A Few Words From Previous Spirit Journeyers about our travel vacations, retreats and workshops

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2007 Gay Travel Winter SoulfestGay Vacation - 2003 Summer RetreatGay Travel - 2003 Summer Retreat Hike

A few comments from previous Spirit Journeyers:

"Thank you for this unforgettable journey and for all the experiences you offer to our community through Spirit Journeys. I have dreamed of joining one of your trips for years, and I will never forget the Wonders of Egypt. I realize that to run an organization like this (in addition to a day job) is a huge task (how can just one man do it?). I can't imagine the time, resources and energy that you must put into it. You are providing more than just a travel service--that is available from many sources. You are giving us the opportunity to fulfill our dreams and putting the cherry on top by allowing us to do it with family members in an atmosphere of freedom and joy. Thank you for that gift, Howie, and for the gift of yourself. You make this a better world for us all. " - Joe, Houston, TX

"The winter soulfest more then met my expectations. I did not truly think I would benefit from it. All I can say is, it was one of the best decisions I have ever done for myself. I found myself again and have not felt this good in such a long time. " - Peter, DC

"The entire experience was extraordinary and I have returned home with a completely different postive outlook. Thanks for creating such a wonderful program! " - Mark, Boston

"Thank you, Howie for all you do to make spirit journeys the fine company that it is. I know it is a lot of hard work and i appreciate your efforts. Through your work, you help so many men in so many ways. " - John, Rome GA

"Howie was a GREAT facilitator! I can't say enough about his excellent skills as a workshop leader. " - Jim, Dallas

2012 Costa Rica Winter Soulfest

"How can one come back to the routine day to day activities after something this awesome? I have been at work a week and I find myself wondering why I came back. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this adventure. I hope I can do other things that spirit journeys has to offer in the future." - William, Tennessee

"I cannot say enough good things about the facilitators and how the retreat was organized. I really appreciate the balance between learning about myself and learning about spirituality. Almost one week later and I still daydream about the events of that week." - Jeff, Oakland, CA

"I simply adore and deeply value the work you provide so sincerely and compassionately." - Tim, Albuquerque

"I love the bonds created through the Spirit Journey experience. Thanks Howie for creating that space and experience for us. Looking forward to my next spirit journeys!" - Sam, NYC

"I'm full of gratitude for Howie, Hunter, Wolf, and Rob. I appreciate your gentleness, your adaptability, your tweaking and refining sessions based on issues that might have arisen during previous ones, and your giving, loving, healing, compassionate personalities." - Don, NC

"I had no expectations going in and afterwards I feel that it was one of the greatest group workshops I have ever attended. " - Larry, NC

"Just a big thank you. I cant put into words how great my experience was. Just thank you. Howie, you are a special person to have found a means to allow men to come together in such a nurturing and supportive environment. Again, thank you." - Peter, DC

"Thanks for facilitating such a wonderful adventure. Your love of Egypt and its people shined through everything we did." - Robert, Los Angeles, CA

"Both Howie and Hunter did a wonderful facilitation. They worked well together. Howie was extremely supportive of Hunter and Hunter was very respectful of Howie. They were a team who had one focus - what was best for us... a big thank you for your tireless work. You were both totally available to all of us." - Bill, Asbury Park, NJ

"Ever since I was a small boy I have been intrigued by Egypt. I have studied it, watched everything I could on TV about it, so I thought I had a good baseline and fairly high expectations. Spirit Journeys, along with Howie and Emil, greatly exceeded all of my expectations. I learned so much more about Egypt's culture, history, people, and their aspirations for the future. A trip of a lifetime that I will not soon forget." - Don, Palm Springs, CA

"Excellent retreat, location, food, rooms, value. Hunter was an outstanding leader and guide, a true inspiration. I would want to go on another Spirit Journey lead by him! The retreat was more than what I expected, a weekend with the "guys" that helped me to heal, grow, think and laugh. I would absolutely go on another Spirit Journey and highly recommend them. Special kudos to Howie for his inspiration, perseverance and love that goes into Spirit Journeys, may they go on forever with the healing power and joy they have given me." - Don, New York

