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EH Notebook #109 Sept 27, 2002
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Welcome to EH Notebook, the e-zine where e-friends who have
attended Elderhostel programs can compare notes.
There is an independent but cooperatively maintained index to old
issues at http://members.aol.com/ehindex
To subscribe to the e-mail publication and/or to submit reviews of
programs taken send an e-mail to the editor, Bob McAllester, at
EHnotebook$A$earthlink.net
Please keep all correspondence in simple e-mail text format.
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From the Editor's Notebook
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There are two reports on Irish Elderhostels in this issue. It is
great to have separate views of such similar programs. I'll bet
it is the same bus driver that they both mention.
I have received a very interesting essay on why not to tip at
Elderhostels. At my suggestion, it has been posted on SeniorNet.
It is Posting #294 in the Elderhostel discussion, which can be
found in the Education group.
Let me paraphrase the tipping policy as I understand it.
Elderhostel has included gratuities in the overall fee.
If you feel that a particular person provided service beyond
what would be expected, you may personally provide an extra
gratuity. Under no circumstances should there be a general
collection.
Bob McAllester
EHnotebook$A$earthlink.net
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Comments and Queries
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We had registered for a trip to Tucson that has been cancelled. Of
course we had Airline tickets purchased for that time period. How
often are trips cancelled? I have to say that this is the first
out of 8 or so prior trips
Howard Faust
hfaust$A$woh.rr.com
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Program Reviews
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N O T I C E
To use an e-mail address, substitute
the "at symbol" for the 3 characters $A$.
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University of Maine at Fort Kent
Discovering the West of Ireland
Central Arizona College, San Carlos Apache Reservation
University of Maine - Cooperative Extension
Bemidji State University / Duluth, Minnesota
Bemidji State University / West
Great Alpine Crossroads: Switzerland's Great Railways
Medieval and Gaelic Ireland: A Celebration
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University of Maine at Fort Kent
July 14 to 19, 2002
Literature and Ecology of the New England Forests
Accommodations: Northern Door Inn, Fort Kent, Maine
Shuttle to campus but most everyone drove or walked
Group Coordinator: Don Eno and Shelley Dupuis, Assistant, who was
a gem in making sure we took advantage of all the Fort Kent, Maine
and Claire, Canada areas had to offer.
Meals: as advertised were healthy, hearty and nutritious. All
meals [with one exception] were served in the school cafeteria.
The only other group eating with us was the winter biathlon team
in training. Maybe this is why the meals were so hearty. One
afternoon took us to Sainte Agathe for lunch at a lakeside resort.
Classes: There were two classes each day in the new lecture hall.
Ecology of the forest, taught by 'Cat' a young forester was the
first class of the day. She relied on a power point program and
then accompanied us to the afternoon field trips. The second class
taught by Jennifer, a literature teacher, consisted of readings
from Thoreau, Emerson and Emily Dickinson. We all kept a journal
of our impressions which turned into a volume of 'Elder Ramblings
of Rambling Elders' that was presented to us on our last day. Each
participant had submitted at least one piece of writing that was
presented on a page which had our picture scanned onto the top. It
was a great memento of the trip.
Afternoon field trips: We visited a vernal pool to view plant and
animal life, the Botanical Gardens in New Brunswick and a river
setting where we all had a chance to concentrate on nature and
write in our journals. We used the UMaine vans for transportation
with Don driving one and Shelley the other. There was a free
afternoon which most used for a trip 'over to Canada' as the motel
is right across the street from the crossing.
Evening programs: Two presentations were offered: a very enjoyable
opener 'Math Magic' and a superb look at the Acadian Culture.
Thomas and Jean Foran
thomaseu$A$aol.com
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Discovering the West of Ireland
Aug 28 to Sept 11, 2002
Four nights each in Killarney, Galway and Killybegs [returning to
Galway for one night pre-departure]
Group Coordinator: Richard Blair, young and effervescent, a
pleasure to be with.
Coach Driver: Martin Thomas, our driver from three years ago. A
very intelligent, articulate gentleman who made the trip ever so
worth while.
Meals: In all three sites the meals were excellent. Breakfasts all
included the choice of a 'Fried Irish Breakfast' and a buffet of
cold cereals, juice, fruit and yogurt. Each site did handle
breakfast slightly differently with an extended menu in Killybegs.
Lunches were at both hotel and restaurants while on tour. These
usually were of the sandwich and soup variety or some other
simpler fare. Dinners in all three sites were from a menu with
three choices of appetizer, three of entree and two or three of
dessert with service in all three of very good quality. There were
two free afternoons with an 'allowance' for lunch.
