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
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.