Testimonials
Here are a few comments from our customers. All are reachable if you would like to chat with them. Personal information has been removed.
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From: Debbie, Ontario
Date: August 24, 2010
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: Re: Did U Survive?
Hi Ken,
I can't say enough great things about CapeRace Tours and the adventures we just experienced! You have created a wonderful idea and it was the best way to explore and learn about each community we stayed in. Your Traveler's Diary felt like you were there leading us the way with your tips and advice of places to visit and people to meet.
We had the pleasure of meeting so many nice people- Jean next door at Hipditch, Fred at the Music store (we brought tunes home with us) Jerry and Isobel and the guys in the band who played at the kitchen party, Donna, Eric, Harv, Robyn and even the Mayor of Bonavista- Betty. She gave us a tour in her car of the homes for sale after I made an enquiry at the Town Office about the possibility of purchasing one of the abandoned homes there. I fell in love with the house on the ditch near the pond. We invited her back to the Thomas Mouland House to meet our boys. She stayed for awhile and talked about how hard it was to survive on fishing and sealing in the days she and her husband were first married. It was fascinating to listen to her and was an eye opener for Drew and Alex.
The scenery was amazing and hiking along the cliffs took our breaths away. We visited many pretty little harbors- even found Daniels Cove with a population of 5! We turned around because the gravel road to Grates Cover looked precarious! We managed to find the puffins and saw your other houses- Hare's Ear and the one in Elliston and would love to stay there someday when I can return for another visit. We didn't keep track of our mileage but I'm sure we added at least another 1,000 km. to the gauge! There were only a couple of days of down time where we stayed put to rest and explore leisurely. At Heart's Delight the boys were grateful to find the vintage bikes and fishing rods. They were out often and came home with a Flounder- what an interesting fish!
I just finished hanging some art work from David Bird from the Tickle Trunk on my kitchen wall and setting the table with placemats made by a woman from Green Harbor. I filled a glass dish with beautiful beach stones, sea glass, a shell Drew found with three pearls and fragments of a whale bone we found on a beach near Bay Bulls on our trip to Ferryland as mementos of where we had been.
We were amazed to see mountains, the barrens and bogs with countless lakes and streams and ecstatic to see a herd of caribou herd Chance Cove on our trip on the Irish Loop.
I am so glad I met you a few years ago when you were looking at waterfront property on Bruce Lake. I never did sell that piece of land but meeting you and learning about CapeRace Cultural Adventures made it more worthwhile by a long shot! I will be telling everyone about what a great time we had and sharing the beauty of Newfoundland through the hundreds of photos we took while we were there.
Now I need to think about getting back to work and into daily routines around home but with a lighter heart and many pleasant memories of Newfoundland.
Thank you so much for telling me about your tour!
Debbie
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From: Cheryl M
Date: August 23, 2010 1:56:57 PM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: loved the adventure
Ken, just to add my 2 bits, John and I had a truly fabulous time with no complaints. Your guide book was amazing, so helpful in fact that John is thinking about producing one for our beach visitors. (We have a rental here on Anna Maria Island.) Connecting with the locals was a big added bonus. What a different trip it would have been otherwise. It was really fun to see all the relatives and neighbors pouring in for the scoff at Heart's Desire or Delight, now I forget which it was. The Newfoundlanders are an interesting lot and we feel honored to be honoraries.
I suppose Becky was our Lavinia, feeling like the responsible one having planned the trip, perhaps, unbeknownst to us, worrying about the accommodations at each stop. We, however, found each place delightful. Even Bonavista in its starkness seemed perfect to come into on a dreary day. Dreary days are actually my favorites. Way too much sun down here! I especially found the linoleum collection on the stairs charming. The lime green living room with the shiny green upholstered furniture was a little scary, but we just kept to the kitchen instead.
We think you have a great thing going with the cultural adventure approach and we're so happy we were able to experience it. We brought a lot of great memories home with us and we're already beginning to miss our new found land. Thanks for sharing. Cheryl M.