Accommodations: The hotels were the International in Killarney,
the Imperial in Galway and the Bay View in Killybegs; all of which
were quite nice. Each double room had a double and a single bed,
good sized, well-equipped bathroom. The location of all three
hotels was excellent with immediate access to the town center.
Lectures: The lectures were all handled well with both on-site and
off-site lecture facilities. Some lecturers accompanied us on the
couch while others met us at the site.
Field trips: Since the focus of the trip was on the west coast of
Ireland, the choice of sites was excellent. Killarney is a town,
Galway a small city and Killybegs a fishing village.
We enjoyed also seeing the Dingle Peninsula and its archaeology,
Blasket Centre to learn about the writers, Ring of Kerry and home
of Daniel O'Connell and the Kerry Bog Village. Also visited was
the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Coole Park and Thoor Ballylee
to learn more about W.B. Yeats and later visited Drumcliffe to see
his burial place.
A highlight of the trip was the trip to the Aran Islands by ferry
and the site of the fort Dun Anghous on Inismoor. We heard music
and tried to learn the penny whistle in Castlemaine, heard South
Sligo music in the Coleman in Gurteen and regaled at an evening of
traditional music, song and dance in Carron on the edge of the
burren and then an evening of Donegal music and song back at the
hotel.
At different sites we heard speakers on Folklore and Mythology,
the Life of a Killybegs Fisherman, Community Development,
Protestant Culture in Donegal and much, much more.
Language schools and weaving workshops and a family dinner. Ours
was on a working farm in Castleisland, the home of my ancestors.
We clocked 1320 miles on this trip up and back down the coast and
highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Thomas and Jean Foran
thomaseu$A$aol.com
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Central Arizona College, San Carlos Apache Reservation
Sept 8-13, 2002
This Elderhostel was held at the Apache Gold Casino and Hotel.
This is a modern and comfortable hotel located five miles east of
Globe, Arizona. The conference facilities are connected to the
hotel by a covered walkway. The washrooms for the classrooms are
inside the casino area, but still convenient. The whole complex
is wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, the only way to get
there is by automobile; it is about a hundred miles from the
Phoenix airport. It's elevation is over 3000 feet so it tends to
be at least ten degrees cooler than Phoenix.
There were only eleven Elderhostelers in this group. The only
time I have attended a smaller Elderhostel was in 1998 at the
White Mountain Apache Reservation, which borders the San Carlos
Apache Reservation to the north. The small group makes for a very
good learning experience. We all fit easily in one van for our
field trips.
Meals were served to us in our conference room. Most were good
but not outstanding. We had no selection.
The three classes were: Copper Mining: Arizona's Past to Present
Walk in the Footsteps of an Ancient Civilization: Archaeological
Arizona Apache Culture and Traditions
The Copper Mining course was taught by Ruth Carter and turned out
to be more about general geology than copper mining. As such, it
was an interesting and well-taught course. The Thursday field
trip was to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and was mostly botany.
On the way back, we did stop at the observation area of an
extremely large open pit copper mine. We could also see many
instances of how mining operations have reshaped the landscape in
the area around Globe.
The Archaeology course was taught primarily by David Morris, a
Choctaw Indian who has wound up in Arizona. He is an interesting
lecturer and punster. To supplement his lectures, he showed
slides and examples of his own rock art, which he creates and
sells. This course also included a Tuesday field trip to
archaeological ruins at Tonto National Monument and Besh-Be-Gowah.
The Apache Culture and Traditions course was covered by Douglas
Miles, an Apache artist and actor and his brother Dale who works
in the tribal school. Douglas showed us a TV film that had
purported to take place on the Navajo Reservation but was actually
filmed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Douglas had played a
role in it.
Dave DeJong presented another pair of lectures that delved into
the long and complicated history of US/Indian relations. The many
treaties, how they came to happen and how they were or were not
honored. How the Indian Reservation system evolved and changed
with time. The thinking that caused many western Indians to be
sent away to schools like the Carlisle Indian School in
Pennsylvania. And the evolution of Indian relations today.
Dave's lectures were an in-depth treatment. Very good. More than
we could possibly absorb in a few hours.
On Friday, Grace and I and our friend left early so we could enjoy
our seven hour drive back to Santa Fe, but one of the other
hostelers has filled us in on Friday activity, so I include that
as a supplemental report.
We wholeheartedly recommend this Elderhostel to anyone who can get
there.
Bob Grace McAllester
Rmcallester$A$earthlink.net
. . . .
