Going Elderhosteling
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Elderhostel Notebook May 1996
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Elderhostel Notebook is the bimonthly e-mail publication of the
Silver Threads (formerly Senior Group), an informal collection
of net seniors. It is the product of elderhostlers, and is
independent of the Elderhostel organization and not associated
with it.
It is published in alternate months with the Senior Group
Newsletter, but has a separate mailing list. Submissions are
welcome and voluntary as are comments and suggestions.
Editor is Jim Olson olsonjam@uwec.edu
with assistance by Jean Sterling sterlij@freenet.scri.fsu.edu
There is no charge for either publication. Just contact the
editor to subscribe.
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Contents
From the Editors Notebook
News and Comments
Elderhostel Reviews
Personals
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Editor's Notebook
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The first issue of Elderhostel Notebook was well received and we
have a number of new subscribers. Based on the comments and
suggestions I have made several changes in the format for this
issue. The Tales from Elderhostel and News and Comments have been
combined and a new section added, Personals.
This is a section for posting whatever you wish to post-
questions, requests for information about specific programs,
appeals to old friend to contact you- new friends, too. It will
also replace Introductions as you should feel free to introduce
yourself with a Personal, and many of you do introduce yourselves
with your reviews of specific elderhostels. Please use these
reviews and personals as a way of getting together online by
e-mail with the other subscribers.
The ending poetry in this issue is from some hiaku I composed
after our last elderhostel. Please help out with the poetic
chores, someone.
I have repeated some general information items from the first
first edition for the many new subscribers.
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News and Comments
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Meeting Locals at Elderhostels
One of the features of many elderhostels is the evening program
that brings in one or more of the local people from the
elderhostel site to speak about some aspect of life in that area.
These often (but not always) provide interesting glimpses into
the character and life of the region. Other opportunities to get
these glimpses ofter occur during a scheduled afternoon or day
off for individual exploration of the area where the hostler can
independently explore some aspect of specific interest to the
hostler.
last fall on Lake Superior's North Shore we met again with Justin
Kerfoot who established Gunflint Lodge up on the boundary waters
and shares her experiences of moving from city life of the 1930's
to life in the north woods; learning to manage dog sleds to
transport materials in to build the lodge; meeting, marrying,
and separating from one of the lodge workers who shared a life
but not a dream with her, and many other northwoods adventures.
Now in her 80's she is as lively and articulate as the two books
she has written about her life indicate. The last one, Gunflint,
Reflections on the Trail is a good read. She starts with:
"As I drive along, contemplating the intricacies of life, the car
gives a gasless sigh. It is 15 degrees below zero, and it is
midnight. I will cover the last three miles the old-fashioned
way, by placing one foot ahead of the other."
And that is essentially the story of her life, lived to the
fullest by placing one foot ahead of the other.
At our last elderhostel we met two Arizona cowboys who gave us a
first hand account of the gritty life on the range minus all the
media images. It was of interest to us that one of them was a
woman. When asked if she wasn't then a "cowgirl" she replied that
the term "cowboy" is an occupational term and that is what she
is. Her husband, who looks like eveybody's image of what a
cowboy should look like, hinted in a wry and salty way that
cowgirls had some of the traits of bar girls and his wife may
have some of the most desirable traits of both but essentially
she is a cowboy capable of roping, branding, dehorning,
castrating, and all of the other nitty gritties of cattle
raising.
At other elderhostels we have met many other of the local people
and always look forward to this aspect of hosteling.
__________________
Using the Elderhostel World Wide Web Site
The elderhostel World Wide Web site at http://www.elderhostel.org
is developing at a rapid rate with new features added regularly.
A catalog of US and Canada programs is available online and can
be searched for key words if you have a web browser such as
Netscape that supports searches. For example, I entered the
search word "birdwatching" for the Spring catalog and found
several sites. I found one that looked interesting to me,
"Birdwatching in the Canadian Rockies" and read the information
about it.
A new feature of the web site allows the user to check on the
status of any program currently being enrolled, giving the
enrollment status. I went back to the home page clicked on
Catalogs and then on the new feature "program availability
index," entered the program number I got from the earlier search
(and had wisely copied to the "clipboard" in my PC,) and found
that the program has a capacity of 26 and is filled with 11 on
the waiting list. It takes a little doing to do this and a web
browser, but it does save multiple phone calls to Boston to see
if a desired program is full. What it didn't tell me, however,
was what my relative position on the waiting list was if I had
entered the waiting list. Can't have everything, I guess.
