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Independent Journeys PDF Print E-mail

First Class Independent Travel

Let BattenKill Canoe Design a Private Trip for You.

Independent Journeys with BattenKill are based on our experience and existing itineraries are modified for people who like to travel on their own, but who still want to experience the superb itinerary design, great accommodations, unique experiences that are the signature of traveling with BattenKill. We have been creating unique small group adventures since 1983. They are perfect for honeymoons, birthday and anniversary celebrations, or reunions of family and friends. We can adjust departure dates and walking distances and add special, unforgettable activities. Nothing compares to an adventure vacation - arranged solely to enrich your occasion. The beauty of a Custom Tour is that you are free to immerse yourself in the activity without the hassle of transportation, lodging, equipment, guides, and logistics.

For most of our destinations we can custom design an itinerary that offers the same high standard of operation and leadership we use on our regular trips. You choose your preferred standard of accommodations, travel dates and the amount of time to spend at the various sites along the way. With advance planning we can match a specific guide to your group's interests.

Planning this type of trip for a few people is usually 20-50% more expensive than a group departure for 8-12 people. Our custom private arrangements are often less expensive than other companies' large group departures. You will find incomparable value in the personal service we provide, the knowledgeable experience we apply to designing your trip and in the flexibility you will enjoy in the final itinerary carefully tailored to your own interests.
To help us assist you in planning your trip we have developed a set of FIT Custom Trip Planning Guidelines. We like to establish a sequence of planning for private departures that efficiently uses your time and resources. These procedures are rooted in our commitment to provide the best service and value possible. As you describe your dream, we'll begin to design your adventure.

  1. General Feasibility and Estimated Costs.

    We will attempt to identify the feasibility and approximate cost of the itinerary in which you are interested in our first consultations. We share, free of charge or obligation, information about specific components such as airfares and schedules, visa or immigration formalities, seasonality, festivals or other specific knowledge we have readily available in our office. We will send you background material so that we can discuss more clearly your options

  2. Just What Would You Like to Do?

    Tell us as accurately and completely as you can about your interests and preferences. If you know in advance, inform us of specific sites you want to visit, the level of activity you prefer (ie whitewater, flatwater, trekking or easy day hikes), dates and number of travel days, type of accommodations and any other details. Give us an idea for the kind of experience you want and if you have any special interests we can plan into your trip. You may prefer a different balance of paddling and non-paddling activities than our regular departures. Or, you may be coming with a friend or spouse with different interests and you may need to add an additional guide to support parallel activities. If some are not paddlers or hikers, we can visit with you to determine which of area's attractions they wish to visit, and activities they may wish to enjoy. First review our regular itineraries to get an idea to see some of the choices that are available. Then fill out our preliminary FIT WorkSheet, and give us an idea of what is most important to you, and what you'd like to try. The next step is usually spending some time on the phone to fill us in on some of the details. As you describe your dream, we'll begin to design your adventure. We'll suggest hotels, forests, beaches or volcanoes, based on your priorities. We need your guidance to determine the lodging you would prefer. Generally we start with our FIT Worksheet so that you can give us an idea of what you are thinking. It is always better if one person acts as the spokesperson to make itinerary decisions on behalf of the group and with whom we can expect to communicate. We will then outline a rough itinerary and estimated trip cost.

  3. Develop the Itinerary

    If you decide to have us go ahead and plan a private trip, you will authorize us to begin by sending a $500.00 non-refundable custom trip planning deposit by check or credit card charge. This charge is applicable as credit to your final trip cost. At this stage we need your firm dates, preferred itinerary, and accommodations. This can be done by phone although it is preferable to send it in writing by email or fax. We will then finalize a day-by-day itinerary, probable lodging along with a price quote for land and air arrangements, with a statement of what is and what is not included in the trip. If you decide that the prospective trip itinerary you receive requires modification we will revise the itinerary and cost and return it to you for final approval. If for any reason the trip is not suitable, while the deposit is not refundable, it can be applied to other services of BattenKill Canoe Ltd.

  4. Finalize the trip with your deposits

    Once we capture the details of your proposed trip and you accept the itinerary and ask us to confirm the reservations, you need to submit a deposit of $500 per person. This, plus your $500 custom trip planning fee, will be credited toward your total trip costs.

    If after receiving the first itinerary you do not wish to pursue the trip, or wish to postpone further consideration, you and Battenkill Canoe will have no further obligation. If we do not hear from you within 15 days of sending the initial prospective itinerary, we will cancel any tentative arrangements or scheduling that we may have made. We will re-quote the same itinerary for you at any time in the future at no additional charge, though we cannot guarantee cost estimates or space availability.

  5. Confirm Reservations:

    After we have received your $500 per person deposits, we will act immediately to secure land and air arrangements for your trip. Acceptance of a deposit is not a guarantee that we can confirm all reservations, though usually we are able to do so. Please be aware that unless you send your per person deposits immediately after approving your itinerary, space may become unavailable between the time we initially formulate an itinerary and when we receive your deposit to confirm reservations. In the event we are unable to confirm land and air reservations according to the proposed itinerary, or otherwise to your satisfaction, we will either revise the itinerary and trip price, or cancel the trip retaining only a $100 planning fee, and refund all other moneys previously advanced. Should you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, cancellation fees apply as outlined in our Terms and Conditions. We offer cancellation insurance that covers various contingencies.

