Tortoise Tales
Now it's YOUR turn to talk! Got a Green Tortoise tale to tell? Every Tortoise trip is different, and every one is special. Here's a page for you to recount your own Green Tortoise stories and adventures.
Please use this page only to write about your Green Tortoise adventure trip experiences. To post other messages for Tortoise passengers, drivers, and friends, please use the Tortoise-2-Tortoise community bulletin board. (Posts may be edited for content or length. Webmaster may move entries from this page to Tortoise-2-Tortoise if it's appropriate)
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Steve, Washington DC USA
| National Parks Loop, August 2003 The folks that rode with me out of San Fran that night 8 years ago helped me remember who I was. Donna, Harry, Suzie, Geronimo, George, the irish singers, thebelgian lads, and our drivers, Barry and Erik, while riding at night, wandering canyons, swimming in muck, singing at fires, watching the asteroids light up the sky (ok, a little drunk those nights). The trip lit the spark of life in me that I had allowed to almost go out. Couple months later met the woman of my dreams that I would not have recognized had the tortoise trip not taught me to dream again. Ride the bus everyone! |
Mon Oct 10 02:28:27 CDT 2011
Irene Su, Malaysia
| GT’s trip is my first to USA with my 70yr old aunt & her 67yr old good friend (their second’s). 1 USD is 3X Malaysian ringgit. Airfare is expensive, too. So, I chose the longest i.e. 34D USA Explorer tour (Jun26-Jul29, 2011) for its maximum worth (sights/food/bed/transport and all) in one single trip. We had 3D in NY before and after our tour to enjoy cheaper airfares. It was truly an awesome experience travelling with GT for us. Enriched by a culture pot with multi-nationalities:- Americans, Canadian, Irish, British, French, Germans, Swiss, Slovakians, Sicilian, Aussies, Kiwis, Malaysians and Chinese in close quarters (bus) throughout 14, 17 or 34 days (11 of us). Imagine getting up in the morning and behold the nature’s wonders before one’s eyes, and eating healthy food for breakfasts/dinners (Thanks to GT’s professional drivers cum chefs/guides!) or just relax in such beautiful settings! And we always have ample time to explore to the max in any spot as compared to the normal tours which are ‘touch and go’ stuffs. The enviable remark, “You saw all these … I saw only this!” by my friends who saw my pictures. I must say I have never done and enjoyed this much trekking in my entire life, and I have seen more National Parks in one single trip than the average Americans do in their lifetime. Thanks to Angelina’s (an American of Puerto Rican origin) nudging! And her warm hospitality - she even invited us to stay in her apartment after our trip in New York. Her mum came by to see us, too! And I just love GT hostel in San Francisco! Such a homely place + equipped kitchenette in a central spot with unlimited supply of cold and hot drinks, and free breakfasts (and dinners on only Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) and free internet! Not forgetting, being served by a bunch of friendly and helpful staff. Now, I am eyeing the Mexico and Central America. If not next year, here I come in 2013, GT! Irene, Batu Caves |
Thu Sep 1 10:21:48 CDT 2011
Allison Gallagher, New orleans, LA
| My first Tortoise trip was in Oct. 2000 on a southern cross country from New York to SF. It was one of the best times in my life, so when the opportunity arose to go on The Pyramids and Playas tour in 2005 I jumped at it. On one of our stops in Belize I met a guy named Norman. He worked as a boat captain for Ragamuffin Tours on the island of Caye Caulker. We hit it off right away and had a great time for the few days we were stopped there. After the tour ended back in Cancun I decided, instead of returning to the States I would go back to Belize to see Norman and I am glad I did. Norman and I have been married for 3 1/2 years and had our son, Nolan, in March. I thought what are the chances of meeting the love of your life on a tortoise trip, but after reading other posts I realize the chances are pretty good. So thank you Green Tortoise, now we are just waiting until our son is old enough to take with us. I think life is much richer for all those who have performed 'the miracle' |
Fri Aug 5 16:36:49 CDT 2011
Bob Mielke, Portland, OR
| I took the Canyons of the West tour with 35 amazing travelers from eight different Countries. Ages ranged from 16 to 72. We saw triple rainbows, deer, and scenic wonders in five national parks. We departed with 35 new friends and memories for a lifetime. I highly reccomend trying out an adventure tour. - Bob |