"Thank You, Thank You Howie for the wonderful service that you provide to men who so desperately need it. I don't know how you do it. The amount of work and love that you put into Spirit Journeys is much in evidence and much appreciated." - Gianni, Plainfield, NJ

"Hunter and Howie brought their own life and spiritual experiences to the table and shared openly and honestly. I found them to be full of courage and allow us as participants to see them in a human way, not just as teachers but as students of life." - Anthony, Jersey City, NJ

"Hunter did an amazing job both in planning and running the workshop. I would definitely attend another retreat that he was facilitating and hope to do so. I felt like I came as close as possible to experiencing what it must have been like to be part of the early disciples living and learning together. From the very first opening session he created a safe environment to let go and get to know others and he drew us in and together from the very start." - Louis, Fort Collins, CO

"I have loved every time I have ever spent with Spirit Journeys, and have gained great insights into myself and come to love others who crossed my path on them, very much. It is a gift of the Universe. Hunter is an amazing man of God, I am grateful for his appearance on the planet, and what he gave us on this journey. I hope I will be able to be in his presence again sometime." - Jim, Phoenix, AZ

"Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude to Spirit Journeys, Howie, and Hunter for providing us with such a powerful opportunity to experience the Divine! Not exaggerating here: while I'm a lot less "trance-y" than I was the first two or three days home from the workshop, I feel slightly altered. Like a strand of my spiritual DNA has been reconstituted and it's slowly changing the entire chain." - Thomas, San Fancisco, CA

Egypt Closing Dinner 2011

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, for one of the most special weeks of my life! I am humbled, happy, hopeful and filled with joy. The experience exceed my expectations in every way. I am so honored to have spent the past week with a truly amazing group of men." - Marc, New York, NY

"Again, Bravo! Kevin and Howie presented a nuanced safe place for personal growth and exploration. I am very grateful to have had this experience." - Roy, Littleton, CO

"I came fully expecting some kind of glitch but it all went off flawlessly which tells me you went to great lengths of planning beforehand. I can't applaud your efforts enough. Howie, you are a blessing to the world. I will recommend you to anyone looking for a well-run and transformative workshop experience. Many thanks!" - Hal, Sedona, AZ

"Both of you, Howie and Kevin, did a really good job. I found it very comforting that both of you were very perceptive and compassionate men leading the workshop." - Brian, Minnesota

"It was a wonderful weekend. I learned a lot about myself through interaction with the other men, and I learned from hearing their stories. I could tell there was a lot of thought and planning that went into the weekend. You definitely created a sacred space that had good boundaries, but that also let us explore." - Don, Philadelphia, PA

"It was a contemplative drive home, evoking memories, feelings and questions. Then I recalled an experience on the first day I got a hearing aid. Guess I had the amplification set too high when I left the doctor's office, so when I walked outside I actually heard the sound of air moving in my ear. And when I heard that, I also felt it. It was a fantastic connection to the world around me. That was six years ago and I don't wear it any more. But on the drive home yesterday I realized it's time to turn up the volume and reconnect. Thanks for making that happen." - Rick, Philadelphia, PA

"I had such profound experiences...some were occult, some were emotional, most were beyond words. Still processing all that happened to me there in the valley with Wolf, Hunter, the Lakota traditions, the traditional Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony on New Year's Eve with the blue moon, 13th moon, and lunar eclipse. Then the hundreds of Pueblo dancers of all generations in Santo Domingo on New Year's Day, the holotropic breathing, the blindfolded Trance Dancing, the Healing Hands Circle, the smudging ceremonies each day, the daily circles where we shared deep emotions and dreams, the Closing Circle, and the gentle loving nature of Wolf, Hunter, and the men I met there were the most profound and never to be forgotten. I will carry their way of being the rest of my days! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to experience it all. Thank you, thank you." - Alan, Chicago, IL

