2006 - First Edition MIDWEST ADVENTURE TRAVELERS SOCIETYfiles.meetup.com/336429/April...

2006 - First EditionMATS Newsletter

Table of ContentsSampling the Incan Stomping Grounds................................................................2Tourist in Your Own Town..................................................................................3Hiking in Zion National Park...............................................................................4Wondrous Wisconsin Camping..............................................................................52006 MATS Calendar..........................................................................................6

2006 - First Edition

MIDWEST ADVENTURE TRAVELERS SOCIETY

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2006 - First Edition MATS Newsletter

Sampling the Incan Stomping Grounds

Terraces Seen From Inca Trail

by Kathy HerrWhen you go on vacation, leaving thecountry is cathartic. Two weeks with-out the laptop and cell phone!! Onetrip member was asked where shecould be reached on vacation and shesimply said ‘No’. In our case, therewere other ‘cathartic’ fits. The laundrylist of activities, the wonderful food,the bright colors of the Peruvian mar-kets and dress, the care taken by theguides, porters, and bus drivers tomake sure we were comfortable intheir country, the wine (well, we’vehad Gato Negro before, but not atover 11,000 feet), the sights, theshower after trekking the Inca trail,and, well, the elevation (in case youhadn't noticed, Chicago is really flat).We moved from the linear work-a-dayworld to the up-and-down world ofsouthern Peru and loved it.We started out the morning on moun-tain bikes on a smooth Peruvian flatroad along a river; the next day wegot more ‘adventure points’ by bikingon winding trails past cows and goats,attempting (key word) to ford a streamwhile still riding. The weather was per-fect and the locals seemed to enjoywatching us as much as we them.Perhaps the biking tourists came byfrequently enough that people cameto expect it, but whatever the reason,I’ll never forget this gray-haired couplesitting on the thatched roof of theirmud brick home clapping, laughing, &cheering us on. On second thought,maybe it was the biking shorts - highlyrecommended by the way. On our 3rd day out of Cuzco, we start-ed hiking from the fixed camp we hadbiked to the afternoon before, wherethe tents were in thatched igloos ofsorts. Our four days on the Inca trailwere challenging, but we only hiked 4-7 hours a day and, as noted before,we were fed really well. A favoritesnack at teatime (coca leaves - report-edly good for altitude--for tea werealways available) was small chunks oflocal cheese fried up and put on friedwonton wrappers - who knew. Theview was ever changing. Sometimesyou could see huge snow-cappedmountains and faraway valleys, whileat other times you were literally walk-ing through the clouds. Our last night

on the trail, we camped at a magicalspot surrounded by mountains andclouds. Of course, I imagine the ele-vation had something to do with that.The highest of 3 passes on the trail isnearly 14,000 feet. We camped acouple of nights at above 11,000 feet.We learned, thanks to our Coloradotrip members, that Alka-seltzer workswell for mild altitude symptoms andpacked for the trail accordingly. We arrived, tired, at the famous SunGate, where you get your first glimpseof Machu Picchu, greeted by a littlerain. But it wasn’t enough rain to spoilthe view. It really does look like allthe pictures I’ve ever seen of it, butthis was real. The other feature thatwas easy to spot from there was theroad to Machu Picchu from the rivervalley and the growing town of AguasCallientes below with the buses thatrace along its 10-15 hairpin turns. From Aguas Callientes, we traveledby train back to Urumbamba, situatedin the Sacred Valley, where we hadstayed after the first day of biking.The swank hotel was fashioned intoindividual large bungalows with porch-es that made for yet another place forhappy hour. On our ‘free day’ Renand I did a little rock climbing, a sportwhich is growing in popularity in Peru.On the way back to Cuzco by bus, westopped to do a little kayaking. Extraadventure points were doled outbecause none of us had ever beenkayaking at around 12,000 feet.While the kayaking was good fun, the

