YOSEMITE HALF DOME TOUR 2006

Shanna Petersil (July 2006), Los Angeles, California
"Thanks so much for planning a great trip to Yosemite. I NEVER would have attempted backpacking or camping in the backcountry
if it weren't for your trip. I felt safe and secure and prepared and loved it. I loved the hikes, the scenery, the food you cooked, and all
the gear I borrowed. It was truly an awesome experience.   You're an awesome guide, thanks again."
YOSEMITE HIGH COUNTRY TOUR 2006

Tom Donegan (August 2006), Chicago, Illinois (Contact: thomas.donegan@sbcglobal.net)
"My trip to the Yosemite High Country with Backcountry Found was amazing. This was my second trip with Eden and it was just as
good as my first. Eden and Backcountry Found take you to some of the most scenic parts of the country.  This trip took us through
the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. What a beautiful place to escape for a backpacking vacation. We hiked past some
astonishing waterfalls and swam in sweet (although cold!) river pools. The best part of the trip was taking in the natural beauty of
Yosemite without the without the tourist crowds. As promised, Backcountry Found takes you to the Yosemite that most people never
see!  If you’ve never experienced a Backcountry Found trip, take the plunge! Eden is an awesome guide who knows the trails well.
Plus he makes delicious meals in the middle of nowhere. Thank s, Eden, for a memorable trip. I will definitely travel with you again
on my next get-away from the big city."
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GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM TOUR 2005

Morris Jensby (September 2005), Phoenix, AZ
"Eden Slezin has the enthusiasm, the backcountry skills,
the leadership, and the sheer strenghth to pull off a trip like ours
like no other guide could.  He took us on a tour of the Grand
Canyon that very few have experienced, demonstrated the power
of sheer determination, and led us to the exhiliration that the
Grand Canyon offers like nowhere else can.  I can guarantee that
if you go on a Backcountry Found trip with a group of total
strangers you will end the trip with bonds to
your team mates that will shape the rest of your life.  Thanks,
Eden, for a great experience!  I'm already working on fitting a
2006 trip into my calendar.
"

Tom Donegan (September 2005), Chicago, IL
"Eden Slezin and Backcountry Found put together a remarkable
package that had everything! Eden was an excellent guide on our
hike through the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. While the trail
was somewhat advanced, he took into account the other
participant's experience and limitations and paced the hiking at a
comfortable and enjoyable rate.

The route Eden chose was incredible! The six of us hiking felt
like we were the only people in the entire canyon. A long way
from the tourist crowds, I don't think we saw 10 people over the
four days. This was solitude like no place else!  The big pay-off
on the hike was the approach to the Deer Creek Falls. Hearing
the cascading water and then finally seeing and playing in this
desert oasis was one of the sweetest experiences ever. The
Narrows, where Deer Creek flows into the Colorado River, was
another awesome spot to cool off and relax.

Finally, Eden kept us well fed with plenty of freshly prepared
meals. Who would have known how good eating can be in the
middle of nowhere!

For anyone looking  for a professionally led, deluxe hiking
experience far away from the tourist hordes, the Grand Canyon
North Rim hike cannot be beaten! You will truly experience the
Grand Canyon like never before.  I will not hesitate
recommending Backcountry Found to anyone.  Thanks, Eden, for
a fantastic trip. I will definitely be on more of
them."
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Testimonial:
YOSEMITE SUMMIT TOUR 2005

Brook Baird (June 2005) San Francisco, California
"The Yosemite trip was amazing.  It was fun, exhausting and exhilarating.  I had never backpacked before and I feel like this trip may
have sparked a lifelong passion.  Eden and Geoff's expertise and warmth made me feel comfortable doing things I'd never done
before.  The chemistry of the group was great.  I really enjoyed everyone's company.  Yosemite was gorgeous.  The views and
waterfalls were breathtaking.  I felt so lucky to enjoy the natural beauty away from the hordes of other visitors.  I feel like I got the
chance to experience Yosemite in a way most visitors don't.  At the end of the trip, as we looked over the whole valley, I couldn't
believe how far we had traveled and how much we had seen in such a short time.  I can't wait to go on another trip!!!!!!!"

