Just wanted to touch base as a follow-up to the recent backpacking trip with you and Seth on Nov 7-8. I really couldn't have imagined a better way to ease into the sport than the time spent on the trail with you.

The general info you shared about backpacking is truly an invaluable base that I can build upon in future trips. I thought the survival skills, plant identification, and stories about the history of the
smokies really elevated things to another level. It is awesome to have had a chance to take this trip and kudos to your passion for backpacking and the woods.

Ronnie 11/09

The idea behind the hike, was to obtain expert information about the great outdoors, and to do so in a way that would keep my 9-year old nephew completely interested; a challenging task that I definitely needed help with, on both accounts. That's where our trusted guide stepped-in. Hello, Joyful Jonika! She was absolutely fabulous during the entire 2-hour, Exploring Nature with Children hike. Her comprehensive knowledge, and keen ability to enthusiastically express it in a way that captivated my nephew, exceeded my hopes and expectations. Jonika provided a tremendous amount of information, in a very pleasurable forum, that gave us both a new perspective of, and more importantly, a sincere appreciation for the wonders of nature.

After we thanked Jonika and said farewell, my nephew wanted to see some more, so we went right back into the park and had a great time. My nephew has expressed a desire to do more hiking, and that's what I was also hoping to achieve.

I'll always be thankful to Jonika, for patiently sharing her gift of knowledge, and I'm quite convinced that this wonderful experience will have a positive, everlasting impact upon my nephew. Thank you, Jonika, and A Walk in the Woods. Mission accomplished.

Don, Knoxville, TN 10/09

Megan,
You are so personable! My sisters and I just love you! I'm so glad we took the hike with you on Friday. I loved seeing the contrasts between the Cosby area and the AT. You were so kind, spending extra time with us and answering all of our questions. You are an excellent guide.

Judith,
Although we never met face to face, thank you for all of the important emails and phone calls. Your communication was excellent! Thank you.

To all four of you....I'll be back!!!

Bonnie 11/09

Our group so enjoyed our "Stroll Back in Time" with Megan. She had so much knowledge to share and was such an enjoyable guide. Her love of nature was truly contagious. We novices all agreed that had we done the walk by ourselves we would have been bored. Instead, our eyes were opened to all that we don't realize staring us right in the face! Wish I was able to retain all of Megan's info!

R&M, KY 10/09

We loved our Walk in the Woods today with Carey. Megan and Charlotte liked finding the salamanders the best. Carey was wonderful with them and involved them in every aspect of the hike. He is a wonderful guide! We all learned a lot. We want to come back in November for a salamander hunt.

Kathy and Parke, 8/09

Erik and Dana -

Thank you again for such a wonderful Adventure. I am still talking about it and our wonderful guides - ya'll made it the greatest. ... Thank you again for a great trip - it was awesome and my favorite vacation of all the trips I have taken. Have safe Holidays"

Lee 12/08

Erik, I just wanted to thank you for your services and all the great information you gave Marty and I on the way to Maddron Bald trailhead. We had a great day in the mountains and you certainly helped to make that happen. We had scheduled one of your competitors for shuttle service on a previous trip and they didn't show up. We finally hitched a ride with someone and paid them the fee. Your great service and information will keep you at the top of my list. Thanks again for helping us have a great day.

Randy, Nashville, TN 11/08

These (backpacking) guides were so fantastic. We covered wilderness survival, compass use, edible plants flora and fauna, medicinal plants, backpacking tips, lighting strikes, nutrition on the trail, equipment and all of this in four days. Give these guys a medal for all their expertise and instruction. It was much more than I could have hoped for! They are so professional and at the same time warm and patient. I have been backpacking since I was a tiny girl as my mother worked for the Sierra Club but I learned more in these four days than in all other trips combined.

Cornelia, CA 10/08

Fancy Fungi (Erik) and Blue Tooth (Andrea). Thank you so much for the (backpacking ) trip of a lifetime. This trip was a culmination of dreams that I've had for quite some time but never dreamed it would be this magnificent. Thank you for that.

Jennie, AL 9/08

Believe me, when I say that Dana went above and beyond for that hike. I am so impressed by how he communicated his love of the Smokies, the wonder and unique properties of the flora and fauna on the trail, and how crucial it is that we recognize the fragile nature of the land. He certainly heightened my awareness! I will try to use the photos I took to pass along some of this message to my children this week - - just hope I can remember the names of the plants he pointed out!!! He is, in my estimation, exemplifying good ( - actually, *great*) stewardship of the Great Smokies National Park through his work with hikers. Bravo, Dana! Best wishes to your entire outfit, and hike on!

