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Some
of our prominent guests who have toured with
Coastal Spirits Expeditions and Lodge LTD:
Ian Indridson, Public Relations, Government
of British Columbia
Janice Mucalov,
travel writer for the National Geographic
Travel Guide
The X-Files, Special effect team
Stanford University
Miriam Luke, Olympic Rowing Silver
Medallist Sydney 2000
Frank Sonnenberg, Journalist, Author
of "Orcas of Canada's West Coast"
Sonora Resort, Konferenz Resort of
President Clinton and Boris Jelzin
The German Adventure Travel Magazine
The Lonely Planet
Kevin Quirk, MA, Editor and
Book Author
David Luke, British Rowing National
Team
Klaus Peters, German TV
Talk master
Carol Mc Kinley, Journalist,
Reporter, Fox TV
Raymond and Yeen-Shi Chen,
Technical directors and digital artists, Rythm
& Hues Studios, Los Angeles. (Special effects
for "Dr. Doolitle, Babe") Academy
Award for "Babe"
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Your Orca trip made me
forget the "real world". Being woken up
in the morning by the blow of Orcas is a wonderful
experience. We had about 30 whales right in front
of our beautiful camp site. After years of whale watching
and writing about the whales , this was the best trip
I ever had. Thank you!
Frank Sonnenberg, Journalist, Writer,
Book Author of:
"The Orcas of Canada's West Coast"
Thanks Coastal Spirits!
You provided a wonderful tour. I'll never again look
at wildlife, trees and plants the same way! I didn't
know that they held so many uses for the First Nations
people. I'm sure your Sea Kayaking trips are just
as fascinating. Thank you so very much again.
Janice Mucalov,
National Geographic
Travel Guide
I wanted to thank you again for
the great time that you had shown my brother and
I. I thought, that the whole experience to be extremly
rewarding, and I'm quite pleased, that I took the
time to absorb the product you offer.
Mike Flint, General Manager, Sonora Resort,
Sonora Island, B.C., Canada
Dear Coastal Spirits!
Our first time kayaking, ............
We are loving it. Best wishes...
Miriam Luke,
Olympic Silver Medallist, Sydney 2000
Hello Bernard and Marion, Rob and I just wanted
to write a quick email to thank you for providing
us with a vacation we will remember forever! Both
Jeremy and Jody did Coastal Spirits proud - they
were not only professional and knowledgeable in
their jobs as Guides, but also very approachable
making everyone feel welcome and at home. (I'm jealous
they can both cook so well!!) The whole experience
has left us wanting to come back for more - the
whales, the eagles, the excellent conversations
with other guests, the food, the hermit crabs, the
seaweed, the jelly fish, the food, the waves, the
sunsets, the rain, the food, the sun, the fog, the
fresh glacier drinking water, the kayaking adventures
(especially at night!)and of course, THE FOOD! EVERYTHING
WENT BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS!! Thank-you.
Rob and Laurie Benn
The Positive Culture Company
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Bernard and Crew,
Thanks for the AWESOME time! The camp Orca trip
we took from Aug 18-21, 2007, could not have been
better. Shale and Craig were right on and perfectly
fit into our diverse group. Please follow the links
below to view footage of our trip and pass them
onto Craig and Shale(or at yahoo.com click on the
video tab above the search field and type in Camp
Orca in the search field to see a list of all the
videos at once). Feel free to use these videos to
promote business because everyone should experience
Camp Orca once in their lifetimes!!!
Eric Kuhns
Please give this email to Jessie-I will be sending
him a copy of the print in the mail thru your company.
We had such a splendid time, and Jessie was a fantastic
guide.
Thank you so much
Barry and Debbie Goldman-Hall, San Jose
Hi, Just wanted to let you guys know
that I had a great time on the Discovery Island
Tour last week. I hadn't kayaked very much before,
but it was the perfect amount of time spent on the
water and downtime to explore the land and relax.
Jessie was a great guide, very knowledgeable and
a good cook. If he has an e-mail address could you
send it along so I can thank him.
Sincerely,
Maureen Branch
Bernard:
We are back in the UK now after a marvellous trip
to Western Canada.
As a family over three weeks we did a huge variety
of things in Places from Vancouver to Victoria,
to Sooke and Squamish and Whistler, but we agreed
without doubt that our undisputed highlight was
the Orca Kayak trip with you at Coastal Spirits.
