Live Wild With The Lodge – The Blog


Fish You’ll Catch at Panther River


So, you’d rather be fishing? We don’t blame you.

Luckily, in Alberta, we are able to fish year-round! That’s why at Panther River we offer expeditions in the winter and summer so you can scratch that fishing itch. Each adventure takes you into the heart of the wilderness, featuring Alberta’s pristine mountainous lakes. Every fishing expedition includes:

 

  • A knowledgeable guide

  • Lunch

  • Tackle

  • Fishing rods

 

One thing that does vary depending on the type of excursion you embark on is the fish you catch. Arguably the most important aspect! But worry not, below we’ve outlined which species you can expect to reel in on our adventures.

 

Dormer Lake

Nestled between the slopes of Dormer Mountain, this lake is a must-see if you love to cast your rod amongst some peace and serenity. Accessible by hoof or helicopter, Dormer Lake creates an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Picture yourself surrounded by fresh alpine trees, emerald water and no one else around. To say it’s an escape into nature is an understatement, you have to experience it for yourself.

As for what you’ll catch when you reel in your line, we have one word: trout! Brook Trout, to be exact. Identifiable by their marbled pattern and white leading edges of their fins.

These fish aren’t picky when it comes to what they want to nibble on, so using anything from worms and larvae to grasshoppers as bait may do the trick! Be sure to check the current Alberta regulations for acceptable bait per region whenever you’re planning a fishing trip.

To keep the fish bountiful, Alberta also limits how many fish you can take home, which you will also find through the link mentioned above.

 

Lost Guide Lake

A hop, skip and a jump away (by helicopter), you can experience the fishing at Lost Guide Lake after trying your luck at Dormer Lake. It’s just as serene and also nestled within the mountains, so choosing a favorite is a difficult task!

That being said, if you like variety, this lake might be for you. Known as  the home to a few more trout species than Lake Dormer, casting your reel at Lost Guide is more of a gamble...where either way you win! Cutthroat and Golden Trout makes their homes here.

You’ll know if you caught a Cutthroat by its red slash on the lower jaw...fitting to its name. Alternatively, a Golden is defined by its red and orange cheeks.

These species aren’t picky with their live bait either, so what you found suitable for the Book Trout will suffice. However, if you prefer to use tackle solely, your guide will have the best suggestions for what the fish are biting at this season.

Pro tip: if using tackle to snag a Cutthroat, patience is a virtue.

Now that you know what to expect for your next fishing expedition at The Lodge at Panther River, what are you waiting for!? We have availability for the 2019 spring/summer season but it won’t last long!

Explore all of our unforgettable Rocky Mountain Adventures (with fishing opportunities!) here: https://pantherriver.com/book-your-adventure/

What to Bring: The Comprehensive Winter Hike Packing Guide

Imagine this: a cascading mountain range, wildlife, and white powder snow – finding yourself in the middle of the ultimate Canadian playground. You, a hardworking city-dwelling adventurer, taking in and savoring the beauty and tranquility of each moment.

Alberta is a dream for to those willing to fall to into its beauty. It’s safe to say that the human experience is built on the idea that we can and should explore and experience as many places we possibly can – and the Rocky Mountains are a great place to start.

Just as a road trip requires a partner-in-crime and a selection of good tunes, winter treks in the mountains call for a few essentials to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Let’s start from the toes:

Footwear

You wouldn’t go running in flip-flops or boxing without gloves, so to maximize your experience, a trusty pair of hiking boots is essential. For a frost kissed winter hike, wool socks are a great addition to keep in the heat. A pair of insulated hiking boots is also a great investment that will help keep those toes warm. These North Face Insulated Winter Boots won’t disappoint!

 

Pants

Fashion over function won’t cut it on the snow-dusted trail. While you may be tempted to look as good as the mountain views you’ll be soaking up – your performance is more important. You’ll want to allow for some movement in order to be comfortable, and unrestricted. Hiking pants and with stretch material, like these Fast Trek Pants from Columbia will help you to hit the trails with ease.

 

Shirts

A winter hike will have you yearning for a breathable shirt that wicks sweat away from the surface of your skin. While your working up a sweat, that moisture can actually cling to your skin and bring your body temperature down. Check out MEC online or in-store for a soft and sweat-wicking merino wool long sleeve as a base layer. Keep the heat, and the good times abundant!

 

Hat

A warm, durable hat is a must when it comes to winter hiking. Retaining your own body heat is important when the temperature gets a tad chilly – and covering your head can help to keep you cozy! Consider something waterproof so you can be prepared for anything mother nature may throw at you!

