Guest Reviews
Here are just a few of the many letters we have received:
Dear Simyra and Hallo Bay staff,
Time goes by so fast. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's already been more than 3 months since our family
came back from our 10-day Alaska Adventure Trip. Looking back, we really feel lucky that we were able to spend our
quality time together on an adventurous trip in real wilderness of Alaska. We cherish every moment of the time we
spent in Alaska and the nice people like you we met on the trip. That was definitely one of the most memorable
experiences of our lifetime.
We've just completed all our web photo albums from the images we captured during our unforgettable Alaska
Adventure Trip. We'd like to share them with you and people we met on Hallo Bay Bear Viewing Tour. We hope
that the albums bring some enjoyable moments and Holiday warmth to you.
1. Alaska Trip Part 1 - Hallo Bay Bear Viewing Tour - Day 1 (July 31, 2011)
https://picasaweb.google.com/100570459229816301555/HalloBayBearViewingTourDay1July312011?authkey
=Gv1sRgCKKDw8-I-6Xlbw&feat=email
2. Alaska Trip Part 1 - Hallo Bay Bear Viewing Tour - Day 2 (August 1, 2011)
https://picasaweb.google.com/100570459229816301555/HalloBayBearViewingTourDay2August12011?authkey
=Gv1sRgCI2S3aKM4e7MFg&feat=email
3. Alaska Trip Part 1 - Hallo Bay Bear Viewing Tour - Day 3, 4, & 5 (August 2, 3, & 4, 2011)
https://picasaweb.google.com/100570459229816301555/HalloBayBearViewingTourDay345August2342011?authkey
=Gv1sRgCITumJXJkf7Bcw&feat=email
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ke, Dali, & Rae
Sacramento, California
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Clint and Simyra,
Now arrived back in England after a great four weeks in Alaska. All the time we were there we had fabulous weather
throughout everywhere we went and boy did we travel! We achieved all our objectives, Anchorage, Hallo, Homer,
Talkeetna, Denali, Kennicott, Valdes, Cordova, Yakitat, Juneau, Skagway plus many other places to numerous to
mention. Alaska certainly is big and it is pleasing to note that it's people are without doubt the most friendliest we
have encountered in the civilized world.
Although we greatly enjoyed everywhere we went both Penny and I both regarded Hallo Bay as without doubt the
highlight of our travels providing an experience which exceeded both our expectations. Indeed you are to be
congratulated on the manner in which guests are treated to observe one of nature's great spectacles in their natural
but very special habitat. In addition to observing the bears everything from the flights out and back, the stay at the
camp, and our personal treatment throughout by your staff was first class which all added to make the occasion very
special providing memories which will remain with us for ever.
Please accept our best wishes for the future and once again many thanks providing us with such a wonderful time.
Kindest Regards
Mike and Penny Perrem
*******************************************************************************************
I just wanted to let your company know how much we enjoyed our Hallo Bay Bear Viewing Trip. We came in July, the
weather was wonderful, and we had a great time walking among the bears. The pilot and guide were very nice and
knowledgeable, answering all our questions. This trip to Alaska was our trip of a lifetime!
Thank you again,
Tommy and Bonnie
San Antonio, TX
*******************************************************************************************
To All,
Just wanted to drop you a note, to thank all of you for a great trip to Hallo Bay this past Friday and Saturday. It was
such a great experience, not only to see the area and bears but to also enjoy the services that you provide. You can
be justly proud of your operation. Myself, being in the visitor industry for twenty five years at the Anchor Angler and
hosting the Kenai Peninsula Sport Fishing Report for 15 years, I especially enjoy those businesses that are truly
professional in all respects. The personnel that I came in contact with were all very friendly, professional, and willing
to go out of their way to make a person feel "welcomed". Your accommodations were exemplary, from the sleeping
arrangements to the family style meals. I was very impressed as to how neat, clean, and orderly of the entire operation
is conducted. Again, I thank you and congratulate you on a business that I am sure you take great pride in, as it does
show. I have just posted a few pictures and a write up pertaining to my trip, if you would like to review it you can find
it at http://photosrh.blogspot.com/
My Sincere Appreciation To All,
Stan H
P.S. Thank you for finding my 8GB scan disc, it was not affected at all after spending the night outdoors in the rain.
