The Canadian Rockies - Our (Early) 21st Anniversary Trip

I've wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies for a very long time.  When my son was a youngster, his grandmother took him on a trip that included a stay at the Chateau on Lake Louise as well as a helicopter visit to a glacier.  He brought back many wonderful stories and memories.  Years later, my mother and father drove up the California coast and on up through Oregon and Washington into Canada.  Their trip again piqued my curiosity about the area.  So this year Enrique decided (it's his year to choose a place to celebrate our anniversary) to sign us up for the National Geographic/Back Roads Adventures six-day trip Exploring the Canadian Rockies.


We were not disappointed!



Days 0, 1 and 2

We flew from Tucson to Calgary via San Francisco and given our early morning start, we enjoyed breakfast at the San Francisco airport.  We landed in Calgary in the middle of the afternoon

and began our two hour drive to Banff thanks to the Banff Airporter, a multiple times a day shuttle service.  Our driver took us directly to our first night's destination, the Buffalo Mountain Lodge.  Along the way, we noticed the haze (nearby fire at Octopus Mountain caused by a lightening strike) somewhat obscuring the view of downtown Calgary

but not the new housing developments noting homes for sale from $300,000 up

or the round hay bales, something I'd never seen before.

Enrique also photographed a local gasoline station and noticed, but it passed too quickly by, an Esso station, as well.  Being an "oil company brat" who moved about every two and a half years during my childhood as my father was transferred overseas to various locations and increasing responsibility, I've always been interested in this landscape feature.

Soon we started seeing signs for Banff and early hints of the mountains to come.  On the way up from San Francisco, I was overwhelmed by the number of mountain peaks clustered together that make up the Canadian Rockies - so overwhelmed, I simply gawked and forgot to pull out my camera.

We noticed signs to Lake Louise, too - our destination after a full day and a half in Banff

 The sign indicating Tunnel Mountain led us to believe that we'd be going through a tunnel; however, our driver informed us that the railroad chose to avoid that route once the planners realized how expensive such a dig might be.

We arrived at Bear Mountain Lodge

and the carved wooden animals

and immediately adjourned to the dining room for an early dinner and bed.  The room included a working fireplace and a wonderful deep footed bathtub, something I hope to add to our bathroom at home one of these days.  Logistics for the trip required an arrival the day before, to be arranged by us, and a taxi the next morning to the Rimrock Resort Hotel

where we met up with the seventeen other members of our group and our two guides:   Ken Brushett, a National Geographic Expert and Frances Dewart, an expedition leader.  Our trip began from here.



We soon climbed aboard the two vans and headed out to the start of an interpretive walk led by Ken Brushett.

We strolled along taking in both the mountains and the valley as well as plenty of flowers and grasses.

Enrique captured a beautiful photo of grass

Here's a view of Sleeping Buffalo Mountain,

of a large, rather elegant looking place in the distance

and of flowers as well as of the Bow river we were to raft that afternoon.

Strawberry Blight

But first, following our morning hike, we gathered in a park building for a luncheon feast

and then were treated to a presentation by Colleen Campbell, a local bear expert and researcher.

Her lecture was augmented a couple of evenings later when Enrique and I watched a television special about bears.  Although apparently one might be able to distinguish between a defensive bear and a predatory bear and then take appropriate action (one lies down and plays dead or for the latter carries on in full defense of one's body), by the time the program closed, we decided that the best thing would be to avoid a bear in the first place.  We were shocked later in the trip to observe at least ten people standing along the highway taking photos of a black bear with less than fifteen feet distance between them and the bear.  If the bear had charged, someone -- including the bear who would probably join the many who are hit by a car each year -- would have been seriously injured.

After lunch we were ferried in the two vans, one which pulled our all-purpose trailer, to the Bow River for a scenic raft trip and suited up.

An enterprising young man stood on a nearby bank and called out for us to turn and wave.  We were offered this great photo for a reasonable price following the ride:

The water really is that blue.  More about this lake's color and others later.......