 

Gloves

Getting a good pair of gloves with waterproof insulation will help keep your fingers warm and your spirits high. While mittens may feel more comfortable, fingered gloves will give you more dexterity and control throughout your hike.

Fingers and toes are among the first to get cold so make sure you pack accordingly! Check out a pair of our favourite gloves from MEC here.

 

Now that you’re all dressed, all you need is somewhere to stash your stuff!

Backpack

Whether it’s a 3-day hike in the Himalayas or a 2-hour hike in Panther River, a proper backpack will be essential to keeping food, extra clothing, and a camera to capture all of the beauty you’re experiencing close. For a winter hike, a 35-45 liter backpack will provide enough room for all your winter hiking needs. Depending on your skill level, a 35-45-litre backpack will also hold crampons, snowshoes, and microspikes. Osprey has a wide selection of competent backpacks you can explore here.

 

Below is the ultimate list of the top 10 essentials to bring in your backpack:

1. Map

2. Compass

3. Whistle

4. Headlamp

5. First Aid Kit

6. Swiss Army Knife

7. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

8. Snacks

10. Toilet Paper

11. Survival Gear – Sleeping Bag, Tent, Stove, Pots, Pans

 

With all of these winter essentials, you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Huddled in the sanctity of the Albertan Rocky Mountains, Panther River Lodge is a family owned wilderness resort that encourages all who come to call it “home.” Offering helicopter rides, yoga retreats, weddings, corporate team building events, trail rides with horses and guided hikes, Panther River Lodge is a Swiss army knife of opportunity.

 


Your Guide to The Lodge At Panther River: Planning your Next Rocky Mountain Adventure

The Lodge at Panther River is nestled within the curves of its namesake river as it winds its way through the Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by backcountry valleys, crisp alpine air and natural wildlife, the visitors who arrive at this resort quickly fall in love.

Not only does the resort offer an overwhelmingly family welcome to its guests, it is well known for its well-maintained campgrounds and cabins (proudly held up to the ‘Safron Standard’)!

Read on to see what awaits you, and to determine which one of our accommodations is the best fit for you and your next adventure.

The following map will give you an idea of what to expect of the resort grounds when you head over for your Rocky Mountain adventure:

For the vacationing family

The Main Lodge

Inside the main lodge is where you’ll find the check-in counter and access to the resort staff. Inside, you’ll find a warm, wood-burning fireplace beside which you will be served hearty home-cooked meals that are sure to warm your soul.

The main lodge also features the Rusted Rock Patio and Coffee Bar. Our chefs invite you to soak in the natural beauty around you while enjoying a local spirit or specialty coffee, courtesy of the Banff Roasting Company.

The Lodge at Panther River is proud to have Lavender Lotus products for guests to use during their stay in every cabin and suite. They are also available in the Lodge for Wilderness campers.

Basic Cabins

The resort features 4 regular log cabins that can accommodate up to four guests comfortably. Each cabin has its own covered veranda, a large three-piece ensuite bathroom, satellite TV, and Wifi.

Guests have the option to choose between the Willow, Pine cabin, Spruce, or Birch cabin. Each cabin has its own charm and unique layout.

For the getaway couple

Couple Cabin

For our couple guests who are looking for an extra-special romantic getaway, the resort features the Larkspur cabin that’s built for two.

Luxury Cabins

The Lodge at Panther River also features two luxury cabins, hidden in the woods and overlooking the most stunning views on our property. The Aspen and Cedar Suites can each comfortably accommodate up to four guests and are the perfect hideaways to melt into comfort.

For the travelling friends (or travelling nomad)

Cabin for the Friends

For those high-octane vacations with your main crew, the resort offers the Aster Suite: a cabin with everything you need to make memories. The suite features double bunk beds, a sitting area with a pull-out sofa, a kitchenette, satellite TV and wifi.

Solo Trip Cabin

Ever feel like you need a trip to the wilderness to just get a fresh perspective? That’s what the Dogwood cabin is for. Small, simple, but with just as much rustic charm as any of the larger cabins, the Dogwood contains a double bed, satellite TV and wifi. Exterior bathrooms are available for the guests of the Dogwood cabin to use.

Outfitted Tents

For the souls that crave adventure and the great outdoors but don’t want to haul up several backpacks of equipment for their vacation, there are fully outfitted tents that have been pre-built and include a wood floor and private deck.

Each tent features its very own wood-burning stove with firewood supplied by the Lodge. Shower and bathroom facilities are available for all outfitter tent guests nearby.