Phyllis 9/08

Erik, Remember me? Just wanted you to know that I completed a thru hike on the AT this year. I summitted Mt. Katadhin on Sept. 7. It took me 5 1/2 months and was quite problem free. I had no injuries or illnesses and Tom did a great job of handling everything at home so I had few distractions.Thought about our REI (AT Backpacking Trip) trip quite a bit when I hiked through the Smokies where we had 8" of snow. The REI trip we took with you certainly helped me in knowing what I was getting into. Twice on the trail I met Charlotte who was also on the REI trip.She was section hiking.Thanks for your contribution.

Vicki aka Dust in the Wind 9/08

I have just completed 2 recent hikes with Andrea that were just amazing. The first to Charlie's Bunion with Hike for Discovery, and the second on Ramsey's Cascade. Thank you. I am already contemplating a return trip.

Mel 9/08

Hi Erik! I just wanted to let you guys know how much my cousin and I enjoyed our walk in the woods on July 20th. I will definitely be recommending you guys to anyone else who is visiting your area.

Bridgett, MS 8/08

Vesna and Erik went above and beyond to help us plan a backpacking trip through the Smoky Mountains. Having never backpacked for an extended trip we didn't know what to expect. Vesna and Erik told us what to bring and gave valuable advice. They dropped us off at the trailhead and even picked us up early at the end. Vesna and Erik know everything there is to know about backpacking and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I would recommend their services to anyone wanted to see the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Graham and CK, Berkeley, CA 7/08

Bernie Hoefer, IN 01/08

Erik, thanks again for the great taste of the AT.  Tom and I are still amazed at your knowledge and love of the Great Smoky Mountains!  The enjoyment of everyone is certainly evident on their faces in this photo... 
 
Don't be surprised if you hear from me next spring for a shuttle. 

Vicki 09/07

Veronica and Tony, Waterford, CT 09/07

We recently went on the Stroll Back in Time walk with Vesna and she was EXCELLENT! We have two young children (5 and 2) and she interacted well/tolerated my 5 year old and his constant stories and questions; she has the patience of a saint! The walk was enjoyable and
educational for everyone! Thank you!

Stacey, City: St. Louis, 6/07

I entered back into my crazy world today and all I could think about was the peace I left behind. I can not tell you how much I enjoyed my adventure in Tennessee! What a great group of women I met, you included. I would like to plan a trip with my son next summer. So I am sure you will be hearing from me again soon. I have told everyone what a wonderful guide you are and I hope you get some calls from them. They all figure if Ellen could do it, anyone can!! Take care of yourself and your wonderful family.

Ellen, FL 6/07

Thank you for your help providing our shuttle service for our recent hike. thanks to your dependable service we were able to begin our hike on time at the Alum Cave trail head Wed am and when we arrived at the Maddron Bald trail head Sat. at 12:30 our cars were ready and waiting for our return!

We had a spectacular hike and just wanted to tell you we appreciate your dependable help.

Erik, we enjoyed hearing the info you shared with us on the ride to Alum trail head. We saw the plane wreckage and had a brief memorial as the instructor who died in the crash was also the instructor/ friend of one of the guys in our group. We also saw the old home site and cemetery on the old settlers trail, very cool. we would not have known if you had
not told us about it. We also saw the old trail going to the old shelter at false gap, spring was not running, only moist ground. The two springs on the backside of Guyot were running strong. Thanks again !

Carlton 05/07

Here it is coming up on the second week since I was there and in some ways it seems like yesterday.

Just wanted to thank you for a most enjoyable time. It was nice to hear a little more of the surrounding history of the mountain area. Whoever thought you could have such a good time
chewing on wood and eating leaves. LOL I enjoyed the talks along the way.
It's nice to know someone who really knows their stuff. A couple of questions...

I will be coming back ... Probably will not have time for another class this time because I will be walking around the mountain on my own watching and looking at plants as I go.

The 5 1/2 hour class will be something to look forward too.

Thanks again for such a great time.

Karl, 05/07

"...thanks very much for the guided walk in the Greenbriar section of the part on Easter Sunday. My wife, Lizzie, and children, Madison and Evan, and I all enjoyed it thoroughly. Vesna made the walk
both fun and informative. It was worth every penny!

Greg F, Midlothian, VA 04/07

And remember....everything will be "just where you left it"!"