children walking home from schoolwere most memorable. The lake wekayaked doesn't get too many tourists,so they were very curious about thekayaks that we were helping theguides hoist onto the roof of the bus.The guides said that these childrendidn't get fruit often and suggested wegave them the remaining fruit from ourlunch and snacks. They shared nicelyand posed for pictures, as a fewadults kept a watchful eye to makesure everything was okay. Upon returning to Cuzco, we had lotsof free time. We had visited the majorcathedrals and ruins at the start of thetrip, so we spent time wanderingaround & shopping. I haven’t men-tioned shopping yet, but we certainlyhit our share of markets, tourist shops,road-side stops, and ATMs. Rencame home with a Churango (sort oflike a South American Ukulele) and Icame home with everything else. Ofcourse, in Cuzco, there were peopleof all ages selling all manner of trin-kets, like intricately carved gourds and'original' paintings on the streets. Itwas a bit amusing and alarming whenwe realized that the children sellingpostcards and knitted finger puppetson the streets of Cuzco were saying‘Where from?’ and then with ouranswer, they repeated: ‘President -George Bush; Past President -George Bush; Past-Past President -Bill Clinton and his lover MonicaLewinski’. The world knows so muchmore about us than we do them.

Tourist in Your Own Town

MATS Tourists in Downtown Chicago

Buddy Guy on the Tourist Trip

by Carole K.The whole object of travel is not to setfoot on foreign land, it is at last to setfoot on oneís own country as a foreignland.

G.K. Chesterton

In that spirit, a group of MATS explor-ers set out on March 19 to the heartof Chicago to experience our city asforeigners might. The adventure was put together mostsuperbly by Kathy Doyle-Herr. Inaddition to Kathy, rounding out the'permanent' group was Ren, Helen,Don and me. One of the nice surpris-es of this trip was the number of fel-low MATS members who joined us(for as long as they could tolerate us!)on different parts of the adventure, asthey could fit it in to their schedules.Yumi, Bob, Mark and Mike joined inon various activities and added theirunique perspectives to the trip.All activities were close to our homebase - the Ira J. Harris Hostel at Stateand Wabash, where we would spendthe night. We were fortunate to havethis opportunity, as residents of a spe-cific city are usually not permitted to

stay in a hostel on their home turf. At 12:00 Noon on Saturday we met atHeaven on Seven in the GarlandBuilding, to fuel our bodies with somespicy Cajun cookiní before we set out.After lunch we paid a visit toMillennium Park, then headed over tothe Chicago Cultural Center to viewthe exhibit Site Seeing: Photographic

rooms and the overall cleanliness.The guest rooms are gender-specific,approximately 350 square feet, withbunk beds, lockers, and a bathroom. With no rest for the weary, our adven-ture continued at Buddy Guys for afree acoustical set, which was veryentertaining. Of course, the beer wasa welcome refresher! Dinner at Oysywas the next stop. This Japaneserestaurant received mixed reviewsfrom our group (we were eating rawfish!) (for reviews at opposite ends ofthe spectrum, talk to Ren and Kathy inseparate conversations!)Our final activity of the day was, asour group unanimously agreed, thehighlight of the trip. It was at a barcalled Rhythm, located on RandolphStreet. Each patron is given a drum(think 'bongo' - although they told usthat 'bongo' is not the proper name forthese wonderful drums) and partakesin a one-hour lesson. Then everyoneparticipates in open drum sessionsthat last into the wee hours of thenight. The sound and vibrations of 50people beating their own rhythms ontheir drums is truly a primordial experi-ence.Before we knew it, the clock struckmidnight, and these tourists neededtheir rest. We cabbed it back to thehostel and went to sleep with thesights and sounds of our city dancingin our heads.