There were many contributing factors- several unforgettable
close viewingsof Orca, of dolphins and other marine
life- but also the place, the food and the attention
of your staff. Rusty steered us there safely and
with a lot of good humour, then your team on shore
of Craig, Mel and Luke we everything we could have
wanted. Please pass on our admiration and thanks
to them-
The Hugo Welsh Family
Hallo Coastal Spirits
Ich möchte einmal danke sagen für den tollen Aufenthalt
im Orca Camp vom 30.08. bis 02.09.2006. Es war wirklich
ein unvergessliches Erlebnis, die Gruppe war super,
die guides auch. Die Orcas so nahe vom Ufer aus
zu sehen war beeindruckend.
Beste Gruesse
Martin Weissmann, Heidelberg Zement AG, IT Demand
Management Germany
Dear Coastal Spirits:
I'm writing to tell you that I had a wonderful time
on the July 10-14 Discovery Island tour. Luke and
Hillary did an excellent job. As I told Luke and
Hillary on the trip, this was the best vacation
I have had yet. I have enclosed thank you cards
for Luke and Hillary. Please pass them along for
me.
Sincerely
Sabzina Mozelli
Washington , DC
To Whom It May Concern:
I have just returned to the states after spending
an amazing days at Orca Base Camp with the Coastal
Spirits Team. I must say that it was one of the
most amazing experiences of my life. The whales
were unbelievable. The campsite was great. Above
all your guides were the best I have ever encountered.
Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Their
energy and laughter were contagious. Craig, Jess
and Luke MADE our trip. Thanks again for the experince
of a lifetime. I will be back! -- Sarah Sayre
Hi!
I am sorry I could not write before. It is always
hard to go back to 'realilty'!
I just wanted to thank you
for everything, it was just fabulous! I am back
to New Mexico, and everthing in the Orca Camp feels
like a dream right now... Oh actually have proof
that it was real, the photo of orcas on my computer
desktop! many thanks again! cheers!
Aysegul Birand.
Hello Laurie Ann:
Hope you have received book- more when I get back
to Vermont. Absolutely fantastic trip- great group-
great guides- great whales- wowwwoowow
At hotel - am a little busy but check in e-mail
and wanted to say" thanks"
Maree Gaetani
Dear Bernard and Marianne, (I'm
sorry if I got the spelling wrong), Thank you so
much for the exquisite experience that we had at
the orca camp recently. Jeremy and Jodi managed
to keep all of the guests safe, well fed and happy.
It was clear that Jeremy was in charge, but he established
his authority in such a charming manner that he
had us easily in hand. We were impressed by the
maturity, hard work, patience and humour shown by
both of the guides. I have been on several similar
trips previously (Expedition du Monde, Ecosummer
and Guerba) and Jeremy and Jodi are truly excellent.
The setting was glorious, the camp delightful, the
weather perfect and the whales cooperative. We kayaked
with orcas on the second last day and woke to humpbacks
exhaling (and more orcas) on the last morning. I
feel so lucky to have been able to see such wonderful
animals without feeling as if we were intruding
on, or disturbing, them.
Thanks again,
Amanda Sutherland and Verne Rosenberg
Our sea kayak expedition was a truly
magical experience. We especially enjoyed watching
the bald eagles, while the eagles watched us. The
huge purple starfish were incredible. We greatly
appreciated your respect for the traditions of the
Native People of Quadra Island, and your knowledge
of them was quite illuminating. And we felt very
well taken care of throughout our stay.
Kevin Quirk, M.A., Editor,
Author,
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Coastal Spirits,
I just wanted to let you know that our group had
a very enjoyable and exciting orca trip last week.
I cannot say enough about Damien and Andy. They
made the trip for all of us. They were excellent
guides and managed to keep our diverse group extremely
satisfied. I hope that many other people get to
experience the orcas, kayaking, and the wonderful
meals these guys provided to us. I do recommend
the trip to others, but I HIGHLY recommend the trip
with Damien and Andy. Big Thanks to both of them
for making our vacation a great experience. Again
Thanks! Todd Mikulenka, Dallas, Texas
This is Ron Kreml and my sons and
daughter took a trip last summer with Scott and
Brody and as a testimonial….”This was the most magical
and uplifting experience I have had ever! The knowledge
of the guides far exceeded our expectations. The
insight into the natural surroundings and history
was so deep. The most interesting surprise was the
night dip into the ocean bound stream after a hot
steam bath wafting with the smell of cedar and the
burst of phosphorescent Diatoms glowing in the dark
night cold water…oh my the wonder of nature! Even
if I had never seen a Killer whale the trip would
have been complete! When you are open to new experiences
life will show you wonders beyond your imagination
Ron Kreml- Jewelry designer
Please feel free to post this as you wish…..Thank
You Very Much!!!!!!
