Dear Gail & Russell, A note to express my thanks to you and your most professional crew. It's hard to know exactly where to start as this has been a most remarkable holiday, and by far the best walk I have ever had. The scenery was all I expected and more. The unfolding panorama superb to the max. Your crew of guides and porters are superb. They are both friendly, fun and entertaining – a better bunch of gentlemen you'll never meet. While seeming nonchalant, they are none the less appraising and vigilant, constantly gauging the condition and welfare of those who have put themselves in their care. They are pleased and proud to show their backyard to anyone who wishes to experience it, and rightly so, as it is one of the world's loveliest unspoilt places.

They are courteous and helpful, and more than willing to go the extra yard to make it the trip of a lifetime. Informative, and if they do not know, they will not bullshit you. I asked a lot of questions and after a short confab there was not much that went unanswered. Your program is well structured and time scale realistic even for those who are not regular walkers. I've only seen evidence of three of the major eight companies who do this work and feel I must state your people are the best presented, neatest people on the track. Your food the most plentiful, and tasty of all, this knowledge I've gained through conversation with fellow trekkers who were unfortunate enough to pick the wrong company. Where others tend to look unkept, your people tend to take care of themselves at every opportunity.

Your recruiting and training scheme seems to be well thought out, well managed and working well. Your people regard you as more the Aunt and friend than employer. What a sound base to work from! I can see KTL only going from strength to strength and good on you for it. I am most definitely coming back again with between two and five fellow Hamiltonians.

Your kwila walking sticks as you said are very resilient and perfect length for those big downs especially, I don't think my 'aussie' hiker will ever come out of the bag again, I'll find some mug to buy it off me.

Trekkers with other companies are paying to have them made (once again knowledge gained by speaking to them) and carved, so they go home with a souvenir. Whereas, yours are well loved and used working tools when they get them back to Australia. Once again guys thanks a bunch for a great time.

'Bear' Clements
Trek 275

Dear Gail and Russell,

Hi! The weeks have slipped past since I returned from the trek and I can't believe I have been back almost three weeks. I had a wonderful time, and the weeks since have not diminished the joy I felt walking on the track.

Thanks to my personal porter, Donald, and to the other guides and porters, the trip was made especially memorable with the constant attention, the care, the lively sense of humour, and the commentary on the landscape and their lives. It was a great experience.

Could you please pass on my thanks to Ernest who was our leader, to Glenn, Donald, Reuben, Paul, Winnie, Frank, Victor, Nigel, Kingsley, Ludwig and to all the others who made my holiday so enjoyable?

Regards,

Robyn Nutley,
Trek 465

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