Testimonials

“Incredible. Did I say how incredible this journey was? Ok, you may not have understood so I’ll repeat it again – this was an incredible, amazing experience. Why? The elemental mixing of inspiring landscapes, dripping sweat, pens scratching on paper, creaking knees, soft breezes, heady laughter, warm embraces and off-beat improvisations. A sure fire recipe for an incredible experience with the finest team of people one could imagine – I’ll be signing up for the next one before the dates are even announced.“ 
Dr Elaine Harding - Environmental Consultant Desert Writers

Firstly, thank you for such a splendid time last week.  Steve and I definitely have been bitten by the "desert bug" and want to see more, more, MORE!!  You have really opened our eyes and minds, and also awakened my interest in indigenous culture. We were lucky to have such wonderful people in our group too -  I have not laughed so much for ages.
Sally Snow - Lawyer - CONTACT with the NSW LAW SOCIETY 2011

Thanks for the opportunity to see and paint the desert with Carol and yourself, it was the best holiday/experience that Paul and I have had.  Physically we are wrecked, but we are exhilarated with all we saw and learnt.  We have been telling everyone how good our holiday was and have interested two of our family (younger that us!) in doing the Ilpurla trek.
Judy and Paul Murant Painting the Desert 2011

Thanks for your ideas.  What an extraordinary trip.  So much more than painting.  Part of me is still there, and wants to be.  Feel like I haven't finished with it. Before, I considered Australia culture-less.  Now I realise how full of culture we are, and how little it is appreciated.  How much respect and sacredness there is and how little both apply in our white society. So from my point of view, your aim has been achieved and more. We were fortunate too, our group, that we happened to get along so well and because of that shared so much laughter and caring along the way. Thanks again, keep doing what yr doing! 
Tiffany McKay - artist - Painting the Desert 2011

A somewhat belated thank you for the Ilpurla experience. I feel so privileged to have been able to participate in the walk. As one who has come to walking and camping quite late in life, it is something I could never have done without the vision and support of people like you, Nicky, the other crew members and walkers and, of course,  Mavis. As a mature student, studying Indigenous studies  through Sydney University, it was great to complement my academic work with real world experience.From the vision of vast distances to the minutiae of the sand frogs, I have memories of silences and hilarity,  companionship and personal reflection, underscored by the Namatjira landscape and the colours of the acacias, mallees and other vegetation. Not to mention wading out of Palm Valley! I trust that the Ilpurla Trial will continue to develop and that your dreams for the people of Hermannsburg will be realised. I’ll be back! 
Sally James - Nutritionist - Ilpurla Trail 2011

“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!n Can't wait to see the photos - am hanging out!” 
Katie Lawley - Photographer - Meditations on Mungo - 2007 + Overland & East Coast Tasmania + Meditations on Mountains & Sea

"I miss the green wet lushness of the Tarkine ... I’m almost reluctant to wash the Tarkine away... almost. It was an incredible and profound experience for me on so many levels and I feel truly honoured to have met you all and dearly hope we will reconnect in some other landscape again. Raymond – I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to you personally but I wanted to thank you for what you do and who you are. Without your conjuring and creating none of this would come together."
Veronica Rhodes - Director - New year in the Tarkine

"In the desert 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

"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. 
Mary O’Brien - Teacher - Desert Writers - 2007