First off, I just have to say what an incredible first summer for Gibbs Guides, to be selected by Gene and Lilly to be a part of this new iteration of the Quimby tradition, the oldest sportsman’s camp in Vermont and a true gem in the crown of the Northeast Kingdom, was an absolute honor. Becoming the head guide and outdoor recreation specialist was a homecoming of sorts for me and marked my return to the Vermont of my youth. I was struck each and every day by what a special place Quimby Country is, from the loon fight this summer on the driveway to the Bald Eagle guarding the entrance on Forest Lake Road, to the stunning sunsets at The Rock on Great Averill, each day had moments that would take your breath away even for someone who grew up amidst all this beauty.
One of my focuses for the 2018 season was to expand and improve upon the overall guest experience, adding some depth to the experience and some Kingdom knowledge to those looking to explore the area a little deeper. We had several amazing trips down the Connecticut River in canoes with several guests having their first experiences with some Class I and II rapids. Hikes to places like Brousseau, Averill and Bald Mountain in larger groups brought friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Moments in these view spots of true wilderness are priceless. Something really exciting for me was to be able to be one of the first guides to lead mountain bike groups into the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge, which had just been opened to that type of usage this spring. Exploring over 60,000 acres of wilderness with Quimby Guests was an amazing adventure, the Nulhegan River basin is both historic and beautiful.
Lastly, I just wanted to say that I am looking forward to working as a team with Lily and Gene and the rest of the Quimby Crew to make the 2019 guest experience the greatest one ever and we are brainstorming new ideas and adventures to share with you in the years to come. Quimby Country is truly what it is because of the special guests who come to experience it, Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to meeting you this summer and guiding you on your next adventure! – TJ Dezotell, Quimby Country Outdoor Recreation Specialist