Steve Brooks (June 2005) Rockville, Maryland
"I wanted to thank you all for making the Yosemite trip a totally enjoyable experience.  Besides the shear beauty of the place, the
chemistry of the group made the trip so cool.  I enjoyed getting to know and spending time with you all.  Thanks to Eden and Geoff
for being our leaders."
YOSEMITE HIGH COUNTRY TOUR 2005

Jim Doyle (August 2005)
"I live on the East Coast and have backpacked the Rockies in the past.  My goals were to maximize my time-opportunity-experience
product by finding a guided group tour that would take me into challenging and seldom-travelled terrain. My expectations were
exceeded with Backcountry Found. The terrain was tough (but not brutal) and in exchange we were rewarded with the best days of
golden sunshine and emerald green swimming holes I've ever had! The group was nicely balanced with several ability and age
groups which kept it real and free from the competitive pressures I've experienced on "all-veteran" teams.  I was particularly
impressed by the planning of camp nights (best ever!), Eden's airtight planning for contingencies ranging from gear accidentally left
at home to unexpected blisters and the ability to rapidly and flawlessly coordinate a large party with lots of logistics.

I'd unhesitatingly recommend anyone to take the plunge; particularly if you only have a week of vacation time. You'll get all the
perspective and experience of a big road trip plus the upside of meeting new people without the long hours on the interstates or the
wild logistics."

Richard Rogowski (August 2005), San Francisco, CA
"Both guides were great and balanced each other nicely. I admired Eden's confidence and abilities and also appreciated Geoff's
patience and laid-back personality. I'm not sure that the trip would have been successful without both styles, especially for those
that needed more guidance and attention along the way. For that, I am grateful to Geoff, especially, for really helping the folks that
fell behind.  Had I known how difficult the trip would be, I may not have signed-up for it. That said and now that the trip is over, I feel a
strong sense of accomplishment so there is a silver lining to the difficulties I experienced.

Eden - you have a great thing going with Backcountry Found and I had a fantastic time. I learned a lot - about living in the wilderness
and the beautiful Touleme River Canyon, and about my abilities and my level of endurance. I met some wonderful people and will
have great memories (and hopefully some new friends) that I will treasure forever."
YOSEMITE CUSTOM TOUR 2005

Sonja Dieterich (October 2005) Alexandria, Virginia  (Contact: sd84@georgetown.edu)
"Eden Slezin designed a wonderful 6-day, 5 night custom backpacking trip in Yosemite for us. Since I was not too familiar with
the park, I asked him to include Cloud's Rest and Half Dome, and left the rest up to him. He came up with a great route including
many different aspects of Yosemite. We had fun learning that in fall the Yosemite falls don't fall. Fitting for the Sunday of our trip, we
went to the Cathedral Lake.  Stargazing was chilly, but campfires were warm! And the food was really good - Eden, you know how to
cook, guide an exciting trip and even encourage my very height-conscius self to climb all the way up both peaks I had previously
only looked at from the valley! Way to go!!!

I can't wait to get back to Yosemite, and this trip also inspired me to get into the outdoors more. I look forward to my next trip with
Backcountry Found."
GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM CUSTOM TOUR 2005

Jim Roth (September 2005), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  (Contact:  jimroth2@cox.net)
"Our Group had an incredible time traversing the amazing Grand Canyon, South Rim to Bright Angel area, Ribbon Falls, Rock
Bottom and all points along the way.  Eden was a great guide, chef and friend to us as we built memories and enjoyed views we
will never forget.  Waking up on the mesa/cliff above Phantom Ranch was a pinnacle of personal growth and achievement. Thanks
Eden for an awesome trip!"
JOSHUA TREE ROCK CLIMBING AND BACKPACKING 101 TOUR 2006

Jeremy Sueksdorf (March 2006), San Francisco, California  (Contact:  jeremyws@gmail.com)
I was a little hesitant to sign up for a backpacking trip in the desert, but now I can safely say that I am so glad I did the Joshua
Tree rock climbing trip.  Having had very limited experience backpacking I was worried that I wouldn't have the right gear or
resolve to do even a beginner trip with a group.  All of my fears disappeared instantly when I met up with Eden and his guides.