Excursions inTourism.î Thiswas an interestinglook at not onlyhow tourism is acatalyst for ourphotographs, butalso how suchphotographsspawn furthertourism: actualtourism and theso-called ìarmchairtouristî.At this point, it wastime to check in atthe Hostel, wherewe were suppliedwith sheets and atowel, for this do-it-yourself accommo-dation. Havingnever stayed at ahostel, I waspleasantly sur-prised at the sizeof the sleeping



Hiking in Zion National Parkby Norm Levy

View Overlooking Mountain lake in Zion National Park

Waterfall in Zion National Park

After a harrowing climb up the finalhalf-mile spine of Angels Landing, wereached the summit where weclasped hands and gave the tradition-al MATS cheer. What a view to beholdas we raised the MATS banner andtook pictures. Four days prior, I hadno idea what I was getting myself into.Sure, I had visited Zion National Parkbefore, but always by myself or withothers I knew, on one-day trips fromVegas. Now I would be hiking with sixstrangers and spending four nightswith them at the Zion Lodge. You see,I'm from the Detroit area and untilJanuary, had never heard of MATS.I had attended an outdoor travel showin Rosemont where I met Lisa Gay atthe ATS* booth and she sold me onjoining your group. When I found outZion was on the itinerary for Easterweekend, I sent in my deposit.The plan was for all of us to meet inLas Vegas and drive to the Park. Whowere these fellow travelers? Could Ikeep up the pace with them, would Ifit in, would spending day and part ofthe evening be too much together-ness? The drive to Zion alleviated myconcerns. I found that just like me,they were there to have fun, enjoy thesights, and egos were left at home.

Everyone was accommodating anddecisions were made as a group.The trip was the inspiration of Kristinwho considers Zion her second homeand gave us many suggestions. Alsoalong were Mark, Molly, Becky,Donna, and Chuck. Donna's roomwas the morning meeting place wherewe decided each days activities andmade lunches and gorp for our hikes.It was also the place for evening liba-

tions where we drank to our accom-plishments, gulped vitamin I (ibupro-fen) and enjoyed our pre-dinner appe-tizers.The first day we got acclimated with avisit to the three Emerald Pools whichencompassed a 2.5 mile round trip.The next day we split into threegroups. The group I was in hiked theObservation Trail which involved ford-ing an ice-cold stream and ended withus doing some post-holing throughsnow when we gained the 6500-footsummit. Our last hike involved a spec-tacular day trip to Angels Landing.The last half mile, the trail follows thespine of a knife-edge ridge with heavychains attached to the rock to serveas handrails along most of the drop-offs. One truly gets a feeling of walk-ing on the razors edge here. The sum-mit commands a spectacular 360-degree panorama of rugged spiresand towering walls,The Detroit area has nothing likeMATS and I doubt whether manyother cities do either. As a non-localnewcomer to the MATS group I amthrilled to have found your organiza-tion and hope to join you on moretravel adventures. Anyone who isconcerned about joining one of thesetrips, try it once and you'll be ashooked as I am. MATS is a jewel toenjoy.