Wed Jul 27 21:44:52 CDT 2011
Tarn Stephanos, Boston MA
| I took the cross country Green Tortoise bus adventure back in 1999, from Boston to San Francisco. I have since traveled abroad to Europe and Australia, but NOTHING compares to traveling by Green Tortoise. An amazing time! My advice- be as outgoing as you can and you will make some great friends. It's been over 10 years, and i have never forgotten that experience! Sometimes lifelong friendships and romances form on Green Tortoise adventures . A couple that met on my trip later dated & married. Nothing quite as romantic as meeting someone special on the Green Tortoise. peace! |
Thu Sep 23 21:04:30 CDT 2010
Sandi Tye (Eikhoudt), Perth Western Australia
| I did 3 GT tours from 89-91.Since then I have travelled most parts of the World, but I can Honestly say the GT tours I did rank as some of my best Travel Memories and Stories i have. I was a 19year old girl travelling the world on my own, there was no Internet back then LOL so I washed the GT bus's to earn credits for my trip! Thanks GT all these years later I can still smile widely when I think of those days, Kingy, Syd, Maggie & Monique I still think of you all. 'Not Like Your Last Bus Ride' |
Wed Mar 10 12:19:18 CST 2010
Avi, NYC
| Looking for GT Rider / Friend! I traveled with GT in the summer of '88 (Nat'l Parks Loop). On board was a rider named Victor, who was no stranger to the Tortoise having been on 8 trips previous (Alaska, Baja, etc.) and most likely several after as well. He worked as a translator at a 'school for the deaf'. Our drivers... this trip included Bob & Simone. Does anybody know Victor or know how he can be reached? Even leads would help - as I would like to drop him a line and say hi! Please send replies via email. Visualize World Peace! |
Sun Mar 7 12:42:06 CST 2010
joseph, Oxford UK
| 13 years ago today I got on the Tortoise, Driven by Roaul and Bill. $300 bucks to my name, I put my bag on top of a pile in the back, And got on to go across the border From San Diego to Rosas. At the border there's some Canadian chick, going, 'I lost bag, I lost my passport', I ask her if she's got a light, She looks at me with daggers in her eyes. She remembers I got on at Ralph's in SD - Guess where her passport is - In her bag under my bag. Later that night, on the road, she's all lit up, bluest eyes I ever saw, We hook up over a bottle of greasy cheap tequila, on the run from Ensenada to Rosas. I'm supposed to get off, but negotiate with the drivers, stay on till La Paz. I guess we never really got unhooked, Down to Playa Escondido, Cook outs, camp fires, dog called Pulpo. Stayed on after La Paz, down to Cabo, and back up again, All the way to Ensenada. Married 6 months after medeting, And now 13 years later, Got ourselves a boy and a girl Living in rural Oxfordshire by way Of Tenessee, The Panhandles, Vancouver, New York,London, Paris and Barcelona. Don't get off the bus. |
Tue Feb 9 02:14:56 CST 2010
Joel Osbrink, Los Angeles, California
| 10 years ago; I was a ripe age of 18, and I took the Northern cross country tour. San Fransisco to Boston 14 day tour. Sometimes, it's hard to realize it was really 10 years ago...but I can definatly say that some of the greatest life experiences, and friends have come from that trip. I'm still in contact with a lot of the other Tortoise. I keep my pictures where ever I go, talk to the people and relish the memories. If I ever have a chance, I'll do it again...but I have to say; all and all, this is where some of the finest parts of one's life can be experienced! If anyone reads this and remembers: Narley misses you! |
Mon Jan 4 00:03:05 CST 2010
Jen, Los Angeles
| Had a wonderful time in the summer (July?) of 1994 with my friend Bahman, took the trip from San Francisco to NYC/Boston. Lots of amazing people on the trip, my life would never really be the same afterwards. Would love to reconnect with any of the friends we made who happened to be on that trip with us. |
Tue Sep 22 16:40:39 CDT 2009
Sage, San Francisco
| I took my first trip (Yosemite) on the GT in October 1989 (wow, almost 20 years ago!). Met great people from all over the world on that trip. Still correspond frequently to a German friend I met. I also did the 15-day Baja trip back in December 1991. It rained most of the time and we had some interesting moments pulling the bus out of the mud, but it was blast! Just might have to take another trip one of these days. |
Tue Jan 13 23:03:32 EST 2009
Niyaso, Asheville, NC