-olsonjam@uwec.edu
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Elderhostel Reviews
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Jekyll Island, Georgia
Our First Elderhostel
We're finally "old enough" to go on an Elder Hostel! So with
another couple, also retired off we went.
We arrived at Jekyll Island, Georgia on Sunday Feb. 21st, at 4
pm in time to get signed in by a most delightful host couple. We
were pleasantly surprised to get lovely accommodations at the
Comfort Inn Resort Hotel. We had been told not to expect a room
facing ocean but did get one. It was almost a 2 room apt. Two
double beds & bath as we entered then a half wall separated a
living room with sofa, table chairs, tv & kitchen that even had
an oven. Sliding glass doors out to a patio that faced the
ocean. This was not the typical motel. At far end was a Dennys &
Pizza Inn with conference rooms upstairs where classes met.
That night after dinner we met "the group" and introduced
ourselves. We came from 13 states and Canada. Many had been to
numerous Elderhostels before and several were "first timers" like
us.
The classes were all sponsored by Mercer University. The first
was about George Bernard Shaw and how he went from Pygmallion to
My Fair Lady. Videos & movies & lots of interesting information.
Also learned how Shaw wanted to write a new alphabet & that's
how Professor Higgins was born. Remember he tried to capture all
the different dialects of people? Saw film clips of Shaw's
"Major Barbara" and original Pygmallion. The lecturer had a
wonderful dry sense of humor. There was a coffe break in the
morning & several "stretch breaks" as well.
Next class was Route 66. On film we followed the "Oakies" (with
a very young Henry Fonda) in "Grapes of Wrath" traveling on the
original Route 66. This was followed by films and videos of the
area as they look today. The lecturer who had a great
personality, was in the radio & TV field & had many fascinating
stories to tell about the area as well as entertaining anecdotes
about famous celebrities. He included some WW II stories and
songs. (That's where I drew a "blank", I guess I was one of the
youngest there).
The third class was Medley of Art. The lecturer was an Art
Historian. She showed slides depicting art work when it was
only two dimensional, and then demonstrated how artists learned
to show depth to their figures as well as perspective to make
things look bigger & smaller. In the early days all art work was
just plain flat looking. I can see how this can help me with my
computer graphic work.
One afternoon we were taken on a trolley tour of the island with
an excellent tour guide & that was very enlightening seeing the
mansions and grounds & hearing the history.
The last morning a historian of Jekyll Island read letters
written by a governess of the rich people in the late 1800's.
Their "cottages" are not as grand as those in Newport but they
certainly seemed like mansions to us. The letters poked fun at
the rich. She said although they had lots of money they were
very dull & not too bright. We had a good laugh about that!
Our meals were all buffet style in a special section of Dennys,
not gourmet but quite plentiful & varied. Always hot and cold
breakfasts. If you were an early riser the hotel provided a
hospitality table in lobby also. At lunch there were choices of
pizzas from the Pizza Inn as well as salads, sandwiches etc. Each
night there was a full hot meal and make your own ice cream
sundaes. The last night's dinner was served (not buffet) in a
banquet room with flowers & candles on the tables. Several
EH'ers entertained with stories and one man wrote a great poem
about ALL of us there. Our host couple were wonderful and
looked out for us continually. I think when we travel with
friends again we will make more of an effort to dine with others
as everyone there seemed to have an interesting experience to
offer and we didn't hear them all.
We had free time to go explore both Sea Island and St. Simons and
of course do some shopping.
We all decided that for our first Elderhostel we were very lucky
to have gone to such a nice place & to have such engrossing
courses. Yes, we will definitely go to another one in the
future.
Florence Block Lake Worth, Florida Flobabe@aol.com
______________
Grand Canyon Odyssey, Yavapai College- April 14-21 1996
A Grand Canyon program is a must elderhostel for those
interested in the beauty and wonder on nature and man's
interaction with it. There are several Grand Canyon programs, and
this one is an excellent choice since it covers many aspects of
the Grand Canyon experience and follows the canyon from the base
of the Glen Canyon Dam to the end of the Canyon at The Havasupi
and Walapai Indian reservations. There are both classroom and
field experiences that include short guided hikes, visiting
historic sites, and a half day float trip on the Colorado river
through a quiet but spectacular section from the Glen Canyon Dam
to the landing at Lee's Ferry, just above the first of the many
rapids on the river, the point of no return for more extensive
float trips through the canyon.