Campgrounds A & B

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Don’t care for the cabin-life? Pull up your RV and stay with us riverside. Spend time in the fresh mountain air and watch the stars over your private crackling fire, all while listening to the Panther River gush over the rocks beside you.

Campground A is located to the east of the Main Lodge and is semi-serviced, down-to-earth, and perfect for a relaxed wilderness getaway. Each site comes with:

  • Gravel pad
  • 15amp power
  • Access to water to fill RV tanks
  • Access to the sani-dump (no direct sewer hook up)
  • Picnic table
  • Private fire ring
  • Firewood
  • Use of clean shower facilities

 

Campground B, on the other hand, is located to the west of the Main Lodge on the very banks of the Panther River and is fully serviced. Each site comes with:

  • Gravel pad
  • 50 amp power
  • Direct water hookup
  • Direct sewer hookup
  • Picnic table
  • Private fire ring
  • Firewood
  • Use of clean shower facilities

Tenters are available on Campground B! Please note that there is no grass (only gravel) to set up your tents. Guests must bring their own towels and toiletries.

All of our camping guests are encouraged to use your gazebo that is outfitted with a barbeque and vintage-inspired fire pit.

 

For the daring adventurers  

Our three exclusive Adventure Packages afford you the opportunity to experience our remote, luxury campgrounds: Top Camp and Spike Camp. This is perfect for the seasoned hikers and explorers ready to experience the heart of the Rocky Mountain backcountry.

Dormer Lake Camp

Just step away from the Dormer where the bountiful brook trout feed, this cozy camp is nestled in the trees of the lakes’ beauty.

Experience the still vibes of this remote mountain lake as you soak it all in on an all-inclusive getaway to Dormer Lake!

With incredible fishing just off the shoreline this camps includes:

  • Tents with wood burning Stoves
  • Cots + Mattresses
  • Firewood chopped and supplied

**Custom Package available to run a  pack string to multiple Panther River Camp.  Call us directly to inquire

Top Camp   

Top Camp is set on the banks of the Upper Panther River in the Panther Valley surrounded by mountain views with a glimpse of the Banff Park Boundary Spacious Canvas Wall. Tent accommodations come complete with:

  • Wood floors
  • Deck with veranda
  • Wood burning stove
  • Cots with mattresses
  • Sauna and shower tents
  • Fire pit under the stars
  • Covered eating space with wood stove heat

You’ll encounter Top Camp when you choose any three of our Adventure Packages.

Spike Camp

Spike Camp is set in the majestic landscape of Second Lake, and is extremely remote right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The camp is intimate with smaller tents than Top Camp, complete with wood burning stoves, cots and mattresses.

Spike Camp is exclusive to those who book our Hike the Spike package, available for booking into July now!  

 

Add Panther River to your bucket list today

Crystal clear wandering water, wildflowers, majestic views, and Alberta skies (unlike the busier towns of Banff and Jasper). However you like your wilderness served, the Lodge at Panther River will provide.

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Choose #unforgettable for your next Canadian experience!

Panther River: The Ultimate Escape into the Canadian Wild

 

Tucked away in between towering Rocky Mountain peaks and the glowing Panther River Valley, you will stumble upon The Lodge at Panther River. An inviting feel emits from the vast space covered by sheer beauty and scenic views a person might only ever see in photographs.

Enter the Canadian Rocky Mountains: jagged, stunning peaks filled with unmatchable scenery, wildlife and so much more. The mountains carry a sort of magic that speak to someone’s soul filled with untouched places just begging to be seen. The beauty is endless, and Panther River is one of those places…

A little bit of history

 

Terry Safron, Lodge Owner and Helicopter Pilot

The Lodge at Panther River was first built in 1979 and for many years, functioned strictly as an outfitter camp. People would come from near and far to hunt Canadian Elk and bighorn sheep.

In 2002, the Safron family decided to purchase the Lodge, and over the last sixteen years they have worked to grow the property into a beautiful, inclusive resort destination for those looking for adventure and relaxation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains all while maintaining an atmosphere of family-owned values.

This is their story, and it could be yours, too.

What makes Panther River different from the other Rocky Mountain resorts?

 

Panther River stands out because we ensure that everything is taken care of.

From the moment you book your stay, to the moment you check out, our team will be at hand to make sure you have the best mountain experience possible. Each of our staff members has a love for the great outdoors, and are thoroughly experienced with anything mountain-esque.

 

Our mountain tours are a unique blend of excursion activities that are unlikely to be found at other resorts.

