“You & Kate ... are outstanding people and role models”.

“I think of you often (not surprising since pictures of our trip are on my desktop), and given your journaling skills and vast experience, you would be doing society a great service if you wrote a Memoir about your life. Your experiences both as someone who raised a family in the wild and a guide, give you an insight into a life close to nature that carries far more weight and credentials than someone even as famous as Thoreau. It would be a pity if only those enough fortunate enough to be able to afford your services are the only ones who are privileged to gain your insight. You also have a reverence in your approach to nature that is evident in the way you conduct your daily life in the woods. Anyway, whether or not you ever pursue this is not my business, but I wanted to share my own thoughts as someone who has been lucky enough to take a trip with you.”

“It was certainly a “road less traveled” that took Mark from an apartment in Chicago (as a boy) to the Alaskan tundra…He lived in Helena Montana, Fairbanks, Alaska and several places that claim no name. He was always outdoors, spending time with Fish and Game and Search and rescue. He’s an authority on wildfire management... has a graduate degree in education. He is perhaps the most able man guiding in the Alaska Wilderness. His trips are spent focused on success and safety, while his clients concentrate on fishing, rafting, and camping…” 2006 “The Creek” in press.

“We had a GREAT time with you, as usual, and can't wait to plan another trip. This year I was struck by the fact that we followed a small Alaskan river to the sea, the Bering Sea! I was yet again overcome by the abundance of fish, a testament to the fact that it is all about habitat quality. There were smiles as big as the mighty rainbow and slivers we caught. Beautiful days spent on a remote river with friends and family catching and releasing wild fish ­ it truly does not get any better”.

“The kids and young men had a great time… Are there any other rivers we should consider next year? The length of river and time we spent on the Goodnews was perfect. Thanks again for your help.”

“We all made it home in time to go to college, and work. Our gear didn’t make it home for a few days later, The fish made it frozen; they spent three nights in a freezer in Denver. The trip was something very special! One cannot make others understand the countryside, the river, or the sky, with the pictures we took, although we try. The fish, no other place has the variety of species with such vivid colors. And we all enjoyed our host; it was nice to get to know you and the things you shared with us, not to mention your one hell of a cook”!

“Thanks for the memories. It was truly a remarkable trip. I told my wife there was nothing on which I would have improved - even the weather…” Best Regards.

“I just finished reading the report of our 2006 trip. Nicely written. Thoughtful and generous. A joy to reflect on those days and nights and travel on the river. The splendor of it all. It was incredible and was deeply absorbed and still remains a treasure. thanks again your friend. Leslie Terzian.”

“First and foremost, I had a great time. The nice rainbows and dollies upriver were enough to keep me happy, and I would have been perfectly content without the fabulous silver fishing that followed. However, when you can watch the V of a silver salmon coming directly at you chasing the smaller V of a polly- or techno-wog and then hitting it and leaping out of the water, it's hard to beat the excitement and exhilaration. Although the weather was the pits, you (and we, I suppose as well) had everything we needed to survive in relative comfort. Our routine end-of-the-day happy hours were a great way to recount the events of the day while looking forward to another gourmet offering from Mark's kitchen. Everyday offered a new adventure and challenge... Thanks for a great week. I hope we can do it again.”

“I have a flood of memories from Alaska, but two are remarkably clear. I remember following Mark up through the alder, and what have, you one drizzling morning, wondering if we should really be worrying that much about bear, wondering whether it was really a good idea to leave my waders on and realizing I was as wet inside as I was outside. It felt distinctly icky and sweaty for awhile and then it was ok. Then on one of our last mornings on the river discovering that if the wind died and if the sun was at the precisely right angle, beneath us a scrolling aquarium emerged. all best.”

“It does seem like a long time ago now that we dragged that raft in anticipation of great fish down stream. A few thoughts come to mind immediately when I reflect on the trip. The beauty of the upper river is an indelible memory. Watching that bear graze blue berries as he meandered down to the river is indicative of what those float trips are all about. There is also a lingering sense of accomplishment over completing the rigorous path we traveled from creek to river and back. First, the (unnamed river) lived up to expectations when it comes to high quality fishing on a very remote river. Tough to get to but worth the journey. For me, the fishing is the point of the journey and we were not disappointed. …We had a chance to use a variety of techniques as the river presented different fishing situations and different species. ... And the top water fishing for fresh silver salmon was as good as it gets anywhere, anytime. What more could you ask for than big fresh silvers chasing down a fly you tied a few days before the trip? Finally, I was pleased that the prolonged ending to our weather delayed return to civilization did not test our civility or our commitment to having a good time. …. Can’t wait for your recommendations for the next great adventure.”

Great trip. Great memories. Most rewarding for being such a small group and not beholden to a fixed or strict itinerary. The pace was perfect. Looking forward to another trip in the near future.

I want to thank you and Richard for hosting a fishing trip from which I harvested an abundance of wonderful memories and new friendships...