(2011) Dear Chip and Lani:
Our seven-day allagash wilderness canoe trip with Chip and Lani was truly incredible. Chip is the sort of outdoorsman with whom you instinctively trust your life, and there were dozens of times throughout the trip that made us glad we were with him. The moment Chip stood up in his canoe was our signal that some challenge lay ahead, and he taught us how to meet each one. Husand John and I shot through all the class 2 rapids without colliding head-on with any boulders--though we bounced off a couple & skidded over a few. When we reached the place where the Allagash River joins the St John, the water was unusually high, and the volume of water topped all the usual collision-course rocks... So we surged through the turbulence, having the ride of our lives. When I say that there were dozens of reasons to be glad that we had Chip and Lani as our guides, I started counting at breakfast and kept counting right thru dinner: Chip could start a fire with one match, rain or shine, and we were served up hot cereal every morning, along with bacon and eggs or pancakes -- and if there weren't hash browns left over from last night's dinner, there was sure to be something whipped up and baked in the reflector oven (banana bread, blueberry bread, apple cinnamon crumb cake...). We had fresh fruit with every lunch, and at the end of each day amazing dinners that always included Lani's complex green salads -- and dessert: freshly baked brownies. Strawberry shortcake on freshly baked biscuits with whipped cream. Apple cake... How they managed all this is still a mystery, though there were four sizable wooden trunks that we carried -- plus the reflector oven, which Chip treated like a treasure from king tut's collection. In sum, we ate like lumberjacks, paddled like galley slaves, slept in tents like gypsies, and enjoyed every minute.

Susan Weston

(2011) Lani and Chip,
I finally got caught up with everything after our trip and weathered the hurricane so I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much the Troop enjoyed our adventure on the Allagash.

Of course the scenery was beautiful and being on the river was very peaceful as well as challenging and exciting in the fast stuff. But what really made the trip great was having Chip guide us through the adventure.

Starting with paddling, working on the right strokes for different situations, and continuing to coach those of us who needed it all along the trip, also stopping and guiding us through the faster sections to make sure we all got through safely and had fun doing it really helped make all of us better and more confident paddlers. For those who wanted to try, poling was a whole other experience to be explored.

And the food, right from the first night in camp though the last, the meals were terrific. It is amazing what came off of the open fire, from the reflector oven and out of the wannigans, all fresh, healthy, cooked to perfection and plenty of it. The different grain oatmeal itself was a treat each morning, in addition to the rest of the breakfast, regular oatmeal will never live up to Chip's multi-grains. By using the same cooking techniques passed down through generations, at every meal I felt like we were going back in time to how exploring the river was years ago, a nice feeling of nostalgia that I never thought I'd get to experience.

Most of all Chip I appreciate the environment that you created on the trip: it was relaxed yet everyone had responsibility and accountability not only for themselves but for everyone else on the trip; that there were new things to be learned and tried at every corner; to appreciate all that was around us and most of all to have fun. I know that the boys all got different things out of the experience, some reveled in the opportunity just to be there and try new things and you were willing and able to guide them to new levels. Others really had to get out of their comfort zones at times and you were able to provide the coaching and motivating they needed to build their confidence. Just seeing how camp went up and came down between the first and last night, or how packing up the boats progressed through the week shows how much everyone grew not only in their outdoor skills but also in how they learned to work together and stayed focused to get a task done. By really guiding and coaching us through and being a role model in an environment that you know so well I think helped all of us get the most out the time we spent on the river.

Lani, thank you for all of your hard work in helping to put the trip together. I know I had a lot of questions and I really appreciate all of the back and forth communication in setting everything up, it all went exactly as you said it would.

Again, thanks to both of you for a wonderful experience on the Allagash, we all have great memories from the trip. I hope that we have the opportunity for other river adventures together.

Jim and Troop 76

Nelson 2007: Some of the best vacations I have taken have been with you on the rivers. I have enjoyed canoeing for years, used to do my own trips but with Allagash Canoe Trips it is lots of fun and I still can not get over how totally relaxing because of the lack of hassles. There is nothing like paddling and poling all day, setting up camp and then just taking it easy knowing that fire and preparations for a great dinner are being taken care of. I really appreciate having the detailed plans and preparation done by you and Chip. The friends and family I have recruited to go could not believe the gourmet cooking and Chips skill with a reflector oven. The first family trip we took on the St. Johns did accomplish my goal of having my sons know how to read the river and enjoy the rapids. You are great teachers. The East Branch of the Penobscot was an exciting challenge we continue to reminisce about. It was reassuring to know we had Chip as our guide, with his river skill and expertise. I also appreciate the way the days are planned. Up early with a great hearty breakfast, break camp and on the river. Kind of a good feeling to be passing some other voyagers on the river bank who are just getting up. Later in the day when you/we have already established the choice camp site with enough time to explore and play I have chuckled to myself as I watch the later starters pass by (I used to be one of them). Even though I have also had many years experience canoeing and poling I also have always learned something new or a better way to do something I had been doing for years. I am looking forward to more trips to come especially the Bonaventure.
Thanks for great canoe trips.