Supplemental Report
They saved the most interesting for the last. We had a very
intriguing breakfast on Friday morning. Eggs-scrambled, sausage
and hashed potatoes. Along with the usual OJ but with pound
cake??? and rolls. Then for lunch we got to go to the Casino for
their buffet lunch. All of us sat at one table. We had an
extensive menu of main dishes-shrimp, pasta etc., salads of all
sorts and a large assortment of desserts of the sort we had gotten
during the week. We were down to only 6 people with the
coordinator and instructor (for ethnobotany - which was
exceptional, both a slide show and samples brought for show and
tell). That morning we had a chance to show our native skill at
throwing a dummy arrow with an atlatl. Good exercise in the
morning sun.
I really liked the information about the legal, archeology,
geology, botany, art and field trips. The only disappointment was
the Apache culture or the lack of it as far as I could see. My
"sour grapes" since I had been to excellent presentations by Hopi,
Zuni, Navajo, Yavapai and Pueblo natives. We got to visit with
them one on one. See their crafts. Eat with some. See a dance. Get
some feeling for their culture. I did not get a feeling for the
Apache other than they were usually successful raiders!
Cal in California
Cal Matthews
chmatt194$A$hotmail.com
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University of Maine - Cooperative Extension
Tanglewood 4H Camp Learning Center
>From Maine to Your Table
September 15-21, 2002
My husband and I just returned from another very good Elderhostel.
We learned about food produced in Mid-Coast Maine and visited many
farms and other locales. We were housed at the Trade Winds Motor
Lodge in Rockland. The rooms were very comfortable and had A/C.
There was also a nice indoor pool and hot tub which a few of us
used. The breakfasts were very good.
The suppers were just ok. Most of our lunches were away from the
motel. We had a delicious lunch with many fresh vegetables and
salads at the Tanglewood 4H Camp on Tuesday. On Wednesday we had
a good box lunch prepared by the Knox-Lincoln Homemakers, and on
Thursday a delicious pot luck sampler prepared by the women of St
Giles' Episcopal Church. Friday we did lunch on our own at the
Common Ground Fair and were given money for this.
On Monday morning we had a very good lecture and slides on Maine
agriculture given by Mark Hutchinson of the Extension Service.
After lunch we visited the County Fair Farm where we toured the
farm by wagon, and learned all about the modern ways they were
raising their crops. The highlights were picking some Macintosh
Apples and finding our way through the Corn Maze.
Tuesday morning we had a lecture and demonstration on the
fisheries by Sherm Hoyt from U. Maine Cooperative Extension. We
then went to the Tanglewood 4H Camp, stopping at their organic
garden on the way and picking some beautiful tomatoes for our own
consumption. After lunch we visited the Cellardoor Winery for a
tour. This was followed by a very informative tour and Samples at
the State of Maine Cheese factory and store.
Wednesday was a beautiful morning for our boat trip on the Lively
Lady II. Here we learned and saw how lobster traps were pulled
from the bay and how the lobsterman works. This was followed by a
free afternoon.
Thursday morning we visited Brodis Blueberries where we learned
first hand how wild Maine blueberries are grown, harvested and
marketed. This is a farm with 200 acres of berries. In the
afternoon we visited Oyster River Mushroom Co. and learned how
Shitake mushrooms are raised, harvested and marketed. This was
extremely interesting and very different from other types of
farming.
Friday was spent at the Common Ground Agricultural Fair in Unity
Maine. This is a fair sponsored by the Organic Farmers in the
area, and was a great way to end the week.
We had two evening programs. One a talk on integrated pest
management by one of our coordinators, Karen Meisenheimer, who
runs the garden at the 4H camp. The other was a program by the
Dream Weavers, a woman's barbershop quartet. They were excellent.
Our other coordinator was Joe Gray who is an expert on natural
history, forestry and geology.
I recommend attending this Elderhostel.
Helen Sternheim
helen$A$umassk12.net
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Bemidji State University / Duluth
We just finished two excellent Elderhostels sponsored by Bemidji
State University Elderhostel Programs.
The first was in Duluth, MN. Accommodations were in a commercial
resort motel. Breakfasts were continental buffet. Lunches and
dinners were sit down meals served by waitpersons. At each meal
we had a choice of two or three entrees.
The topics included mining in Minnesota and shipping on Lake
Superior. One field trip took us to an open pit iron mine. We
arrived in time to see the weekly blasting operation. At another
mine, now owned and operated by the State of Minnesota, we were
lowered about a third of a mile in an elevator and then put in
tiny rail cars to see how iron was extracted in an underground
mine.
The shipping part of the program included a cruse in the Duluth
harbor, a trip to an Army Corp. of Engineering station, and a trip
to a lighthouse.
The lecturers were knowledgeable and good communicators.
. . . .
Bemidji State University / West
The second week, at Bemidji, we were housed in a Comfort Inn.