It was done in two base locations, with three days spent at the
Marble Canyon Lodge, a modern motel near the head of the Canyon,
and three Days at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, a less modern
and less accommodating establishment close to the end of the
Canyon near the Hualapai Indian reservation. The one part of the
canyon not covered was the Canyon as experienced from the north
rim as that portion of the Grand Canyon National Park was still
snow covered and inaccessible. The weather at this time of the
year on the south rim and the areas we covered was pleasant with
cool mornings and warm days and we soon learned the art of
"layering" to adjust to changing weather conditions.
The instruction dealt with the fascinating history on man in the
Canyon area from the early Anasazis who lived in and along the
canyon to the pioneers who crossed the river here at Lees ferry;
the Geology of the Canyon; nature in the Canyon; and the culture
of the Navajos, one of the more recent tribes whose culture and
economy is associated with the canyon. The instruction and
coordination of the program were very good and the accomodations
and food service were adequate.
Most participants arrived by auto either traveling from their
home or by rental car from nearby cities, but several flew to Las
Vegas and flew from there on a small plane that flew them over
the canyon and landed on a small airstrip near the motel (the
terminal is a picnic bench at the end of the runway.) Yavapai
College did provide transportation between the two sites for
those who did not have their own vehicles at the mid-week change
of location.
This is one of the Grand Canyon programs not marked in the
catalog as "for the active elderhostler," meaning that it did
not require any strenuous physical activity. Several programs
in the area do involve such things a back-packing, long hikes,
and climbing difficult trails, and some that involve a longer
float trip at the lower end of the canyon with overnight camping
in the canyon.
Jim Olson olsonjam@uwec.edu
___________
The Life and Land of the Hopi People April 7-12, 1996
Yavapai College
If you enjoy the challenge of trying to understand how another
cultural group thinks, behaves, and believes, this elderhostel
will be a delight. If you want exposure to the arts, crafts, and
traditional designs of a people whose current lives are still
strongly based on their centuries-old history, you'll find it
here. If you're interested in contemporary issues involving
land, education, and the impact of the dominant culture on the
Hopi way of life, you'll learn about that too. This elderhostel
can provide a wonderful and varied experience for any of its
participants.
It _is_ possible to approach the experience with no background at
all, but to get the most out of it, preparation is essential.
Upon acceptance to the program, participants are sent a reading
list that offers an excellent grounding in Hopi history and
belief. With that grounding, it's possible to begin to
understand (not superficially, but with some insight) the deep
feelings and ties that Hopis have for their people, their land,
and their ceremonies. The katchinas will come alive for you;
the myths will highlight the significance of contemporary
situations; the mores of action and interaction will make sense
and be easier to follow as you meet and talk with Hopi from all
parts of their society.
During our week in Hopi, we talked with a medicine woman, two
potters, a katchina carver, a silversmith, an enforcement officer
from the Office of Hopi Lands, and a non-indian who has lived
among the Hopi for 40 years. On field trips we traveled to
communities on each of the three mesas; visited ancient and
contemporary villages; spent an afternoon among one of the
world's largest occurences of petroglyphs; searched for pottery
sherds (to be left in place!) at the ruins of Awatovi; and saw
examples of dry farming techniques used by the Hopi. Our
lectures covered history, cultural differences, conflicts with
the Navajo, fake and imitation crafts for the tourist trade, and
the work of the Hopi Foundation. It was a full and inspiring
week that blended thought, beauty, and spirit in a most enjoyable
setting.
Much of the success of the week can be attributed to the
knowledge, sensitivity, and patience of Donald Nelson (Hopi), the
coordinator of the program. Always accessible and enthusiastic,
he coaxed us with humor and honesty to see past our own values to
the values of the Hopi--that is, cooperation instead of
competition group emphasis instead of individual emphasis modesty
instead of self-attention passiveness instead of action patience
instead of aggressiveness sharing instead of saving etc. and
sometimes his coaxing worked. And those are the times that we'll
always remember best--when we truly did get a glimpse of another
way a life.
