ride was truly magical. That really is the best word to describe it. Maybe because it was the first day of the New Year filled with promises of new adventures… Maybe because it was dark and the fire and Christmas lights glowed so brightly… Maybe because the ride was long enough that you felt immersed in the nocturnal world of the woods… Or maybe it was that hit of Baileys in the hot chocolate combined with the heady scent of horse and hay…

Regardless, Pete and Tug (two extremely large and handsome Belgian horses) pulled our heavy sleigh through the deep snow like we were feathers. Our teamster, Rus, made sure we all were comfortable and kept us laughing. He also gave Chayton (eight years old) a few impromptu lessons on how to be a teamster, letting him hold the reigns, steer, and even stopping and starting the horses. “Step up!”  (That was an experience Chayton will always remember! Thank you, Rus!) A handful of small downhills on the trail made Chayton scream with delight (“We’re on a rollercoaster!!!”) and he enjoyed trying to touch the miles of strings of Christmas lights, which were always just out of reach.

Click here to see a video of the Christmas Light Night Ride on the Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides website.

Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides has been serving central Aberta for over 5 years. Owned and operated by Mike Patterson and Karen Sterling, they offer many services throughout the year, including:

  • Christmas Light Night Ride
  • Daytime Sleigh Ride
  • Birthday Party Wagon Ride
  • Romantic Ride
  • Fireside Roast
  • Weddings
  • Photography (in partnership with Sterling Photography and Marketing)

They have a variety of wagons and sleighs, including a carriage, oak wagon, hitch wagon, bobsled, and sleigh (comfortable seating up to 3 passengers).

They also offer Horsemanship and Pony Exposure. 

“Our little teams of miniature horses are quiet and gentle. They provide to opportunity to learn about horses. Pony Exposure allows you to handle these little guys in a fun and less intimating way then the big horses. Highly recommended for people of all ages.”

~Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides

Located close to Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, include Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides in your travel plans. Come out for the day and enjoy the horses and our beautiful Pigeon Lake Watershed!

My mission is to help folks create lasting memories with the use of my horses and the beautiful province we live in. 

~Michael Patterson

Thank you to Michael for taking the picture of us last night (we forgot to bring our phone). Also, all photos on this page have been “borrowed” from the Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides website (it was dark when we were there). Please visit their website for more excellent photos and video!

For more information, please contact Michael and Karen through the contact form on their website https://www.albertahorsedrawnrides.com or call 780-878-1054.

Pigeon Lake Watershed Association (PLWA) is a charitable, not-for-profit environmental advocacy group made up of people who live, work and play in Pigeon Lake and its watershed. Our mission is to enhance, preserve and protect Pigeon Lake and its watershed as a healthy and environmentally sustainable ecosystem for current and future generations.

https://www.plwa.ca

Pigeon Lake Sled Dog Classic

18 Saturday Feb 2012

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Today I dropped in on the Pigeon Lake Sled Dog Classic, an annual event since 2007! I had such a great time mingling with community people, meeting new friends, warming myself by the gigantic fire pit while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, watching the teams prepare for their race and especially seeing the dogs, so full of excitement and vigor, ready to take on the race!

There are a few different races, including a 4-dog open and a 4-dog purebred; a 6-dog open and a 6-dog purebred; skijoring (people on skis being pulled by dogs or horses) and a junior competition. There are $1000 worth of cash prizes ($100 at the junior level) divided amongst the first seven competitors in each race.

There is also a banquet each year for both competitors and spectators, which costs $20. Thanks to the community volunteers and sponsors, this event has been a great success each year.

This Classic Race is promoted as a Fun Race, where new Mushers can mingle, learn and race along side the more seasoned veteran Mushers.

While in attendance at the Race you will see the beautiful traditional Siberian Huskys, Malamutes and the cross bred hounds known as Alaskan Huskys, thoroughbreds of the Sled Dog World

There’s another full day of races tomorrow for anyone interested. The first races starts at 9 am and there is a new race hourly until 1:50 pm.  Prizes will be awarded at 2:20 pm. To view the schedule or more information and links to other dog sledding events, click here to visit the Pigeon Lake Dog Race.

the ECOcafe at the Village on Pigeon Lake

09 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in buy local, eco-living, Pigeon Lake

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If you enjoy delicious high quality food and are committed to supporting local foods and “independent local farmers who share our vision about the environment and the philosophy of eating healthy safe foods” then I highly recommend the ECOcafe.~Delena

Residents of Pigeon Lake, Alberta and the surrounding area are extremely lucky to have the ECOcafe in our neighborhood. The ECOcafe has been offering a unique and ethically-conscious dining experience since it opened its doors in 1997. Believing in “Food as Community”, this locally-owned restaurant is committed to serving naturally-raised foods and promoting local rural sustainability. Each of the items on their menu is a wholesome and tasty adventure and also includes a wide variety of choices for vegetarians.

