Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife spotting and in particular the early morning start to track wolves in Yellowstone Park, with our expert wolf guide, Evan. Dawn broke and with the light breaking we saw the wolf pack awakening from their slumber, and the younger wolves play-fight with each other, before being joined by the elders. An amazing sight. We moved on before they did, to continue our wild life search. Terrific.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Some 6 years previous we did an Exodus Trip to different Parks and the inspirational Leader of that trip, commented that his favourite Park was Glacier Park. That sowed the seeds should we return to the US. Exodus produced a trip combining Glacier Park with Yellowstone and the Trip was booked. At the Pre Tour Group Meeting, to our surprise and delight that same inspirational Group Leader Mike Harding ,was to be our Guide once again. Nothing is too much trouble for Mike and his knowledge and passion for his Country and guests is outstanding. He goes above and beyond what could be expected, for example making himself available for guests to be ferried into and back from the centre of the towns, for sightseeing and shopping. One guest had left something in their case and Mike was happy to unload the cases for the item to be retrieved. Restaurant and eating places were recommended, and commentary was often provided during the travel between the different Parks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the weather to be changeable and dress accordingly. We travelled Sept/Oct and had unseasonable warm weather, with t-shirts on some days and woolly hats and gloves on other days.

Suggestions

It is worth staying extra days both pre and post tour in Salt Lake City and Seattle, to experience what both different Cities have to offer. The level of accommodation reflects the currency value of the current disadvantageous exchange rate.

Most Inspirational Moment

On one walk we came across a bear near the trail in a wonderful natural encounter - I'm not sure who was more curious, us or the bear. We were taught by Mike how to approach this situation and so felt very calm when it happened - an amazing experience and a moment I will remember forever!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was a brilliant leader - hugely experienced, incredibly passionate and knowledgeable on every subject from US history, culture, music, wildlife etc.. he made the experience wonderful for our entire group, and handled all of the logistical challenges thrown his way with ease. Would 100% recommend travelling through the US with Mike as your guide

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weathers. From hot to cold, the weather can be unpredictable and we needed layers every day.. hail and snow, to bright warm sunshine, we experienced it all travelling through the American West..

Suggestions

Thanks for an amazing experience!! Loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

A few things. Firstly, seeing moose on the path in front of us and grizzly bears very close to our van. Being caught at the top of a mountain in an unexpected snow storm provided a very good bonding opportunity for the group on the first proper day of our trip. Despite the disappointment of missing Yellowstone, Mike, our group leader, somehow kept us all happy and still produced a very enjoyable holiday for us all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was an absolute star, he could not have done more to make this a great holiday for us all. Despite losing 4 days of the itinerary for Yellowstone he somehow found excellent trails, places to visit and lovely restaurants to fill that time. The group also all got on very well together and we had lots of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the full range of clothing from thermals, gloves, hat etc through to sun wear even in June. You will use it all! Give yourself a full day in Salt Lake City before the trip as it’s worth a visit. In addition we booked 2 extra nights in Seattle and that was definitely worthwhile. There was lots to see, it was easy to get around and it’s a fun place to visit.

Suggestions

A great trip. Do it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I cannot give just one. One was when we saw grizzly bears crossing the road when we were in Glacier park. We saw a mother bear and her two cub. Mike our guide mad e sure we drove past at least four times so we could great really great views and photos. The second one was when we had a good bye drink in front of the mountains to say goodbye , before we moved on to Couer D'Alene. third was when we saw bisson on the Flathead reserve. We got so close and could see their beautiful faces. The third was a hike arranged at the last minute by our guide Mike Harding where we walked down to the Pendoreille lake where we had the most beautiful, peaceful and serene views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Mike Harding was fantastic. He kept our spirits high after the disappointing news that we would not be able to visit Yellowstone. He took us on some fantastic hikes, took us to great places to eat and shop and was always willing to give help and advice when asked. He provided us with fantastic breakfasts when we stayed in Glacier Park. He was so knowledgable and had a very clear and interesting way of explaining complex histories and cultures. He had an obvious passion for showing people the best of nature in the parks and was able to make great connections with everyone in the group. I really felt that he put in 100% effort at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a range of clothing for different weathers as you never know how the weather can change. You will literally need sun cream and sun hat on some days and a woolly hat and gloves on another.

Suggestions

Exodus trips are very well planned and the accommodation is in keeping with the nature of the trip. Also as I learned on this trip, they and their guides are very good about, adapting and changing when circumstances require it. Our guide was able to think creatively when dire circumstances changed our plans and be flexible enough to work with the weather and other conditions. They are also very fair , providing extra activities when we lost out on Yellowstone plans and giving a discount to provide value for money based on the activities provided for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking in amongst some stupendous landscapes and discovering wildlife unseen before (especially Grizzly bears and bisons) All members of the group did get on well and accepted last minute changes with good humour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike Harding saved the trip once we were told Yellowstone was closed. We were very fortunate he has extensive knowledge of the area and many years of experience as a group leader. His kindness and good humour kept us going. He had a very positive approach despite the situation and made every possible effort and often went beyond the call of duty to take us to alternative places and made sure we were always offered daily visits and treks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be flexible as forces of nature are unpredictable and sometimes unavoidable and no one can be made accountable for them.