| I find myself yearning for contact with some of the Tortoise crew from the mid 80's when I was in and out of the scene then, I think I drove my last trip in August or 1987. I still have regularly occurring dreams of being on bus trips. Those were some very special times for me, still have some great photos of the trips and times when the GT was my life. Love ya GK!!! |
Mon Dec 15 21:24:18 EST 2008
Robin Poole, Taos NM
| Wow, talk about coming full circle. I took my first GT trip to Alaska back in '93 or '94. I had so much fun, I became a driver the following summer. True to tortoise form, I hooked up with another driver (Walter Brennan) and had a daughter with him in '97. Now, years later, I'm about to take our daughter on a Baja trip this Friday. She's 11 now and has grown up seeing pix, hearing stories and hanging out with former drivers. It should be interesting to see how she handles the actual experience! Anybody out there remember Walter, Gina, Chris, Gaunt, Emma, Bryon, Mac, Paul, Syd, Bruno or Kate? I still hang out with some of these characters and would love to hear some stories to tease them about! |
Sun Dec 7 03:15:11 EST 2008
Chantal, China
| With Jimmy and Matty behind the wheel, we set off from SF to NY. I learned that the US is unexpectedly beautiful. This trip really changed my life, really... On this trip I met some really cool people, but one in particular. Now, three years later, we're still together and teaching English in China. I can't imagine what my life would look like if I hadn't taken that trip. |
Thu Jul 3 21:45:11 EDT 2008
Alena, Germany, Cologne
| Hey guys, I am back home again und write to you quick, as long as my jet lag last, and before the everyday life has me back. This was my first visit in the USA, -I made the trip “the Best of the West” - and I am really glad that I made it with the Green Tortoise. We have seen nice places and great parks I couldn't have imagined to be any more impressive. Our driver were great, they give us the security to have everything under control. They were very friendly and take care of every member of the group. We were 9-10 different nations and mixed ages. 30 people interact with everybody friendly and amicable. ActuallyI the Americans are verry polite and friendly with each other, and have a kind of easiness. That is a thing I miss her in Germany badly. But also I am missing the highlight of our tour, -and I speak here for the whole female community of the GT-bus! The highlight to see Lukas, our driver, dancing. First he gave us a promising foretaste. And that was all. Lika our social leader asked Lukas for a dance, a few times, but he did not become soft. What a bummer! Actualy the whole tour was a really great experience and I could get on the bus again, at once. Certainly I will make another tour with the Green Tortoise, and hope to brush up my English, till than. Best wishes Alena,July 2008 |
Fri Mar 14 22:26:38 EDT 2008
monksee, AZ.,Calif, Colo.
| Reading tortoise tales takes me back, and plants a smile on my face.I drove thr GT from77-8? As I read peoples stories they are so similiar to my own expierences,it is amazing how a feeling can be kept alive forever,your stories are my stories. It makes me feel proud to have been a part of this creation. Also sad to not be recreating these journeys presently. Instead I have taken up moving with the seasons and starting my business anew in each location. So much to expierence, I truly sense there is no end to the journey. Enjoy. Hi Lyle |
Fri Aug 31 06:18:07 EDT 2007
Edwards, from Berlin
| Tortoise Fans, who knows whether the green tortoise offers trips through Florida? And such in case there is no tour, which other possibility do people have if they don´t want to see part of the country and are not willing to use a boring bus trip. Want to travel with my 11 year old son had we are looking for a lot of fun. Thanks for your tips. Doris Edwards |
Fri Jun 15 07:01:20 EDT 2007
Randy Janis, New York
| It was the summer of 2004 when I boarded the famous bathroomless bus that took him from 718 West 178th street, in New York City, to the Golden Gate Bridge in California. Of the 23 individuals on board, 4 were American, the remainder from other spots on the globe including, but not limited to, England, Ireland, Denmark, France, Estonia, and Japan. 12 days in all. Average age = 25. The bus, which more closely resembles a rock star's touring bus than a conventional bus, can sleep 36!!! As you enter the bus there are 2 cushioned benches immediately to your right and left. (The benches open into a large bed). The middle of the bus is comprised of 2 tables (which convert into bunk beds at night). The remainder of the bus is sleeping quarters on a raised platform. Beds also hang from the ceiling of the bus at the level where belongings would normally be stored. The drivers alternate keeping their respective feet on the gas. When they are not driving they are sleeping in a small enclosure at the very end of the bus. The food is vegetarian for the most part and near gourmet!!! All GTians help to prepare the meals and clean the dishes. OODLES OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best meal memory = preparing omelettes beneath the beautiful Rocky Mountains!!!!!!! Favorite spot: soaking in soothing natural hot springs in Mystic, Utah. Heavenly!!!! Trip route was as follows: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. A wonderful memory! |
