Feedback from Kathryn Boise, ID Age 53
Passenger on a 7-day Motorized Raft Trip in May 2014
Were the river guides friendly, helpful and concerned about your needs?: Can’t say enough positive yes to this
Were the river guides knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge about the canyon?: Yes. Lots of history and geology info dispensed
If you could have the guides improve in any area, what would it be?: Nothing. I found them to be terrific, caring, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, skillful, helpful, loving what they do.
Did you feel the food on your trip was nutritional and presented in a pleasing manner?: better than I eat at home
What changes would you suggest for our menu?: can’t think of anything: plenty of protein for rebuilding muscles after lots of activity, plenty of fruits and vegetables, good selection of breads and meats for the sandwiches
Additional Comments? What an AWESOME week (first day weather-related travel mishaps aside). If you ask those who know me, you will find out I rarely use that word. When asked about something, the answer is usually OK, or if it stands out, good. The success of the trip starts and ends with the guide team. I am sure everyone thinks their team is the best of all, but I know mine was. Brock, Brie, Easy, and Stolf (along for this trip) worked seamlessly as a team. You would never know Stolf wasn’t a regular. That only happens with good leadership. Trip leader Brock is that and more. He has the skill and knowledge that can’t be learned, only earned with experience. He has been on the river for a long time and deeply cares about preservation, education. and of course making sure people have a good time and are safe. It is obvious that this is a life choice for him, not just a job. He is always watchful and reacts to problems calmly and confidently, setting the tone for all, with anticipation and backup planning always in mind. He and the other three team members genuinely cared about everyone and made an effort to make sure things went as smoothly as possible. They were always helpful, often anticipating a need for help. And with this, the entire group looked out for each other. With many challenges in my physical ability, there was always someone there to help, even when I wanted to try to do it on my own! There were many occasions of “let me see if I can do it” and trying to find good enough footing for balance on trails and in camp; many stumbles and falls. But there was always someone right there to offer a hand or help me up. I felt so triumphant mid-trip when at one stop I was able to have a trifecta of independent success: off and on raft; and navigating a steep sand bank without falling. In short, instead of being a once-in-a-life, bucket list type trip, I came off the river ready to do it all over again. Not because I had fun, though of course I did, but to again be part of the whole experience of camaraderie and teamwork, and getting lost for a week. And, of course, I want my team!