*******************************************************************************************
Hello Brad, We were the couple from the Netherlands and we were your guests Tuesday afternoon 13th July and We
had a wonderful few hours at Hallo Bay, the pictures we took are great. We followed your advise by having dinner at
Crabbies, it was the best we had in Alaska!!!! We also looked out for the bald eagles nest, and we found it. The chicks
didn't flew out yet, we took some beautiful pictures of the parents We bring back the very special moments with us to
the Netherlands. Thank you very much. Ben and Maria.
posted July 13, 2011 at the following link:
http://bearsathallobay.blogspot.com/2011/06/camp-update-from-brad-pics-bgarasky.html?showComment
=1310540032363#c6881715827906996414
*******************************************************************************************
Clint....Again, THANK YOU for your generosity in inviting Charlie (Brown) to visit Hallo Bay Bear Camp yesterday.
He had wonderful tripand visit. He will be taking rest of group over to downtown office this morning (after your
clients have departed on flights) to show the wonders of HBBC to rest of group....as shown on large flat-screen.
They are off fishing on a halibut overnighter later today and Grandpa will be having his hands full with two wonderful
grandkids to tend to.
Hope all continues going well for HB.
Jack P
*******************************************************************************************
Good morning, all:
Just a fast note to thank you again for an absolutely unforgettable experience at Hallo Bay. Brad was an outstanding
guide who really drove home the principles of Hallo Bay and Katmai NP. This place is a treasure.
I'm writing up a blog post now, adding in a spin of family travel (because that's what I do). I will mention the benefit
of such a trip to an older 'tween/teen who would be able to sit and be quiet for a long time. But some kids can, and
I think this would be a pretty special experience for some kids/parents. Hopefully I'll get out again for an overnight;
that would indeed be a special trip. I'll send the post when I finish.
Thanks again,
Erin K.
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Simyra,
We to thank you, Brad and Joyce again for making our visit to Hallo Bay so much fun. It was great to see not only
the bears, but the fox, wolf, beaver and river otters as well. We're also going to add moose to make it the "Big Six",
because on the way back from picking up our Muck boots in Homer we came upon a moose with her two very young
calves and we spend lots of time with them. We would have never come upon them if you didn't tell us where to go
to pick up our boots. So thanks for that too!!
We really had a wonderful time and look forward to visiting again in August.
Warmest regards,
Lori & Rich
*******************************************************************************************
Shanti wrote "Thank you guys so much for an AMAZING adventure! I'll be back, I promise."
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Clint,
Thanks for a brilliant few days. Enjoyed it immensely and the company was fantastic. Big thank you to all involved.
We have made it up to Soldotna for the night so we are back on track. Thanks Brad, Joyce and especially Simyra for
an experience we will treasure.
Helen and Geoff
*******************************************************************************************
Thanks again for a wonderful experience. You will be hearing from us before too long. And of course, feel free to
email or call if you have any questions of us.
Roger J.
Bozeman, MT
*******************************************************************************************
Many thanks for the 24 hours guiding at Hallo Bay. It really was the highlight of our trip getting so close to the bears
and watching the twins chasing each other around the tree stump on the beach. Some of the thousands of photos
have been narrowed down. The bears at camp weren't the last of our trip, although the ones at Denali were a good
distance from the road, we did get a touch too close to a sow and her cubs at Exit Glacier as they crossed our path.
Thankfully mum seemed content to continue uphill. I am sure we will return to Alaska and Hallo Bay camp...I can
understand why Roger and Larry have been back so many times.
Best wishes
Kevin and Alison
*******************************************************************************************
Whoever found my lens cover, thank you so much! I was trying to find something to cover the lens until I got the
surprise in the mail. By the way, thank the bears for acting out the way they did for me and my friends. I especially
liked the bear that put it's foot up in the air.
Again, thanks so much for sending me my lens cover!