Greg Y. Charlott, NC (Trailname "Just where you left it") 10/06

"We used the shuttle service on Oct.4,2006. Gary and I were very impressed with the knowledge of Erik. We enjoyed the information regrarding the twenty five year study about the wildlife in the Smokey Mountians.The Mt. LeConte trip was wonderful, This was a Great Vacation. Thanks so much for helping to make our trip,(A Life long memory).

Gary and Georgia, Beaver Dam, KY 10/06

Erik and Vesna,

I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for an amazing trip! Your guide service meant that I was able to function once again - as a husband, father, employee & friend. Being with nature helped me get back to a peaceful place in my heart and soul. You allowed us to do it safely, while learning about nature, backpacking, the Smokies, and life!

Marine Veteran JP, WI 7/06

We were one of the tours you did last Tuesday, June 6th, @ 10:00 AM Eastern. We were a party of 13 & met you in the first parking lot in the Greenbrier section of the Park. First of all..."THANK YOU!!!!!!!" It was the BEST thing we did on our trip - even the kids thought so. We have recommended your website to many friends planning trips to Tennessee. The second reason for the email- I cannot remember all the names of everything you told us. Is there any way you can send me the names of the plant/trees you pointed out, so we can
include this in our scrapbooks. For instance, we remember the Sour Root for the honey, but what else was it used for? What were the 2 twigs we ate? One was for keeping their teeth clean & fresh breath. Anything else you can think of we be great. We have great pictures & you helped us create MANY great memories. Thanks again for making our trip SO WONDERFUL!
Dawn, Kevin, Catherine & Amanda S. 06/06

"Your enthusiasm, sense of humor & gift of teaching made this trip pleasant fun & relaxing. It was wonderful being enveloped in the smells & sounds of the Smokies.But most of all thanks for enhancing my life by giving me confidence & a sense of success."
L. D. Knoxville, TN

"What a lovely time we had. Our guide was Erik and he was great. This is a must do for the whole family old and young will enjoy this wonderful treat. We went this Oct. 2005 and the weather was perfect.It is something you will want to do again and again."

Downs family, AL 10/05

"Just a quick note to say thank you for a WONDERFUL day on the 15th. The "grands" have not stopped talking about the fun time we had and they tell all about their new learned facts!! I have a friend that almost drove up for some jewel plant for her son's poison ivy. Thank you for a great day. May the Lord continue to expand your business as you tell of His awesome creation!!"

Cindy & Steve, TN 07/05

"Dear Vesna & Erik

On behalf of the Hope College Upward Bound students and staff I would like to thank you for providing us with a wonderful learning experience while we were in Tennessee. The guided walk was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and two weeks later, students are still talking about it. It was both educational and fun, and it developed a greater awareness of how important it is to protect and respect our natural environment.

Thank you again for everything!"

E.C. Director Hope College Upward Bound, MI. 06/05

"Thanks again for such a great trip experience. Having used your shuttling services for a few years and all the talks we have had in the shuttles I always wondered what it was like to go on a backpacking trip with AWITW. I had high expectations and you exceeded them all."

"This recent experience though makes me want to use AWITW again and again more for the fantastic learning experience 5 days with Erik turned out to be. My biggest worry is that it will become impossible to book AWITW for backpacking trips in the park requiring permits as AWITW will become so popular that you will be booked solid for nearly 6 months in
advance. Part of me wants to write an article for backpacker to get you some press and another part of me says, don't wreck a good thing by publicizing it too much." Chris R. IL 5/27/05

Thank you for all your teaching and patience, we really had a wonderful time and learned a lot. We're recommending everyone interested in backpacking to come to 'A Walk In the Woods'. Terri, FL 5/13/05

Comments on a backpacking trip, "Flawless, turnkey service, and a trip my family will never forget. Wonderful running commentary on mountain flora. The magnificence of the Albright old growth forest. The equipment we rented was all first rate, in excellent shape. Many thanks to Erik and Vesna for a marvelous time." Randy and Betsy from Winston-Salem, NC 7/2/2002.

"After a beautiful backpacking trip with Erik and Vesna, I dream about the woods now." Duet Chow, Hong Kong

"Just wanted to thank you again for a great trip. You made the backpacking more enjoyable and educational than I thought possible. I want to return to eat some fresh mushrooms and to climb Mt. Guyot+Leconte...Backpacking has become a real interest of mine. " Andrew Goodwin, New York, NY

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