Egypt 2011

"...the tears have again welled-up and flow freely from my eyes. The Summer Retreat was perhaps the most important, moving, and loving retreat I have ever been on. My mind has been cracked open. My heart is full and overflowing, radiant and grateful." - John, Maywood, NJ

"I can not describe the feeling of peace I have. My soul is filled with love and a yearning for more adventure. My emotions are raw, and I keep revisiting the experience in my mind. The grandeur of the Grand Canyon can't be fathomed by merely looking at it from the top. You need to go deep into the canyon to experience what it has to offer." - Don, Palm Springs, CA

"The majesty of this place called the Grand Canyon was an opportunity for me to go deep within as I journeyed along these sacred temples of life. The co journeyers were all perfect in their coming together to seek a spiritual experience that in turn reflected back to me an opportunity to move within experiencing my own personal dialog with life. I came home as a new person that views life clearer, cleaner, compassionate and grateful." - Lonnie, Huntsville, AL

"All the parts of the journey were important, so I really do not want to pinpoint any particular portion. This trip is such an amazing journey from start to finish, and each event was significant. Hiking to the silos, jumping out of Elves Castle, sleeping under the stars, playing in the Little Colorado, Pumpkin Jumpin', setting up camp, breaking down camp, the team work, the comraderie, it goes on and on." - Anonymous

"I wasn't sure what to expect, so I tried to go in open. I think that it surpassed my expectations because I wasn't sure what I was going to get. I ended up with an incredibly powerful experience that touched me. I definitely got more than I had even hoped to get out of it." - Eric, Charlotte, NC

"Quality is the word that seems to keep coming back to me as a description of the event-- quality participants; quality coordination; quality event leadership; and quality outcome. I cannot describe to you the level of positive energy I left the workshop with-- and continue to sustain, even with the incredibly busy ""back to reality"" week I experienced. Wonderful job Howie & Ray!!!!"
- David, Raleigh, NC

"The true care and heart showed by you set the stage for a journey that could not happen otherwise. Any little glitches or nuances are completely meaningless when one travels with people like you. I cannot imagine better "leaders", and you have set the bar quite high for any further group adventures - no wonder you have so many repeat customers!!"
- MT, Gold Hill, OR

"I can not think of one part of the retreat that did not hold value and meaning to me. The only disappointment is that I can not be in the presence of Wolf and Hunter on a regular basis. I am voluteering to be their two-spirited friend for life!"
- Tom, Cleveland, OH

"It was the best thing I have done for myself - EVER. I met so many nice people....your energy, wisdom, advice, knowledge and experience all combined to make it a very cool week in Santa Fe."
- Dan, Washington, DC

"The two weeks we spent together on the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Andes are probably the most memorable so far in my long life. So many things...a compatible group; the rich spiritual experience we shared many times in many places; and the sense of being 'at home' at the navel of the universe!"
- TK, San Antonio, TX

"Through the retreat I discovered that I could slow down, that I could open my heart more fully to the sacred within and in others. I brought home new ways to further deepen my capacity to be present to myself, others and the world. The experience was indescribable. I felt closer to the group of men than anyone ever before - a connection - supportive, nurturing spiritual bond that I will long remember. It was one of the most memorable & important things I've ever done."
- David, Orlando, Florida

"....it more than met my expectations and ignited a fire which I hope I can maintain as at least a spark within my heart as time goes on......I have been to many retreats over the years which were intended to bring about a spiritual renewal.......On a scale of 1 to 10, I would have to score the overall event as a 12."
- Charles, Houston, TX

"The "Wonders of Egypt" far exceeded my expectations. It was a life-changing experience for me. When I think of my experiences in Egypt, I know there's absolutely no way I could have organized such a trip on my own. And even if I could, I would not have made the wonderful friends and shared in the brotherhood of a Sprit Journey."
- Tim, New York, NY