 

We offer craft beers and cocktails, exceptional meals, and lattes and speciality teas (in other words, we feed you well). Even in the face of any rain or snow, our guests are still able to enjoy the alpine beauty through our outdoor kitchen, gazebo area and fireside seating.

 

“This place has become a favourite. Yes, it’s in one of the most majestic settings, but truly the vibe and energy of the staff is what makes you want to return again. We’ve been several times and plan to make this a regular go-to place…” – Karissa, 5/5 Facebook Review

 

Our campgrounds and cabins are maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness (something we proudly call the ‘Safron Standard’) and it is one of our most regularly received compliments, seconded only by the positive feedback we get about our staff.

Good food, you said?

 

We take great pride in the delicious food we serve our guests. The log cabin structure of our lodge lets us set the mood and the aromas from our open concept kitchen make it hard to forget your stomach.

All meals are home-style and fresh, made from scratch. Panther Lodge serves two different styles of breakfast (with or without your favourite latte):

Signature Breakfast

  • Two fresh house-baked goods (muffins, scones, banana bread or our infamous cinnamon buns)

Hot Breakfast

  • An elaborate spread of all your favourite breakfast foods including Panther’s own freshly baked goods


Dinner will start off with a cocktail or two (or craft beer) before you are served the Chef’s mouth-watering Creation of the Day.

 


Where will I stay?

The main Panther Lodge is nestled along the banks of the Panther River. Imagine waking up to a west-facing view of the river with the towering Rocky Mountain peaks in the background.

 

“Our visit to the Lodge this past weekend was incredible. This place is a rustic paradise. We stayed in the “glamping” tent and loved every minute of it. We were in heaven…” – Abby, 5/5 Facebook Review

 

The log cabins at the main lodge site are both cozy and homey. They are decked out with luxury linens and TVs (for those of you who refuse to miss the next episode in your favourite series).

Our glamping tents also come outfitted with wooden floors and fully-dressed beds, while our regular outfitter tents have cot bunks. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, or a rustic camping experience, we have it all.

What will I do?

 


We specialize in intimate backcountry excursions. The Rocky Mountains provide a beautiful landscape for everyone to explore and indulge in.

Our tip here? Don’t forget to bring your camera – you don’t want to miss your chance to take a few snaps of what you’re going to see out here.

Choose from…

  • Trail rides
  • Guided hikes (of various difficulty)
  • Wagon rides
  • Helicopter tours
  • Helicopter hiking
  • Helicopter fishing
  • White water rafting
  • Camping
  • Lunch in the alpine
  • …and much more.

Our trail rides are both relaxing and adventure-packed. From crossing rivers to summiting mountains, these horseback riding adventures will take you all over Panther Valley.

 

“Did a 3 day horseback trip up the Panther River, and was TERRIFIC! I can’t say enough about Guide/Outfitter Cody – he was excellent – very good with the horses, knows the area, cooked, and generally looked after everything at the remote camp. Took the day trip up to Dormer Lake to fish, loved the spectacular scenery, would highly recommend the trip to anyone!” – Paul, 5/5 Facebook Review

 

Our helicopters are piloted by seasoned pilots who have years of mountain-flying experience. The Panther River helicopter experience is highly unique and allows our guests to see the Rocky Mountains in ways they’ve never seen before…

 

Add Panther River to your bucket list today

 

If you’re still left wondering why you should be spending your next vacation in the folds of the beautiful Panther River valley, here are just a few more reasons:

  1. There is nowhere in Alberta where you can experience the Rocky Mountain backcountry like in Panther River.
  2. The private service is unparalleled. At Panther River, each and every guest is treated like a member of our family.
  3. Peace and quiet abound. Crystal clear wandering water, wildflowers, majestic views, and Alberta skies – unlike the busier towns of Banff and Jasper, Panther River gives you an intimate interaction with the alpine environment.

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Choose unforgettable for your next Canadian experience.

Wild Fermentation in the Wild Rockies

In the Early days of exploration, long voyages across the great oceans were nearly impossible. Not because of the weather challenges, or navigation. No, the largest barrier was nutrition for crew members. Scurvy and other diseases were common. Refrigeration did not exist, and preserving food was a major challenge. Now, you may have heard of James Cook, a famed early explorer, famous for being one of the first to do long, multi-year voyages to the Americas. What allowed Captain Cook to make it all the way to the America’s, up to Alaska, and back? Improvements in navigation? A larger vessel? A superior crew? No. In fact, it was the Fermented Foods, namely Sauerkraut packed tightly into barrels, that allowed James Cook to keep his crew fed and healthy. Not only did the Sauerkraut never spoil, even on the high seas for multiple years, but it actually helped fight off sickness, disease, and other illnesses that had plagued larger crews for centuries. But in fact, this is only one account of the power of Fermentation, a sacred art form that has been passed down since the dawn of civilization, in hundreds of different forms; and turns out, you can do it too! 

