I have never, in my 55 years, stiffed a guide on their tip before. But I was blown away by how rude, unprofessional and nasty my guide, Daniel, was to me a few weeks ago.And how he put my safety at risk.
We called LOVEHIKES, which got stellar reviews, about the 5 am hike but explained we had no way of getting coffee. We were assured it was no problem. We asked about the extreme hike and were told you needed an adventurous spirit. I’m in good shape (hiking 2 /3 times a week),so I felt confident.
The tour was a disaster from the very beginning.
I can’t complain to your boss, Daniel because you seem to be the boss which explains the confidence in your abuse and total disrespect for me, your customer. I have never had such a terrible and dangerous tour. Here is my personal letter to you.
Dear Daniel,
I was so looking forward to this tour! I needed this boost as recently there was a death in my family and this is what the doctor ordered!
I was up at 5 am, waiting for the tourbus and when I asked about the coffee you told me it was a special favour. I wondered aloud if it was a common problem and you said no that there were lots of 24 hour Starbucks in the area. I chattered away, but you barely answered. Regardless that “there are many Starbucks in the area”, we drove an hour before you stopped at a gas station for awful coffee, warning me 3 times to be quick or we’d miss sunrise.That set the tone of the day.
I tried making amends.Perhaps we had gotten off on the wrong foot? Tonelessly, you answered,” everything was fine. No problem.What bad foot?“Yup,nope, maybe”. I felt miserably trapped. I cried in your car, Daniel, even before the hike. Now, i wonder what kind of person completely ignores a middle aged woman who is crying in their car? You asked us if we feared heights. No, we said. And we began climbing.
Then we came down. Huge sheets of sandstone at a horrifyingly steep angle which then dropped off, sheer cliffs at either side.You led ,we followed.You gave us little instruction. Helpless we were faced with this really terrifying descent. I’m not afraid of heights but am petrified of was falling off a cliff! You were furious. “Hurry up!”
I would have been more adventurous if you had been the least bit encouraging, helpful, understanding, or kind. Instead you were blaming, criticizing, brutally correcting. On the precipice I asked for techniques you could share; A way of placing our feet, which crevices to use. You answered, ‘there are no techniques just use your common sense”. I was beside myself, honestly thinking i was going to fall into the canyon. I asked you what the correct way to fall was. “Don’t fall head first”.
And, worst thing of all, Daniel was that you put our safety at risk with your irresponsible behavior. We were instructed to bring knapsacks and one of the women carried a heavy bag in her hand. During the last treacherous descent you started shouting at her to use both hands. And finally, grudgingly, took it from her. You had watched her carry it all the way down that mountain.
But, hey, what do you care? We signed the paper absolving you of responsibility.
Sincerely, Susannah