Gay Vacation - 2006 Summer Retreat Labyrinth

"I feel this was the most sustaining retreat I've ever participated in. I have reached some breakthroughs in how I would like to move forward on my path."
- Joe, Brooklyn, NY

"Brilliantly organized and facilitated by two superb individuals. The two worked seamlessly together--during the tag-team yoga sessions they blended as one. Remarkable. Considering that Kevin attended despite having lost a parent the week before still astounds me. He was amazingly loving, giving, and educational. David-abhi is a wonder to behold and a Spirit Journeys treasure. Just sharing space with him in sheer silence is a lesson. Let him speak and he'll unlock unexpected doors. A natural teacher, with boundless affection for his students."
- Xavier, MIami Beach, FL

"The workshop lived up to its name more than I could have imagined. I returned with many new insights about who I am. Moreover with a very comfortable & deep sense of peace within."
- Tony, Keswick, Virginia

"The retreat was extremely important event in my life. It has changed me in so many ways. I dream differently, I treat people differently; I have lost my guilt, sins and scars from past events. I have gained courage to take risks and not be afraid. I feel like I know who I am again."
- David, Fort Myers, FL

"The synergy between the places we visited (natural and man-made) and the rituals was nourishing, sustaining and left me with something real but difficult to describe. Ruben's combination of qualifications was stunning. Chief Archeologist, host, shaman, guide and all around 'Zorba then Peruvian', it was a joy and a privilege to meet and get to be with him for two weeks."
- KK, New York, NY

"Thank you both for organizing and providing what was a fabulously perfect journey in each and every way. I know I'll be back to the magical land of Peru before I even know it....this journey was a major turning point for me."
- SP, Hurley, NY

"Everyone involved at Spirit Journeys carried with them a persistent dedication to remaining in integrity with Spirit and in maintaining loving intent throughout the retreat. The participants who were called to the retreat were a diverse group of great people who are consciously walking their own paths."
- Kerry, Seattle, WA

Gay Travel - 2005 Fire Circle

"It has far exceeded any expectation I had in that it made me feel alive again and ready to live and not merely exist as I had been doing. I have this feeling of being a tightly closed bud that has finally felt the sunshine and is opening up for the first time in years."
- Brian, Atlanta, GA

"The vistas, the landscapes, the stone work, the general vibration of all we experienced, the connectedness of our group, and the guidance of the shamans who helped to lead us, defy my ability to adequately describe."
- DC, Slate Hill, NY

"Exceeded my expectations even though they were high. You did a marvelous job of facilitating our journey, taking care of arrangements so we could use our energy to experience where we were. I have now experienced not only a pilgrimage, but the company of an unforgettable group of pilgrims."
- Mary, Portland, Oregon

"The journey was one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had. It was the perfect combination of vacation, retreat, and workshop."
- IR, New York, NY

"It was really a pleasure to have the balance of work and free time. I feel enlivened in spirit and radiant in energy."
- RA, Chicago, IL

"....what an impact Santorini had on me, primarily just a chance to exhale fully and refocus my attention inwards. Santorini had penetrated my every pore."
- SC, Burke, VA

"I came back from it feeling that it was a fantastic experience and money well spent. The quality of attendees was very high and everyone was enjoyable."
- Kerry, Seattle, WA

Gay Travel - Kitchen Duty in 2003

"....all I can say is WOW! To a certain extent, my life's journey will be marked, BR/AR (before the Rio and after the Rio!).... I believe that I have gained new friendships that will be long-lasting, perhaps enduring forever."
- Kevin, Wilmette, IL

"I had the absolute time of my life. I loved every minute of it: the Gage, the river, the terrain, the guides, fellow participants, the food....At the risk of sounding overly dramatic: Participating in this trip, I felt a connection to Columbus, Washington, Lewis and Clark, and others who made great journeys. ....It fulfilled a very deep need in me."
- Mike, Chicago, IL