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From: Suzanne, New York
Date: July 25, 2010 1:31:10 PM EDT
To: Ken Sooley, Sharon Nisbet
Hello, we arrived home safe and sound last night. We stayed on 3 more nights in Trinity after leaving Bonavista and had 3 more at the start of the trip, bringing it to a grand total of 15 nights. Truthfully, I could have stayed one more day in SJ to do Ferryland and one more in Trinity to do the Rugged Beauty tour (we were rained out, the only true day of rain in 14 days).
I wanted to thank you so much for all your planning and dedication. Staying in such homes with attention to authentic detail was a highlight of the trip. I particularly enjoyed being in your grandparent’s/dad’s home in Heart’s Delight. It was wonderful to be able to connect with those from another time. I was close with my grandparents and regret that we lost the home where they retired: a bucolic part of Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. It is about as rural as you can get around here.
I will remember every detail of that home from the mounted bottle opener in the pantry to the former clothesline in the kitchen-still working! Loved the fact that you kept her framed artwork-so revealing about the life of old. You did an awesome job decorating each home with the appropriate feel and character. I read all the accompanying booklets about each home, down to the paper Sharon wrote about the Newfoundland dialect. I am a foreign language teacher so that was right up my alley... text deleted... We ended up spending a good deal of time at the Croaker museum/complex in Port Union. They give you one heck of a tour and are happy to have visitors. It is not for kids but you get a lot for your admission price. We met the curator who also seemed happy to speak with us. It is a good rainy day activity or when transitioning from Bonavista or to there. Also, Jerry and Elizabeth were so sweet-loved meeting them and having a musical evening with them and their son and his friend. Jerry has a great, booming voice-he is a great host. Please tell them we stopped over on our way out to thank them again but the place looked dark in the AM so we didn’t knock too loudly….
That is all for now. Hey, can you do a Cape Race for Central NL, the only part we haven’t been to?? Ha ha ha…
Suzanne and Michio
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To: Ken Sooley
From: John and Nancy, Ontario
Date: 2010-07-10, at 4:58 PM
Hi Ken,
We are settled in now after our wonderful experience with Cape Race and we would be pleased to be a reference.
Our travels have taken us to many countries and each has been very interesting and has had it's own unique beauty. However, as Canadians, nothing can compare to our visit to eastern Newfoundland--you certainly planned a cultural experience that made us feel immersed in Canadian culture. You asked what makes your trip plans different from other companies:
1. The location of each of the houses is so unique--each place offers a very different experience in its scenery, activities, and people and each place was so homey and decorated so that we felt we were part of that era.
2. Your suggestions as to itinerary are just that; great suggestions. We chose freely from your travel planner and not once did we feel that we should have done more as we were thoroughly satisfied with the activity or activities we had chosen. We felt that each day was a day well spent and enjoyed.
3. Each neighbourhood had so much to offer and all the neighbours are so welcoming that we felt we belonged. They answered questions, told directions, told us about the history of the areas, about the fishing history and seemed genuinely interested in us. We know the BBQ was just good timing but we will never forget it--to be invited to be part of something that is for the people who live there was one of the things that sets you apart. You must know that you have a treasure in Elizabeth--her welcome to the Sooley house in Heart's Delight was memorable--just like a good friend and neighbour arriving at the door with fresh muffins! And then, the lobster dinner (fantastic surprise), the kitchen party with Jordan's musical talent and meeting Elizabeth's mother, Mary and her sister Donna (another fantastic surprise--we love them all) When we got to Bonavista and couldn't find the key I did not hesitate to call Elizabeth for help--30 seconds later we were in the house. (There was no answer at Lloyd and Hazel's number and we were sorry not to have met them but we met so many other wonderful people on our walks around the Mockbeggar neighbourhood).
4. Finally, it is your attention to detail that made everything fall into place--you and your sister Sharon provided us with all the help we needed to make such a trip and we thank you. Your willingness to communicate through e-mail and telephone gave us a clear picture of everything. Your patience and willingness to write back and forth until we knew the answers we needed certainly sets you apart from the others. We are looking forward to hearing about the loyalty program and who knows, maybe one day we'll meet you on the Segwuin and we'll come back to your Muskoka dock for another Canadian experience:)
Thanks again for everything, Ken. We wish you continued success in your very creative venture.
