Cloud Canyon Expeditions - Testimonials -- Wilderness Retreats for Women -- women's backpacking

CLOUD CANYON EXPEDITIONS
Wilderness Retreats for Women
Testimonials from our participants

See what our hikers have said about our trips

On personal challenge:

"For me it was about going into an incredibly beautiful but unforgiving land with only the basics, facing challenges with the support of my fellow travelers, opening myself up to whatever transpired, and being rewarded with a new sense of clarity."

"This was the biggest physical challenge I have undertaken since my 30's. What caught me off guard was the spiritual challenge I encountered. I was stunned by the beauty of the land and the effect it had on me. There is a rawness yet a serenity about the place that really moved me. Also I found it very beneficial to share these challenges with a group of women."

"The trip ... started me on a spiritual quest. To be honest, I would have to admit that is something that I have been avoiding. But after this trip, I can avoid it no longer."

On Cloud Canyon leadership:

"Alison made me incredibly comfortable and welcome on the phone and in emails before I left, and I felt supported on this journey before we met."

"The leadership was incredibly solid on all levels: the expertise about the environment and backpacking/leave-no-trace, the relaxed but intentional group process, everything. I was supported in wonderful hands and being supported to push myself all at the same time, in the precious beauty of the desert. What more can I ask for?"

"The leadership was superb. You have a quiet strength and confidence that inspires trust."

"...you adored and believed in each one of us. This may sound like no big deal, but it created an environment where we did that with each other and with our own selves. I felt there were no favorites, and nobody was ostracized. The personal feedback you gave to each of us the last night was specific and precious and had a big impact on me."

"Your strong leadership skills were evident Friday in the way you elicited an opinion from each of us regarding where to spend the last night out, and let us know of YOUR expectations for the evening. I believe our input, and yours, led to the satisfactory outcome."

"...your leadership, support, and belief we could do it... Your judgment, to make it challenging but not too much. Nobody experienced defeat--not an easy task with the wide range of different skills and experience the group members brought."

What did you like best about the trip?

"The mix of support--both group and solo. The deep support of everyone doing what they felt they needed--not just lip service to this--It was palpable.

"The sky. Going in the water buck naked with a 70-year-old goddess role model. Praying together and the sun coming up over that ridge at that exact moment."

"Being out of doors, close to the earth with congenial companions."

"I really liked that night when I was cozy and warm in my sleeping bag and the screeching wind plastered the wall of my tent down onto my nose."

"...the balance between the various elements--physical challenge, social interactions, group dynamics, spiritual aspects, and the incredible beauty that surrounded us."

On food:

"The food was lovely--a great variety and it was amazing to be eating fresh peppers several days into the trip. I think you did a wonderful job with the menu and everything was cooked to perfection."

"You seem to have found the simple-to-prepare, high energy meals necessary for our level of activity."

"I had plenty to eat and the quality was excellent."

What is the wilderness experience?

"...to feel the air and the wind; to enjoy the beauty and variety of the plants; to "listen" to the quiet; to wonder and think one's thoughts."

"...being put in an environment free of everyday distractions, where I am challenged physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. An experience where I can reconnect or connect more deeply with the earth and god/goddess."

Comments from earlier years

"For me it was an ultimate retreat! I had the opportunity to engage my body, mind and spirit and open to Mother Earth through the challenge and fun of the full experience. I learned a new level of living in tune with the Earth. The whole trip fed my hunger for deeper growth. I continue to reap its benefits. I appreciated it each time you helped us to focus on the now and not on the life we left behind."

Jeannette L., Santa Barbara, CA

"...walking with the rhythm of the earth, and if you really listen you can hear the heartbeat. Being in the wilderness brings you down to a level where you can breath, feel, and think again."

Wendy B., Colorado

"The most significant thing about [the trip] is the lasting effect it has had on me. I feel stronger emotionally and physically. I am braver and more sure of myself."

Michelle L., Boise, Idaho

"My Cloud Canyon wilderness experience was connection to Mother Earth for the first time."

Tamar W., Boston, MA

"I think of this trip: the people, the landscape, the sunsets, the incredible quiet, the stories and poetry, the flowing water - my eyes well up with tears."

K.S., Santa Barbara, CA

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

This page last modified on January 21, 2008