Fishman family 2007: We all agreed the trip was the highlight of the summer! Your concern for our welfare, your planning as well as your friendship made the trip the best.

The Foley Family 2007: "This is the first vacation in a long time that felt like a truly relaxing getaway for our family. No phones...no emails. Just pristine wilderness, great exercise, scrumptious food, moose, moose, and more moose. We came back feeling healthy and fit, and can still conjure up that feeling of tranquility that only nature can bring. Thanks for a superb trip!"

Greg's 2007: "I really enjoyed my trip. It was challenging but rewarding. I can't believe how many moose we saw. Go Sox."

Jeff's 2007: "Allagash Canoe Trips is a magnificent outfit. From beginning to end, my teenage son and I had a splendid trip, filled with adventure, natural beauty and friendly travel companions. We heartily endorse expeditions with Allagash Canoe Trips, as the company, its leadership, equipment and expertise are first rate."

Gail & Jay 2007: We can not imagine a more perfect time. Everything you did to organize us, decisions made along the way and constant daily care were accomplished with apparent ease and with such skill. We feel privileged to have shared those places and experiences with you! We have been singing the praises of your guiding service since returning home. This is the first vacation in a long time that felt like a truly relaxing getaway for our family. No phones...no emails. Just pristine wilderness, great exercise, scrumptious food, moose, moose, and more moose. We came back feeling healthy and fit, and can still conjure up that feeling of tranquility that only nature can bring. Thanks for a superb trip!

Wally - 2002: I would like to thank you for one of the best darn vacations we have ever taken. The food was fabulous and there was plenty of it, and I would know! I lost five pounds on the trip which was another great feature I was not expecting. We saw plenty of moose, osprey, bald eagles and the fishing was great. We are already talking about our next trip.

David 2002: It might be five years now since I spotted my son Lorne and I to a week on the Allagash. We had the good fortune to be led by Chip. Larger than life, the strength of a bull, totally without ego, pleasant, patient, a dynamo in that outdoor kitchen. I always remember Chip as the stuff of which great American heroes must be cast. He is absolutely the Best Guide in the USA!!

Ted M. - Autumn Allagash 1999: "We still talk about that week-long experience and our desire to return at some point. The week was perfect - the wonderful food (I still am amazed at what a reflector oven, in the proper hands, can do) the great weather, the hike up the mountain, Chase Rapids, the wildlife, the star-filled skies and the camaraderie with the two of you and the others on the trip."

Enoch G., Rockville, MD - Allagash 1996: On our Allagash River trip of 1996, we traveled through beautiful country, and Chip provided great leadership, cooking, and an irrepressible desire to teach canoeing to anyone who would learn.

Steve V., OH - Allagash 1998 : Yahoo! Be ready for a great time -- Good Eatin' -- Challenging Paddlin'

Justin S., Wayne. PA - Allagash 1997 : To paddle the vast, serene wilderness of the Allagash must truly be a once in a lifetime experience.

Jonathan W. - Allagash 1998: You all did an excellent job preparing us for the venture through the Allagash as well as providing us with excellent cuisine, service and relaxation. The trip was awesome, and I thank you.

Paul J., Port Washington, NY - Allagash 1996 : The pleasures of the Allagash linger on...

Bruce W., Atlanta, GA - St John 1989, Ashuapmushuan 1993, Allagash 1997 : Best time a father and son ever had. Wonderful food and very professional guides.

Lloyd O., Fairhaven, NJ - Allagash 1998 : Leadership was great and the group was very interesting. Food was very tasty and there was plenty of it. We enjoyed the history of the Allagash and exploring various sites. There was a good combination of lake and river paddling. We saw 14 moose, more in one week than all my trips to other parts of Maine.

Angela G., Williamstown, VT - Allagash 1994 : I did have a great time when I went with you folks, even though that was one time when the bugs were horrendous, but the peacefulness and the scenery plus the great company and excellent meals made it a great adventure for me. I can still remember thinking I was eating in a 4-star restaurant because the meals were so good. Your extra measure you took to ensure that made a big difference.

Tom L., Brookfield, CT- Allagash 1998 : My son and I agree, the trip was the most fun we've ever had together, and we'll be back. The guides, equipment, and food were top quality.

Eli F., Gorham, ME (age 9) - Allagash 1998: The Allagash was great. It inspired me and taught me to face challenges and conquer my fear of heights!

John A., Gorham, ME - Allagash 1998: At the conclusion of last year's Allagash trip after sleeping on the ground in a tent with his grandfather and paddling 90-odd miles my 9-year old companion said, "Grampa, thanks for taking me on this trip. This is the most fun I have ever had in my life." You can't imagine what this does for a seventy-five year old! Many thanks.

Richard K., New Milford, NY - Allagash 1995: Your trip on the Allagash was an event that will stand out in my memory for all my life. I have great reverence for what you do and how you do it.

Jim H., Springfield, VA - Allagash 1993: Thanks again for the wonderful Allagash trip. I'm back in the rat race now, but I'll always treasure the memories.

Rosie C., New York, NY - Allagash 1991: We really enjoyed ourselves and have rarely felt so well taken care of, especially when "roughing it" outdoors. People who are very good at what they do always make what they do look easy