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Most people, when they hear the word ‘ferment,’ think about those rotten vegetables that have been left on the counter too long, or that wine that was left too long and gone sour. They think of moldy things, strong stinky smells, and in general, things that have become undesirable.

What most people don’t know is that fermented foods are a critical part of almost everyone’s diet, at least to some extent. Beer, Wine, Bread, Cheese, Pickles, Sauerkraut, yogurt… These are all examples of fermentation at work.

Personally, I believe diets across the globe are changing. And not for the better. People are busy, and therefore are eating more packaged food, more processed food, more food with pesticides and GMO’s. Not only are these foods less delicious, they also have greater environmental impact, and they are usually wiped out of almost all the micronutrients, bacteria and minerals that are so important to our health.

This is where fermentation comes in. Not only is it fun, but the many forms of fermentation can add an infinite amount of nutritional value to everyday foods, while also being delicious! If you love good food and healthy living, we are pretty sure you will want to keep reading, and start trying some of these easy home ferments in your own kitchen! In this post, we will go over our Homemade Ginger Beer, Sauerkraut and Raw Vinegar!

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Technically speaking, fermentation is the process of transforming food using yeast and bacteria and their enzymes.

But what does that really mean? Well, first one must understand that there is yeast and bacteria in the air all around us, no matter where you are. It is the reason your bread goes moldy when left out. The yeast and bacteria are always looking for sugars and starches to consume, and in this consumption, they transform the food into different substances. This can be in the form of mold, acid (vinegar), or alcohol. So, when we are talking about the fermentation of foods, the key is to create a controlled environment where we can discourage the growth of bad microorganisms (like mold), and encourage the growth of good microorganisms (like probiotics, acetic acid, and alchohol).

So what are the benefits of fermented foods?

Well, we will outline the benefits of each individual ferment later in the post. But essentially there are 4  major benefits of fermenting foods. 1) For preservation (foods like Sauerkraut and pickles can last years out of the fridge without going bad), 2) increasing bio-availability of vitamins and minerals that would otherwise not be extracted or absorbed during digestion, 3) boosting our immune system and gut health through the cultivation of probiotics (aka live bacterial cultures), and 4) To create unique flavours. The miracle of alcohol production through fermentation could also be viewed as a 5th.

The Gut Biome

When you think of probiotics, most people think of yogurt. This is the best, most common example of food that contains an active bacterial culture. When we eat or drink something with an active bacterial culture, those bacteria will enter our stomach. A live culture has millions and millions of bacteria. This diversity and abundance of gut bacteria helps us digest our food, and helps fight off illnesses and sicknesses caused by spoiled or contaminated food/drinking water. The key to gut health, like any natural biome, is diversity, and abundance. Eating cultured foods help cultivate this gut health, and is maybe the oldest form of healing gastrointestinal problems and stomach aches (or avoiding them altogether).

Here’s the problem. Very few items found at the grocery store contain any live cultures. That is because for something to be considered shelf stable, it must be pasteurized. Pasteurization simply means all bacteria has been removed, by canning or heating. In Canada, we are not allowed to import any unpasteurized food products. Not only does this not good because we can’t cultivate our gut health, but furthermore, often the process of pasteurization is actually destructive towards our gut health, meaning when consumed it is actually killing the probiotics already present in our stomachs. Meaning we get sick more. Meaning we have to rely more on pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs.

The opposite of pasteurization is Raw, or unpasteurized food. That is what we are dealing with during fermentation, and incorporating more Raw foods into your diet can have a significant effect on your overall health.   

Ok, so enough with all this scientific stuff. Let talk about what we have been making up here at The Lodge!

Ginger Beer

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This one is probably our favourite one so far, as it is relatively easy, delicious, and amazing for you! Essentially, all ginger beer is is a sweetened ginger liquid, with a live bacterial culture added. Once bottled in a air-tight container, the culture will begin to consume the sugars, creating carbonation as a bi-product. After a few days, you will have a yummy, bubbly, and highly nutritional drink!

The process of making Ginger Beer, as with most active ferments, begins with capturing the wild yeast and bacteria from the air. This is done by chopping up fresh ginger, and placing it in a mason jar with water and some sugar. Cover it with some sort of permeable cloth that will keep big things like flies out, but still allow yeast and bacteria to enter.

