"Jeff Strang and
Jennifer Beltz representing Northern Arizona University led our 41
person group on this Canyon tour. Dave was our bus driver and was
constantly cleaning the bus and was a super driver and always on
schedule.
Jeff and Jennifer were "totally knowledgeable" of the history and
geology of the Canyons and imparted their knowledge and love of the
area in bus lectures as well as on site lectures.
Accommodations were comfortable and the food excellent. Each canyon
visisted was unique and the views were outstanding.
"A most knowledgeable, entertaining
and fascinating program geared toward letting the average person into
the realm of the mysterious universe. The presenters were experts in
their fields but did not communicate at the PhD level - they talked to
us as friends and answered all questions posed. A most delightful
program. A word of warning - the 7000 foot elevation of Northern Arizona
University is NOT for those of us with heart problems. My wife and I are
very glad we attended but sorry we had to cut the program short because
of the altitude. Elderhostel, keep up the good work in offering great
programs." Program #10020, The Latest Discoveries In Astronomy And The NASA Space
Program
Richard L. Williams
Livingston, TX
Number of programs attended: 7
"This was my first Elderhostel
trip, and it was fantastic. The trip was run through Northern Arizona U.
The trip had a lot of pluses that were beyond human control. It was a
rim to rim b/p of the Grand Canyon, so you know the scenery would be
incredible. The weather was also great. The things that made the trip
perfect were our two guides and NAU's attention to detail.The hotel
before and after the trip was very accommodating to our needs. The NAU
van driver went out of his way to help us. The guides had incredible
knowledge of the GC geology, flora, fauna, and history. Our guides, Jeff
and Ann were great teachers with tremendous knowledge of the canyon and
backpacking. The b/p food was prepared by Jeff and Ann with help from
the participants. All the food was excellent. I cannot say enough about
this excellent adventure. " Program #2113, The Premier Grand Canyon
Backpacking Adventure
Charlie Farrell
Taunton, MA
Number of programs attended: 1
"A wonderful experience. The
coordinators, guides and lecturers were all native Navaho who were warm,
friendly and willing to share information about their culture and daily
lives.
The accomodations were clean and modern and the meals were great. All
this and Canyon de Chelly too. We had a great time." Program #1053, Canyon de Chelly: Enduring
Traditions And Modern Challenges
David Hiatt
Philomath, OR
Number of programs attended: 1
"An outstanding program;
knowledgable instructor, well equipped computer lab and nice motel with
high-speed Internet. NAU offers some of the best Elderhostels I have
attended. In my opinion, their computer related Elderhostels are second
to none." Program #7868, Digital Photography And
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Gerald B Hubble
Tucson, AZ
Number of programs attended: 60
"The whole experience was great;
the organization, the accomodations, the food and the things that we
learned. Our leader, Lisa Kearsley, was excellent in her knowledge of
the geology, the history, and the plant and animal life of the Grand
Canyon. The food at the Yavapai Lodge cafeteria was good, but the meals
at Phantom Ranch and at the Arizona Room at the Bright Angel Lodge were
excellent. The hike down, the ones that we took while at the bottom, and
the hike back to the rim were ones that I will always remember. To make
the trip even more special, northern Arizona was hit by a snowstorm the
day before the program was to begin. Everyone made it, but a few were
delayed a bit. The snow added to the beauty of the canyon by
accentuating the layers of rock strata. The weather lower in the canyon
and at Phantom Ranch was very pleasant. It was a pleasure to talk with
and meet everyone that was in the program." Program #8144, The Classic Grand Canyon
Challenge: Rim To River
Ken Auxier Travlin Ken
Springfield, OR
Number of programs attended: 3
"Thirty-six elderhostlers met in
Alguquerque for this 7 night traveling program in the Four Corners area
of Arizona, Colarodo, Utah, and New Mexico. We stayed 3 nights in Mesa
Verde, and 3 in Chinle. It was nice not to have to move each day.
Sites visited included, ruins at Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, and
Monument Valley. The views from the bus and all of our included side
trips were awe inspiring. The weather perfect - 70 daytime and 35 at
night.
Lodging was good, food often above average, and program content and
coordinator could not have been better. The bus and jeeps used each day
had no bad seats.
I would mention to drink lots of water and eat lots of carbohydrates to
prevent altitude sickness. This trip altitude runs between 5,000 and
8,800 feet. Dress in layers.
This NAU program was one of the best I have taken and I highly
reccommend it. I sent a more detailed report to the Notebook." Program #13157, Four Corners Canyon Country
Jean Crowley
Scarborough, ME
Number of programs attended: 16 "I appreciated the care Elderhostel took
with the planning for the program participants needs. This was an
exceptional trip in breathtaking beauty and extraordinary geology. The
informational aspects were covered adequately by the coordinator. We
were all cared for comfortably and were able to participate to each
participants ability. Thank you for making such an interesting program
available." Program #2804, Grand Canyon National Park: Exploring The North And
South Rims An anonymous participant from Tenafly, NJ
Number of programs attended: 2