Dear Coastal Spirits: We had the great pleasure
of camping and kayaking July 13 thru July 16. Jeremy
and Jody were our guides and I want to take a moment
and compliment them on the fabulous job they did.
They took exceptional care of us, providing us with
a memorable experience. The camp was great along
with the food, kayaking, and whale sightings. Kudos
to all the crew of Coastal Spirits and again especially
to Jeremy mad Jodi.
Doug and DeeDee Dretke Huntsville, Texas
Dear Coastal Spirits, Back at home
we would like to let you know that we really enjoyed
our Orca Camp July 16/19. The location was very
special and the accommodation was very good. We
have never before been in such a special place.
We had a very nice group and the guides were great.
Jeremy was an excellent lead guide. Very into safety
and clearly "in the lead". He listened to the radio
all day to be able to show us the whales. Jody was
an excellent assistant. Also very safety conscious.
But on top of that extremely customer-orientated,
trying to make our holiday as enjoyable as could
be. And very capable of giving extra information
about the Canadian nature. Thanks to all of you
for making this possible.
Joke Eggermont, Wouter and Marloes.
Hi Coastal Spirits!
Gib Adams here; my girlfriend (Kristie Miles) and
I recently took a tour with Steve and Brodie.
I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much
we enjoyed the trip. In particular, both Brodie
and Steve were fantastic.
I've done a number of these guided "adventure" vacations,
and have really come to appreciate the importance
of quality guide teams.
These two are outstanding. Several qualities stand
out:
First, very well organized, and flexible.
The team know their business very very well: I think
everyone got enough of what they came for, while
I don't think any one individual was overly taxed.
For instance, on a short paddle day, those of us
that were interested in more "work" headed out with
Brodie for an evening paddle, while the tired ones
hung out at camp.
Second, sociable, intelligent and knowledgeable.
Brodie's local knowledge (and patience in cheerfully
answering the multitude of repetitive questions)
was a great asset on the trip.
Both Steve and Brodie were engaging, genuine, and
humerous - not always true for guides, unfortunately!
Third, the meal plan was excellent - we were very
impressed by the variation in the menu, and the
quality of the ingredients - testement to Brodie's
planning abilities. Both Brodie and Steve were excellent
cooks, and always delivered timely and tasty stuff
for the crew. We felt that the value of these skills
cannot be underestimated.
In short, a great trip, thanks to both guides.
Rgds Gib
We really enjoyed our Orca Camp--Darren
especially was very patient with our incompetent
kayaking at the start, and he made sure that we
enjoyed the trip. Great people, great food, and
wonderful whales. My daughter Maddy just loved it
and none of us wanted to leave. I've been telling
all my friends. It's the best holiday I've had in
years.
Sue Bowler (and Maddy Butler)
Editor and writer, physical sciences
Thank you again for the holiday
of a lifetime. Can't wait to do it again. Best wishes
for the rest of the season. Hope you see a lot of
whales and dolphins. Auf wiedersehen.
Dave and Lee Hopkins
I want to say thank you for having
provided me with a fantastic wilderness experience.
I enjoyed myself greatly. With Brodie's excellent
leadership and help I was educated, entertained,
awed by beauty, relaxed and well fed. This trip
was four stars in my book. I will spread the word
to the Californians to sign up with Coastal Spirits
for an excellent adventure. Thanks again.
Sincerely
Julianne Maier
We have rested up and played at
Saltspring Island but sadly, the second part of
the trip is complete.We are safely home now and
attending to the myriad of things that pile up,
while one is away. However, we fondly discussed
our trip to Quadra Island and Johnstone Strait with
Coastal Spirits over wine last night and have decided
our stay with you was nothing short of magical.
You two run a first class operation and everyone
we met on your staff were excellent kayak guides
and support personel. We found all to be truly fine
people as well and I want you to know, our stay
was a pleasure. Marion, we thank you so much for
your wonderful breakfast, lunches and coordination
work. Bernard, we thank you for the fun companionship
and for sharing your extensive knowledge of your
area. The series of day trips you prepared for us
were really great and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Our Johnstone Strait excursion ( kayak with the
whales) was everything we hoped for and more. Excellent
equipment, guides, food, whales and magical experiences
to last a lifetime. Can you tell we had fun? Gee,
my back was tender when I arrived and it feels great
now, so can claim even healing powers. So we raise
our glasses to you Bernard, Marion, Michael, Darren,
Harris, Lisa, Joseph and Lucy. We miss you all,
we were sorry to go...it was a great time.
