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Four Corners Canyon Country
October 15-25,
2005
Review by Jean Crowley
"Thirty-six
elderhostelers met in Albuquerque
for this 7 night traveling program in the Four Corners region of Arizona,
Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. The mid October days averaged around 70 degrees
and the nights 35 degrees. Layering worked well.
Our visit into the ruins at Mesa Verde, several
museum stops, a jeep trip down into Canyon de Chelly, and a long jeep tour
through Monument Valley, were only a few of the highlights of this course.
The scenery reminded me of my favorite western movies.
 We
stayed three nights in Mesa Verde at the Far View Lodge, and had the opportunity
to watch the full moon rise, and the crimson sun set at the same time. Skies
were streaked with color. Speaking of color, the four-corner area leaves
one in awe of this land of the Navaho people.
Speakers mentioned the history and lore of the
early people and how life and ceremonies of today bring the past into the
present. Our coordinator, Bruce, and driver Dave, were always available, with
humorous uncomplicated descriptions of area geology. I must mention the bus was
perfect – not a bad seat anywhere.
Lodging was good. I liked staying three
nights in Mesa Verde and three at Chinle. There was a slight mix-up at Chinle,
but our coordinator worked it out. Seems Elderhostel neglected to tell him that
rooms would not be cleaned unless someone asked. Meals were often above average.
I liked the buffets best. No complaints at all.
One thing I would mention is to drink lots of
water and eat lots of carbohydrates if you are inclined to altitude sickness.
Also drink Gatorade. It works! The trip altitude runs between 5,000 – 8,800
feet.
Northern
Arizona
University
has designed a wonderful program and I am already looking for another NAU
Elderhostel course. On a scale of 1 – 10, I give this a 9."
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