John Gregory
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Simyra and Clint,
I’m so glad you enjoy the platter. It’s a unique design that Ricardo spotted in the Ptarmigan Arts co-op shop. We
hoped you would like it. Thank you again for such a great experience at HB Camp. It is such an amazing place, and
we both feel so privileged to have the chance to visit.
Best wishes,
Glen
*******************************************************************************************
Good Morning Clint!
What a beautiful morning. I suspect those in camp will have an awesome day! And I suppose the cranes will decide
to leave today? That trip to Hallo Bay was a dream, and I thank you so much for it. First, the flight over, where clouds prevented the coast route and we flew over the mountains, past Mt. Douglas (I assume), those beautiful glaciers and those peaks! Oh my, talk about rugged. That was already a delight. Got a peek at Crater Lake as well. And then to camp. You have a marvelous set up there, and I commend you for the environmental touches throughout. I will be thinking of your crew late next week as they break down all the “buildings”. That cannot be a small job. The chance to see the interaction of the bears, to watch the mama and her cubs fish right in front of us, was fantastic. I had the chance to see McNeil in 1987 and 1992 --- but because of the higher concentration of bears and fish, the interactions are different. Quite frankly, I liked this much better. You can better watch and observe the individual bears --- and I found the whole much, much calmer. The treat was when Mama bear nursed those cubs! That is trust, and that has to be earned, and you, the staff and your policies have done that.
Thanks so, so much Clint. The icing on top of my holiday for sure!
Milli
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Simyra and All at Hallo Bay Camp,
We are home at last! We just wanted to say thank-you for our amazing stay at the Camp, we spent an incredible
six days (two extra being fogged in!) with all those wonderful Bears and the good friends we made at Camp, especially
yourself, John, Phaedra, and Jamie. Please let John know as soon as we can get some Thomas Hardy information
together, we will send it to him, we did enjoy his company and "easy" treks!
Thank Phaedra also for her delightful company and delicious food.
We are just commencing the immense task of looking through all our photos. We thank you as you kindly sent us the
Jpeg of me photographing the mushroom. Once again thank-you so much for making our longed dreamed of trip to the
Bears of Hallo Bay an incredible reality that we shall never forget.
With our very best wishes,
Ken and Denise
*******************************************************************************************
Dear Simyra,
Ernest and I just wanted to thank you for an adventure of a lifetime. We can't stop reminiscing about our 5 days at
Hallo Bay Bear Camp. We will never forget you, your excellent staff (Brad, Phaedra, Herb), the great food (we believe
we're carrying about 5 pounds of 'memories'), and the animals! Not just the bears, but the wolves, the birds, and the
wildflowers. You have inspired us to buy a wildflower book so now our hikes are scavenger hunts for flowers and plants.
Thank you for an unforgettable trip. We plan to return again!
Kathleen McHugh
*******************************************************************************************
Dear Brad, Simyra, Herb, Phaedra and volunteers,
We made it safe to LA. All went very well – the airlines simply re-issued us tickets for the next available flights. We
want to thank you again for the great time we had. Outstanding experience with the bears, and great overall time.
A more elaborated email will likely follow in a few weeks, once we are back, and Aya is able to sort out her great
pictures. For now I am attaching a few – the wolf, the eagle, the mom and cubs (also known as the “Zuz experience”),
and the great Odri… We will definitely highly recommend this experience to anyone we know…
We came to see bears, and we experienced much more…
Thanks
Nir and Aya
*******************************************************************************************
We just returned home from our Alaskan vacation and I must tell you one of the highlights of our trip was our bear
viewing experience! The flight over to Katmai was spectacular. Pilots were very friendly, helpful and accommodating!
While waiting for take off Wes sat and visited with us. Our return trip to Homer was wonderful as he explained
different landmarks and history facts about the area. Our guide, Duane was knowledgeable, took time for each
question, and still had a good sense of humor. There was an elderly couple and he helped them and took time to
make sure they were safe on the trail. I was very impressed by that.
My greatest concern regarding this was would I really be safe and was I crazy for attempting this? But I must tell
you that even when we were very close to a huge bear, I never felt afraid. This was due to Duane explaining to us
exactly what to do and how he was constantly attentive to the bear's actions. Now - don't misunderstand me...I
could have become quickly terrified had the bear decided to be aggressive (I am not that brave) but felt confident
that Duane was continually observing for any potential situation. This allowed me to comfortably enjoying viewing
them.
