What a terrible experience!!
The host was nowhere to be found upon arrival. After waiting around for over half an hour, he finally emerged and showed us to our cabin. The bathroom smelled awful and was covered with mouse droppings, since there was a nest under the sink. The toilet, sink and shower were filthy, and the shower had someone's personal soaps and scrubber in it. I had to ask for some cleaning products to clean the bathroom and nest myself. Donn's only employee had apparently quit showing up to work.
The first breakfast was so bad, we had to decline the second breakfast. We were not served dinner on the first night or lunch on the second day. The dinner on the river was pre-boiled chicken and corn. They were both not stored to food service guidelines, and were barely warm after hours on the water. He dropped one of our plates of food and told us to just "wash it off" in the river and eat it anyway. I don't think Donn has had a food handling class in a while!
The guide service was frustrating to the point of anger! Donn Dale, the owner and guide, was extremely rude to my fiancé, she had to hold back tears. On more than one occasion Donn yelled at her and yanked the pole out of her hand. I had to confront Donn and ask if we needed to just stop fishing and return to the take out! He stated everything was fine, and chilled out for a little while. Donn then repeatedly talked down to my fiancé. The rest of the trip, Donn was just grumpy and offered little help. On the first strike from a rising fish, I lost my fly. It was an obvious bad knot, and Donn blamed me, for setting the hook too hard, on 4x tippet.
Other issues of note;
My fiancé and I were requested to help with a shuttle of three trucks and and trailers to a take out down river. We did the nice thing and used up a portion of our morning and helped. Not even a thanks was given.
We talked to a couple that were staying in the other cabin, and they reported the same horrific conditions in their cabin, as well.
I was charged $140 over the quoted price. When I called to ask about the over charge, Donn stated the website was wrong and was changed a month ago. I was looking at the current website, and no such changes had happened. He attempted to charge me for for each individual meal and each night of lodging and then for the guided trip. The website clearly had a price for all inclusive package that was much cheaper.
I do not recommend using anything this outfitter has to offer. read more
