At the end of each dog sledding trip we ask our guests to sign our trip journal at the Homestead. Below are some of the comments written by our clients. If you would like an opportunity to speak with some of our past guests and hear their impressions of their "uncommon" experience, let us know and we will put you in touch with some of these fine folk. Although we have not as yet started a summer journal we have many past river and hiking guests who are available for references as well.
"The Yukon in winter is spectacular, the dogs were wonderful to work with, the sledding was challenging and rewarding. But....what is truly 'uncommon' about Uncommon Journeys, is the level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine friendliness of everyone involved in the business. I had the birthday of a lifetime and memories which will outlive the photos! Thank you Rod, Martha, Noel I had a great time. Until we meet again, good mushing!"
Mick Daniels, Alameda, California USA
"If words could accurately describe the entire experience I would surely write them down. My compliments to Rod, Stephen, Noel, and Martha for their efforts and professionalism. The entire trip went smoothly and was everything I had hoped for and then some. I will definitely recommend the "Uncommon" experience to anyone expressing interest in the Yukon. I will write my farewells now- but I am certain I will be back!"
Scott Buson Avoca, Michigan USA
"You should change the name of the company to: "Fantastic, exciting, thrill-seeking fun for all" I had a great time because of the guides who were a tremendous help and lots of fun. If Steve ever wants to give up his day job, he would have no trouble getting a job as a four-star chef!
Thanks for letting me have the best team in the dogyard! This will definitely be a travel destination I will tell everyone about!"
Robyn Anderson, Sydney, Australia
"Thank you everbody especially Steve and Noel for their untiring help and technical knowledge which they imparted to us. Thank you Rod and Martha for having the vision to put this experience together so that an absolute novice could enjoy it. And for opening your world to us, to something we would never have the opportunity to be part of otherwise. Thanks again."
Chuck Stanton, Ventura California, USA
"Thanks for all the great mushing, expert guiding and outstanding dog care. Uncommon Journeys is a four-star operation. Keep up the fine operation and hospitality."
Jim Wies Smiths Creek, Michigan, USA
"Such a wondrous Uncommon Journey. The dogs were so responsive - so well taken care of and beautiful to look at and be with. All of you were so helpful, caring and compassionate. Thank you thank you Noel! Rod- you have a real quality business here in the Ibex Valley, keep up the good work and much success for the glorious future!"
Lorraine Havercroft, Kaslo, British Columbia
"I've been looking forward to this for years and it fulfilled all of my expectations. I had 2 weeks mushing and my lead dogs Willow and Puma made it easy for me! I will be doing this again someday."
Scott Badcock, Sydney, Australia
"Many thanks to all at Uncommon Journeys. I shall forevermore think of Vegimite, whisky and dogsledding as a good mix for a holiday!"
Libby Birkbeck, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
"Thank you so much for a wonderful week - one that certainly our expectations! Remember if Woody or Laurie (or any others) ever need a home, please put us at the top of the foster parent list. We're not sure which was better, the terrific food or the absurd stories! We hope to see you at Herschel Island or on the Quest Trail in the near future! We'll never forget this week!"
Joe Kaiser and Julie Green Scarsdale, New York, USA
"This trip was everything and more. I love a bargain and this was it. What you've given me will last a lifetime and is priceless. Thanks!"
Robert Gwin, Floyds Knob, Indiana, USA
"I came searching for the spirit of the north country. And I found it! Thanks to my guides Stephen and Noel. This trip was truly an Uncommon Journey. I'll be back for more. Run silent run dogs!"
Frank Kondelik, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA
"Thanks for the uncommonly good time! It was truly an incredible experience in beautiful scenery and led by expert guides/cooks/dog handlers. All details were well looked after, all meals were large and very satisfying and all of the dogs were a bundle of fun. Thanks again and I hope to see you all on the trail sometime soon!"
Mark Jackson, Austin, Texas, USA
"Rod and Martha - with thanks for your hospitality, stories, food, teaching...and especially for your warm welcome for Stephi. We'll be back. Amazing dogs!"
Mary Jean Duncan, Ottawa, Ontario
"It feels good to be the youngest kid ever to go on one of your winter camping trips! I love the dogs!!"
Stephi Bell (age 11) Ottawa, Ontario
"'There's a land oh it beckons and beckons and I want to back and I will'....Now I understand."
Mike Bell Ottawa, Ontario
"What can I say other than very special!!!"
Liz Feeney, Mosman, NSW, Australia
"The dogs, the mountains, the snow and scenery...Steve and Noel were super. Nothing like this in SanDiego. An experience and a challenge to remember always."
Mac Mc Glincy, San Diego, California USA
"First class all the way! Just an exceptional experience and good time! The dogs are great, friendly and good mannered. The guides patient, friendly and good-humoured. A great experience not to surpassed anytime soon!"
Stephen Strzelecki, Highland, Michigan USA
"Yes well what can I say?" A fantastic set-up here out in the wilderness. Tremendous weather, culture-mix, accommodation, dogs and most of all the staff team who made the week so relaxing, enjoyable and most importantly fun! Thanks a million!!"
Ross Murray, Edinburgh, Scotland
"In a lifetime of outdoor experiences this must rate right up at the top. Thanks to all of the staff for making it so memorable."
Bob Paul, Richmond, British Columbia
"Rod - Bon vivant and raconteur ...Martha - superb chef and raconteur. What a combination for a great time in this very special part of the world! All the best for the future."
Rebecca, Patricia and David Malcolm, Sydney, Australia
"A heartfelt thank-you for all the "Uncommon" hospitality , mushing and fellowship. This was an experience of a lifetime! A particular thanks to Puma, Herschel, and Hess - all the best!"