Our raftsman and guide, Kim, worked hard as he used the heavy oars to steer us down the river

during which we saw hoodoos on the shore

as well as fabulous views of the area --  Sleeping Buffalo Mountain,

the Bow River lined with tall pines, and periodic log jams.

 

We drove back to the Rimrock in time to observe a wedding on the lawn below the balcony.

Following a rest at the Rimrock, we were shuttled into Banff for a delicious dinner and an opportunity to meet our traveling companions.

Early the next morning, I opened the curtains to be greeted by the dawn.

 Everyone met near the vans to prepare a bag lunch

and then were shuttled to Sunshine Meadows.  To quote the trip description, "....we head to Sunshine Meadows, which features all the natural diversity that makes the Canadian Rockies so spectacular:  alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers, glacial tarns, crystal-clear lakes and mountain peaks.  The well-maintained trails, gorgeous scenery [somewhat dimmed by at times heavy smoke from the Octopus fire] and a wealth of wildlife make for some of the best hiking in the rockies.  We meet up with our expert guide for an interpretive walk detailing the native flora and fauna of the region and the conservation efforts to preserve the area."

How I wish trails in the Tucson area were as well-maintained as those we found in the Banff/Jasper area or in N. California on Mt. Tam!!

Here are some photos, sometimes accompanied by captions:

Hippy-On-A-Stick

Arnica

Alpine Fireweed

Starting out

On the way up the trail, I noticed that the ground was covered with wild strawberry plants....

You'll notice valerian blooming here, too.  The scent of the blossoms is quite sweet but that of the oils is rather pungent and can be overwhelming.

We were disappointed by the amount of smoke in the air from the Octopus Mountain Fire.  At times several of us were having trouble breathing and burning eyes.  I imagine the following photo and others like it would have been even more splendid with the wonderful blue clear skies we encountered later in the week.

Need to identify this pretty flower; reminded me of tack stem but the latter has many more petals

Enrique setting up

Hazy smoke, beautiful lake

Flowers and more flowers......

pink Indian Paint Brush! and white, as well

Our other expedition leader, Fran

Columbian Ground Squirrel

Heading back the way we came .... and encountering this sign listing "Fatigue Pass".  Very appropriate!

Following our 6+ mile hike, we drove on to Lake Louise with a view of Castle Mountain along the way......

At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!  Photos coming up soon of Lake Louise at Dawn....

The door to our room

Time for dinner and an early turn in.  Wonderful day!


Days 3 and 4

Lake Louise at Dawn, courtesy of Enrique who rose early to capture this incredible sequence of views on the shores of the lake.......

  
And, the view we had from our window......

  
[From this point on over the next several days, we visited many beautiful lakes and I need to add a caveat here that I may make a mistake when I identify them.  I welcome feedback to keep this account accurate! or to provide names of flowers, e.g.] 

Breakfast each morning at the Rimrock, the Chateau and later at Jasper Lodge was taken in a large dining room, usually with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains or lake(s).  We opted for the breakfast buffet offerings which were many, ranging from eggs benedict to pancakes to pastries to cereal to yoghurt to fruit (and lots more in between) - all fresh and very tasty.  We usually arrived about 7 a.m. to beat the rush and often joined others in our group, starting the day with cheerful conversation.

Each evening our guides, Ken and Fran, distributed sheets outlining the next day's activities with  accurate time schedules along with suggestions for what to bring/wear.  The first couple of days we all dressed for temperatures in the high 70's, for the area was experiencing an unusual heat wave.  A good hat was a must as were walking shoes and especially a camera!!!  Water to drink, of course.

From the brochure:  "Once depicted on the Canadian twenty dollar bill, Moraine Lake is set in the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks.  After arriving, we take a short walk to the top of the Rockpile and marvel at the incredible views." 

Moraine Lake, elevation 6,183 feet, is often described as the lesser known sister to Lake Louise.  Apparently Grizzly Bears are sighted frequently in the area; however, we took only the short hike from the parking area to what's known as the "rockpile" to view this gorgeous lake and the amazing reflections.

