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What Clients Are Saying About Trips With
Charly, The Canyon Guy

Here is what people say about Charly as a Grand Canyon Raft Guide:

"Although I was afraid that I had anticipated this trip for so many years that the actual experience would have to be a letdown, I found that it surpassed all my expectations. Beyond the fantastic whitewater, we had opportunities to float down peaceful stretches of the river, hike up side canyons, see desert plants and varied wildlife, learn about the geology of the canyon, listen to tales about early canyon river adventurers by the light of our flashlights during the guides' nighttime "story hour," make new friends, and listen to the haunting sound of the Native American flute played by one of our guides as it echoed through the canyon. On several days, we did not see anyone else except the 24 people in our rafting group."
-Sharon Stewart, Lexington, KY

"I'd like to say thanks so much for giving me the gift of a wonderful vacation. I can't believe it's over and am still trying to take the beautiful canyon in."
-Marie Medlin, Seattle, WA

"Canyon Rain. How about that IMAX-style lightning and thunder storm we
witnessed just as we finished waterfall jumping in Elves Chasm? How
about that! Wow. Oh, that's a close one. Big, bad, beautiful. Beaucoup. Wow."

"As Chip said, "It sure is a Grand Canyon." It's as pretty on the eyes as it is to the ears. Each oarman has a signature stroke. For some it looked like dancing, for others it looked like a gopher using a punching bag in semi-slow motion. I admired it before I even knew how hard it was. The rhythm. (Were you all band students?) The steering (Formula 1 drivers?). And, most importantly, the Herculean-like strength through the rapids. That's right, the rapids. The momentary assaults on relaxation. Can you bottle that feeling in your stomach? Sucked in by the slow slide on the "tongue," you bob gently like a bathtub rubber ducky. The calm before the storm. WHIRL!!!!, SPLASHHHhhh, YELP, get your bearings! It was hard to keep your eyes open, wasn't it."
-Halee Hatlestad - San Francisco, CA

"I had planned for over a year for the trip to the canyon yet never expected the experience of a lifetime. I was expecting some thrills and relaxation, but didn't realize the overwhelming beauty would have me taking stock of where my life is at."
-Kathleen Hazen, Tucson, AZ

"This I believe. All were impacted by the journey in a profound way, whether they know it now or not, whether they can articulate it in a meaningful way or not. Some may not know the true impact (i.e. the young'uns) for years to come."
-Kris Wineland, Sheboygan, WI

"I have not thrown out the idea of coming back to do the whole canyon another time. (Forget that hike! I want to do Crystal, Lava and all the rest with you someday.) There is a longing and my eyes tear now as I think of what I got to experience and how I'd love to do more."
-Martha Capotelli, Caledonia, NY

"The last morning when we were silent and you played your flute was one of the absolute best experiences we had on the trip. When I've gotten harried this week, that is the moment I return to for calm."
-Diane Parrish, Lexington, KY

"Looking back at the Canyon -- it was (is) spectacular. I think the memory I take away from the trip is about my relation with the river. At first the river was distant and fearful. By living with the river; the river became my home. It provided the things I needed to live: water, direction, transportation... I no longer was fearful of the river; the river must be respected not feared."
-Fred Nord, Auburn, WA

"You have a way of pushing people's edges without causing shame. You have a way of encouraging without being overbearing. As a result, you have seen many transformations..."
-Michael Andes, Ann Arbor, MI

"I wanted to say thanks for being on the upper half of the rafting trip. It's maybe not clear to you, but you worked in tandem to facilitate what I think is a life changing experience for me. I don't know how anybody could sit with rock that's close to 2 billion years old and come away untouched, unchanged; certainly I couldn't, nor would I want to."
-Dan Roy, Dallas, TX

"There are so many things I remember about the trip, but especially what I treasure most is the generosity of the crew in sharing their information about the river and rock formations, and their encouragement at every turn. I can't imagine there being a better crew to guide us down the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. I wish it could have gone on forever."
-Donna Monroe, Atlanta, GA

"You played a huge part in making a lifetime Stohler family memory - one to be cherished through 3 generations. Our grandsons told us they they hope to bring their grandchildren to raft through the Canyon. Brought tears to our eyes".
- Norma & Gene Stohler, Bloomfield Hills, MI