Breakfast was a continental buffet at the motel. Lunches and
dinners were at the college student's dinning room. The choice of
food was extensive and well prepared. One of our dinners was at
the home of the Elderhostel director, Maury Sullivan. He and his
gracious wife made our visit a home away from home. Another
dinner was at a local restaurant. There one of the menu
selections was a local fish, walleye. a mild white fish. If you
have a chance to have walleye, don't miss it.
The topics were Scandinavian immigration to the Midwest, taught by
Dr. Arthur Lee. Art, as he insisted on being called, is a retired
Bemidji University professor. He has a great sense of humor. His
lectures were laced with jokes and funny anecdotes. Even if you
do not have an interest in Scandinavian migration, Lee's lectures
will be worth your attendance.
The other classes were woodcarving and Rosemaling. My wife had
never held a paint brush in her hand, yet came home with wonderful
Rosemaling paintings on bowls, plates and mats. I, who had never
carved wood, came home with a creditable Father Christmas.
All in all, these were two very rewarding weeks and we received
excellent value for our money.
SwenOlaf$A$aol.com
St. Petersburg, FL
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Great Alpine Crossroads: Switzerland's Great Railways
Train Treks section of the catalog
A five star rating to this program!! The railway theme is
principally conveyed by 15 days of actual travel on this
outstanding system through key parts of German, Italian and
Romantsch speaking Switzerland. Movement among six locations
mainly in 1st class, reserved railway cars. Further experiences
on cog and cable conveyances up into the mountains.
A well planned and executed program providing insights into Swiss
history, culture and political system...breathtaking
scenery...accommodations ranging from very good to excellent
...food good to gourmet dining.
EH uses The Experiment for International Living organization to
conduct this program. Their staff is intelligent, caring,
creative and enthusiastic.
This has been one of the best travel experiences we've had.
Ron Natalie Olsen
rdolsen$A$worldnet.att.net
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Medieval and Gaelic Ireland: A Celebration
(Galway and Kilkenny Ireland)
April 18 to May 1,2002
This was my first trip with the Elderhostel International program,
although I have traveled extensively abroad and participated in a
number of Elderhostel programs in the U.S and Canada.
By any measure this program was superb!
ACCOMINDATIONS
The accommodations were at the Imperial Hotel in Galway and the
Hotel Kilkenny in Kilkenny. Both were top notch by Elderhostel
standards. We had large comfortable queen - double bed rooms with
full bath in the room. Beds were made and rooms cleaned daily.
MEALS
The hotel provided the meals and they were excellent. They we
served in our own smoke free eating area with cloth tablecloths.
This sample menu is typical.
Oriental salad with balsamic dressing, Thai noodle salad with
mussels chili jam, Cream of broccoli soup, Pan-fried breast of
chicken supreme with peppercorn sauce, Boiled bacon served with
parsley veloute, Poached fillet of trout enriched with a mushroom
cream All main courses served with a selection of fresh vegetables
and potatoes. Traditional rice pudding with fruit condae, Sweet
coffee cream mille feuille, Selection of ice cream, Tea -
Selection of Coffees Mints.
PROGRAM
The program provided a balance of interesting lectures and
worthwhile field trips. We had a good chance to visit the towns
of Galway in the west of Ireland and Kilkenny is the south central
region. The presenters were knowledgeable and interesting. The
guides on the bus were informative and entertaining.
The on site coordinator was Sue Phelan and the Bus driver was
Martin Thomas. Both were outstanding and the worked very well
together.
Sue could be anyone's favorite granddaughter. She is bright, very
competent and personable. Don't be fooled however by her apparent
mild and accommodating manner. He has the ability to tactfully
confront the inevitable stragglers to keep them on schedule.
She would frequently be checking via her cell phone too confirm
arrangements prior to arrival to minimize and "hic up" in the
plans. Her attention to detail and her competence is indicated by
a situation which occurred when one of the all day guides called
late in the evening to inform her the he was ill and could not do
the tour for the next day. By the next morning Sue had rearranged
the schedule so we still had a full day of activities.
The agency, which sponsored our Elderhostel, was The Experiment in
International Living. They would do well to reward Sue Phelan
generously. She will make a name for herself in the field of
international travel. EIL would be well served to retain her
services as long as they can.
The bus was very luxurious, --stereo, TV and a rest room. The
driver, Martin, was also very personable and helpful with no end
of humorous stories. He is a careful driver. Something one
appreciates when traveling the narrow roads of Ireland.
This is a great program! If you are interested in Ireland don't
miss this International Elderhostel.
Comments and questions invited.
Richard C. Youngs
rcyoungs$A$ilstu.edu