My Point of View February 2012

Table of Contents

Aloha, Paniolo

The storied Parker Ranch on
the Big Island of Hawaii is one
of the largest ranches in the
U.S. — and certainly one of the
most exotic

Shelterbelts

Born out of necessity against
the incessant wind, the
shelterbelts of the prairie have
blossomed into a thing of
beauty while still retaining its
useful function

A Home Fit for Royalty

After spending a lifetime in
the sky, the Sergerie’s designed
their home to take in what they
know best; lots of light and
sweeping views

Riding the Arabian Desert

Christy Jansen of Alberta has
ridden with the Crown Prince of
Dubai and raced in the Arabian
desert. Here’s the lowdown on
one of the most grueling races
in the world

Blake Schlosser

He’s as equally known and
respected on the range as
he is in the rodeo arena. Meet
the Cowboy of the Year,
Blake Schlosser

Avast Me Hearties, Yo Ho…

 0212_My Point of view
 Photo by Terri Mason
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I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. At one time, Canada had tiny pockets of civilization surrounded by vast tracts of wilderness.

Today, our country is vast sprawls of civilization with tiny pockets of wilderness. In a century we have almost completely reversed our world. Good ranchers however, have fought tooth and nail to protect their native grass, and it seems the rest of the country is realizing the restorative powers of nature not only for the land, but for our psyche.

Where I live there is a seemingly magical grove. The lay of the land is such that in this sheltered pocket the air is always still and fragrant with wild mint. Wild columbine with large, pale lavender flowers climb poplars and cottonwoods. Wild Tiger Lilies with startling red blooms and Lady’s Slipper with two-inch yellow blossoms hold their ground. There is one trail, worn by horses, that navigates through it all. It’s the perfect place for grandkids and adults to discover the power, beauty, and fragility of nature.

Nowhere is natural beauty celebrated more than on the tropic
isles of Hawaii. The Parker Ranch on the Big Island has been working with the elements since the late 1700’s and today the iconic outfit has not only survived but thrived in their fragile environment.

One of the most common sights on the prairies is shelterbelts. These tall green sentinels marching up fence lines have kept a lot of soil from picking up and blowing to Saskatchewan — yet like everything else in life, they need to be nourished and, in many cases, replanted. We bring an article that just might inspire you to not only plant a shelterbelt but to create a four-season line of beauty that will, in a very short time, make life on your place a lot more comfortable in the summer and winter!

If you’ve been to a pro or ranch rodeo over the past 25 years, chances are, you’ve seen our Living Legend rescuing cowboys. Blake Schlosser retired from the pro arena with two great honours — being voted in as one of the pick up men at the Canadian Finals Rodeo — and being voted Cowboy of the Year.

Our Trailblazer, John Maxwell, isn’t exactly a household name. But not only did he battle a harsh, isolated environment to build up his herd and ranch but he also did battle with seaborn rustlers and beat them at their own game.

And, drumroll please, all 2012 we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the magazine!

Whether it’s shelter from the storm or high seas adventures, we’ve got it all here in Canadian Cowboy Country. Avast me hearties, yo ho…