Wayne Sawchuk and the Muskwa-Kechika: Horseback Expedition

2010 HORSEBACK EXPEDITIONS TO THE MUSKWA-KECHIKA
Would you like to travel with saddlehorse and packtrain through a thriving, spectacular, and roadless wilderness? Now you can experience the pristine Northern Rockies just as did the first European explorers who crossed the North American continent. The 2010 Muskwa-Kechika Expedition will be hosted by Wayne Sawchuk, a guide, photographer and conservationist who has been leading horseback expeditions into the Muskwa-Kechika since 1985. Through his work with industry, wilderness organizations, and public planning processes, Wayne has been instrumental in creating a wilderness management area that serves as a model for protecting wild places worldwide. Each 12 day leg of the 2010 Muskwa-Kechika Expedition will be rigorous, exciting, and utterly unforgettable. Usually, the packstring will be on the trail for two or three days, then a camp day. Be aware that life on the Expedition requires all participants to have a reasonable level of fitness, including the ability to mount and dismount, walk up and down hills, and to assist with saddling, packing and camp activities, as they are able. All folks share cooking duties. For instance, on a 12-day trip with six people, each person will be responsible for supplying and preparing two suppers for the group. Participants will bring their own breakfast and lunch. Choose food that does not require refrigeration, such as dried foods, rice dishes, pasta, etc. Also, it's best to be light on the cans to cut down weight. Cost C$2495 plus GST
2010 Dates
Expedition Trip One: June 20-July 3 Mile 172, Alaska Highway to Head Camp, Prophet River Features a traverse of the historic Caribou Range, and 4-night stop at the wildlife rich Prophet River Hotsprings. Expedition Trip Two: July 8-20 Prophet River Head Camp to Tuchodi Lakes Spectacular passes, rugged rivers, elk, caribou and grizzly bears will satisfy the most hardcore wilderness lover. Expedition Trip Three: July 20-Aug 1 Tuchodi Lakes to Mayfield Lake Features a crossing of the Rocky Mountain Divide and some of the most remote wilderness in North America. Expedition Trip Four: Aug 22-Sep 3 Mayfield Lake to Tuchodi Lake We trek back over the Rocky Mountain Divide, rarely encountering any other people, if at all. Expedition Trip Five: Sep 3-Sep 14 Tuchodi Lake to Tetsa River and the Alaska Highway Several high passes, clear waters, and spectacular views rich with fall colours will mark a fitting climax to the 2010 Muskwa-Kechika Expedition.
Flights
Flights to the Head Camp on the upper Prophet River will leave either from Fort St. John, or the Prophet River Airstrip on the Alaska Highway depending on logistics. All backcountry flights are organized by Wayne Sawchuk, and the cost is included in your fee. Times etc. are of course subject to the weather.
What to Bring
First rule: be light. Participants are limited to 70 pounds of gear and food. Expedition participants will need: - tent - sleeping bag - foamy - food - hiking boots - rubber boots - camp shoes - warm clothes - rain gear and rain hat - warm coat and underwear - waterproof gloves or mitts The project will supply all cooking equipment, dishes, camp shelter, horses and horse gear. A note about weather: it can do anything in the Northern Rockies! Come prepared for hot or cold weather. Be sure to bring binoculars and camera if you have them, and light fishing gear if you want to fish. Bugs aren't usually too bad in the Northern Rockies, but do bring some bug dope if you normally use it.
Communication
Muskwa-Kechika Adventures has a satellite phone which can be used in emergencies.
Liability Insurance
Muskwa-Kechika Adventures carries liability insurance for the expedition and camp, as required by the conditions of the Park Use Permit. Contact Wayne Sawchuk if you would like further details on this.
Travel Costs to Muncho Lake
Travel costs to reach Muncho Lake are the responsibility of the participant. Air service to Fort Nelson is provided by Air Canada and Peace Air. Greyhound Bus service is available to Fort Nelson. Bus service is available during the summer between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake (phone (250) 774-6322 for times). You can also travel by personal vehicle.
Accommodation at Muncho Lake
The night before the floatplane departures, participants can stay at Muncho either in Northern Rockies Lodge or in a tent in the provincial campsite. Hosts at Northern Rockies Lodge, where the floatplanes will depart, are Urs and Marianne Schildknecht, who also operate Liard Air service. For rates and booking at Northern Rockies Lodge, phone 1-800-663-5269.
REGISTER FOR A HORSEBACK EXPEDITION
2010 Camps Brochure
Register for Camp
HOME
THE MAN, THE LAND
Wayne Sawchuk
Curriculum Vitae
Conservation Biology
The Muskwa-Kechika
Yellowstone to Yukon
Consulting and Mediation
Speaking Engagements
Media Spotlights
DOCUMENTING THE LAND
Photography
Video Documentaries
Publications
EXPLORING THE WILD
Horseback Expedition
Base Camp Experience
Photography Expedition
Child and Nature Camp
CONTACT
Request Presentation
Register for Camp
Order an Item
My Account
Home
Overview
Wayne
Muskwa-Kechika
Portfolio
Expeditions/Camps
Account
a WiltonWorks website