Eliose Blanpeid gdb4@cornell.edu
____________
Middleburg, VA spring 1996
An Elderhostel in Middleburg, Va. in July was wonderful. It was
held at Foxcroft, an exclusive girl's prep school in the heart of
the hunt country. Our New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd
Whitman, graduated from here as did her mother. The dorms have
private rooms with bath. The food was better than some and the
attendees were great as were the staff and instructors.
They offer Elderhostel courses every summer. A very pretty
setting with an outdoor pool, tennis courts and beautiful
grounds. We got a peek at the lifestyles of the "rich and famous"
during a lecture on fox hunting that featured the master of the
hounds. Quite a fascinating subject even for non-hunters. We
hadn't realized the economy of the area was so enmeshed with the
hunt culture. Disney had attempted to build a theme park in this
part of Virginia but supposedly it was insiders from around here
that put a stop to it. Rounding out the week were field trips to
Harpers Ferry and Antietam.
Pat and John McIntyre patmci@net-gate.com
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OLD DOMINION U/PORTSMOUTH, APRIL, 1996
Mid-April is a good time of the year to be in the Southeastern
area of Virginia. And on a warm sunny day, it's a great time to
be in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Forty
eight elderhostelers (18 couples and 12 singles) were there on a
field trip. This visit to the swamp was supplemented by 4 other
days in a conference room at the Holiday Inn Portsmouth, where we
learned of the history of the area, the ecology of the swamp, and
heard interesting stories of the indians and settlers of the
area. Especially facinating were lectures by Pete Wrike, a ODU
lecturer/historian and writer.
Other lecturers were also very knowledgable and interesting.
Walking tours of Old Towne Portsmouth and Norfolk, and a boat
cruise on the Elizabeth river, added to the enjoyment of the
program. The motel accommodations were good, and its location
close to the Portsmouth/Norfolk cultural and historical areas was
ideal. And, where else could you see a Navy aircraft carrier
being "tugged", not more than 75 feet away from your classroom
window? The food was very good, although after having had
chicken served baked, roasted, boiled, grilled, creamed, chopped
(in soup), and sliced (in sandwiches), one could only wish for a
pizza or a big mac. Dispite the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay
and the ocean, fish or crab were not on the menus (except that
which comes in a can).
Overall, the program is very well coordinated and presented by
Stephanie Carcano. This was the second running of this program
and, indications are, that it will be offered again next spring.
We highly recommend it.
Frank & Bene FranknBene@aol.com
_____________
PRUDE RANCH-- Fort Davis Texas, spring 1996
In March, Dorothy and I attended an Elderhostel at a place called
Prude Ranch, in West Texas, y'all, near a little town called Fort
Davis. You need strong bifocals to find Prude on a map; it is
about 150 miles Ranch, in West Texas, y'all, near a little town
called Fort Davis. You need strong bifocals to find Prude on a
map; it is about 150 miles southeast of El Paso (the nearest big
town), in dry bones desert ranch country, in the middle of
nowhere. The outfit is a working ranch, but nowadays it derives
its principal income from Elderhostelers and other dudes.
There were 50 hostelers from 18 states. Accommodations were in
motel-like rooms with bath (some folks stayed in their RVs), and
food was served cafeteria style. The food was well prepared but
the chef hadn't figured out how to keep it warm while 50 old
codgers drifted along like tumbleweed through the serving line.
Our program featured three courses: Bird Watching, American
Cowboy Revisited, and Astronomy. For Bird Watching we were taken
by bus to several places. We saw a bird-banding operation and we
were taken to a wooded area--Balmorhea Lake--30 miles away--the
only body of water in that part of the country. The bird watching
suffered in that most of the migrating birds had not yet arrived.
April or May would have been better for birding. Some expert
birders in the group did better than we did, but Dorothy and I
(novices) saw only 15 arrived. April or May would have been
better for birding. Some expert birders in the group did better
than we did, but Dorothy and I (novices) saw only 15 species or
so: great blue herons, mallards, red-tailed hawks, several kinds
of doves, hummers, swallows, sparrows, juncos, woodpeckers,
bluebirds. The rarest bird Dorothy saw (I missed it) was a
vermilion flycatcher. But the birding was a nice experience.