Fri May 25 18:13:56 EDT 2007
Willliam, London, UK
| I was living in San Francisco then and needed to get away. I took a two week trip to Baja with Gardner and Hiawatha driving. I was surprised that the male / female ratio was 50/50 and no one seemed to be attached. On second of February 1981 while the GT was going past the San Onofre nuclear power station I met two English Girls on an American tour. We hit Husong’s in Ensanada that night. “Husong’s Cantina is the sleaziest bar in Mexico!” someone announced, “That’s why the Tortoise stops there!” replied Hiawatha. The first morning in Mexico, Gardner announced, that neither he nor Hiawatha were the cooks, so if anyone decided to get breakfast together, we could eat, if not….. It was culinary anarchy from then on, but we always ate and rather well, I thought. By the time we hit La Paz, I was pretty much paired off with one of those English girls. Gardner said our trip was a 9 out of 10 and he had only ever been on one 10. I would give it a 10. Should you decide to take a trip, just keep it in mind that, you are the trip, and by the way, I am still paired off with that English girl. |
Sat May 19 13:40:52 EDT 2007
| I recently went to Death Valley. Totally incredible! The drivers, the scenery, the people ... nothing else like it! |
Mon Apr 30 06:30:10 EDT 2007
daisy, england
| yoyoyo its daisy may! |
Wed Apr 11 10:49:36 EDT 2007
kathryn grant, scotland
| I went form San Fran to New York in the Aug of 89. It was a revelation to me and I loved it! I remember waking up on the first morning and hearing pipe music - looking out the window and seeing naked people in a lake! It continued like that - sleeping out by hot springs, having an awesome sesh in th emiddle of the badlands, canoeing on snake river, eating pizza in chicago and crying ehrn it ended. I wonder if any remembers that trip? Esp Steve from New York who I corresponded with for a while. Any way its my happy place and I hope its still going when my daughter is older so she can do it to. |
Tue Mar 20 22:38:40 EDT 2007
Diana Ramstad, Meodowlakes Alaska
| I just took the Death Valley Trip in California and i highly recommnend it, The Food is excellent and sleeping on a bus with about 19 others is an awesome expierence basically the first night we drove all night to Zabriskie Point and then had the option of a 3 mile Hike or take the bus around and meet everyone, i choose to take the bus around and then ended up walking with a fellow traveler and we climbed some side areas it was great fun and then we also saw some craters and also played on some Sand Dunes, The first night we slept on the bus then we spent two nights at the Death Valley Campsite and it was great fun and again the food was delicious.. The last day we where ther we went to Mosaic Canyon and that was a great hike only about 2 miles its pretty easy even for me and im older and a little bit heavy and honestly i had a great time... Meeting my fellow passangers was awesome ther was 18 of us plus our awesome Drivers Dave and Mattie who both are completly cool people... I defently recommend this trip and other trips and will be taking more trips with Green Tortoise in the future all ready planning trips to Yosimite and ther 16 day Parks trip anyway, I had a blast, Diana |
Tue Oct 31 14:02:29 EST 2006
Noa Bar-Chen, Israel
| When I said to my friends in Israel that I'm going to make a trip that I found through the Internet, with 36 people in the same bus for two weeks, they told me that I'm creasy. I came to the trip by my self with no idea that it's going to be maybe the best trip I ever did in my life. After two years in the Israeli army, I wanted to get out a bit and to see and meet new people and places. The people that I met on the trip were wonderful! And maybe that is the reason why the trip was so great. We have been in amazing places. It was my first time in USA and I fell in love with the views, the open spaces, the beaches and the feeling of freedom. Noa, Israel |
Mon May 1 21:55:51 EDT 2006
Gary, Bermuda