Darwyn (One with two trees and sometimes ground) Boucher Moosejaw, Saskatchewan
"Many thanks for a great week, definitely an experience of a lifetime. Uncommon does not begin to describe the adventure!"
Jeff Mcsymytz , Regina, Saskatchewan
"Rod and Martha - What a week!! Martha I will forever remember your great cooking. Rod your knowledge of dogs and and the Yukon is exceeded only by your personality. Thanks for the special side trip. I will forever remember this week."
Jim Barrett, Los Angeles, California USA
"There really aren't words adequate to describe how special this week has been and how very much I've enjoyed getting to know y'all just a little bit. This was a dream come true. Thanks again and God bless you."
Stu Phillips, Austin, Texas, USA
"Thanks for an uncommon and great experience! The mushing and food were fabulous. We'll always remember the scenery and stories!"
Phil and Simon Okeefe, Sydney, Australia
"What a wonderful trip. Each day was more fun than the day before."
Jerry Bone, Portland Oregon, USA
"Rod and Martha_ Great teachers, and fantastic chefs with patience in abundance. Thank you for another great week and for the dog and camping advice!"
Tom Dreyer, Eugene, Oregon, USA
"Jack London doesn't have a prayer compared to Uncommon Journeys! Hope to see you back on the trail soon!"
Frank Grund, St. Louis Missouri, USA
"Thank you to Rod, Martha and Sean for providing me with the opportunity to fulfill a dream. It was more and better than I had expected. A fabulous time."
Wally Jones MD., Bellvue, Washington, USA
"I still think I have died and gone to heaven! In all my 60 years I have not had a trip, an experience, a vacation as great as that. I will be talking about it for a long time. Thanks for a great time, Steve and Trish and ‘long may your lum reek’ which is an old Scottish saying for long may your chimney smoke!"
John G. Dennett, Montreal, Quebec
"Went to heaven and didn’t die! So many thanks for the feeling of being guests of true Yukoners, all of the confidence building, instruction and general gut busting fun! That last walk through the dog yard was the most difficult, we’ll remember you all down every trail…"
Kimberley Mc Kean and Scott Mc Caul, Leucadia, California
"Thanks to Rod, Trish, Stephen and Kris and everybody else who made this experience a truly wonderful and special one."
Ilka and Andy Dohler, Bonn, Germany
"Trish, Neil and Kris — Thanks for another FANTASTIC trip: sparkling snow, saphire blue skies and happy dogs! A perfect setting…..especially when Darell sat me on his knee and asked me to marry him! I was thinking that nothing could more incredible than our first dog sledding trip with you…..was I ever wrong! Kudos to Willow, Connell, Amy, Lyla, Tuk, Teja, Ice, Rags, Hank, Beaufort, and Bandit."
Alison Greenwood and Darell Kalnicki, Whitehorse, YT
"Thank you to my guides Rod and Stephen. I have had a truly excellent vacation in the Yukon. Thank you again for all your help and patience! The countryside was beautiful and the dogs were amazing. I enjoyed the personalities of my dogs. Thank you to Buma, Laurie and Dawson!"
Marie Maxit, Paris, France
"Thank you so much…well done and very organized!"
Sue Richard, Burnaby, British Columbia
"Rod and Steve, thank you for probably the best vacation of my life! I had no idea what dog sledding involved and now I appreciate the skill and work involved with the sport. I’ve got plenty of stories to tell my friends for years."
Eric Ensinger, Pennsylvania, USA
"Hats off to our guide Trish — she made us feel at ease. This was even more fabulous than when I solo’d my Cessna 150…..no kidding! Thanks for the wonderful experience"
Molly-Ann and Alan Nichol, Kamloops, B.C.
"Rod and Steve — I came to hunt for a location for a TV movie I am shooting in the Yukon…usually I just take a picture and get back into the car…but what happenend here? You put me on a dogsled and took me into the bush and while I did see some possible locations, what I really saw was a truly wonderful place and I made friends I will never forget."
Tomy Wigand, Munich, Germany
"Rod and Steve — Okay, so Molson’s sprang for the trip of a lifetime. No we will never forget those great howls. We had a blast — great food, good times, and most of all the best dogs around. Well here’s to the ‘last of the Mo Higgins!’ Thanks so much for everything."
Bill and Kathy Higgins, Pennsylvania, USA
"Rod and Steve - I had a very, very, good time, mushing with you. That was something that probably I will never do again being from Brazil….unless I can make my way back here again!"
Paula Seguil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
"Steve and crew — Thanks so much, I had a brilliant time and even fell off twice! I’ll never forget my first mushing experience. Maybe you’ll see me in the Quest! Thanks heaps and heaps."
Lani Antonio, Christ Church, New Zealand
"It was exhilarating! I can’t believe how fast they go…even without a driver! I’ll be back again when I return to Whitehorse. Thanks again for the tour."
Lee Blathman, Halifax, Nova Scotia
"We think that it was the first time that you served such a big family (except the dogs!) at your home. That will be unforgettable for you. These days will be unforgettable for all of us.We will always keep these memories with us"
Senor Antonio SanFeliu and the San Feliu family, Barcelona, Spain
"Rod and Steve — It was unforgettable! Youv’e got a great thing going. I can’t thank you enough. Keep your yurts warm."
Charles Martin Smith, Hollywood, California
"I am still talking about my wonderful adventure. I have made a photo story book for my pre-schoolers and they are learning about dog sledding in installments! Send me please some of your business cards, I have some friends that are interested also, please send another brochure. Hup —up!"
Lenore Persky, Chicago, Illinois
