Hatch River Expeditions – 2010 Client Testimonials

More client reviews can be found on: google local, yelp.com and our video page.

"I have been on two other guided river trips which were excellent.  Our Hatch trip, however, was definitely a cut above what I have experienced before.  There were so many extras - Joni’s skillful touches to the already delicious food; Dave’s encyclopedic explanations and witty commentary; Ray’s organization, jokes and grilling; the secure feeling that we were with seasoned professionals who steered the boats; the marble retirement cake; Cher’s special visit the night before the trip; the helicopter trip out.  I could go on and on."
- Dave Folland of Sandy, Utah (May 9-15, 2010)

“Thanks for a fantastic trip.  Now I can take it off my bucket list.” 
- Dennis Masson of Spring Lake, Michigan (May 9-15, 2010)

“The most inspiring vacation of my life…Obviously, the river, the rock, the side-Canyon falls and pool, and the shooting stars were breathtaking, but ultimately, it was Scott, Eric and Lars who blew me away with their sweetness, sense of humor, and passion.”
- Nadine Baladi of San Francisco, California (Paul Zysman Charter, May 16-22, 2010)

“A most wondrous life-transforming experience…First of all, you made a paddle boat available to us.  188 river miles later, under the guidance of Brian Pringle, we are proud, gratified, and astonished.  The quality of your equipment, attention to detail, and the quality of your guides exceeded our expectations and illustrated our prudence in going to ‘the most experienced’ and the ‘best’. 
- Robert Lee of Tallahassee, Florida (Oar Trip, May 19-30, 2010)

“Armed with rain gear, dri-fit, sun block and hats on our back; turned out to be no match for what we had to attack.  Energy, spirit, and kindness abound; we were ready for any challenge that came around.  With Mark as our must trusted guide (and lifesaver) and Tulane at our side; we scrambled over those ‘deadly’ rapids stride after stride.  We were thankful for Dave’s guidance and lectures galore, and knew we would never go hungry as long as Simone was aboard.  Thank you Hatch for the memories!  And reminding us that without cell phones, television and internet, and instead stars and moonlight, gentle winds (scorching at times), and soothing rivers - that all our needs can be met. 
- Laurie Tinnell of Bradenton, Florida (Tulane University Charter, May 20-26, 2010)

“You two (Ray & Joni Pope) are an amazing couple and helped make the experience special – Even for those of us who are not big outdoor hiker/camper type.” 
- Carol Erikson of Phoenix, Arizona (Bruce Peek Charter, May 30-June 6, 2010)

“Dave and Spencer have totally mastered the details, presenting challenges to the rest of us.  As I told them, I would do it again in a heartbeat!  What a great team you all make.” 
- Molly Shreeve of Arlington, Virginia (June 2-8, 2010)

“I would like to thank Jeff Voss, Lars Niemy and Rachel Hanson for one of the finest vacations I ever experienced!  You people are true event professionals!” 
- Jack Ahern of Scottsdale, Arizona (June 3-9, 2010)

“I had a great time talking to them (Kelly & Don) and always learned something new.  Not to mention the food was amazing!  I could not imagine going on the trip
with anyone else!” 
- Chloe Cabigas of Orlando, Florida (Quigg Charter, June 3-9, 2010)

“The guides Mark, Parke and Scott are outstanding.  I felt safe and cared for.  Mark talked about the geology of the area and pointed out the deer, bighorn sheep and beaver.  He also sewed shoes for two of us.  Parke helped me over rocks, carried my water and never once made me feel I was a nuisance.  His kindness and quiet authority makes him special.  From Scott I learned about the river, how water is released from the Glen Canyon Dam, about the drought in the area and why water is so important to the Southwest.  He has a lively sense of humor.” 
- Janis Rex of Gaithersburg, MD (Bruce & Jan Bean Charter, June 10-16, 2010)

“The Popes are so experienced, sensitive to the myriad of complexities of the passengers and the crew, excellent chefs, and great human beings.  They did not miss a beat and worked most wisely with everyone on both of our boats.” 
- Gay Wray of Paradise Valley, Arizona (Ed Lowry Charter, June 13-20, 2010)

“In addition to doing their jobs – keeping us safe and well – Ray, Joni, and David seemed genuinely happy to help us enjoy the trip as much as they seemed to – sharing their favorite places – and made all the work they did seem rather effortless…” 
- Kathie Anderson of Norman, Oklahoma (Ed Lowry Charter, June 13-20, 2010)

“David’s knowledge of geology, canyon history, charming nature, and attention to safety made him our boatman of choice.”
- Spring Zutes of Phoenix, Arizona (Ed Lowry Charter, June 13-20, 2010)

