From the Archives: Back to the Grand Canyon
"Way back in 1941, my father was called to active duty with his National Guard unit, the 265th Coast Artillery Battalion, and was sent to Galveston, Texas. Naturally, mother and I followed and lived in Galveston all that year.
In November of 1941, with war clouds looming, my dad was told that if he expected to take any of his vacation time, he’d better do it now. So we decided that since we were from Florida and were half-way to the Grand Canyon, why not go there? So in November of 1941, we set out on our most wonderful adventure.
We toured the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert and Carlsbad Caverns. I’ll never forget it!
Fifty years later (almost to the day), I attended my very first Elderhostel — at the University of Northern Arizona where we studied (surprise) the Grand Canyon! My sole comment: Grand Canyon hasn’t changed a bit.
Since that time, I have enjoyed 17 Elderhostel programs, and have thoroughly enjoyed every one — and hope to attend many more!"
—Marilyn H. Tomlinson
Elderhostel Ambassador
Jacksonville, Florida
This story is excerpted from Elderhostel Odyssey, published in 2005.