"The trip touched me deeply....the experience, the people who made it happen will be a part of me always. The kindness, the laughter, the camaraderie, the challenges, the beauty of the place and the men I met....... filled my heart and soul."
- David, Rome, NY

"It was a wonderful experience - the week was special. Spectacular scenery, a harmonious fun group, and terrific guides."
- Dean, Toronto

"Being ‘one' with the river for seven days and nights was a moving experience for me. The guides for this journey were the perfect blend - relaxed yet efficient they made it look easy and maintained a fun and joyous environment throughout."
- Harry, Wheeling, WV

"I had never done anything this long or extensive and it expanded my boundaries beyond my expectations."
- Ramon, Atlanta, GA

"I had a really great time on the river - in fact it was a wholly remarkable experience. I enjoyed every minute and I'm actually glad that we used canoes."
- Jan, Richmond, VA

"I was looking for a transformation that only occurs with love, support and deep bonding and I received far more than I had hoped for."
- Jim, Houston, TX

"Without a doubt the Pyramids and standing in front of the alter at the Sphinx held the most power for me. I am deeply humbled for that experience. The King's Chamber has transformed me. I can't explain it, but facing deep-rooted, age-old fears at that level of consciousness was deeply transformational. Something was definitely released there. Of all the rituals and global meditations I have been involved in over the years, what happened there was very powerful and my soul will remember it for lifetimes to come."
- John, New York, NY

"When I think of my experiences in Egypt, I know there's absolutely no way I could have organized such a trip on my own. And even if I could, I would not have made the wonderful friends and shared in the brotherhood of a Sprit Journey."
- Tim, New York, NY

"I am and will continue to be a BIG supporter of your organization. I think it is very important to a lot of people and I speak of my experiences frequently. ...I will be on future journeys and have already sold two friends who have registered for trips."
- Chuck, Jacksonville, FL

"Spirit Journeys' trips always do give a more personal and supportive interaction than I have found on any other company."
- Renton, Mount Laurel, NJ

Gay Travel - Winter Soulfest 2006

"Thank you, thank you for what you provide our community. The workshop was just what my spirit needed."
- Richard, Nunnelly, TN

"Thank you Howie! Your dedication and passion constantly showed through, right up to the moment I got in my car to leave. I'm so glad I met you. I plan on seeing you again on one of the other trips."
- Robert, Santa Fe, NM

"The Annual Summer Retreat exceeded my expectations, it was amazing. It was a perfect way for me to spend a week of my vacation time. I arrived feeling willing to take what was offered and to give back all that I could. It was an amazing success."
- Phillip, Boston, MA

"Wonderful week for me, Spirit Journeys did a job well done. Thank You"
- Paul, Mesa, AZ

"I did not come with many expectations - it was an impulse decision. That said I was wary at first, anxious to leave half-way through and felt fulfilled and rewarded by the time it ended. The experience validated the notion of a "spiritual journey". It was that. This was due to Howie, Hunter and Wolf as facilitators and to the other participants who gave so much of themselves. I believe in the potential that lies within each one of us. This experience helped me to believe in that once again - in myself and in others."
- Bill, Ottawa, Canada

Gay Travel - 2005 Teotihuacan group

"Steve Thomson is an amazing intuitive catering each journey to match the energy of the group. this is my 3rd Sedona retreat with Mr. Thomson and I experience more about Sedona and myself with each tailor made journey."
- Rob, Los Angeles, CA

"The trip to Peru leaves nothing but incredible memories for me - it has impacted my life more than I know."
- IF, Denver, CO

"The pilgrimage was wondrous - a dream realized. It was a life transforming ‘vision quest' for me in many ways. The incredible energy of the land, mountains, and people, as well as the dynamic group energy were extraordinary catalysts for spiritual growth."
- AP, Bradford Woods, PA

"As a first time visitor to Peru, Machu Picchu stands out as one of the most spectacular places I've ever been. It was like landing on another planet, in many ways: Physically, the landscape looked otherworldly, and the "spiritual" energy there was incredible and overwhelming."
- IR, New York, NY