Wondrous Wisconsin Camping


Campers Relaxing on the Wondrous Wisconsin Weekend

Campground in Wisconsin

As a newcomer to MATS, (a tag-alongfrom the JD Fun list) I gathered mycourage and decided to accept thegracious invitation of your group to gocamping. I am elated that I did.These are a few of the things Ilearned about MATS:1. You guys are organized! I found theproperty easily (directions were per-fect), the entrance was marked with aglowing tiki torch and an official sign.Marie Bush, Organizer Superior, hasan official shirt with MATS insignia(impressive).2. Your group is extremely friendlyand welcoming (I didn't get voted offthe island).3. The flow of the weekend was per-fect balance of eating, drinking andplaying. There is, I discovered, a slice of para-dise near Dodgeville, in Wisconsin. Itis a beautiful property that has ponds,a stream, seedlings, a forest, fieldsand an outhouse. (I’ll get to that later).Michael Gay was a most gracioushost to share his land! Extra apprecia-tion goes out to him for the perfectlymowed lawn, which assisted in thetent pitching endeavors. What did the campers do? What didyou miss? Day Trippin. Despite the heat (and itwas hot, hot, hot) the campers par-took in multiple activities many ofwhich were in the state park. Therewas hiking, biking, swimming, relax-ing, reading, & conversing. Iembarked on a tandem bicycle ride(another first) there are some hills inWisconsin - it is a great place to bike.The countryside is gorgeous!Nocturnal Activities. At night therewere camp fires, sing-alongs, snacks,inter-woven conversations, star gazingwith the naked eye and with the assis-tance of a high powered telescopeprovided by Mike O’Reilly (our moonhas some cool craters, and Jupiterhas some cool moons).What was the camp site like?Fauna. Lions & tigers & bears, therewere not. Better yet, there were crea-tures more mysterious:Bats & Bull Frogs. Saw the bats,couldn’t hear them. Heard the frogs,

couldn’t see them. There was an adja-cent field of corn, which, at night wasa-glow with sparkling, diving anddancing fireflies. The best news yet -no mosquitoes!Flora. A hardwood forest is in themaking. There are fields of tall grass.Verdant green colors abounded.There is mint on the property &Michael Gay makes a mean Mohitowith it!Outhouse. Not just any outhouse -one with a push button glow light & onone special night, multi-tiered candlelight illuminated your experience.Tent City. There was plenty of spacefor the campers to find a perfect placeto reside for the weekend: near a run-ning creek, near a pond, across the

by Kathie G.

stream, in the back field. You could beas close to the action as you wantedor more removed.The Campers. There were 12 individ-uals who participated in the campingtrip. Each one brought his/her ownspecial spirit! The group blended well.It was easy to remember the namesof the men - just call out the nameMike and you were likely to be correct(we had 3 Mikes!)Would I do it again? NO . . . running waterNO . . . electricityNO PROBLEM!The camping trip was fantastic and Ilook forward to participating in moreMATS activities in the future!

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JULY11 - Chicago Monthly Meeting at Giordano’s13-16 - Apostle Islands Kayaking18 - Ravinia Steve Miller Band Concert20 - Ethnic Dinner25 - Ravinia Beach Boys Concert28-30 - Canoe the Wisconsin River

AUGUST2 - Ravinia Trisha Yearwood Concert5-13 - Boundary Waters Caneoing8 - Chicago Monthly Meeting at Giordano’s12-16 - Backpacking in Isle Royale Nat’l Park17 - Ethnic Dinner25-27 - Camping in WisconsinTBD - MATS Picnic

2006 MATS Calendar

SEPTEMBER12 - Chicago Monthly Meeting at Giordano’s21 - Ethnic Dinner21-24 - Hiking in Hudson River Valley26-Oct.6 - Galapagos Islands Cruise/Hike/Dive

OCTOBER10 - Chicago Monthly Meeting at Giordano’s19 - Ethnic DinnerTBD - Belize Multi-SportTBD - Gauley River Rafting

NOVEMBER14 - Chicago Monthly Meeting at Giordano’s16 - Ethnic Dinner

DECEMBER12 - MATS Holiday Party

*Chicago Monthly Meetings: 6:30pm; Giordano’s Pizza, located at 815 W. Van Buren St. in Chicago -(312) 421-1221

**Times and places of Ethnic Dining events to be determined***Important: All trips require advance sign-up and/or waivers

The Midwest Adventure Travelers SocietyP.O. Box 1189Chicago, IL 60690-1189

TO:

NOTE: Our calendar is always evolving with new activities. For current calendar & detailed tripinformation, see the following link http://www.midwestats.org/Pages/Events.htm#current

Send your story contributions to Newsletter Editor Marty Grabinski at [email protected]

To learn more about the Midwest Adventure Travelers Society (MATS) and how tobecome a member, visit

www.midwestats.org.

Guests always welcome!

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