Sincerely,
John and Nancy
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From: Carrie-Lynn, Sudbury
Date: August 20, 2010 7:53:32 PM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Hi there,
We are home and recovering from our GLORIOUS trip! We had almost no cell coverage for most of the trip (actually it was a wonderful break...told work I just wouldn't be able to answer the blackberry..).
Everything was GREAT. What a fantastic way to travel. Loved all three houses and towns. Met locals (even took a local neighbour's granddaughter to the movies with us in Bonavista!). Only tragedy was the ugly stick in Bonavista…guess it has had lots of play time and the pole cracked...luckily the crack is inside the boot. A little duck tape would fix it, but it was too late on the last night when we discovered it.
Steve borrowed the book "Death on the Ice" from Bonivista. I looked for it in the stores but couldn't find it. Elizabeth mentiioned people have borrowed books before and purolated them back. Do you have the address for the lady who takes care of Bonivista? We can send it directly for her.
By the way, ELIZABETH is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! She works like a dog and really tries hard to ensure everyone is happy. The kitchen party was a wonderful surprise (in fact the kids said it was a highlight of their trip).I am going to send her a surprise thank you gift from Sudbury. ...text deleted... ..she really makes the vacation awesome.
I have a couple of awesome photos to send you and a couple of places to add to the book …text deleted …That's it. UNLESS, you want to acquire a couple more houses in OTHER areas so that people could do a second vacation, start in St. John's, but go a different route next time....Never Hurts to think BIG!!!!
Thanks again, Carrie
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From: Leigh, Ontario
Date: August 19, 2010 12:30:07 AM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: I'm home :(
Hey Ken,
Cheers to the most successful trip in the world! I'm home now from NL and, as promised, I have included a few of my favourite shots (pictures, of course, not beverages...) I'd love to chat with you about how it all turned out in the end - Kristen mentioned that you're interested in hearing all the "real" stories... so put on your comfy clothes and pull up a chair :) We can meet for a drink or just give a call - I'm excited to hear what you think of my pictures, too - I took a photography course before I left so I hope it paid off! Of course, some are more candid than others but those ones usually end up being my favourites :) Thanks again (and a million times over) for all of your hospitality and patience... I know there were a lot of emails from me coming your way for a bit!
Leigh
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From: John and Bette, Cincinati
Date: August 2, 2010 12:19:02 AM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Please send me Jerry and Elizabeth ...text deleted... address in Hearts Delight as Bette and I would like to send them a thank you note along with a few pictures. They could not have been nicer or more helpful, and organized a kitchen party in the Sooley house on Saturday night the 24th, which was a lot of fun, as well as giving us a lot of fresh seafood which they had caught, all of which were delicious. Overall we had a great time, the houses were homey and comfortable, and the people could not have been nicer. ...Text Deleted... Newfoundland is certainly a unique place and we are very glad we made the trip.
Thanks again. John
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From: Kristen, Ontario
Date: August 14, 2010 9:09:12 AM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: thank you!
Ken,
I wanted to thank you for an amazing experience. I was able to extend my trip for a few days which was still obviously not enough as I am consumed by nostalgia!! Leigh and I had so many laughs and met so many amazing people.
Thank you, Ken.
Kristen.
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From: JOHN & SHELAGH, Ontario
Date: August 9, 2010 12:35:53 PM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: Thanks!!!
Hi Ken,
Thanks for sending us on a great trip to Newfoundland. The scenery was spectacular and meeting the locals was lots of fun. Your traveller's diary was extremely helpful. We now have 1200 pictures to watch in a slide show and bring back terrific memories!!! Hope to see you at the Gala!
Shelagh & John
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From:Becky, Florida
Date: August 19, 2010 5:01:48 PM EDT
To: Ken Sooley
Subject: trip review
Ken,
Here it is, my review of my adventure...........
First of all we had a terrific time on this adventure, which is what it was! Arriving late at night and getting a taxi and saying Hipditch House please, they thought we were nuts, where and what is a Hipditch house! Our first thought is what have I gotten us into! … Text Deleted…..
We are singing the praises of this adventure, being flexible, easygoing, we were quite at home, away from home. The guide book and program you set up is so fun. Each house an adventure itself. Lots of laughs, photos, and good memories. The Sooley family has a good thing going.
Becky
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