“The food was delicious & the rafting was a rush!  Rachel - thanks for your help on the hikes too!” 
- Teresa Hannon of Prairie Village, Kansas (June 21-27, 2010)

“They (JP, Tim & Spencer) were truly a class act; you all can be proud of them.  Everyone was so gracious about letting me set my own pace, choosing the hike I knew I could handle, and never making me feel like a burden.  I appreciated that more than words can say.” 
- Mikie Messman of Great Fall, Montana (June 27-July 3, 2010)

“Dave and Tim worked together seamlessly as a team, were very organized and efficient, were excellent cooks, and were incredibly knowledgeable about the history, geology and natural history of the Grand Canyon.  Your staff members on the phone were a pleasure to talk with and were helpful, efficient and accurate.  The equipment and supplies, including the food, were luxurious.” 
- Cindy & Dave Schraer of Anchorage, Alaska (University of Alaska Anchorage Charter, July 8-14, 2010)

“He (Don) was always positive and easy to get along with.” 
- Pat & Steve Mayer of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey (June 14-21, 2010)

“First Light:  Squat on a shaving rock at Zoroaster.  In the gut of the gorge, you cannot see where the Sipapu sun rises to the East this morning. Out of the Little Colorado, carrying chocolate to the mainstream, stirs Navajo sandstone and sacred Hopi salt into the Colorado.  In the minute or so it takes to extract my razor and cream from a zip lock TSA hasn’t screened, a turbine-propelled tide from Page eats at the blue stripes of my $7.00 Cortez Walmart sneakers.  Down in Phoenix or L.A.? Get yourselves ready for a nice air-conditioned day!  I loosed my amputated beard to the current, consign my DNA to sediment.  On some downstream beach a heron may stand and fish upon.  Though I cannot see, I know a few Harvey House South Rim pilgrims have walked this very morning to a ledge high above the condor’s nest; they see what I see, wherever the light touches first, is holy.”  (Running the Grand with Hatch)

“Many thanks for JP, Lars & Spencer.  My 14 year old grandson KJ now wants to work for you in the future due to JP’s inspiration.” 
- Greg Hobbs of Denver, Colorado (July 26-August 1, 2010)

“They (JP, Lars & Spencer) were professional yet a lot of fun.”
- Cheryl Williams of Jonesborough, Tennessee (July 29-Aug 1, 2010)

“They (boatmen) made my son, and in turn me, feel very special.  I can’t wait to take my wife on the river trip.  I went on this trip with high expectations and the actual experience was much better.  Mark, Sarah and Spencer really went above and beyond to make this trip very memorable.  Damion wanted to personally thank everyone, especially Spencer, for helping him have a trip of a lifetime.”
- Scott Landreth of Shawnee, Kansas (John Warme Charter, Aug. 8-14, 2010)

"I am convinced that the fresh air, sun, daily hikes, sleeping under the stars, fabulous food, warm camaraderie and stress-free fun contributed to my being stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually, which speeded my recovery from cancer-related surgery the week following our white water adventure.  So glad, Parke and J.P. chose our group to gift with their leadership, humor, experience, knowledge, and FUN!"
- Jill Holland of Gig Harbor, Washington (August 9-15, 2010)

“I am 73 years old and always wanted to do this.  It was number one on my ‘Bucket List’.  I am so glad I did it; it was a trip of a lifetime.  What a wonderful job those ladies did (Sarah & Kelly).  I am in awe of them, such hard workers, and so knowledgeable and so very helpful on all those beautiful trips to the side canyons.  There was not a question they could not answer.  Thank you for the greatest vacation ever.” 
- Luise Bell of Tucson, Arizona (All Women Trip, Sept. 9-15, 2010)

“The food and cooking was unbelievable for camping – steaks, salads, desserts, wow.” 
- Tom Wohlgemuth of Annapolis, Maryland (September 13-19, 2010)

“Bob and I strongly feel that our 3 guides (Joni, Ray & Eric) are absolute GEMS.  They looked after us like we were family… As a newcomer to this type of adventure, I did have difficulty in some of the hikes, and navigating the huge boulders that needed to be climbed.  I want to say that Joni was with me every step, helping me up and down the large rocks and talking me through the difficult climb on the narrow ledges.  It was a frightening hike for me but Joni didn’t leave my side, and gave me tremendous encouragement with every step.  I have written letters before, but only when I am impressed enough by the company and its
employees, and this is one of these times.” 
- Janet Fleishman of Baltimore, Maryland (September 13-19, 2010)

“JP and Spencer are excellent people – providing so much information along the way on the river.”
- Gene Payne of De Graff, Minnesota (September 14-20, 2010)

Back to Top