"[the leadership] was excellent. I liked the support, and that it was not caretaking. I always felt I could come to Alison or Deb with anything and they would be present with me, helping me figure it out without solving it for me. I had the experience of being emotionally stuck at one point and was able to work through it myself with this support. The tender hand on my cheek along with the belief that I could speak what I needed to. This was not something I expected on the trip, but it was better than any therapy to be able to work through something in an active, engaged way -- with the power of real love and support." --B.L.F. (Wisconsin)

Alison teaching the geology of the canyon

Can you see Laura in her early morning meditation spot?

"I loved watching Alison be present with the group, the land, the trip. It was like witnessing how to live a life in touch with the world, instead of imposing your idea upon the world. Like letting the height of the river help make a decision. Waiting until more information was revealed before deciding which way to go. Alison standing in one place with us all behind with packs on our backs, expectantly, and she calls out, "I’m just waiting for the trail to reveal itself." Instead of having an itinerary that we were sticking to come hell or high water. It was my favorite lesson. I got to soak it up all through the week." --B.L.F. (Wisconsin)

"What I liked best about the trip is the type of trip it is. I said this on the trip, but I do think that you have created something unique in all the world. It’s exactly, exactly what something in me has been craving. Time outside in a beautiful place, with other people who believe the place has an effect on you. Much togetherness with people and with the place as silence is shared and I can open my heart to both people and the land, river, sky. Praying together. Solo time. Alison and Deb holding us and the details. Physical exertion but not so much that it overrides the ability to soak in the land, and the feeling of the breeze. A sane pace. The lay-over days." --B.L.F. (Wisconsin)

Relaxing at our ledge camp next to the Escalante River

Colleen getting water for camp

"Everything... the landscape, the composition of the group... the periods of silence, the journaling time, the "bad" daily poems, the special given names, the lay-over days, the solo, the rituals, the traditions, the freedom from my usual daily life, the introduction and continual education in the importance of mindfulness, presence in the moment, and the opening of a door, for me, into another possible world -- that of chanting and meditation." --M.R.S. (California)

"I loved Alison. I loved the combination of the physical and spiritual existence. I loved the land. I loved the solo. I loved crossing the river. I loved relaxing the boundaries of my body, mind and spirit. I loved the theme of the trip, "Bad poetry and Small Insights." I may adopt that as the theme for my life." --L.D.V. (Virginia)

Descending into the river canyon

Debbie setting up the stove, Laura laughing

"[the wilderness experience is...] a level of risk, of unknown. Of feeling the vastness of nature. Our place in it. Detaching from the crazy rhythm of society and technology and connecting to natural rhythm and natural time. Getting scratches and blisters. Sleeping poorly. Being exhausted, dehydrated, tired, happy, lost, found, ecstatic. Feeling the warm sun on my back and being utterly content. Opening my heart. Having moments of insecurity about my abilities, and then moments of confidence and trust in myself and the world." --B.L.F. (Wisconsin)

"I’m sure the wilderness experience is different for everyone. For me, it was a time to connect deeply to the earth and the heavens. To connect deeply to my own spirit and the larger Divine Spirit. To appreciate the awe-inspiring magnificence of our planet, and all who inhabit her. And ultimately, 'to make myself part of the boundless, by easing into it, right where it touches me'." --L.D.V. (Virginia)

Claudia was the first to spot these petroglyphs

Claudia climbing closer to the petroglyphs

"One day the biggest challenge was physical -- not sure why it hit me as hard as it did but I appreciate the fact that you and Deb read my needs and adjusted the route descending to Boulder Creek. I have to remember that I need to go my own pace." "The spiritual component of the trip is such a plus for me and I so appreciate the time spent each day in silence or other activities centered around this area." --M.R.S. (California)

"This was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. This trip will resonate with me for a very long time, leading me to more personal exploration and discoveries." --L.D.V. (Virginia) "I’m chanting every day with what you introduced that morning we saluted the sun. I’m keeping the trip alive inside of myself. Thank you for your guidance -- you’ve made more of a difference in my life than I can explain in words." --M.R.S. (California)

Debbie, our assistant guide, crossing the river

You can contact us...

By email -- alison@cloudcanyon.com    (Click on email address to send us a message)

By phone -- (805) 692-9615

By regular mail -- 4858 Ogram Road, Santa Barbara, California, USA 93105-9732