In a few days, there should be some bubbles starting to form. This means you have captured yeast and bacteria and you now have a live culture, or what is called a ‘Ginger Bug’. Once you have a Ginger Bug, you can put a lid on the jar. To keep the culture of bacteria alive, you must feed it sugar on a regular basis. We use Raw Cane sugar, but any type of sugar will work, except for honey (as honey is anti-microbial).

 

Once you have a live culture, you can use it to make ginger beer as many times as you like, for all of time, as long as you keep it alive by feeding it!

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To actually make the beer, start by adding chopped fresh ginger to boiling water and turn down to medium. The amount of ginger depends on how strong you want your beer. Let simmer for 30 mins- however long you like. Add in sugar to desired sweetness- again, anything but honey works-  and stir in. Once the mixture has reached room temperature (the culture will die if over 115 degrees fahrenheit), add some of the Ginger Bug. Stir in the bug. At this point, it is ready to be bottled! Bottle your liquid in anything that is air tight, but be sure to put at least one in a plastic bottle, so you will be able to tell when it has reached the proper carbonation level. It should take anywhere from 2-7 days to carbonate, depending on the strength of your bug and your climate.

Ginger has powerful medicinal properties, including being an immune booster, being anti-inflammatory, and also helping to relieve pain. This drink is great if you have a sore throat, nasal congestion, or any stomach illnesses.

Sauerkraut

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Sauerkraut has been newly introduced to the world as the most recent ‘Superfood’. Superfoods are foods that are incredibly high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are especially beneficial for health and well-being. Sauerkraut, in its most simple form, is two things: Cabbage and Salt.

So wait? If Cabbage is not a superfood, and everyone says salt is bad for you, how could salted cabbage be a superfood?

Enter the amazing properties of fermentation!

Cabbage is loaded to the brim with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. The problem is, when we eat Raw cabbage, it is much more difficult to digest, and because of this, our body is not able to extract all those good things from it. It simply passes through our system and leaves the body as waste. But when we add salt, and massage the cabbage, then lock it in an airtight container to ferment, the salt breaks down the cabbage, making all those nutritional properties of cabbage bio-available to our system, which basically means we actually retain all those vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pretty amazing! This process will also prevent the growth of mold spores, and stop the growth of unwanted bacteria, meaning it will keep out of the fridge for years and years. It will also grow stronger in flavour the longer we leave it.

The process of making Sauerkraut is so simple, you should all go and make your own batch right now! Start with a your desired amount of cabbage. Put it in bowl and add salt, approx 1 tbsp per 1 lb of cabbage. The salt essentially draws the moisture out of the Cabbage. Massage the cabbage for 10 minutes, or more, and soon the bottom of your bowl will be full of liquid. Pack the cabbage as tight as you can into a mason jar, or some sort of air tight jar, ensuring there is no air bubbles, once all the cabbage is in the jar, pour the liquid brine over the cabbage until it is completely saturated, and the cabbage is completely submerged. You will want to place a weight of some sort over the cabbage to ensure it is completely submerged in brine. As long as it is submerged in brine, the Cabbage should never go bad! Let it sit outside of fridge for 5-7 days, or until desired flavour. Put in the fridge once desired flavour is reached, which will slow down the fermentation process and prevent the cabbage from getting stronger in flavour. And with those simple steps, your newest dietary superfood!

On top of the benefits mentioned above, sauerkraut is known to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, reducing risk of heart disease, increase gut health and help upset stomachs, is known to be a fantastic cure for canker sores, and is very rich in potassium and calcium!

*It is worth noting that store bought Sauerkraut is almost always pasteurized. It is cabbage submerged in stilled vinegar, and has no active bacteria in it. It does not have any of the health benefits of Raw Sauerkraut.

 

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

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I’m sure many of you have heard of all the benefits of Raw Vinegar. One spoonful a day is considered by many to be one of the best nutritional routines around, and once you hear all the benefits, you’ll be running to the store to get your own (while you wait for your homemade batch to be ready!)

Making raw vinegar is very simple. The only downside is how long it must sit before actually being vinegar. You can make Raw vinegar with any type of fruit, fruit scraps, or vegetables. So it is a great, simple way to utilize scraps and turn them into something amazing! To get started, take your fruit scraps, or whole fruits/veggies (apples are a great start, but we have also done raspberry and orange), and pack them as tightly as possible into the bottom of your vessel. The more fruit you pack in the stronger the flavour of your vinegar will be. Once packed, add sugar water (roughly 1/2 cup per litre of water), and fill the vessel to the top. Note: The amount of sugar you add depends on how sweet the fruit or vegetable you are using is. Something like rasberries are very sweet, so less sugar would be required, whereas if you were using a vegetable like carrots then more sugar might be necessary.  Top with a cheese cloth, or permeable fabric of some sort. Let the sugar water and fruit sit for 6-8 days, and soon you will see some bubbles as yeast and bacteria from the air begin to lay down their roots. After 6-8 days, strain out the fruit, and return the remaining liquid back into the vessel. After that, time is all that is required to give you perhaps the most powerful natural medicine that exists! It should take anywhere from 5-8 weeks. Once it smells, and tastes like vinegar, it is vinegar!

