This past week, I got a frantic call from Jil Wickander, our Director of Outdoor Pursuits, saying that there was a HUGE herd of elk in the Blackhawk Meadow. At this time of year, the elk herds typically pass through Blackhawk fairly quickly, so we were scrambling to get our cameras and snap some shots before they headed up the mountain. Luckily, this herd was in no hurry! At last count, we spotted about 65 elk in this herd with a very impressive 5-by bull at the helm! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Fun photos from a great summer at Blackhawk!

A few nights ago I about fell out of bed when I heard an amazing sound outside my window…an elk bugling! This is not a rare occurrence if you spend enough time in the McCall woods, HOWEVER, I happen to live in town, surrounded by houses and dogs and cars and… well, you get the idea. This has now been going on each evening for the past three days. Even as I write this, I can’t wait for 10pm to roll around so that I can listen to the elk again!

If you have never heard an elk bugle, it is pretty awesome. I included a short video of an elk so that you could hear what one sounds like. Now just imagine that sound is coming from a few yards away!

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fall day! To go with the sunshine, sauerkraut, and brats homeowners of Blackhawk on the River sampled beer from McCall’s two breweries, Salmon River Brewery and the McCall Brewing Company.

From the Salmon River Brewery, we sampled the P.F.D. Pale Ale, the McToberbest, and the Salmon River Quiver.

From the McCall Brewing Company, we sampled the  Ponderosa Pale Ale, the Oktoberfest, and the Hefeweizen.

Nothing like enjoying an adult beverage in the sun! Happy Oktoberfest!

Scooby Doo, the oldest of the Blackhawk horses, had his official retirement party this Labor Day. Scooby was a favorite with kids and adults alike for his easy, calm demeanor and friendly personality. His claim to fame was to become the “official” pony for Paint the Pony where his white coat provided the perfect canvas for our artistic endeavors.

Scooby is off to an easier life in green pastures and not a finger paint in sight! We would love to hear about any of your favorite Scooby memories. He will be missed!

This past weekend, a group of amazing teenagers participated in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Trek,” as this adventure is called, is a three day adventure where youths from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints re-enact the struggles and triumphs of their pioneer ancestors who crossed the country pulling handcarts. For Trek 2010, RedRidge at Blackhawk provided an ideal location to host this event that only happens every 4 years.

This year’s event included close to 400 kids arranged into 40 “families.” Each family consists of 10 kids and 2 adults (known as their “ma” and “pa”) arranged so that no one knows anyone else in their new family. Throughout the entire 3 day experience, each family is responsible for pulling their handcart with all of their possessions through meadows, forests, across rivers, and up hills. By the end of Trek, new friendships and bonds are forged through the teamwork each family must rely on.

Each day, the families encounter different obstacles that their ancestors struggled to overcome. And the fun doesn’t stop there! The first night out, organizers arranged for the group to experience the discrimination their forefathers endured in Missouri when the governor issued and extermination order on the Mormons. Close to 30 adults dressed up, painted their faces and came running over the hill to “capture” the group leaders just as everyone was settling down to go to bed. The leaders where then tarred and feathered and the kids were ordered “off the property.” After another 2.5 mile hike in the dark pulling handcarts, the group finally reached their destination for the evening.

Despite the late hour and the initial “scare,” everyone I spoke with considered the first night’s events to be a great experience that opened their eyes to the hardships many have endured…and left the wondering what other surprises were in store for them!

We are so glad that this amazing group could share their Trek 2010 with us here at Blackhawk. Thank you for letting us visit the festivities! We look forward to seeing more of the great pictures and hearing about the memories you all made during this adventure!

The summer’s first Paint the Pony Ice Cream Social was a celebration of all things summer! Yummy treats including a special huckleberry peach cobbler, brownies, and, of course, ice cream with all of the toppings helped refuel event-goers after an afternoon of pony rides. Scooby Doo, Blackhawk’s trusty white horse, provided a living canvas for the event’s signature activity…painting the pony! In honor of the Forth of July, Scooby was even decorated with an American flag amongst red, blue, yellow and green handprints. And because the event was so close to Independence Day, we couldn’t let the day end without lighting a few sparklers!

Our next Paint the Pony event will be held on August 8th at 1pm. We hope you can join us at the River Lodge for this special event! Please RSVP to Jil at @ (208) 630-4348.

This summer, Blackhawk added three new horses to our equestrian center and they are excited to get out on the trail! Homeowners and guests have been keeping Sunny, Cowboy and Gunner busy touring the natural beauty of the Payette River Mountains. We hope you will stop by the Ranch House to meet our new team members!

After a week of wild, rainy weather, the sun came out for Kristin and Trent’s beautiful riverfront wedding at Blackhawk. We love how the bride and groom left the ceremony site (held at Blackhawk’s Fishing Grotto)…in a raft! Yep, that’s right! Kristin and Trent braved the Payette River in their wedding day best and floated down to their reception at the River Lodge. And the most amazing part? Kristin did in heels!

Congratulations to you both! We are honored to have been a part of your special day!

If you are planning a wedding in McCall and are interested in learning more about Blackhawk’s wedding packages, please contact McKenzie at 208.630.5070 or by email at mckenzie@blackhawkontheriver.com.