When we arrived at the base camp we were treated to a unexpectedly tasty dinner and a quick orientation.  We awoke the next
morning and the adventure began as we loaded up our packs and hiking in past the parking lot full of tourists into the backcountry to
the most amazing camp site imaginable.  Secluded and private, the area was more majestic than I was expecting and the guides
were all so friendly and knowledgeable that all my fears quickly evaporated.

The rock climbing was a great confidence builder as the guides made us feel secure and let us go from easy to difficult as we
began to get the hang of it.  This trip was a great memory to share with my best friend and we met interesting people from all over
the world who joined us in a fun adventure. I look back at the pictures with fond memories and a proud sense of accomplishment.

Thanks Eden, Susan and Sky for the great time, I look forward to doing another trip with more friends soon!

Tom Donegan (March 2007), Chicago, IL
Joshua Tree National Park is an awesome place to take a Backcountry Found vacation! The unique landscape of Joshua Tree
should not be missed by anyone. I knew I could count on Backcountry Found to provide me with another first-rate experience, and I
was not let down.

This beginner’s trip is perfect for getting a taste of back country camping and an excellent introduction to rock climbing. Eden Slezin
is a fantastic guide for all of the Backcountry Found trips. I never have to worry about a thing. Our rock climbing guides, John and
Jami, put everyone at ease right away and had us safely on the rocks in no time! What a thrill!

After a day’s climbing, I could look forward to a great meal. Eden had some new specialties to tempt us with. I won’t give them away
(warm scones....mmmmmm!), but be assured you’ll have your fill of delicious food created almost in the middle of nowhere!

Let Eden and Backcountry Found take you to some of the USA’s most amazing locations. You’ll be rewarded with a most
memorable vacation!
BIG ISLAND BACKPACKING IN THE WAIMANU VALLEY 2005

Ashley Eagle-Gibbs (May 2005) San Rafael, California
"Backcountry Found's trips run more smoothly than any other guiding company that I have worked with.  The logistics are always
diligently taken care of.  The food is plentiful and delicious.  The trip locations are amazing and unique and the guides are
extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  I would not want to be working anywhere else!

I went on the Waimanu Valley trip as a participant and had the time of my life!  Although, I enjoyed the entire trip, some of the
highlights included swimming under the Wai'ilikahi waterfall in the Waimanu Valley (like nothing I have ever done!), jumping in the
warm, refreshing ocean after a hard day hiking and picking and eating ripe tropical fruits (mango, papaya, mountain apple, guava),
and even purifying water while looking up at the amazing, one of a kind, Waimanu Valley walls.  To me, Waimanu is like a tropical
Yosemite.  Don't miss this trip!!"

Emily Taylor (May 20, 2005) Orinda, California
"I fell into this trip while I was already in Hawaii.  I had heard of a great hiking trip to the Waimanu Valley but was turned off because
I was alone and because it seemed tricky to get the permits and all the necessary gear. I wouldn't ordinarily have just plunged
head-first into the hands of someone else, but I immediately had a sense that the trip was very well prepared.  I felt a sense that I
would be crazy to turn down this opportunity to get off the beaten track of Hawaii honeymooners.  I was right.

The sheer beauty of the Waimanu valley, eating fruit right off the trees, and feeling satisfaction in challenging myself to step out of
my comfort zone.  They were three days I will never forget.  It was an incredible experience and one of the most special places I've
ever been in my life (and I have been to a lot of special places).Two weeks later I still think about the trip and its magestic beauty.  I
continue to feel so very grateful for my luck in being at the right place at the right time.  This is all to say, I highly, highly recommend
this trip to anyone fit enough for the rigors of the hiking.  It is indeed paradise."

