Guest Comments

See what some who have enjoyed Back 2 Basics had to say about their experience.  Thanks to our guests for their great feedback and pictures!
If you have been a guest at Back 2 Basics and would like to have your comments, pictures, or video posted here, please contact us with the information.
 
Our stay with you was perfect – with remote, beautiful, well planned spaces for reading, reflecting, praying, great music, good food, and unhurried conversation. Yours is a healing place, aided by a gentle hospitality born of genuine concern for people lost to the rat race. So we say a hearty “Thank you.” We really didn’t want to leave.

--March 2010
--Couple from Lincoln, Illinois

'' We had a great time at Back2Basics-we cherish the wonderful memories. Thank you for the unique blend of European and southern hospitality we enjoyed there. Look forward to connecting with you again, Peter.

A haiku(after much re-arrangement of syllables), inspired by springtime at Back2Basics.''

''soft breezes gently chime
purple blossoms dance on trees
daffodils awake!

--April 2009
--Couple with multicultural roots(Indian-Chinese)with their 3 children

''Merci Peter pour cet endroit fabuleux! Vue spectaculaire! Tranquille, parfait.
Nous avons adoré notre séjour ici. Le chalet est vraiment beau, bien divisé et fonctionnel.
Avoir toutes les commodités est un atout. S’asseoir sur le patio qui donne un regard sur le lac est tellement relaxant.
Merci beaucoup. Nous allons en parler à tous nos amis. Nous serons de retour!''
-- Couple from Arles, France, visiting the Shawnee Wine Trail
-- March 2009

''We want to thank you so very much for our stay at the Flanders Lodge.
We felt really welcome! Thank you for your kindness and generosity! ''
-- March, 2009
-- Couple from Brussels . Belgium

"Very cozy chalet and a great time around the campfire.
We also explored the spectacular surroundings of Ferne Clyffe.What a wonderful place you have!
Treasure it!  We all hope to return!"
-- November 2008
-- 4 girls from Atlanta, Georgia

''Thank you for a wonderful weekend at Back 2 Basics.  It was everything we were looking for and so much more.  We especially want to thank you for your hospitality; we really felt welcomed.  We will definitely be back, and look forward to being surprised by your progress.  Best of luck to you, and may your vision come true''.
-- May 2008
-- Couple from Evansville, Indiana

'It was nice staying at such a wonderful place. The quiet, beautiful, serene landscape was soothing and pleasing. Highly recommend your place. Thanks''
-- April 2008
-- Guests from Missouri

''Je tiens a vous remercier sincèrement pour un merveilleux week-end. Notre chalet était superbe - la vue splendide. Surement que je planifierai d'y retourner. Je passerai sans doute mes commentaires a mes collègues et amis afin qu'ils puissent eux aussi profiter d'un si bel environnement. Merci encore.'''
-- January 2008
-- Guests from Ontario, Canada

''It is always a pleasure to visit the countryside, to be close to nature, to stay in a cozy cabin. And interesting people, you meet along with all that, make the trip fulfilled and unforgettable.
Thank you, Peter, for all !!! And good luck with all your endeavors!!!''
--November 2007
--Ukrainian Olympic gymnast staying @ B2B with 4 of her friends.

''Thanks so much for an amazing weekend!  We really enjoyed this Southern Illinois cabin, it has everything needed for a comfortable stay.  Your location is perfect for hiking in Shawnee and on our way out of town we visited some wineries.Good luck in all your endeavors, we'll see you again soon!''
--November 2007
--4 girls from Saint Louis, Missouri

'' Wij hebben een zeer geslaagde vakantie acher de rug in Makanda. De A-Frame chalet biedt luxe en comfort en voldeed volledig aan onze verwachtingen. Voor iedereen die de Shawnee National Forrest in al zijn facetten wil beleven en ontdekken en voor eenieder die van een actieve vakantie houdt in een rustgevende omgeving is Back2Basics en zijn chalets the place to be. De locatie is prachtig . Absoluut een aanrader.''

--October 2007
--Flemish couple from Belgium

''Thanks Peter, we had a nice visit.
Cabin was well stocked and comfortable.
We'll stay at your place again in the future, best of luck.''
-- July 2007
-- Dr. ...from Mt Pleasant, Iowa

 ''Hi Peter:  Thanks again for your hospitality during our stay, we had
a great time and can't wait to come back.  There are so many more
hikes and trails we want to explore.''
-- June 2007
-- Couple from  Chicago, IL

''We had a wonderful time!
Thank you for your hospitality. We are looking forward to sharing your information with other friends and making some time to get back soon.''
-- May 2007
-- Couple from Woodstock, IL

''This was pretty danged cool for a last minute plan, we loved your place and I'm pretty certain we'll be back in a few months on my way to Wisconsin.Thanks again for having us. ''
-- April 2007
-- Couple from Fayetteville, Tn

''We will keep in touch; we've made a few friends in Carbondale, but you're one worth keeping!  It's good to have diversity in the area and maybe some day the folks down there will appreciate that.''
-- April 2007
-- Couple from Chicago, IL with their 3 kids


We had a wonderful time at Back2Basics! Me and my boys are thinking of coming down again, soon. Do you have any availability for the weekend of ...
-- April 2007
-- Couple from Decatur, IL with their 2 kids

"We absolutely loved staying at your cabin this weekend. I have shared your place with a few people here in Chicago. Expect more coming!  I took the following photo that you might want to have for your website."
-- December 2006
-- Couple from Chicago, IL

"We enjoyed staying here.  Everyone was very helpful and kind.  Beautiful place.  We had a wonderful time.  Can't wait to come back and see you again."
-- November 2006
-- Family from Sullivan, IL

"Just wanted to tell you that we really enjoyed staying at the cabin last weekend. Thanks so much for your hospitality, and also for giving us a ride from Carbondale and to the park. We had a great time hiking and bicycling in Southern Illinois--and we managed to avoid getting hit by bow hunters! You have a beautiful place in Makanda, and we hope to come down again soon!"
-- November 2006
-- Young Couple from Chicago who took the train down with their bikes

"Thank you so much...We were very comfortable and enjoyed ourselves extremely."
-- October 2006
-- Local honeymoon couple

"We thank you for providing such a restful and beautiful place to come and relax.  We had a wonderful time.  We wish you continued success."
-- October 2006
-- Couple from Iowa celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary

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