TESTIMONIALS

“The Larapinta was my second Australian walk and by far the best of any walks I have done anywhere. Why? The beauty of central Australia, the clear blue sky, the crisp clear cool nights, the leadership of the walk, the aboriginal cultural experiences and the fine company of our travelling companions has left an impression that will last forever. It is said that every time you travel you take a little something away and leave a little of yourself behind- I think I have taken and left a lot more than a little this time! Raymond, if you continue to research, plan, organise and conduct future walks in the same way as the Big Fat Desert Walk, then you will have me for life. Here's to the future. Well done.”

Andrew Rorke - Retired businessman                             

The Big Fat Desert Walk - 2007

“I wanted to write and say thank you for a wonderful and amazing week. The more I think about it and the more I discuss it with others, the more I realise what an extraordinary experience it was, and how much we have achieved as a group in winning Mary and Junette's good opinion. I don't think any of us could have foreseen the power of this, and how much fun we all had with them. I didn't expect to laugh so much!
Can't wait to see the photos - am hanging out!”

Katie Lawley - Photographer

Meditations on Mungo - 2007 + Overland & East Coast Tasmania

"Wonderful walking .. terrific tucker.. .... cracker camp... "

Phillip Gosse - Builder

Larapinta

"On the Larapinta Trail I decided to retire.. I realized that there was a lot more to life.. I rang when I got back to Alice Springs to tell them"

Janice Fields - Retired matron

Larapinta Trail + Overland & East Coast Tasmania

“A brilliant concept unfolded as a seamless blend of the word, the walk, and the landscape, putting us in touch with the earth in the most intimate way. Thank you Jan, Raymond and This Earth that owns us”.

Peter Wallace - Pharmacist

Desert Writers - 2006

“The Desert Writers was one of the best things I have ever dared to do. I find that I have only to close my eyes and I am back there in the wilderness. It dwells deeply within my psyche and I feel as if I am reconnected to something very precious. My deepest gratitude goes to Raymond, Jan and the Writer/Walker friends I journeyed with… oh, yes, and I thank my feet and legs too.”

Bridgit McKern - Sydney based writer.

Desert Writers - 2006 + Mungo + Tarkine

"Thank you Raymond -- for wonderful leading and organising of this special trip to Mungo.  I have so many threads to develop from it, so many good people to re-connect with.  I found the everyday meditation to begin a great grounding as always, the Aboriginal people all individual and unique and their contributions priceless.  Cressida was a gem in every way. Tim’s devotion, and Rod’s easeful leading were much appreciated. Altogether a marvellous time."

Dr Caroline Josephs - Academic

Meditations on Mungo - 2007 + Tarkine

"Meditation in the morning.. a gorgeous walk during the day... lots of fun... lots of beautiful food.. great company.. great trip AND my back feels great"

Jennifer Booth - Investment broker

Larapinta Trail - 2005 + East Coast Tasmania

“The inaugural Desert Writers experience was simply a wonderful, invigorating, nourishing experience..... Go for it if you get the chance!!”

Nicola Carter - Clinical Psychologist

Desert Writers - 2006 + 2007

“Desert Writers was a week of unadulterated enjoyment, being in the company of like-minded people, having the freedom to sit and contemplate the amazing scenery of the MacDonald Ranges, having fun experimenting, ..using too many adjectives (Central Australia is adjective heaven), as well as being looked after so well by Into the Blue. It felt safe to write and risk. It felt safe to walk.”                                                                         

Rowena Harding Smith - Psychologist Desert Writers - 2006 & 2007 + Mungo

“As a 45 year old Chartered Accountant tied to his desk for 50 hrs a week ... I've found the structure of Into the Blue perfect for me.. I am too busy to organise walking journeys.. . So far I have walked the wilderness of Kanangra and Blue Mountains, the Overland Track , the Larapinta Trail & the Kokoda Track in 2005... "

David White - Chartered Accountant

Tasmania, Larapinta & Big Fat Desert Walk

"whens the next one.. I'm going"

Paula Screnci - Company director

East Coast Tasmania -2004

"What an AMAZING journey it was. I can't thank you both enough for sharing your desert knowledge with me. I feel like my eyes have been opened afresh to a different world. I still carry very strong impressions from the walks. I thought I would be challenged physically but your motivation and enthusiasm, and your expert knowledge kept me moving and happy.
 
I was so impressed with the organisation - it seemed effortless and natural and happened like clockwork. I never once felt like I was "on tour" - but importantly for me I felt i was amongst friends on a voyage of discovery.
 
I shall try to write a bit more about the experience over the next week. I feel so relaxed and happy and reinvigorated. WHEN is the next trip????”

Mary O’Brien - Teacher

Desert Writers - 2007

"I have walked the Overland Track, the Larapinta Trail, wild areas of the Blue Mountains, the East Coast of Tasmania.. I have camped by the Coxes River and on top of Mt Solitary.. and I didn't start walking with Raymond until I was over 60.. Into the Blue has given me a new lease on life."

Margaret Hynard - Retired teacher

Overland + East Coast Tasmania + New Zealand