The ECOcafe also offers items to buy and enjoy at home, including breads, desserts, and meat and fruit pies. Below are pictures I took this afternoon of their famous Elk Pie that I bought frozen a few weeks ago and then baked at home today for lunch.

The ECOcafe has been featured in many newspapers, magazines and even on television. Click here to find out more. Aside of the delicious food, another thing that impresses me and inspires my loyal patronage is the ECOcafe’s commitment to the community. According to their website:

The ECOcafé has worked with University students participating in mentorship’s and internships, as well as school lunch programs, cooking classes, complimentary yoga classes, speaking engagements, volunteer programs, fundraising and a host of other programs, directly and indirectly.

Even when the cottagers and tourists have left at the end of summer, there always seems to be something exciting going on at the café throughout the entire year. For example, there are monthly wine tastings, ‘open-mike’ nights, and on the first Saturday of every month they feature the cuisine of another country. Sunday mornings showcase an Eggs Benedict brunch, on Monday afternoons you can get an Intuitive Reading, and if you enjoy seafood, be sure to pop in on Friday evening for the Chef’s fabulous seafood creation. There are also special one-of-a-kind gatherings, such as last month’s Conversations with Marg.

Here is a picture of the restaurant as seen on their website:

I love dining at the ECOcafe.  Not only have I met some great new friends there but I feel good supporting a local business that in turn supports my local community in many different ways. I always leave feeling nourished, both in body and in spirit. ~Delena

Located in the Village on Pigeon Lake, Alberta. Click here for a map and directions.

For Your Unique Dining Experience
Contact ECOcafe At:
#10 Village Drive, R.R.#2
Westerose, Alberta
T0C 2V0
Rest. 780.586.2627
Office 780.586.2623
Fax 780.586.2625
info@ECOcafepigeonlake.ca

Regular hours

8 am-8 pm  Sunday through Thursday

8 am-9 pm Friday through Saturday

Summer hours

8 am-9 pm Sunday through Thursday

8 am-10 am Friday through Saturday

the joy of a perfectly groomed ski trail

09 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by in Pigeon Lake, play

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This morning I had the privilege of being the first to ski the newly groomed Rundle Mission ski trails (these are the trails that I walk or ski everyday, all year round). An avid skier, I must admit that I am very spoiled living right next to the Rundle Mission, who find funding (and continue to accept donations) to maintain these wonderful trails for general public use.

This morning was one of those memorable mornings: mild temperatures (only -5 degrees C), a gorgeous sunrise over the lake just as we were leaving the cabin…

 …freshly groomed ski trails, lots of glide, the warm sun on my face and lighting up the natural world around me, appreciating my health as I glided up and down the slopes, Lucy carefree and happy, and the general feeling of peace and well-being that comes from doing something that I love (playing outside… and skiing!).

It was not a surprise that the trails were groomed today (the first grooming of the season!). Mike, from Trax Unlimited, had stopped by the cabin last night to introduce himself. He had noticed (by my ski tracks) that I frequently skied and wanted to invite me to join the Pigeon Lake Nordic Ski Club, a “loosely organized group of skiers who live in the Pigeon Lake area”. This group sets and maintains 10 kilometers of trail at Pigeon Lake National Park. There are no fees in becoming a member. Simply email Pat or Shirley to get on their mailing list and be notified of special events.

Pat @ 780-586-3574 or evanoffpat@gmail.com
Shirley @ 780-682-3753 or kruetzfeld@xplornet.com

Visit their website to see their blog, photos, trail and area maps, contact information and other helpful links.

