The theme of our March 23 meeting was “Trekking.” Exploring the great outdoors with a hiking stick, a backpack and wide-eyed enthusiasm for nature. Jacqueline provided the perfect word of the day for the meeting; peregrination, a noun meaning to take a long meandering journey, usually by foot.
Our speaker, Raji Bandanapudi, entertained us with her description of a 4-day, 20 mile round trip trek she tooks with friends to see Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Tribal lands deep within the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Raji was able to convince 8 friends to join her on this backpacking trip in February of 2019. In early Spring, the falls are full of water and the weather is sunny but not the scorching heat of summer when temperatures of over 100 are common. Raji shared what she learned, based on this experience of her first backpacking trip,
- All you need to be happy is: Good companions, good boots, a good tent and a warm sleeping bag.
- Be one with nature, enjoy the adventure.
- Your bed at home is so comfortable when you return.
She encouraged all of us to step outside our house and enjoy nature. As John Muir said, “The mountains are calling, I must go.”
Our Destination Master, Meghan Burns selected a location that is known for enjoyment of nature.
- A US National Park in California that is famous for trekking and climbing.
- One of the earliest National Parks, receiving US Federal protection in 1864, long before the creation of the US National Park Service.
- It is home to over 90 species of animals, including black bears, marmots, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and mule deer.
- Famous hiking trails include the trials to Bridalveil Falls and to Vernal Falls and the Half Dome trail
- Don’t confuse this National Park with that other National Park that also starts with the letter “Y” and stretches across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. You won’t find “Old Faithful” here.
If you guessed, Yosemite National Park, you are correct!
Travel Topics were led by Vernitta and Helen. Each took an opportunity to ask about favorite trips and hiking adventures. Jacqueline shared her experiences in the Holy Land, walking in the desert and among sacred sites in Jerusalem. Samantha shared her love of camping, but only with a tent, she is not fond of sleeping out under the stars with just a sleeping bag.
Join us for our next meeting on March 30 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm Pacific (-8 UTC). The meeting theme is “Greatest Trip Ever.” Join the meeting to participate in our Travel Topics session and guess the mystery Destination.
Register for the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/TravelTalkersZoomLink
Looking forward to hearing your Travel Stories!
Helen Josephine,
Travel Talkers Toastmasters
Travel Talkers Toastmasters 
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