Landscaping is a physically demanding career so this past July I snuck out of town with my kids for an extended weekend break. And it was the best thing I could have done because it was a nice break physically and mentally. I also checked off one major item on my live it list.
The ranch
My sister and her partner live on a ranch just outside Kamloops, British Columbia and we all love it. The view at the ranch is spectacular, the place is quiet, there are cattle and horses to visit and there is constant view of my favourite pines (Pinus ponderosa).
Chillin’
I really didn’t do much over five days. We explored the ranch with Riley, the resident dog and we did about an hour of weeding in my sister’s horse enclosures.
The two dominant tree species on the ranch are Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii with junipers and the odd hawthorn. And examining the ranch weeds was also a riot.
Camping
Camping made this five day weekend extra special because my kids slept in a tent for the very first time! Check! And they did well. My son slept soundly. I also don’t recall if he even showered once but instead of yelling like mommy, I told him he did well for not removing the protective oils on his skin. (He’s fine and healthy.)
My daughter heard strange noises outside on the first night but she was fine after that. I believe she showered daily.
The only time we left the ranch was when snacks ran out. So I set them loose in a Kamloops IGA without a shopping list and with a healthy budget. That was almost as much fun as camping.
I firmly believe all professional landscapers should periodically take some time off.