| I've done three tortoise trips in the past and had a great time each time. The novelty does not wear off in fact my 3rd trip was the best. Doing another this year. Lurve it. Gary |
Fri Apr 21 15:43:00 EDT 2006
hank , Salt lake City, UTAH
| My trip to seattle was one of the best trips I have been on in years. There was a friendly staff and of course free breakfast every morning. There's nothing I would Change about the tortoise. Great old school atmosphere and great people to get to know.. Only a couple of blocks from the market place where you can stuff yourself with crabs and great wine tasting. I would recommend this place to anyone going on a extended vacation. |
Thu Mar 23 14:44:24 EST 2006
Meredith, New York, NY
| Just wanted to say that I went on the September 10-19, 2004 Canyons of the West trip and it was amazing, a completely unforgettable experience that I will look back on fondly for the rest of my life. I know that sounds so cheesy and the kind of thing every travel website tells you, but it's the truth. I even made a romantic connection that is still going on. :) I definitely plan to go on another GT trip. Really, where else can you travel for 9 days for $500? Can't beat it. |
Tue Feb 14 15:49:29 EST 2006
Andy, NY
| I remember we left Yosemite after the first full day driving on the 120 East out of YSP to rte 395 and ended up camping in some high country probably north of Mono lake. The moonlight lit up the desert floor and it was so cold that a wolf howled and shattered the silence of that high desert. Is there anyone who remembers where we were that night? I stayed up 'til 5AM hangin' around the campfire and got nicely toasted... |
Sat Jan 14 01:51:20 EST 2006
Michael Jacobs, Danville, CA
| Took the New York to San Francisco trip in July, 1982. Awsome, in every way. Tremendous vegitarian meals, beautiful sights, and while in Las Vegas, I won $220 (alot in those days.) One great memory was stopping at Loon Lake in Southwest Minnasota. The driver announced that we would swim here, and clothing was optional. To my delight, I was suddenly surrounded by forty naked people! I'd never been in anything like this before, and must admit that I tried to absorb more than an eyefull. Actually, everyone was mellow and cool, and it was not a big deal. Nonetheless, to the excitement of a young man like myself, who was wet behind the ears, it was my first time with a naked group of people, and was mind-blowing. Anyway, Long Live the Green Tortoise! |
Wed Dec 14 19:18:31 EST 2005
Shary , Boise
| Around 1990-91 or so, I rode the Tortoise from Eugene, Oregon to San Francisco one way and the Greyhound back. For a young girl traveling alone it was a safe haven compared to my nightmarish midnight ride back on the alternative. I have fond memories of the outdoor-home made dinner, beautiful river and steam hut. A 'soft adventure' where I met great people including a girl from Australia! Glad to see the Tortoise is still moving along. |
Tue Nov 29 13:29:28 EST 2005
Jim Geezil, California
| Spring 1989. I was 19 years old. The trip was from Boston to San Francisco. I remember the drivers, Patrick and 'Big Bird', the experience brought me to Zion, Utah for the first time, I'm just returning from there recently. The tortoise opened up the western part of the US for me. Originally from the northeast, I've been living in the west for more than ten years now. This bus service is so much more than a leasure trip/travel service, it is an oportunity to discover. With the risk of sounding sappy, I'll say no more. The people who were on that trip in 89 can know that they were missed , because that 19 year old young man weaped for days when it was over. What a great experience! Does anyone else remember that year? |
Sat Nov 12 00:53:13 EST 2005
Jane Chesshir, Los Angeles County, CA
| I took the cross country trip (westbound from Boston) in the summer of 1980. Things sure have changed for the GT and in the best ways stayed the same. I met a lot of great folks from all over the US and Europe on that trip. I hope to take another trip, this time with my family. On that trip I met some people from England. We ended our trip in San Fransisco. I traveled by bus down to the LA area to my brother's apartment for his wedding. These English folks hithched down to LA to take a plane back to England from LA. The man that picked them up and brought them to Los Angeles offered them a place to stay. It turned out to be 3 doors down from my brother's apartment. Go figure. If you know how big Los Angeles is you'd understand how surprised we all were to run into each other again, before they left for Europe. I'd love to know where all those people ended up after 25 years of life! Thanks to the Green Tortoise people for providing such a great way to travel and meet people. |
