We have been asked why we choose this lifestyle or why we do what we do? I guess our “guest journal” should answer… Everyone came to us as a guest and left as a friend…You, my friends have made it special! Thanks to you all!
Letizia Bergamini, (Bologna, Italy) ~ Ho 1400 foto di questo viaggio in Canada… e nessuna renderà mai quanto potente sia stato. Frank e Diana sono una coppia affiatata e coraggiosa. L’ organizzazione di questi “Canoa Trip” vanno ben oltre la semplice escursione in canoa di una settimana tra i laghi in Ontario. Non esagero nel dire che assomiglia di più ad un viaggio iniziatico. In questo momento storico, in questa società consumista e totalmente scollegata dalla natura loro offrono la possibilità di ricucire e risentire una natura che oltre essere intorno a noi, prima di tutto la scopriamo ascoltandola dentro di noi. L’impossibilità di avere rete, la necessaria essenzialità delle cose di cui abbiamo avuto bisogno, il rispetto per l’ambiente anche nelle più piccole ed elementari cose, allena la cura e il rispetto per noi stessi e per gli altri! Inutile sottolineare la preparazione della nostra guida: non si è risparmiato in nulla! Ha sempre spiegato il perché delle cose, ha risposto ad ogni domanda, ha insegnato, educato e aiutato i nostri ragazzi ogni minuto. Li ha rinforzati nelle debolezze e spronato a superare le inevitabili fatiche, facendoli sperimentare che, andando oltre i loro limiti mentali e fisici, scoprono quanta forza si cela dentro di loro. Ha sostenuto, spronato e anche accompagnato a profonde riflessioni ma anche a momenti ludici e di divertimento. Li ha responsabilizzati dando compiti importanti, da grandi. Li ha messi in contatto con un maschile che raramente vedo in giro. Diana ha curato con tocco femminile e attento tutto il soggiorno in particolare la grande cura che ha messo nel menù studiato per un gruppo piuttosto complesso fatto da onnivori, vegetariani e intolleranti al glutine. Non è mai mancato nulla di indispensabile a ognuno di noi. Il “di più” invece non serviva.
C’eravamo noi e la natura… il “di più” non ci ricordavamo nemmeno cosa fosse!
Esaul Sanchez, Philadelphia, Pa ~ This has been a wonderful journey, Manolo and I completed under your guidance. Your wisdom and kindness guided us through the Temagami wilderness and through the depth of our souls. These journeys have made us better and in them we have not only learned from you, but a little bit of you has become a part of who we are. Thanks for everything. I hope we meet again to continue expanding our experiences and our sharing.
Canadore Ecotourism (North Bay) ~ Thank you so much for everything! We had an amazing time, it was the best part of our course! Great experience, definitely an A+ in my books. Your hospitality was amazing. We felt completely comfortable. Your friendship, wisdom, and knowledge were all EXCELLENT!
Mario Pelletier, (Trenton, Ontario) ~ L’experience que je viens de vivre restera marquee dans ma memoire pour le reste de ma vie. C’est vraiment merveilleux d’avoir la chance de partager de si beaux moments avec quelqu’un qui a une si grande passion pour la nature et qui demontre un tres grand interet de partager cette passion avec les autres. Franco merci pour ta patience ainsi que le partage de tes connaissances. Je vais recommander a tous de le faire au moins une fois dans leur vie.
Ken Goldenberg, (Philadelphia, Pa) ~In August, twelve friends went into the “wild”- wild forests, wild lakes, wild earth. At the same time, through their venture into the wild, they came to explore the “wild” inside of them- certain recesses of their psyche and emotions, certain unexplored areas of their inner personal selves. Were these twelve friends in the “wild”, or was the “wild” inside of them? Both. All is one! You and Temagami really made this trip awesome! You’re wonderful and you gave us a wonderful gift- kids and parents alike!
Hap Wilson and Stephanie Aykroyd (Muskoka , Ontario) ~ Wonderful, brilliant, earthly, soulful. fabulous time, good cheer, loved it all – heartfelt thanks for your hospitality and friendship Frank. All the best!
David Stark Temagami Coordinator (Toronto , Ontario) ~ Wolf Within, many thanks from the District 7090 Rotary Outdoor Leadership Experience program. Never have 75 teenagers had such a wonderful exhilarating experience. I can’t begin to thank you for the joy you brought to these youth exchange kids.
Diane & Kevin (Philedelphia, PA) ~ It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Eight days in the bush with my son, eight close friends and you have left me with countless pictures, tangible and otherwise. Sharing such an intense and rewarding experience with friends and family created many seminal moments for me. Your wisdom, patience and experience heightened those moments. I believe you are a rare and, perhaps, dying type of man and I am truly thankful that my son, and I, have had the opportunity to go on just one journey with you.
Dan Doyle (Blackstone , MA) ~ Frank, thank you once again for a great trip. I think I am now ready for a 10 day trip. Until next year.
Tom Rathfon Scoutmaster Troop 95 (Georgetown, DE) ~ Frank, I wanted to mail you and let you know how much fun the boys and leaders had on our canoe trek. I really appreciate the time you spent working with the boys and passing on skills. Although they hated going to the back of the line, they enjoyed being tested for their place in the meal line. Thanks for taking the time to show us and me places in Temagami I had not had the chance to see before. Hope all the puppies were healthy and now they will start to eat you out of house and home. Good luck, your friend.
Spaul (UK) ~ Thank you so much for a REAL wilderness experience – one which allowed me to learn, observe and be a part of the wonderful creation that God has given us. It has been everything I expected and much more, I will remember it forever.
Ratti BG (Italy) ~Vi ringrazio infinitamente per la vostra eccellente organizzazione e questa avventura che non dimentichero’ mai, anzi, conservero’ come uno dei viaggi piu’ belli, intensi ed emozionanti della mia vita.
J.Duke (ON Canada) ~ This was like living a dream or a film script on someone else’s life. Thank you for a wonderful taste of the “real north”. It would be great to come back next week!