TRAX UNLIMITED. I also noticed that Mike offers his services for Professionally Groomed Cross Country Ski Trails for schools, clubs, or holiday gatherings. You can contact him by phone at 780-586-2077 or via email  mblack.trax@gmail.com

So, my fellow cross country skiers out there, there are two great public places to ski on groomed trails here at Pigeon Lake: Rundle Mission and at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, both just one hour’s drive from Edmonton. Today is a particularly warm, winter’s day… perfect for dusting off those skis… 🙂

Upcoming Christmas Sales in the Pigeon Lake Area courtesy of Dragonfly Lane Teas & Wizard Lake Soap and Body Products

02 Wednesday Nov 2011

Posted by in buy local, Pigeon Lake

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It’s November and many of us are beginning to hunt for Christmas gifts and treats. I like to give consumable gifts- either something edible (like jams, wine or dried herbs) or something to use (like candles, incense, soaps or handmade cards). Christmas craft sales are a great place to find unique gift items and are also a great way to buy ‘organic’, ‘handmade’ and ‘local’.  I asked Lynne of Dragonfly Lane Teas and Wizard Lake Soap and Body Products to let me know when she has her pre-Christmas sales schedule so that I could share it with you. I will definitely be shopping at her table for ‘stocking stuffers’. If you don’t live near any of these locations, see your local newspaper for a craft sale near you.

November 6: Small Business Expo at Wetaskiwin Legion 5003-52 Avenue, hours 11 am-4 pm

November 12: Arbor Greenhouses  Highway 2A, hours 9 am-4 pm

November 19: Rundle Mission at Pigeon Lake, hours 11 am-3 pm

November 26: Mulhurst Bay  at Community Hall, hours 10 pm-4 pm

November 27: Falun Community Hall on Highway 13, hours 11 am-4 pm

December 3: Lakedell Agricultural Society Christmas Craft Sale at Lakedell, hours 11 am-4 pm

 I will be volunteering at the Rundle Mission at Pigeon Lake craft sale which is just down the road from the cabin. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

an afternoon on the water

05 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by in cabin living, lake living, Pigeon Lake

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Although I have lived here at Pigeon Lake for over 11 months, I have to admit that until last Friday, I had only been on the water twice. Both of these boat rides were in a canoe, which was fun, but didn’t get me very far as Lucy is no help at all with the paddling! I am very fortunate to be surrounded by great neighbors who keep an eye on me, help me out when I need it, and give me sound advice on some of my projects. On Friday, I was invited out for an end of season boat ride with my newest friends who happen to live just down the road.

It was a perfect end-of-summer day. Blue skies, warm weather and reasonably calm water…

As you may have guessed by now, the coolest part of the boat ride was the BOAT. This work of art is a 1959 Glass Slipper by Marlin Marine. My neighbor Brad, and his son Mitch, collect and restore boats (among other cool hobbies). Believe it or not, this boat only only took them 8 months to restore from start to finish! Everything had to be redone: the detailing, upholstery, paint finish, even the engine is original and was totally rebuilt.

This is not their first boat project and they are now currently working on a new boat. For those of you who are interested in the boats and the restoring process, Brad is planning on getting a blog set up soon and when it is up and running, I will provide a link to it. There are so many interesting details behind this model’s design and history and Brad’s blog will be a fun and informative resource.

Brad and Mitch also custom-build the beautifully matching trailers that pull the boats.

It was a great afternoon! What a special treat: enjoying being on the water with my new friends, great weather, viewing other cabins around the lake, stopping for ice cream, hearing lots of stories, and feeling like I had traveled back in time to 1959 riding in a brand new Glass Slipper…

spending time with family

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in cabin living, family

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Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! ~Albert Einstein

My dad (Don), sister Cheryl and her two sons, Taylor and Nathaniel, came to visit from Winnipeg for a few days this week. Although our time together was short we really made the most of it, spending both beautiful days on the beach where we swam, played, picked berries, chatted, read and relaxed. Back at the cabin, no one even noticed that I do not own a television as they were too busy having fun playing Scrabble, Yahtzee, Chess and football.

 Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

The advantage of growing up with siblings is that you become very good at fractions.  ~Robert Brault

It was particularly nice for me to take this time off from my regular routine of chores and projects to enjoy some ‘end of summer time’ and connect with my family in a meaningful way. Living alone (with Lucy), I often get busy and forget to take periods of rest throughout the day and week. Discovering Ma-Me-O Beach here at Pigeon Lake was lovely as it reminded me that I am living in an Alberta tourist hot spot and should make the most of it by enjoying it when I can.

 You don’t choose your family.  They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

Taylor is a natural in the kitchen and we have been cooking together since he was very young. Back at the cabin, we cooked all of the delicious meals together.  Nathaniel helped out a bit there, too. Nathaniel joined Lucy and I on our evening walks and we had fun talking about fishing and snakes and just exploring nature together. My sister and I got all caught up on each other’s busy lives, and my dad (with Cher’s help) installed a beautiful new ceiling fan in the living room. Surrounded by people, Lucy got non-stop smooches and cuddles from everyone.

Beach, sunshine, time with family… end of summer fun. It was a lovely few days!