Ed

The trip is over. Goodbyes were said, and we've all scattered back to our own little corners of the U.S. Few of us will meet again, so this is my chance to say what I really think of the Hostile Elders. And what I really think is that these are some of the kindest, warmest, most well rounded and most interesting people I've ever met or imagined meeting. Their tales include struggles and successes, heartbreak and joy, adventure and romance and action. No pirates, but maybe I just didn't listen enough.

Some knees may not be up for long hikes, some lungs may struggle in the thin air. But every eye sparkled with so much life. The spirit, in all cases, was willing. If I ever make it to 60, that's how I'd like to be. I'm elated to have met these exquisite people, and humbled to have been accepted by them.

The trip itself was a brilliant success. Elderhostel knows how to plan and organize a tour. There were snags and snafus and changes, but Brent (at right, with the brown cap) took them all in stride and made us hardly notice. He's a good organizer and leader, and made the entire trip run smoothly. Tony (left), our geologist, has given us a foundation (no pun intended) for opening our eyes to our surroundings and learning more about them. We may not remember every single formation and its age, but we will know how to discover more. Geri (center) is a saint. Neither snow nor rain nor desert heat dimmed her radiance, nor did schlepping scores of heavy suitcases onto and off the luggage compartment. The bus seats were cramped, but we were nonetheless oblivious to the fact that we were on the road. Her driving went unnoticed, and that's the highest compliment a driver can hope for.

The trip is over. Soon life will be back to normal, but I am richer for this experience. In nine and a half years I'll be eligible to go on other Elderhostel tours. Will I? Ask me then.

Care for more photos? See Tony's picture page. His are much better than mine, and he's actually culled them into a very nice representative selection. The group photo above is Tony's, not mine.