The day of our tour there were difficulties with a plane so return to Homer was delayed (but I really did not mind!!!)
this just meant we got to spend more time and for an added bonus even had berry pie and peach cobbler when we
got to visit bear camp.
I researched and called SEVERAL bear guided tours and felt this was the best one to go with..and one of the reasons
was how friendly and helpful people were when I called with all sorts of questions. There was not a pressure tactic
to get me to book this trip. I felt your staff was interested in sharing and giving us an opportunity to understand the
bears in their own environment. Please know I will highly recommend your business to anyone I know that is planning
a trip to Alaska.
Thank you and God Bless!
Jo Nell Corn
*******************************************************************************************
Clint,
Cully and I do feel very privileged to have experienced the bears at Hallo Bay. I was talking to a park official in Alaska
that said bear viewing was now a bigger industry than sport fishing. If that is true, I thought maybe it was having a
negative impact on the bears. I'm sure not everyone that offers bear viewing services has the same respect and
understanding for them as you.
I used to be a serious fly fisherman and lost interest 20 years ago when I found fisherman standing 20 feet apart,
keeping score of their catch like it was a baseball game, and making a social event out of something that to me was
all about peace, quiet, and solitude. Anyway, I remember reading a article back then by a Alaska fishing guide who
said fisherman would come up there expecting to hammer fish all day long every day. You know as well as me that
this is not the way fishing or bear viewing or anything else in nature works. He said if you come for 5 days you will
most likely have a couple of days of so - so fishing, a couple of days of pretty good fishing, and maybe 1 day of the
best fishing of your life.
That's the way our trip was at Hallo Bay. I don't do anything with expectations. I realize that in the great outdoors
there are nothing but variables and the only way to enjoy it is to sit back and watch. The only day that was kind of
disappointing was day 5. We didn't really see much in the way of wildlife that day, which was okay.
We had a large group of 10 people. There was one guy there that stood up talked constantly and loud all day long
about football etc. This guy had no idea where he was or what he was doing there. He might just as well have been
at the bar in the Chicago. I don't know if all the loud talk and commotion from the large group had anything to do
with not seeing wildlife, but I would much rather have spent this day listening to the birds and the waves.
I wish we could have met you on our trip.
DT
*******************************************************************************************
Janis & I never thanked you for the short trip we made in August. And can never thank you enough in view that we
were not the most exciting or adventurous guests. The land & the bears & wolves seems less real as weeks pass by here in lunatic California. Please never give up and abandon your camp or precious guide service. I’ve been around Alaska on my own, grew up in Eagle River when Alaska was still a territory. My dad mined gold north of Fairbanks in
the 30’s. His cabin was still in tact when I made it in back in 2005. I’ve been dreadfully fearful of grizzly encounters while alone in that country. The August trip will skew how I might travel in the future having never felt the peace and safety too while in the presence of the great ones. I wish I could come back again. My next encounters I will be no less cautious, certainly more tolerant and much more observing of their small behavior’s.
Thanks,
Phil & Janis
Salinas, Ca.
*******************************************************************************************
I've attached a draft of a magazine article about my trip with you a couple of weeks ago. Thought you might like to
see it. I think you can tell by the story how much I enjoyed it. If you'll let me have John's last name, I'll add it.
Best wishes,
Cary Perkins
*******************************************************************************************
Dear Team,
it was great being with you! Maute, your food was excellent. Please let stay the bears out of camp. John, due to your
guiding we found ourselves in benign neglect of all danger from bears.
Claudia & Michael Erben
DE
*******************************************************************************************
Maybe, deep deep down inside, you actually miss me!!!
I hear my colleagues have been trying to figure out a way to see what I have been bragging about. I appreciate you both working with Reynolds and entertaining the ideas he has been trying to promote to you and CNN. I am not sure how far we can get CNN to go, but as always, you guys are great!!!