Sun Oct 16 16:32:25 EDT 2005
Shelley (Allen) Brinkley, Wilmington, NC
| To tell my story in only 500 words is impossible. I first decided to hop a GT bus in Boston to SanFran at the beginning of summer 2003. The same summer, I took the Eastbound back to Boston AND spontaneously hopped a Westbound bus back to SanFran that September. And that's when the best part of my story began. A friend from the first bus trip that summer and I decided randomly to hop another westbound bus. We contacted the GT office and a few days later, we parked at a park and ride at midnight in Staunton, VA and watched as our new GT bus rounded the corner. We grabbed our small duffel bags and with my thumbs gripping the straps of my newly bought walmart backpack, we climbed the steps of my 3rd GT bus of the summer. The adrenaline that was running through my body kept me up most of the first night. My friend and I arrived at the Smoky Mtns and hiked with such determination that first day. We even had the experience of waking up on a white sandy beach in Florida to see the sun rise us to our feet in the morning. My friend got off in New Orleans, but I decided to take the bus all the way to SanFran. Although most of the people on the bus got along, I mostly hung out with a guy from england, a girl from Scotland, and a guy from Florida. We swam in rivers, we partied in New Orleans, hiked into Bryce, we connected. At one point, while waiting to board the bus in Zion, I returned a call to my grandmother. She asked me if i remembered my cousin Gregory. I hadn't seen him since i was like 2! She told me he was on a GT bus that left NYC two days before I got on in VA. I asked my grandmother what his last name was. . .and guess what??? the guy from Florida and I had been hanging out the entire trip! The guy from Florida was my grandmother's sister's son! I could not believe that I had been riding a bus (a bus i spontaneously hoppped!) with a long lost cousin! We are now best of friends and keep in touch all the time. He even made it up from Florida to attend my wedding this past spring. |
Thu Oct 6 09:08:43 EDT 2005
Will Christie, London
| A friend and myself travelled with Green Tortoise in 1997 from San Fran to New York on the Northern Route. It was the final part of our trip around the world, and we had to get to New York. It was one of the best experiences of my travels. We saw this amazingly beautiful country in a truly original manner. We met some great fun people from all parts of the world, with whom we shared our home on wheels for two weeks. We also had many Americans, who just wanted to explore their country. You stop quite a lot, but just enjoying the wonderful views as we travelled along, beer in hand, talking and laughing with new friends would have been enough. You see great things, talk with people who you would never have and cross the States all in one go. Taking a plane is boring. Do it! |
Wed Sep 21 21:24:33 EDT 2005
Bob Knee, Naples Florida
| Where do I start to comment on GT experiences. Should I start with the old schoolbus as co-driver from Boston to San Francisco. What year was that Gardner? 1974? And when I needed a break from other activities (running a national rideshare, driving for GR and American Gypsy)GK would put me to work. There was the return trip from NY to SF in 1976, the trips to Seattle. Then there was the trip to the Rahjneesh ranch in central Oregon. They were only moments in the whole experience of driving busloads of open, receptive human beings who, in the majority, were able to commune with another for the time spent on the trips. Some great memories of Mardi Gras, swimming in the Colorado on the California side (lots of naked people).I will cherish the memories of GT and most of all of GK. I will forever be thankful to him for inviting me to his home on the mountain (Star) and allowing me to share while he played a flute to the eagles as they soared on thermals. That on experience did more for my head than all the therapy I've had in 58 years. Someday I will write from the trip log I kept of those trips where passengers wrote their thoughts and addresses, kind of like this page. I could go on forever but there is a limit. |
Sun Oct 31 08:42:46 EST 2004
Marco, Berlin, Germany [http://community.webshots.com/user/marcoontour]
| forget the link below, use this one to look at my 'canyons of the west' photos. |
Tue Sep 28 11:51:55 EDT 2004
Marco, Berlin, Germany [http://crazygerman.photo.fm]
| can't descibe my 'canyons of the west' trip. check out the pictures! |
