Wiles West - Testimonials

I have sailed on 9 houseboating trips with Jeff on Lake Powell and Lake Mead. All were wonderful experiences. Jeff is organized and conscientious, knowledgeable and a little bit wacky. Every trip with him has been great fun and exciting adventure.

This was the best vacation I have taken in nearly a decade. I would definitly recommend this trip to others. The accomodations were better than I expected and the food was some of the best I have had anywhere. Bathrooms and galley were clean and kept that way. I felt safe and that the Captains were in control and knew what they were doing. Each Captain had a special twist and grasp of subject matter that made geology, history and watercolor painting "come alive". The highlight of my trip was sleeping under the stars at Music Temple. I also enjoyed the sharing of responsibilities and duties. The sights and sounds of Lake Powell are wonderful, fantastic and ever-changing. Thank you and "the spirit of the canyon" for letting me feel feelings that have been missing for too long. It was "just what the doctor ordered".

Our week on a Lake Powell houseboat captained by Jeff Wiles was probably the most enjoyable travel experince of our lives. This was our eighth trip from Australia to the US and after traveling in 43 states, our fondest memories are of Lake Powell and the people that we travelled with. Jeff and his team provided an unforgetable adventure with professional skill, expertise and true friendship. The scenery of the Lake was only exceeded by Jeffs cooking and organisational know-how. Not a day goes by when we don't relive some part of the Lake Powell trip. We would do it again tomorrow if Jeff was involved.

The ultimate in Lake Powell houseboating, with great food and out of the way places.

Of the twenty-six weeks I have spent on the lake, most were with Jeff at the helm. (I have also been on regimented and restrictive trips dictated by some absentee group). His trips are people-oriented and personalized, revolving around the interests of his passengers and with enough time in the itinerary to include areas you may have heard about and would like to see.

With a cooler full of fresh veggies, enough meat for any carnivore and experience that comes from having owned restaurants, lots of thought goes into the meals and they are always memorable.

Whatever the changing water levels, I know of no one more experienced in where unmarked rocks may be just below the surface, where in-season waterfalls will be, or ideal anchoring spots and sheltered coves can be found for any direction the winds may blow.

All situations are handled calmly and professionally, and you can count on Jeff to go above and beyond to ensure your trip is the most memorable and enjoyable. As long as Capt Jeff is running trips, I will continue my visits to Lake Powell.

I joined four friends on one of Jeff's houseboat adventures. Because I have my own business and had been burning the candles at both ends for several months, I worried about whether I could adjust to floating on Lake Powell with no access to voicemail and email.

What I found out was that there was always something to do. We completed the preparation of meals that had been expertly organized by Jeff and his other captains; we took a watercolor painting class; we swam and we hiked. As each day went by, I let go of a little more of the outside world and focused on the amazing NOW. Watching the ever changing vistas brought wonder and serenity to my soul.

Jeff told us stories about the real wild west, and we were all captivated. Even though he has told those tales hundreds of times, he made them exciting for us. Without getting stuck even once, he led us between rocks that looked way too narrow for something as big as a houseboat to go through. I loved sleeping under the stars several nights.

I highly recommend a Lake Powell houseboat trip with Capt Jeff, especially for people who need a break from the high stress world.