Seldom does the opportunity present itself where our hard working AHEIA staff can actually leave their daily duties and enjoy some of what we take so much pleasure in teaching. Earlier this month our delivery team gathered and accepted the kind invitation from our friends and hosts Bob and Norma Byers from Boss Guiding at Night Haven Lodge.
For those of you that don’t remember our hosts, let me tell you a bit about them:
Bob and Norma have 2 children Dawn and Jason and have 2 grandchildren. They have been living in the Stettler area for over 40 years. They own and operate Boss guiding and have been at it for over 35 years! Bob is a past President of the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, a Taxidermist, a retired school teacher (32 years – 28 of which as a school administrator). Bob is also the proud recipient of a WISE award from 2010 for his contributions to industry excellence and conservation education. Bob and Norma open their home annually to travelling hunters who are treated as friends that come back year after year – and who can blame them with the royal treatment they receive! Last but not least these two kind hearted souls are 2 very dear friends who have enriched my life with their friendship for over 20 years.
As mentioned we travelled to their lodge in the Stettler area where we enjoyed camaraderie immersed in the beautiful central Alberta wilderness. There we managed to have a few organizational meetings with our delivery staff and pursue waterfowl. Mostly our expedition was to share in our hosts good cheer and amazing accommodation all the while relaxing and enjoying a part of our Alberta heritage and culture surrounding waterfowl hunting for ducks and geese!
There is no doubt that we at AHEIA share the objective of making wildlife and fish part of the value systems of all Albertans with our hosts. Bob and Norma, always the teachers at heart, shared their solemn commitment to educating the public about hunting, outfitting and the outdoors as a responsibility with us and we were humbled by their opening their home and hearts to us.
Our group came away from this “retreat” rested and ready to take on the many challenges we face. It’s always amazing to me that you can discover so much about what people are made of when you spend time with them afield. We are blessed with incredible talent and devotion from all our staff at AHEIA and to mix that with the dedicated and knowledgeable team that Bob and Norma had assembled was truly a blessing indeed. I was lucky to be a part of it.
Norma managed to treat us to gastronomical extravaganzas, on a daily basis, and none of us returned lighter! Norma even shared one of her recipes for us to share with all of you. I include it here for your edification… trust me… you will love it!
Norma’s Glorious Sweet and Sour Ribs
(Courtesy of Norma Byers of Boss Guiding)
2 pounds pork side ribs 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon chilli powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup onions (diced) 1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons soya sauce 3/4 cup water
flour and butter for browning ribs
Roll ribs in flour. Brown in a saucepan with the butter over medium heat.
Place ribs in a tightly covered roaster or pan.
Combine the other ingredients in a mixing bowl and pour evenly over the ribs.
Bake at 250 degrees for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
Serve with your favorite sides.
Please note that Norma recommends you make a double or triple batch of ribs. You will need them.
Enjoy
