April 6, 2021 -- Muir Trail & Amazon Rainforest
We had two fabulous presentations. Craig Swan, economics professor emeritus from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, presented on the John Muir Trail. We traveled with him and his family 211 miles along the trail from the Yosemite Valley to the top of Mt. Whitney, from 4,000 to 14,500 feet. Cross 11 passes, 6 of them at 12,000 feet or higher. He gave us a glimpse of the grandeur and glory of the High Sierra so we could understand why the Muir Trail is among America’s premier mountain backpacking experiences. Donna Chollett, anthropology professor emeritus from the University of Minnesota Morris, took us on an incredible journey to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, where she spent time in indigenous communities, learning about rainforest ecology and indigenous culture. Her presentation was in three parts: the Huaorani Ecolodge, the Kichwa Añangu community, and a “toxic tour” of oil exploration sites in the region.
Journey along the Muir Trail and to Ecuador’s indigenous ecolodges
Tue, Apr 6 2021, 11am
UMRA’s next Armchair Traveler program, on Tuesday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will feature two great presentations, on the John Muir Trail in California and Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. Please mark your calendars to save the date; the link to join the Zoom webinar will be emailed to UMRA members in late March.
Along the John Muir Trail
Craig Swan, economics professor emeritus from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, will present on the John Muir Trail. Travel 211 miles along the trail from the Yosemite Valley to the top of Mt. Whitney, from 4,000 to 14,500 feet. Cross 11 passes, 6 of them at 12,000 feet or higher. Get a glimpse of the grandeur and glory of the High Sierra to understand why the Muir Trail is among America’s premier mountain backpacking experiences.
Huaorani family in Ecuador
Ecuador‘s Amazon ecolodges
Donna Chollett, anthropology professor emeritus from the University of Minnesota Morris, will take us on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador where she spent time in indigenous communities, learning about rainforest ecology and indigenous culture. Her presentation will include three parts: the Huaorani Ecolodge, the Kichwa Añangu community, and a "toxic tour” of oil exploration sites in the region.
—Lynn C. Anderson, chair, Armchair Traveler