"Cowboyology" was a course on Old West cattle ranching. We
learned what cowboys do--how they brand, castrate, and inoculate
calves, how they care for sick cattle, round up cattle for sale,
and manage to stay alive under tough, lonely conditions. The
ranches are huge (square miles) because it takes 40 acres to feed
one cow in that area. The cattle industry is depressed right now
because of low beef prices, and a 5-yr drought in West Texas
makes the situation worse.
Our leader, a real tobacco-chewing cowpoke, was a one-man show;
he played the guitar and sang old cowboy songs as well as songs
he had written himself, and told about the cowboy business the
way it really is. He amazed us by preparing yeast-dough rolls
from scratch in a Dutch oven as cowboys would do told about the
cowboy business the way it really is. He amazed us by preparing
yeast-dough rolls from scratch in a Dutch oven as cowboys would
do on the range--he had to do this indoors using an electric
range because the weather was too cold and windy outside.
The temperature at Prude Ranch was mild at first but suddenly
dropped from the 50s down to bone-chilling 20s, accompanied by a
blast of high wind. Talk about wind-chill factor! Then we were
treated to a violent West Texas dust storm. The choking dust and
sand was so thick that the visibility dropped to only several
hundred feet. Dust tastes lousy. But by the following morning the
wind had stopped and the blue skies returned.
The third course in our Elderhostel program, after Birding and
"Cowboyology", was Astronomy. Prude Ranch is located at the base
of the Davis Mountains (6,800 ft), highest mountain range in
Texas, on top of which is located McDonald Observatory. This
observatory features optical telescopes and an 82 ft diameter
radio telescope which is part of the Very Long Baseline Array
that can resolve angles as small as that subtended by a football
at the distance of the moon. The location of the observatory is
favorable in that the sky is dark out there--nearest town of any
size over a hundred miles away. Yes, the stars at night were big
and bright.
Our instructor, an astronomer, gave us a tour of the observatory
and in a series of lectures he described milestones in the
development of astronomy as a science, starting from the ancient
times down to modern times. He also set up a telescope at Prude
Ranch and we were treated to views of the sky, both at night and
(yawn) in the morning before dawn. Our instructor pointed out
some of the constellations, common asterisms, and bright stars.
To me, the astronomy part of the program made the entire
Elderhostel worth while. Our teacher steered us onto a very good
paperback--"Coming of Age in the Milky Way" by Timothy Ferris--on
the history of astronomy.
After leaving Prude Ranch, Dorothy and I spent a leisurely day
visiting Carlsbad Caverns, 120 miles to the north.
GAMarsh@aol.com
____________
Elderhostel at Santa Barbara, Ca. sponsered by the Santa Barbara
Trust for Historical Preservation.
Courses: Discover Santa Barbara's Cultural and Historical
Past
England's Merry Monarchs: The Tudors and Stuarts Santa Barbara's
Back Country Vistas
Lodging: Sandman Motel
Lodging: Sandman Motel
This Elderhostel was very well run by a co-ordinater from the
Trust. Three mornings featured bus trips to the Presidio that is
being restored by the Trust, the Courthouse, Museum of Natural
History, a city tour, and a morning at Lake Cachuma Park with a
tour given by a naturalist. There was one afternoon free and free
time from 1 to 3 on the other afternoons to make a visit to the
beach, other museums, shopping, or just relax in the sun. An
class was given each evening after dinner. The speakers were all
excellent. The woman that taught England's Merry Monarchs was
outstanding and made the subject really come alive.
The lunchs were at a different restaurant each day and were very
good.
Breakfast and dinner were at the motel restaurant. Breakfast was
fair, but the dinners were good. The motel had a nice pool,
whirlpool, and many chairs to enjoy the sun. The rooms were nice
and the meeting room was at the motel. I would recommend this
Elderhostel to anyone who wants to visit the beautiful Santa
Barbara area.
Ron Reas rreas@iquest.net or Ronald3549@aol.com
____________________
End part I of AOL edition
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Personals
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Subj: Pribilof Alaska
Date: 96-03-17 21:23:58 EDT
From: D Holland1@aol.com
Has anyone been to the EH on the Priobilof Islands in Alaska? My Mom is
wanting to go, but is unsure of the physical activity level required. She
hikes a couple miles a week on trails in the Wasatch Mountains in Salt
Lake City, but can not rock hop or scrambling. She's concerned that she
may not be able to keep up. Anyone have ideas?