The benefits of Raw vinegar are literally endless. Taken internally, raw vinegar will cleanse the liver, detox your whole body, help control weight, soothe and heal sore and dry throats, help preserve memory, kill parasites, increase absorbtion of minerals into the body, increase blood circulation. It is also known to help balance your energy and emotions, and increase your Chi (life force). Raw vinegar is also a powerful external medicine, soothing burns and cuts, removing toxins from insect bites, stops bleeding when applied to a cut, has anti fungal properties, and can also promote healthy skin if used on the face and body, and can also be used as a moisturizing shampoo. Raw vinegar can also be used as a fertilizer, or as a herbicide. I told you… The benefits are literally endless. All from shoving some fruit in a jar and leaving it for a couple months!

 

So… Time to get started!

I hope this post has inspired you all to begin experimenting, or at least begin to incorporate these amazing natural remedies into your diet. Even if you don’t have the means to make these in your own home, you can find Raw Cultured foods at your local organic store. Just be sure it is raw, and unpasteurized. We only outlined some of our favourite ferments here, but we have also been making Sourdough Bread, Pickles, Kimchi, Mustard, Mead,  and a whole assortment of other things, and we would love to have you out to the lodge to try them all out, or to purchase for yourself!

Anyways, that is all for today. Thanks for reading and reach out to us if you have any questions or need some guidance! We are happy to help!

Happy Fermenting!

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NAMASTEED: Yoga in the Wild West

CHEESE ANYONE?

One of my favorite pictures of all times…

Honeymoon 2016

Amanda packed a huge chunk of Jalapeno Havarti Cheese in her saddle bag for us to enjoy at honeymoon flats. She even packed the stone board and pretty knife to cut it.
We loved it… aaaall of it: Yoga, riding under the big Alberta sky, meditation in the mountains, incredible food , and lets not forget the company. So when we were asked to do it again, our answers was YES

Absolutely YES!

This year Namasteed “Yoga in the Wild West” is September 15th to 18th. We’ve added a day and challenged the Lodge at Panther River to blow us away, again. Feel free to look up details on facebook NAMASTEED “yoga in the Wild West”

Or check out The NAMASTEED website

Get your early bird! Pricing is valid until April 30th, 2017.

Bring your BFF, your sister, mother, cousin or come on your own, your retreat is what you make it.

Be well, Be kind and Be grateful,
Much love,
Izzy
Co-Founder of NAMASTEED

Sleigh Ride and S’mores

A Wintery Day

What are you doing today?
Bundled up? It’s your 4th cup of coffee isn’t it? You’re trying to shake the chill of winter, aren’t you?

Are you hustling around in the cold Alberta weather? Scrapping your wind shield, racing to work?

Your cursing the cold aren’t you?

Can’t get anything done because your dreaming of that tropical destination, wanting to escape winter?

You don’t need to escape winter, you need to escape into winter!

sleigh-ride-smore

Join us

January 21 2017

for all things WINTER!

11am – 3pm

Sleigh Rides & S’mores

Stop the Hustle!
Relax and sip on something hot with the brisk air on your cheeks. Take in the Mountain views on a magical sleigh ride. Make memories with your loved ones around the bon fire while you cook up some s’mores.

Adults $25
17 and under $15
5 and under FREE

Get your tickets!
Call 1 844 563 4377
Email info@pantherriver.wpengine.com

Don’t forget your skates!

Take a twirl on our river side skating rink!

Escape into winter, before you get cabin fever!

See You Out On The Ice

Family Tradition

The Temperatures have dropped and the snow is flying in. This makes us excited out at the lodge. We start thinking about that special place hidden back in the mountains surrounded by swaying trees. Where the sky is so blue and air is crisp on your face.

Dormer Lake is this magical place. Where the fish jump right out of the ice. (No joke) This is where we hide out, where we spend time with family and friends building memories amongst the mountains.

It is a Safron Family tradition to bundle up the kids on Family Day and lift off for Dormer Lake. These are days best spent. We sit by the fire to cook up lunch as you hear the laughter of the children as the fish are biting.