    After we receive your per person deposits we will prepare a pre-departure packet for you. This will include the following items which pertain to your trip:

    o Custom itinerary

    o Trip insurance application

    o Balance due invoice

    o Flight schedule/fares

    o Destination background

    o Equipment or packing checklist

    o Health and immunization information

    o Any required visa forms

    o Other materials to help you prepare for your trip

  6. Pre Departure Consultations

    Call us toll-free any time regarding your trip and preparation for departure. We can help you recruit friends to join you, offer advice on additional extensions and help you complete any forms needed. Of course, we make any ongoing changes in your itinerary as may be necessitated by changes in airline schedules, confirmation of primary reservations that might have been waitlisted, or for the addition of more individuals to the itinerary.

  7. Itinerary Revisions

    Should you or a member of your party wish to revise any aspect of the itinerary that has been confirmed, it may be possible to do so. Itinerary revisions after an itinerary has already been confirmed by a $300 deposit and signed Reservation Form are subject to a $25.00 revision fee along with other costs associated with the proposed change. It may not be possible to confirm all requested revisions.

  8. Let's Go

    It is actually very easy working with us to design your custom trip. It takes effort, creativity and persistence to make reliable individual arrangements. But if you give us enough lead time, and a clear sense of your travel goals, we can make your travel dreams a reality. The fun part is dreaming the impossible to make it your reality.


FIT/Independent Journeys Worksheet


Please give us an idea of your interests and what is important in your vacation. If there are several that could apply, please rank, and likewise cross off choices that should not be considered.

  1. What activities interest you?
    Canoeing
    Bird Watching
    Hiking
    White Water Rafting,
    Mountain Biking
    Horses
    Sea Kayaking
    Nature Watching
    Snorkel and Swim
    Canopy Tour (zip lines)
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________

  2. What do you want to do & experience?
    Canoe
    Hike
    Easy flatwater rivers
    Easy whitewater rivers class I & II
    I want Class III+ whitewater
    Rain forests
    Cloud forests
    White water rivers
    Volcanoes
    Mountains
    Hidden valleys
    Beaches
    Cities & Museums
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________
    ____________________

  3. How about Food?
    Simple locally prepared food
    Unique good food with some choices for the main dish
    We live to eat, specialty gourmet meals are important
    ____________________
    ____________________

  4. How do you want to Sleep?
    We want to camp in the wilderness
    Simple rooms but bug free
    A bathroom down the hall is ok
    My own bathroom, with a door
    Simple, clean and intimate
    Elegant, elegant and luxurious
    My own jacuzzi and deck over-looking the ocean
    Big, all inclusive resort
    ____________________
    ____________________

  5. How Hard do You Want to Work?
    What do you mean, I am on Vacation -- I want to relax
    I would like full days, but some time to relax
    Let's keep moving, but I want to smell the flowers.
    Fill the days from dawn to dusk--this is not a Vacation
    __________________________
    __________________________


Please review our worksheet and share with us any other thoughts that might be helpful, like: Who is this group, are you family or friends, and how well do we know each other. What are some of your past traveling experiences?

We will have lots of questions as we develop the itinerary, but experience has proven the more information we get as we start planning the trip, the more successful we are meeting your expectations. The next step will be to visit to determine the itinerary, how long, and other questions. Generally this is best done by phone, but email can also work, but it is difficult to see the shades of gray in email.

Sunday

We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. To get to the inn, from the south take Exit 4 ff of I-89, turn left off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Fram road and go approximately a half mile to the inn. If you are coming from the north take exit 4 off of I-89 and turn right off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximatley a half mile to the inn.
This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm. Welcome
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 802.728.5575
Monday
We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. In the afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town.
Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Phone 802.253.9722
Tuesday
We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon.
A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River.
Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, phone 802.755.6722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.755.6722 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Wednesday
Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery.
The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, Phone 802.755.6722
Thursday
We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature.
We end our journey where we began at the Three Stallion Inn. We will have time to relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or enjoy the hot tub before we gather for our final dinner together.The Three Stallion Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and is a welcome haven after our journey deep into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.

Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.728.5575 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Friday
The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Three Stallion Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.
Final Payments
Your balance is due when we meet on the first night of the trip and may be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Please refer to your confirmation letter for the amount due.

Trip Notes Supplement
General Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day. We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00 per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we prepare a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary,
personal equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application for short term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.

Cancellation and Refunds

Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing. If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a 100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds or reschedules are possible with less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Tips and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL. Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations, and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However, we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A 100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement, and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster. A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster. However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless of the number of people on the roster.
V
alue Vouchers
In the event that we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any one trip.
A
ccommodations & Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad, as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a foam pad.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
Guest Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances. Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final payment then.
A Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt to have one available.
What Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard, we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference, so check it over carefully.

WHAT TO BRING
This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly.

*Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps

If you have any questions on what to bring or how to pack please give us a call at 1.800.421.5268

WE stay at three great Inns, Visit their web site for more details.

 

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  1. SAve on the July 12 departure of the Vermont Sampler, and we have 2 spaces available on our Newfoundland Explorer. Dont let Newfoundland slip by, since we dont get to Newfoundland every year. Call us for details.

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