Thanks
Dorothy, the daughter
_____________
From: Betty Audet
My husband and I have done three Elderhostels for cross country
skiing and enjoyed them very much. One was to the Auberge du Joli
Vent in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. They continue to have
such. The second was to the Gatineaux from a small hotel in
Ottawa, which has since been sold. This winter it was to "The
Baldwins" in the Muskoka area of Ontario. I am sure that there
will be more held there. They always divide into two or three
groups depending on skill levels, which makes it much easier when
a couple do not have the same skills. My husband is a much better
skier than I am, and although he is almost 83 has always been one
of the leaders of the high level of skills. We will probably keep
on with this for at least another couple of years.
__________
Date: Mon, Apr 22, 1996 1:52 PM EDT
From: ERWB@aol.com
We just got accepted for an EH at Cape Cod(Provincetown) beginning Sept
29. Are you planning to list people going to Elderhostels? We would
enjoy knowing if anyone on line is planning to attend that one. Also we
would like to know if there is anyone who has attended it.
We had friends who just returned from the one at New Orleans. They had a
wonderful time-classes were good, many good field trips and the food was
also good. They ate at different restaurants each day. There main
complaint was they were almost too busy.
Evelyn B.
________________
Subj: Re:New to Elderhostel
Date: 96-04-20 18:43:19 EDT
From: Ktgrant1@aol.com
Hello. I live in Oakland, NJ (Bergen Co). I am a widow and retired from
teaching in June 95. I went on my first Elderhostel in July. I choose to
go to a place not to far away - in case I hated it, I could just get in
the car and come home! I went to Frost Valley in the Catskill Mts. of NY.
The week turned out to be wonderful and I have been to 3 more Elder
hostels this year - just got back from 17 days in Hawaii. In June I go to
Atlanta to learn about this summers Olympics. Sept.- to Kenya, Africa. So
you can see I have embraced the program. It is not for everyone.
Sometimes the accommodations are not what you would choose, sometimes
they are better than you should expect -but the price is right! The food
is usually OK, but not great - Hey, you don't have to cook it! My first
trip to Frost Valley the food was excellent. Please read the course
descriptions carefully. On every trip there are some people who complain
about something that was clearly put forth. For example, on my Hawaii
trip to Volcanoes National Park, it was clearly stated that there would
be frequent hikes of up to 4 miles, and yet there were some who seem to
be unable, or unwilling to do this. like to E-mail. I do. Good Luck -
Katie Grant.
________
Date: 96-04-29 01:07:37 EDT
From: TERRY BEE@aol.com
For my first EH I wanted to go far, far away - so went to Portland, OR
from Dallas, TX. I had a relative by marriage there (who met the plane
and spent the day sightseeihg and then delivered me to myEH). At the end
of of EH I met with an old school friend and wife whom I had't seen for
abour 35 yrs. and we spent a few days on the gorgeous Oregon coast -- it
was all a huge success.
Since then have had no problem going anywhere alone and with no
friends, relatives, etc. and each experience has been unique,
entertaining, enlightening and fun.
I will attend #6 in Sept. when I go to New Orleans which will be the
closest one to my home that I have attended. PIck a really great
location, then look for what interests you -- I find the courses my
secondary interest - but heck, we're all different ! Good luck.
__________
Subj: First Trip
Date: 96-04-26 22:19:48 EDT
From: JHake74245@aol.com
Am going to be in Savannah the week of May 12. With all of the foreign
travel so many of you do, this may not sound exciting, but I AM looking
forward to it. And have planned a couple of extra days to explore
Charleston. Initially wanted a trip in early spring to catch some of the
spectacular floral but hope to take in the Magnolia Plantation near
Charleston. Anyone have any special points of interest in that area?
Also, a note on the Ozarks. Will have to look that up. Our family goes
to the Lake every summer and it a wonderful! Actually, we are down at
the "bottom" and rarely go neara the "big" water. We do a lot of water
skiing -- especially the grandchildren.
As was noted, everyone must be off on a EH trip. Found this area and was
very excited about it. Am just learning to move around on AOL. This is
a g-r-e-a-t idea and I want to sign up for the Notebook.
________
Subj: New Orleans
Date: 96-01-30 21:29:09 EDT
From: Mama Da1@aol.com
Going to New Orleans May 26. Undertstand its a great time. Anyone else
headed there at that time. No into has arrived from EH as of this date,
but confirmation has been made. We are planning on a great time....
music, food, architecture, sights.