This year we want to invite you all for an extended family day long weekend spent in the magical Rocky Mountains.

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Join us this Family Day long weekend! Book our Fly in Fishing and one night in any of our beautiful log cabins and you will receive one more night on the house! Panther River delicious Signature Breakfast included!

Bring the whole family! Spend an unforgettable family day long weekend in the mountains living wild. Because family is important to us children 5 and under are free. That’s right! They fly in for a day on the lake free! I bet it will be your most exciting Alberta winter day yet!

Fly in Fishing booked on Monday February 20th
Lunch is included!
For more information or to make your reservations

Email: info@pantherriver.wpengine.com
Phone: 1 844 563 4377

If you want to gift the BEST family Christmas gift, you have found it!

See you on the ice!

A Christmas Special

‘Tis the Season

Did anyone else just blink and BAM! ~ it’s Christmas?

I’m sorry to tell you, but you can’t fight it. Christmas is coming and fast! The snow, the carols, the big guy in the red suit. Its coming, actually I think it’s here.

Hey you, was is it you that forgot to plan your Christmas party? Or put it off and your thinking you can’t get away with out? Well, gather your staff, gather your friends, heck gather the mother in law because we have a special that’s calling your name.

HEY! PARTY PEOPLE! THIS WAY!

For all you party people we have a last minute Christmas/New Years Party Special for you

tis-the-season

Book 3 or more cabins anytime from now to January 16th and get 15% off all the cabins you book. And because we love to spread Christmas cheer we aren’t charging a hosting fee! We also take requests for a special dinner to share.

An Alberta Christmas is best spent in the mountains

Our Special Event Coordinator is on stand by and ready to help you plan an unforgettable event!

Deadline to book is December 18th

For more information or to make your reservations
Email; info@pantherriver.wpengine.com
Phone 1 844 567 4377

What is a Dad?

Celebrate him

When he grills you fresh chicken for supper instead of letting you indulge on the cheese burger, pizza, and chocolate cake you really want, while in the OH so pleasant third trimester. You know he will be the Dad you always dreamt your kids would have. You think your mad, but deep down you know he really is only trying to help you keep your tight and toned body you say you will have in the end.

The first time he holds that tiny new born and can’t hold back the tears. You know he will love and protect that baby with every ounce of his being. He was a Dad the moment you found out that miracle would join your family.

That deep belly laugh coming from the bedroom. Only daddy can make that baby laugh like that. The endless nights sleeping in the rocking chair because baby’s chest is too tight to sleep laying down. His Daddy is the one with the heart for that. The forts, the make shift slides, the water fights, Only daddy can do that.

Peeling the crumpled little body off the ground, dusting him off, and telling him to jump back on after he just kart wheeled his dirt bike across the yard. That is a Dad. Letting them be as wild as they want, that is a Dad.

Watching every hockey or basketball game and cheering them on, even though you really don’t like the sport, that is a Dad.

Being the best damn uncle to their cousins, and friends because you know it takes a village to raise a child. Teaching them things they can only learn at your house and giving them heck when they need it, that is a Dad.

Teaching them to harvest wild game with respect and grace to feed their family, that is a Dad. Learning survival in the wild, and showing them every square inch of the backcountry, that is a Dad.

Picking them up at all hours of the night when they have had too much to drink. You have had a long week at work, but hold your tongue, that is a Dad. Saying yes to meeting her boyfriend even though you really don’t want her to date, that is a Dad. After all, it is gun cleaning day.

Wanting to give the world to your children, but knowing they need to build a life of their own. You cringe at the mistakes then jump in with helping hands, but only when they asked, that is a Dad.

Giving those grandchildren a life to remember, that is the ultimate Dad.

Loving their mom unconditionally to set the bar high for their future husbands, that is a Dad.

Here at Panther River we love all our Dads, Uncles, and Grandpa’s. We want to celebrate them!

Copy of Fathers Day BBQ

Celebrate him!
With great food and mountain views. Join us on June 19th for Father’s Day Brunch. We want to see them all! All the Dads, Uncles, Grandpas…..wild and crazy or calm, and cool. Thank you for standing tall or slightly short, for busting your butt, loving us all, and being the best damn dad’s!

Celebrate them all!
Because we love all our loyal guests, this is on us! Come celebrate and soak in the beauty with Dad, complimentary to all our year round campsite holders. Thank you for your patronage.

For reservations call 1 844 563 4377

So here’s to you!
Happy Father’s Day!

© 2015 Panther River