Ken described the powerful action of the glaciers that pulverizes the mostly limestone rock in the area, reducing it to a fine talcum powder.  It is this powder, suspended in the water of the lakes and streams, that provides the unusual colors.  Here's Ken describing the churning mechanism that grinds the stone and pushes rock and other debris forward and outward.

On our way to this perch, we encountered a cute little pika that was busy gathering grasses and other food for its winter nest.  S/he scurried back and forth across the trail and at one point ran between Enrique's feet.

From there we drove to Yoho National Park to view the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's highest at 1,250 feet.

Approaching the Takakkaw Falls

Enrique enjoyed reacquainting himself with his camera

Lunch was a fun surprise, for we drove to the little hamlet of Field and were treated to delicious sandwiches at the Truffle Pigs

our entertainment being the flying pigs hanging from the ceiling as well as the proposed replies to the question, Why did the pig cross the road?  written on the blackboards 

 Notice how the "rock flour" as the sediment is often referred to colors the Kicking Horse River almost white.

After lunch, we were stunned by the power of the Kicking Horse River as it narrowed into a twisting funnel, churning through and then widening again to continue on.

 Emerald Lake was next on our agenda, described in our bulletin as discovered by late 19th century mountaineer and adventurer Tom Wilson.  Known not only for its beauty, the area is steeped in prehistoric history and revered by scientists and preservationists alike for its significant link to history and exquisitely preserved fossils.   There was so much to observe, learn and absorb on this beautiful trek completely around the lake.

 

Emerald Lake Glacier Silt

The same silt, wet (suspended, the silt gives the lake its emerald color)

We noticed lodges at many of the lakes we visited; most with few rooms, wonderful peace and quiet, amazing views.....


Off to the upper right along the ridge in this next photo is the Burgess Shale 

  From the Berkeley site to which I've linked the name:  In 1909, the Burgess Shale was discovered by Charles D. Walcott of the Smithsonian Institution. The legend has it that his horse stopped in front of a rock which he then cracked open, discovering fossils. Walcott called the Burgess Shale the "fossil-bearing unit", but it received little attention until fifty years later. Finally in 1960, Alberot Simonella brought a renewed interest to Walcott's work when he began to redefine members of the Burgess Shale fauna. In 1967, the Cambridge project was intiated by Harry Whittington. Two graduate students, Simon Conway Morris (a worm specialist) and Derek Briggs (an expert in arthropods) joined him in this endeavor. This trio of scientists became the leading authorities on the site. Recent work has been continued by Desmond Collins, the curator of the Canadian museum.

Through additional work on the site, it was determined that the Burgess Shale included multiple fossil bearing layers of about 2 meters thick stacked 150 meters high and over 60,000 unique fossils have been found. The dominant fossils found are arthropods, but other fossils are found in great abundance, including worms, crinoids, sea cucumbers, chordates, and other organisms with no mineralized shell. Most fossils were found in underwater banks known as the phyllopod beds.
The Burgess fauna contains many fossils of soft bodied animals as well as those with hard parts. This is a tremendous opportunity for researchers because the soft bodied fossils are rarely found anywhere else -- such organisms are usually destroyed before they can be preserved as fossils. When an organism is completely soft, the body usually rots away before it can become fossilized. Hard parts are important because they are more easily preserved; they help the organism last long enough to become fossilized. 

Incidentally, these kinds of floral arrangements were suspended everywhere we went, it seemed.   Back we went to Chateau Lake Louise to close out our day with a stroll partway around so Enrique could take a photo of the Chateau.  The light here is very difficult to capture, at times.

Tomorrow the glacier!!!!!

Day 4

When we started packing for this trip, and even before, I remarked that being wet, cold and miserable for a few days sounded awfully good after enduring what had become a hot, dry and miserable summer.  We knew that we'd be walking on a glacier during our trip and we looked forward to a new experience for both of us.  So, we focused on layering and made sure to bring along warm gloves.  We also brought wool socks for our goretex hiking boots, the latter a must when we also learned we would be wearing crampons.