"The vistas, the landscapes, the stone work, the general vibration of all we experienced, the connectedness of our group, and the guidance of the shamans who helped to lead us, defy my ability to adequately describe."
- DC, Slate Hill, NY

"The two weeks we spent together on the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Andes are probably the most memorable so far in my long life. So many things...a compatible group; the rich spiritual experience we shared many times in many places; and the sense of being 'at home' at the navel of the universe!"
- TK, San Antonio, TX

"The synergy between the places we visited (natural and man-made) and the rituals was nourishing, sustaining and left me with something real but difficult to describe. Ruben's combination of qualifications was stunning. Chief Archeologist, host, shaman, guide and all around 'Zorba the Peruvian', it was a joy and a privilege to meet and get to be with him for two weeks."
- KK, New York, NY

Gay Vacations - Wolf & David

"Magical.........Great sharing and caring of our group. Exceptional leadership."
- Rafe, Southampton, NY

"This was an extraordinary pilgrimage........I think the pilgrimage really had an uplifting effect on my life. The energy and benefits of the trip seem to still be unfolding and my soul is grateful."
- Michael, Santa Barbara, CA

"The pilgrimage to Egypt was one of the rare ‘once in a lifetime' events. We felt like we were extremely well taken care of, almost pampered!"
-
Howard, Emerson, NJ

"It was the best vacation I have had to this day. The Pyramids were fabulous and powerful! Cruising the Nile is the only way to go."
- John, Seattle, WA

"Thanks for creating Spirit Journeys. It's a wonderful thing that likeminded individuals can meet in exotic & powerful places around the world and have as much fun as we did. Travel is difficult at best and you make the trip almost effortless."
- Roger, Palm Springs, CA

"Thank you all for your wisdom, guidance, love and for helping make this trip a real adventure."
- Philip, Phoenix, AZ

"Far exceeded my expectations........Some of the spontaneous unplanned gatherings were among the richest I've encountered."
- Jim, Belmont, NC

"Throughout the retreat, I came to appreciate the thought and care that had gone into the way it was organized and conducted. I am grateful for the way the facilitators created a safe space to take risks, to do things it would have been hard for me to imagine doing a few days earlier, and to connect with an amazing group of men."
- David, Boston, MA

"The retreat was a turning point in my life. The retreat was organized and facilitated absolutely flawlessly."
- Mark, Santa Fe, NM

Gay Vacations - 2008 Private Visit to Karnak in Egypt

"The retreat was just what I needed at the time that I needed it. It was a great opportunity to look at the past year of my life, and the next year of my life; and realign my perspective of the past and my outlook for the future."
- Jerry, Minneapolis, MN

"I haven't stopped talking to my friends about my experiences at the retreat. My two goals were to slow down and to begin a connection with a special group of men.... and boy oh boy were those goals met... and surpassed."
- Brad, San Diego, CA

"...it exceeded anything I could have imagined. The bonds that we made with each other and the facilitator's were beyond what I would have expected."
- Stephen, Atlanta, GA

"My spirit eyes have been opened up and I feel drawn to understanding so much more. Spirit Journeys is a gift and it heals the men and the planet."
- Tyler, Vancouver, BC

"It was the most awe-inspiring thing I've ever done in my life. Wolf and Hunter were awesome! It took me deep inside myself to find the true "me" and the joy that can come from being that person without fear. "
- Michael, Seattle, WA

"I would recommend this retreat. Especially for anyone seeking greater meaning in their life."
- Jeff, San Jose, CA

"It was facilitated with love, compassion and understanding.... every moment was meaningful to me."
- Jose, Toronto

"It was a very liberating and restorative experience. Really did a lot to move me along my own path and practice."
- Alan, Yardley, PA

"There were too many things that happened at this retreat to open my eyes and heart to things about myself that made this retreat extremely valuable to me personally."
- Rick, Hustisford, WI

Gay Travel - Winter Soulfest 2003

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