I made a hard decision to take a break from my favorite camp (and sadly... staff) this year to go North. I am headed
to Camp Denali at the end of the month for a week. Then in November, headed to "Seal River Camp" north of Churchill
with Jessica. We were debating coming along with you on the Churchill trip, but we like camps and wanted to shoot
from the ground instead of tundra buggies... Hmmm... Will see how this goes. A guy named Dennis Fast, leads this trip.
Pretty sure I will be back to be taunted in June if CNN doesn't let us come up sooner! I really miss camp but follow you
on twitter!!!! Again! Thanks for trying to make this easy on us, it is just "weird" sometimes with CNN lawyers, budgets, and story ideas!!! I hope you don't mind you got dragged into this if it works out or not... I value our friendship greatly, but found it hard not to brag on you both.
Respectfully,
Ferre'
*******************************************************************************************
Hi Simyra,
I visited the camp back on June 26 thru July 01. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks. The scenery was beautiful, the
food was excellent and the camp was great. John was an excellent guide. I haven't posted but a few of my images
to my blog -- still going through them all. Hope to have the new pics added to my website by August 01. I'd like to
come out for next year's salmon run to get some river shots.
Take care!
John
*******************************************************************************************
Hello Clint and Simyra,
Thanks so much for inviting me out to Hallo Bay. I've modified my AAT report to include some minor suggestions,
specifically giving everyone the opportunity to fly over the volcano. You can also see my endorsement on Facebook.
If you need anything else, please let me know. You have any amazing place out there!
Sincerely,
Melinda Jones, Alaska Certified Expert
Senior Sales Representative
*******************************************************************************************
Thanks to all for a really wonderful time at camp. The staff was exceptional - we especially enjoyed the fresh-baked
cookies in the afternoon. Tony, we never felt threatened when you took us out with the bears. Thanks for your patience. We are getting pretty old and require a few concessions, but we think of ourselves as much younger adventurers. We all agree that the extra 3 days in camp (weathered-in) gave us a good look at Alaska. It is definitely not South California. We have told everyone how to get rid of grizzlies - shake a jar of marbles and shout "bad bear". Lievers and Lyons.
Thanks so much for an experience we will enjoy thinking about for years.
*******************************************************************************************
Clint/Simyra,
Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our couple of days at Hallo Bay last week. We found the whole set
up absolutely superb - a beautiful setting; friendly atmosphere; knowledgeable and entertaining guides; and great
food. And the bears were good enough to show up as well - we got just about as close to a 700 pound grizzly as
we would ever want to! All in all, a truly memorable experience - and definitely the highlight of an altogether great
Alaskan adventure.
Thank you.
Paul
*******************************************************************************************
Thank you so very much for the incredible trip on Wednesday, the day was beautiful. Our guide was exceptional.
Dave is a knowledgeable guide and conservationist; he helped all of us understand more about bears, and the world
they live in. The care you take in your business is evident in your care for the environment and in hiring knowledgeable,
guides, pilots and staff to help the general public learn to appreciate the wildlife and land in Alaska. I began volunteering for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in 2004, but this is the first time I have been bear viewing. Already I have talked to several people about your wonderful group. Along with volunteering for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge I am heavily involved in Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. The day I spent with you
will further help in my outreach efforts. Thank you again for the marvelous day.
Sharon B
*******************************************************************************************
Clint,
First a huge apology for not contacting you sooner however we’ve been on the move and have just gotten home a
short time ago.
Sandy & I wish to thank you for your hospitality while in your home last month and the great adventure we had along
with our guide David during our too short half-day tour. Between the two of us I believe we shot something close to
800 images. I’ve just begun the extensive review of the images Sandy & I took while on our 58 day adventure and
it will be sometime before I’m ready to properly present them to the public at large. There is a “however” in the last
sentence – I should be able to send you a couple of images taken at the whale kill in a couple days after I’ve satisfied
a clients needs first.
All this bring me to the next subject – what I like to call “bear camp”. I’d like to reserve space for 1 (Sandy will sit it
out in Homer) for either a 2 or 3 day period in late August or September. Can you fill me in on any open dates? Again
thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us while we were in town. By the way, I had little trouble
fitting inside the plane, even at 6-9!
