This “Transformational Women’s Paddle” MORE than transformed – it made friends of strangers, it brought us closer to Ma Nature’s amazing gifts, and it was filled with the magic of story-telling, belly laughs and very, VERY good food! Maria and Spring…your combined experience and passion for the outdoors shines a light for anyone wondering, “How can I jump in…?!?!”; thank you, THANK YOU! ~Kay Jensen 
HolyCow!! First time ever kayaking and it was amazing. Spring and Maria made me feel incredibly safe, secure, and inspired. The whole weekend was food for my soul and spirit. Can’t wait to do it again. ~Cheri Names
This was transformative indeed! I feel renewed, refreshed, and completely open in my heart center. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to learn from such amazing, wise women. ~Erinn J Hale
Great time of connecting to our known universe and touching the unknown. So comfortable and comforting. Paddling kayaks was such a great framework for bonding and sharing with friends and strangers, all now kindred spirits. ~Sally Kyte
I appreciated the open format of the weekend, and the organic nature of everyone helping out with tasks as needed. I felt in very safe hands throughout the weekend, from both a kayaking-safety standpoint and emotional-safety standpoint. The physical challenge of the first day was a great start to the weekend for me, leaving me feeling empowered and capable. I am holding gratitude and grace and a commitment to more adventures in my heart. So powerful to meet such incredible women of such diversity and depth. Your food was outstanding, your love and wonder were contagious. I look forward to joining you again on the water—and perhaps another weekend next year? ~Mary McCormick
Wonderful trip, I would not change a thing. Thank you Maria and Spring. ~Carol Mus
…the low key and very human experience of listening to others talk of their lives was quite moving. ~
Jane Trancho
Maria and Spring were born to lead these trips. Their collective kindness, patience and humor made for an outstanding weekend. Can’t wait to return!
This is my 2nd trip and I enjoyed every minute of both trips. I feel I have finally mastered how to paddle a kayak due to the patience and guidance of our fearless leaders who attack all problems with humor and in a nonjudgemental attitude.~ Kathleen O
I think Spring and Maria were great leaders in this group – their planning and organization was awesome and they were so much continual fun!
Our end-of-August Transformational Journey was a pilgrimage on every level. It began when I signed on, knowing this was something way out of my normal routine—I’m an introvert, an inexperienced kayaker, and haven’t camped in 20 years. But I trusted the experience and wisdom of Maria and Spring, With kayak packing tips from Spring the morning of our launch, and a few lessons on paddling technique, we were off, on one of those staggeringly beautiful Pacific NW days. Kayaking was pure pleasure. We saw seals, sea lions, jumping fish and even a couple of porpoises. My body and soul thanked me the entire way.
When we set up camp, the real surprises began—my fellow journeyers. Each woman gradually began to reveal herself at a soul level, with tears and laughter, with quirks and foibles, and all the masks of daily life gone. Over delicious meals, and relaxed circles, with stories, hikes, yoga on the beach and more, we grew to know each other, and ourselves in a way that is truly miraculous. What’s more, the presence of the Earth was always with us—in the sea, the summer wind, the land—and even the thieving raccoons. By the time we returned to our families and homes, we were renewed and newly sensitive to the beauty of this life and our fellow travelers in it.
If you are even a little bit curious and called to do something out of the ordinary, take this journey! It will change you—maybe a little, maybe a lot, but definitely for good. ~Althea P
I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity, not just a great adventure and an excuse to get outside, but a weekend full of amazing connection, incredible new friends, and- most importantly- a new- found sense of personal strength from the support of these incredible women! Much love and many thanks to Maria and Spring for this opportunity ~Hillary B
Maria and Spring are warm, welcoming and inviting to paddlers of all skill levels. And their attention to time spent together was transformative for me and for everyone else ~Ari L
In three days I have experienced joy, love, peace and a freedom that I had been missing for years. I am so grateful to Spring and Maria not only for what they offer but the beautiful people they bring into their fold. It’s unbelievable how quickly and closely we bonded, this coming from a loner and isolationist. I have more friends that I know will last a lifetime. From teenagers to the 70+s, we became one, we learned so much from each other. I have grown more in the last three days than in the last three years. Love to all my sisters always. ~Judy R
Wonderful collection of women! Embracing nature, challenges and life! I enjoyed my trip with Spring and Maria and would recommend for anyone looking for a bit of soul food 🙂