Mick & Linda McKean
_________
Subj: Slide shows
Date: 96-03-13 15:20:47 EDT
From: JQLesly@aol.com
I've presented 15 travel slide shows at Elderhostels at
self-entertainment sessions. Also at senior centers and libraries. Great
opportunity to relive travel experiences. Questions invited.
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Subj: Creative Writing EH
Date: 96-04-08 16:20:58 EDT
From: SrDee@aol.com
Has anyone attended a Creative Writing Elderhostel? I'm scheduled for
one in July at Humboldt University in CA. As a frustrated writer who has
allowed her schedule to become too cluttered with other things, I'm
hoping this will get me out of my rut and enable me to get some work
done. I trust they'll let us work on our own material rather than on
assigned topics. Would love to hear about anyone's experience there or
at a similar program? Dee
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Subj: Re: MT. Rushmore,So.Dakota
Date: 96-04-10 00:29:50 EDT
From: Myrl V@aol.com
I am going to the Black Hills University Elderhostel June 2.
Anyone else going? This will be my fifth Elderhostel trip.
As a single female, I found this is the way to go. Have had
great roommates. Great company, but not "clingy", going our
own way most of the time. I've been to Stetson U. in Florida,
to Maplelag in Minn., also in Minn., Crookston U. (computers),
and Concordia College in Rock Island, Been reading many postings
for other countries, but cannot afford them, however there are so
many things here in USA that I never will keep up. (By the way,
I did have a six weeks trip in Europe many years ago). I'L enjoy
information on all your trips. MYRLV@aol.com
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Subj: EH Fun
Date: 96-05-01 14:36:19 EDT
From: MINABRAUN@aol.com
My husband and I went on an EH in the mountains of Kentucky several
years ago--learned about mountain people, music, and dancing. It was
great. Then last year I signed up alone for a three week one in London
(Phil died in 1993.) I would have taken classes at Sotheby's on all
kinds of "decorative arts." It was cancelled because of insufficient
enrollment and I was heartbroken--it was so suited to my interests and
I've been an Anglophile since 'way back. I keep looking for another one
similar to it, but no luck so far. Any suggestions?
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We live in central CA and went on our first EH several years ago.
We wanted to stay close to home in case we didn't like it. We
have been on seven since. What fun. Our first one was at Silver
Penny Farms in Petaluma CA. It was on the old Hearst ranch. Mr.
Hearst gave the ranch to the Catholic church, so the program is
run by a father and two nuns. What a supprise when we got there
and what a well run program. Small group of about 20 and we
stayed in the old ranch house that had been refurbished. Doris
and I stayed in the tank house. Programs where life of Jack
London, Vallejo and a beginners drawing class. Wine on the deck
before dinner and a swim in the pool or a soak in the spa. Close
to the wine country and free time to tour. Try it, you will like
it.
Don DavisDon65@aol.com
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I just returned from a great EH at Harding University 50 miles north of
Little Rock. We stayed on campus at the Heritage Inn, great motel types
room with Television. Had unlimited food choices in the cafeteria and
confortable seats for lectures. subject was: Spirituality in
Anglo/AMerican films, Election Watch '96 and Opera & musical Theater.
Sweet young things from the music Dept entertained us with their talents,
also the school orchestra. Anything you asked for within reason was
provided. I would recommend this EH for the Fall when jazz is offered.
Martas773@aol.com
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From: Barbar624@aol.com
Returned last week (April 1995) from Central Washington U. in
Ellensburg. It was a wonderful EH. Spent all the time learning
about the chimps who know sign language. It is almost heart
stopping to realize that you can communicate like this. We could
tell the chimps apart and knew each personality. They are very
careful there about being too intrusive in the chimp's lives. I
picked up a lot of sign language! Food was wonderful also. The
whole experence has really gotten me thinking. Everyone there
was very effected by the chimpanzees and the people who work with
them. I will never look at animals the same.
Barb
************************
Three Birds in the Canyon
above white waters
where ancient seas built red rocks,
Raven wings sail on.
Falcon eyes peer down,
At distant Teals flashing blue,
marks of destiny.
dark flights of swallows
bank and turn to watch the river,
canyon guardians
finis