Thank you again,
Don
*******************************************************************************************
Simyra - I just wanted you to know how much Kim and I enjoyed our visit to Hallo Bay that ended with our departure
late on Sunday evening. We made all our plane connections on Monday and arrived back here in hot (94F) and humid Tennessee early in the morning on Tuesday. I am now back at work and returning to "normal", insofar as that term
can be applied to me, and Kim is at home enjoying her domesticated animals and the rest of her summer before school resumes.
I am almost certain that Larry will not volunteer to offer this information to you and the others at the camp, although
his buddy Roger may very well have already done so or may yet do...but in case you have not heard, Larry got sick
on the plane ride back to Homer on Sunday PM!!! Yep, barf bags were flying in his direction and he filled one up!!!
He was the quietest I observed him in our several days together...not a peep out of him the whole way to Homer
other than the occasional sounds of "rrralphhhh" as he filled up the bag with tidbits of the last meal served to us!!!
Deb, the lot, had her son with her and he too got sick but hey that is understandable from a 6 year old...but from
Hallo Bay veteran and outdoorsman, Larry...oh well. Don't let him live this one down!!!
On a more serious note, I can say that our experiences at Hallo Bay rank right up there with anything we have ever
done. Kim and I have traveled extensively, both having visited all 50 states, 4 continents, numerous repeat trips to
Europe and several unique places that are at least somewhat off the beaten path and neither of us can recall a visit
that had more appeal and lasting impression than our time at Hallo Bay. A truly unique experience. We immediately
printed off a bunch of bear photos and have been showing them off to all our friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. for
the last 2 days and all are amazed. I do apologize to you for us (more so her actually as frankly I was quite
comfortable, other than worrying about and making a point to baby her) being wimpish with respect to the tent living
for longer than planned, the damp and rain, eagerness to get back to civilization, etc., but you and the staff made us
feel right at home as much as was humanly possible and I know you worked very hard to get us out of there to return
home before it became a problem for us vs. a mere inconvenience. As I told you at camp, your guides did a great job
guiding us and were very understanding of our status as novices in an environment such as the area was to us. I
won't go quite so far as to call the whole experience a "religious" one or a "life altering" one, but those terms do come
close to what I feel. Other than witnessing the birth of my two children, I cannot recall feeling as close to the fundamental miracle of life and nature as I am sure God intended it to be than was felt when seeing those huge, marvelous animals up close and personal. I will never again look at wildlife and remote places the same as before. I fully intend to return and bring both our children with me. And once Kim get used to once again having clean under
wear readily available, sleeping in soft and warm beds every night, having hot baths whenever she wants them, gets tired of the Southern heat and the memories of her feeling trapped in camp start to fade, I just bet she'll come back with me!!
You and Clint are to be commending for what you have put together and preserved. I truly regret I did not meet him,
but will simply reserve that pleasure for another visit. I sincerely hope that he fully recovers very soon. Your staff...
in our case...treated us superbly and made this experience one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Please
convey our appreciation to them. Thanks, thanks, and more thanks for sharing this wonderful place with a couple of
Tennessee hillbillies who have just become too accustomed to the easy life!!!
I look very much forward to our paths crossing again in the future.
Jim A
*******************************************************************************************
Hallo Bay Churchill Polar Bear Trip
Hey Simyra,
Thank you, that is such a nice picture! Also, thank you for such an amazing trip and a memory for a life time.
Next, I will definitely come and see you in Hallo Bay. I have already convinced my boyfriend that he has to join me!
The aim is for early September 2009. I will ensure to book in time...!
Take care,
Babs
*******************************************************************************************
Hallo Bay Churchill Polar Bear Trip
Hi Simyra,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful trip. Seriously it far exceeded my expectations!
When you have a moment, I'd love to get a photo or two of the polar bear on the side of the buggy with JP's head
hanging out. If you have any good shots of the jumping fox, yawning hare and caribou.....I missed those shots and
would love them for my photo album!
I hope you had a safe trip home! Have a happy holiday!!
Take care,
Yvonne
| home | site index |contact us |
|