Deidre Wibberley (May 26, 2005) Kona, Hawaii
"This experience was incredible!  The people were wonderful, and Emily as an added bonus . . . does it get any better?  I love
Ashley, and I think you and she make a great team.  Now the food:  It was well beyond all my expectations!  Never in a million years
did I expect to eat that well in such a remote location.  You have got that part DOWN!!  Everyone was so positive, and it was
apparent that each of us was having a truly special experience.  I would love to join you on that one again.  It was one of those
places that I've been wanting to get to for quite some time.  So, thank you again for the opportunity.  I also think you did a great job of
keeping everyone on the same page as far as what to expect.  We all knew it would be arduous, but we also know there would be
water on #3, 4, 9 . . .  whatever.  Cheers to you for such a successful trip!"
                                                           
Harvey Zelon (June 03, 2005) North Carolina
"Everything was simply excellent!  Meals were great, much better than I would have expected for a trip where it is carried in.  Your
knowledge and experience certainly made the trip so much better.  The route speaks for itself, the vistas and the valley make the
effort worthwhile.  I would definitely consider additional trips and
WILL recommend you to others."  
GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOUR 2006

Daniel Huerta, (October 2006), Dallas, TX
"Eden, Thank you so much for your leadership on the remarkable tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon this past week.   Your
expertise, knowledge, patience and guidance made this an incredible and amazing experience for me.  I'm sure that Darlene and
Sandy would feel the same.  The meals were also out of this world!!"

Darlene Boyles, (October 2006), Email: boylesdm@msn.com
"2006 Grand Canyon South Rim. What a great adventure!  I can't think of a better way to "ease" into retirement!   Eden is an
excellent guide -knowledgeable, good cook, motivational, and patient.  I learned a lot and had so much fun. The hike was
challenging, but pure mental relaxation, thanks to our "crazy" little group. Yosemite Half Dome for 2007?"
GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM CUSTOM TOUR 2006

Ed Peele, (October 2006), NC
"Home save and sound.  I have been telling the story and it gets better each time I tell it.  You were really great the way you fought off
the 2 grizzly bears while I swam out into the Colorado River to rescue the raft full of nuns and orphans before they went down the
class 15 rapids.  While I rowed to shore on the raft the girls hauled us in and then administered first aid to the children. In all
seriousness we had a great time and it is all sinking in just now.  We would not have had the experience we did without your help.  I
am already talking about a trip to Yosemite.  And you will be at the top of the list to know.  Please stay in touch."
MEN'S YOSEMITE VACATION AND JOSHUA TREE TOUR 2006

Josh Quinn, (March and August 2006), San Francisco, CA, Email:  joshqsf@gmail.com
"I have now been on two trips with Eden - the rock-climbing trip in Joshua Tree National Forest, and the 10 Lakes trip to Yosemite.  
Both trips were amazing.  I never expected that I was the backcountry type of person, but I completely surprised myself and even
signed up for the Grand Canyon  trip in 2007.  Eden's expertise (and the GREAT food!) made these trips an experience I will never
forget.  If you think you've seen Yosemite...you've never seen Yosemite like this.  For the beginner or advanced backpacker, I highly
recommend Backcountry Found."
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GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOUR 2008

Jim Kegel (April 2008), Email: jdkegel@qwest.net
"When my daughter asked her father to go with her to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, I was flattered but didn't know if I could
do it. I might not have been able to without Eden. Like the other testimonials, I could say things about your knowledge and skill,
ability to make us all comfortable, about your cheerfulness and forbearance, good food etc. But when Eden pulled out the agave
spine that had gone through my hand and walked behind me all the way up the Grandview Trail,I knew this was more than just a
good guide but a man who cares. So, like all the rest of these folks, I too am thinking of next year. Thanks, Eden."