Dan and Jamey Ransford,
Sebastopol, California, USA
Many thanks again for making the
stay a memorable one. It's not too often, that one
gets this service when on holidays.
Lawrence Lim, Hamburg, Germany
Hi, thanks again to you and Brodie,
I thoroughly enjoyed my coastal adventure from start
to finish. Your expertise in planning and excecuting
a fantastic trip were evident in every detail.
Marybrooke Middlethon, Maryland, USA
Dear Michael, Bernard
and Marion,
Thanks for all the
memories, the comfortable room and great breakfast.
Would like to visit again for a longer adventure.
Peter Pisami, Snohomish, Washington, USA
Dear Coastal Spirits,
Our family went on your Desolation Sound trip in July
with Darren and Bernice. We had a wonderful time.
I'm enclosing a few pictures we took, that you may
want to include in your photo book. Thanks again for
a great time.
Leslie Langridge, Victoria, B.C, Canada
Dear Folks,
We have just returned home today after a wonderful
2 weeks in BC. Our stay with you and the kayak trip
was a highlight of the whole trip. Thanks for the
hospitality, good breakfast (you will remember that
it was Drew who said these breakfasts are worth more
than $7) and a great kayak tour leadership. We will
plan to stay longer next trip.
Sincerely,
Cindy Janechild, Alan Donaldson and Drew
Free Union, Virginia, USA
Viele Gruesse aus Kaiserslautern sendet euch Horst
Bauer. Wir haben unsere Kanada Wohnmobil Tour mit
sehr vielen Erlebnissen abgeschlossen, besonders bei
Euch hatten wir einen tollen Tag, besonders Brigitte
war total happy nach der Kayak Tour. Vielen Dank fuer
alles.
Horst Bauer Sport Reisen,
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Dear Bernard,
Thanks for the fun trip last Friday. I was glad to
have the opportunity to go out with you again. Next
time I'd like to take a full day or, even better,
several days. Somewhere remote and quiet, with lots
of seals.
Elizabeth Anderson,
Quadra Island, Canada
Our experience on Quadra Island was
wonderful. You truly live in a beautiful place. The
sea kayaking was great - a fantastic way to see close-up
what the island has to offer. We are anxiously awaiting
the return of the bald eagles here in Kansas, and
will fantasize that they are
the same eagles we saw in British Columbia.
We have been encouraging everyone we know to consider
a trip to your part of the world. We too, intend to
return. Please keep us on your e-mail list. Thanks
again for the wonderful time.
Daryl and Leslie Rutschmann
Topeka, Kansas, USA
Our Johnstone
Strait kayaking trip with Coastal Spirits was packed with
unexpected excitement. We’ve paddled other kayaking trips
in the Pacific Northwest, but none matched this one for
intensity, wildlife sightings and scenery.
Even before our paddle blades hit the water we were treated
to an adrenaline pumping mountain trek via unpaved logging
trails to our secluded "put-in" far from the crowds. Our
kayaking gear was top notch and up to the crossing of
the Strait where we entered some of the most pristine
and undisturbed kayaking waters in North America.
Our adventure was punctuated by all sorts of wildlife
sightings, an eerie and wondrous night paddle bathed
in brilliant phosphorescence and even the visit to
a research observation post perched high above Johnstone
Strait where we conversed with Wardens and Naturalists
about pinniped, orca and salmon activity in these
famous waters.
The views were breathtaking in every direction, the food
was sumptuous and plentiful (thanks to Marion’s special
touch) and the Guides (Bernard and Harris) were not only
expert paddlers, but accomplished woodsmen and knowledgeable
in all relevant topics of discussion. Coastal Spirits’
unique team approach got everyone involved (if desired)
in daily evolutions which contributed to a very fulfilling
experience and sense of accomplishment.
This trip truly exceeded our expectations, concentrating
a week of experiences into four action filled (but not
exhausting) days.
Bill and Denise Girrier
Bristol, Rhode Island USA
P.S. Accommodations at
the Coastal Spirits Bed and Breakfast on Quadra Island
before and after the trip made for a very comfortable
transition into and out of our adventure. Great breakfasts,
Marion!
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