Thu Jul 15 00:51:07 EDT 2004
| GT was such an awesome experience. I took the costa rica loop with GT in April 04'. I came home with so many memories and met some great people whom I still keep in contact with via Email. My favorite times were the 'late nights', everyone would stay up late and things would just get crazy. For me GT was just a time to grow as a person and I feel I became more openminded. I am in the process of gathering some money to go on the Mardi Gras trip soon!! I recommend GT to anyone who can handle getting their feet wet, their hands a little dirty, and if your 'down' to meet some cool people and have a good time! |
Thu Jun 24 03:19:43 EDT 2004
Caroline, Scotland [Globetrotter Inns]
| I travelled on the Sunny southern, yosemite and canyons of the west trips in late summer/autumn '03. I finished off in Vegas on my 21st - wow!! GT you showed me a USA that I did not know existed - it is a beautiful country and so much more than just New York, LA and Disneyland. I only wish more people could experience the US GT-style. An aussie workmate is on his way to the US this summer and I have persuaded him to use GT not to drive himself! Don't let me down guys - I hope his trip is as amzing as mine! My experience with you guys also made me realise that I want to spend my life in the hospitality industry so here I am back in Scotland and working at a backpackers - not earning a lot but enjoying my work - the one ambition I always had - so thank you GT. |
Wed May 26 10:16:20 EDT 2004
Susan, Glasgow, Scotland [http://]
| Green Tortoise is a very special experience. I holidayed alone in California back in '98 and did the Muir Woods day trip,the LA commute and the Yosemite trip July. I met some wonderful people. Sarah from London became a great friend and we went on further trips together to France and in the UK. She did a reading at my wedding and I'm looking forward to attending hers later this year. I also made loads of other pals from loads of other countries. I even got some of my photos printed in the brochure the next year. GT makes you realise that the world is full of like minded special people. The politicians of the world should take a trip, they'd be better people for it. I have a baby daughter now and one day I shall encourage her to take similar trips and meet similar people - it's good for the soul. Happy Travelling. X |
Tue Apr 13 21:28:57 EDT 2004
tizzie c, new jersey usa [http://]
| hey i've been on three cross countries. westbound may 94 and oct 96 eastbound june 94. the tortoise changed my life. to john and hellen of sydney i miss you and erin and jesse. oona where did you go. and what ever happened to capt. ron? i have since had a daughter who hears and sees of my travels often. she will be on board as soon as she reaches a magic age. kate and bryon what ever happened to all my drivers? capt bill you are still my best birthday kiss. ii love you all. it sounds sick but i can't wait to spend another two weeks without soap and a shower at the same time. and hey what ever happened to the tortoise cookbook? i've tried but my meatless stroganoff sux. till next time keep on rollin. and don't get stuck in the mud. tizzie cregan usa |
Sun Nov 23 05:22:05 EST 2003
Harry Betteridge, Sydney Australia [http://]
| Here is a little song I wrote about the Sept 8th east to west Tortoise trip. Not being a real musician I had to steal the lyrics so I apologise to Deep Purple. SMOKE FROM THE SPEAKER We started out in Boston,heading for San Fran. On a tortoise bus called Spanky,we didn't have a plan. Jimmy drove us solo, into New Orleans town but some stupid got arrested slowed the pace down. Smoke from the speaker, another Walmart carpark, (another Walmart carpark), Smoke from the speaker. They burnt rubber down to Galviston Island, waking on the ferry ride. Long haul across Texas, Lyle & Jimmy got us to the other side. The Carlsbad ranger said bats are fascinating right. Steaming mystic hot tubs, some stayed in all night. Smoke from the speaker, another Walmart carpark (another Walmart carpark), Smoke from the speaker. Saw the sunrise over Bryce Canyon, was plenty cold there. But when the bus rolled out of Zion, it was time to let down our hair. Hit the tables in Vegas, left with a little debt. No matter what we got out of this,I know,I know, we'll never forget. Smoke from the speaker, another Walmart carpark, (another Walmart carpark) Smoke from the speaker. |
Sun Nov 9 19:14:43 EST 2003
Santana, SanFransisco, California [http://]
