Great guide, beautiful sights, safe driver.
Read on however, if you are COVID-wary, large/tall, or have mobility issues. I am posting this not out of anger, but so that others don’t repeat my mistakes.
I have been extremely COVID-cautious for 18 months, and am quite embarrassed that I assumed the tour company had COVID-safety protocols in place (such as, social distancing, masks, proofs of vaccination). I also incorrectly assumed that “large luxury van” meant leg room, fresh air circulation, and safe social distance between people. But I am also quite dismayed that passengers, not guides, initiated the first discussion regarding COVID safety as it related to vaccination status and air circulation.
The tour advertised capacity for 9-12 passengers on a day-long Gorge and Waterfall tour in what was advertised as a large luxury van. Our van’s seating consisted of 2 rows for 3 people, 2 for 2 people, and 2 solo seats across from two of the 2-seat rows. The aisle between seats is approximately 2 feet, and the distance for many, from head to head appeared to be 2 - 2.5 feet at best. Seats are not especially wide, and there is little to no space under seats for bag/backpack, and one beverage holder per row. A large or tall person’s knees will hit the seatback of the passenger in front of them ( I am 5’7, and overweight, and my knees hit the next passenger’s seatback.)
The van has only 2 windows that open to allow fresh air, and advance COVID-safety protocols were limited to requiring everyone in the van to wear masks. Only after riding for 30 minutes did the risk of sharing the same air-conditioned air with 12 strangers from 6 different states, over 7 hours fully occur to me. At the first stop, my spouse and I expressed concern that there was no ventilation (just AC) and we had no idea if passengers had been vaccinated. To their credit, the guides obtained permission to ask if passengers had been vaccinated, and offered a refund and a ride back to Portland if we wanted to stop. Upon learning that all passengers and guides said they were fully vaccinated, and that the driver and guide would keep their windows (the only windows on the van that cold be opened) open, we decided to continue.
A person with mobility issues may find it difficult to board and get off, as there is one hand hold on one side of the van’s sliding doors, and the steps are shallow.
The guides were knowledgeable, witty, safe, responsive and kind. I do hope the company has improved its COVID safety practices and now offers exclusive tours for vaccinated people. It would be a great tour, under the right circumstances.
Відповідь від хоста
Jul 2021
Hi Maureen,
Thank you so very much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and thorough review. Your guides had a wonderful day out on tour with you and the rest of the group, and we’re happy to hear you enjoyed your time with them as well.
As a tourist/traveler-based business, we have been working with the utmost of caution while also striving to keep our business operating into the future. After deciding to close operations for much more than a year, we were able to reopen this summer based on the best-practices outlined by the Oregon Health Authority and the CDC. Our vehicles are sanitized and deep cleaned both before and after each tour, and guests are required to wear masks on board. The state of Oregon has recently lifted mandates on capacities and social distancing, so we have been closely following guidance and requirements from the state of Oregon, as well as any mandates at the federal level.
We are grateful that your guides were able to put your group at ease. If you do find yourselves back in Portland in the future, we would love the opportunity to explore with you again—hopefully not in the midst of a pandemic! We also hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit in Portland.
Thank you,
Wildwood Adventures