A Winter At Coast Mountain

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150834.post-1132288209017614232005-11-17T20:27:00.000-08:002005-11-17T20:30:09.030-08:00A Winter At Coast MountainPeople often ask us what we do in the “off season”. This year our “off season” began when our last last Xwemalhkwu bears trip ended on September 17th.. For us, the season never really ends since we really just change gears and activities. Does life slow down? Well sort of but we do put long hours in front of the computer designing ads, re-writing websites, and re-designing brochures. You might be surprised at the list of office jobs there are to do. The first thing we have to think about is next years calendar of trips. This takes a minimum of a full day. Then, we have three websites each of which, needs to be updated to reflect the new calendar. Sites are re-optimized, revised where necessary and improved with new images. Next on the list are the printed ads which need to be designed and submitted to various magazines and tourism publications. Then we need to check and update about 10 directories on the internet. Coast Mountain prints 3 different brochures each year: One to promote our multiday trips, one to promote accommodation and daytrips, and a condensed 3 fold which promotes all of our offered activities (for wider distribution). Then, there are the “to do” lists, After all the kayaks and equipment has been washed and put away, we go into repair mode. This means replacing anything around the two lodges and Hill Island which might be unsafe during the up coming season. These include upgrading or replacing walkways, bridges and decks. Improving trails. We have over 20,000 square ft of wooden decks, floats, and walkways which constantly need attention. We use 9 buildings which need maintenance as well as renewable energy systems which need to be checked and upgraded. This year we’re building a new AC hydroelectric system and installing 2 new solar water heaters. Then, there are the boats…Bottoms need to be scraped and painted, as well as top sides. Then there is engine servicing like oil changes, filters etc, or major repair when necessary. All the while there are inquiries which need to answered. Before we know it, it’s spring and its time to plant the garden. The lists are never finished but we manage to prioritize the important stuff and at least that gets done. In May,our first lodge based programs begin. By late June, we’re back to running 2 multiday trips per week as well as running Discovery Islands Lodge. There you have it, A year in the life of Ralph and Lannie at Coast Mountain!Coast Mountain Expeditions, Lannie & Ralph Kellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349751263566046749noreply@blogger.com