| Went crossed country on the GT from Boston to SanFran. I was moving from Maine(where I've lived my whole life)to SF.Was the youngest person on the bus 17, (which I expected) but had the best time of my life! The people, passengers and drivers, were great as well as the food, the scenery,the music, and everything else!I would recomend a trip on the GT to any one, can't wait to do another myself. Peace everyone, c-ya on the bus! |
Tue Nov 4 02:17:30 EST 2003
| This past August ('03) I took my first Tortoise trip. It was actually my first real trip out of the country without my family. At 19 I was the second youngest on the trip, and noticed it the first day. A few hours later I quickly bonded with others. The rest of the trip was more than I had ever imagined. Remote beaches all to ourselves and beautiful waterfalls. Seeing all of the sloths, monkeys, and other exotic animals was an unbelievable experience. A few of us even went bungee jumping the morning of our departure from the country. I had the time of my life and have already visited some friends I made on the trip. I never hesitate for a second to recommend the Costa Rica trip to anyone...it was the best!!! |
Tue Nov 4 01:42:11 EST 2003
David, Austin [Green Tortoise Grand Canyon Trip Sept. 2000]
| Just updating my entry below with the correct URL (free of adverts now!).... I put together a site of pictures from our Green Tortoise Grand Canyon trip (now called Canyons of the West) of Sept 15, 2000. Check them out if you want to get a heads up on what kind of things you'll see or just to get a glimps of the whole experience. Comments welcome! |
Fri Sep 19 19:11:53 EDT 2003
Brenna, Oakland, CA [Yosemite 2-day Tour, April 2003]
| This was my birthday present to myself this year, and hands-down was the best birthday I've ever had! Can't wait till next year. |
Sat Dec 14 18:04:11 EST 2002
Paul W. Neville, Seattle, Washington [Paul W. Neville]
| My first tour with the Tortoise was the Sunny Southern route from Boston to SF in May 1998. It changed my life. While the trip may have been in my home country it was my first international experience as I was surrounded by passengers of 14 different nationalities. It inspired me to see the world. Now, five years, 43 states, 52 countries, and a two year Peace Corps tour in Tonga I am finally returning home to pursue a more stationary life that the Green Tortoise caused me to delay for so long. That is, until the Tortoise gets its hands on me again... |
Tue Oct 29 18:17:12 EST 2002
Peter Cawthron [Sunny Southern Trip 09/20/02]
| I really want to publicly thank Ted and Sue for making this trip for me. I have been on Tortoise Trips before and I am well aware that the quality of the Drivers can make or break a trip. This one was excellent. There is more to a Tortoise Driver than the ability to drive a bus. The ability to make ice cream is also useful! |
Mon Oct 28 20:11:50 EST 2002Wendy and Thomas Bismark, Germany [http://]
| Dear Green Tortoise, We have sent you a picture of us on our wedding day 21st September 2002. We met in September 1995 on the green tortoise tour bus from Boston to San Fransisco. Thomas is from Germany and I am from the United Kingdom. We were both working in the US prior to the trip, I was an Au Pair in Southboro (near Boston) for one year and Thomas was at Harvard Med School for three months. We fell in love on the bus trip and we had the most fantastic time, memories that will stay with us forever. We said goodbye to each other in San Fran and I went back to Boston and then to the UK. Thomas went to LA and then back to Boston and then back to Germany. We met up again three months later for new year's eve 1996 in Germany. We knew that we were still very much in Love and I decided to move to Germany. We both moved together to Munich, were we are still living and almost eight years to the day that we met we got married here in Munich. You might what to print this letter in your brochure or Newsletter and let everyone know that the green tortoise brings people together in the strangest of ways. We found our soul mates on the green tortoise and would love to tell others planning to take a trip with the green tortoise just how wonderful it can be. |
Thu Dec 6 08:08:27 EST 2001
Barbara Mayer, Palombara, Italy [http://www.geocities.com/barb_mayer/panama/journal.htm]
| I was fortunate enough to be part of the Tortoise's pioneer journey to Panama in 1998. Although we never did reach our anticipated destination, the Darien Peninsula (seems our boat driver had a better offer), we did view the eclipse from Isla Taboga and along the way encountered tropical jungles, deserted beaches, friendly monkeys, and lots of unexpected adventures. Click on my link for more details and pictures. |
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