The intinerary for the day included driving to the Columbia Icefields (3 hours), a visit to the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Center and lunch while there, a walk on the Athabasca Glacier, and then the drive to Jasper Park Lodge.  Along the way to the Icefields, we were to make stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon.

The drive up was breathtaking.  Truth be told, Enrique slept much of the way in the van being worn out from long work days.  So I spent a good deal of time, along with everyone else in our van, looking out the windows, taking photos, and gasping "look at that!"

Our first stop was near Bow Lake

and the start of the short walk over to Peyto Lake, the course all laid out on this sign:

Enrique captured a complete view of the lake in the next three photos, the first illustrating the water source (the glacier), the next the central part of this very long lake, and the third the "head" of it.  We were challenged to think of what the lake might remind us of.  Finally, a companion on the trip took our photo so we could say we truly were there.

We both enjoyed capturing reflections in the lakes we visited as well as simply enjoying the views.

Off we went again, marveling at the glaciers we could see peaking over the cliffs.  These sections of glaciers were, at times, 300 feet thick or so.  It was difficult, from a distance, to really calibrate what we were looking at.

and we wondered what the actual glacier walk would entail.  Fortunately for us and for all the visitors who drive along what is known as the Icefields Parkway, a section of the the glacier -- known as the Athabasca -- descends quite close to the highway.  In fact, there are markers starting fairly close to the visitor's center and working back to the existing edge to illustrate the melting and therefore withdrawal of the edge.    The following photos will take you to the Visitor's Center and then across the bridge and down the walk through the ground up remains of the land over which the glacier worked and up to the very edge.

Vehicle used to drive up the glacier should you not wish to walk it

Enrique and Smoky the Bear

Looking at the glacier from the Visitor's Center

Meeting our guide, Bernard, and George, our guide dog

We all wore crampons to get a better hold on the ice (and why hiking boots were essential)

Ken, Peter (owner of the guide company), and Fran

Looking across the rubble to the glacier

Starting out; note the comparative size of the folks in the distance

Constantly melting

The power of the glacier and its contents scouring the rock

A required water crossing ahead

A close up of the ice of the glacier; you would not want to fall on this

Looking back as we progress

Looking forward..... for miles

We were there

Jumping for joy

Heading back down watching the water course along

This water was boiling up from the base of the glacier.... underglacier melt?

We had hoped to hike further up the glacier, but we had a long drive ahead of us still and plenty more to see along the way.......

Meanwhile, here's the traditional National Geographic Group Photo

 

Travel Back East - My Fiftieth High School Reunion

About fifty-two years ago, my mother, brother, sister and I packed several suitcases and left the Philippines for a long and very enjoyable summer vacation at what was then known as the Jackson Hole Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

We had a wonderful time; so much so that my mother, brother and I returned two years later following my high school graduation to spend additional time at the ranch before my mother headed off to join my father and sister in Australia and I and my brother started another college/school (respectively) year in the States.

The ranch provided a welcomed respite from my occasionally dark moods that often prevailed while I was at Abbot.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 50th High School Reunion this past weekend.   In fact, as I revealed during the reunion session titled "Impact of your Abbot/Andover Experience" last week, I spent those two years at Abbot and many more until recently in a depressive state known as dysthymia either brought on by an eating disorder that began in Manila during ninth grade or that precipitated the eating disorder.  I'm still not sure which.

So, why did I choose to attend the reunion?  Because I had so many wonderful memories of the girls with whom I studied, attended classes, walked, talked, and played sports -- as well as played.  I spent a lot of time at Abbot observing people because I found it hard to reach out and connect.  I wanted to reconnect after a long absence and to rekindle some rather special memories.

I and my classmates were encouraged to attend by Mae Concemi Bradshaw (Chair of our class fundraising committee as well as moderator of sessions and a working in the background person), Kathy Krakauer ('62 Class Secretary, who also put together the wonderful slide show constantly running during registration in Morris Hall), Lynne Moriarty Langlois (50th Reunion co-chair who with her committee members Mae Concemi Bradshaw, Beth Crane, Kitty Grant Galaitsis, Kathy Krakauer, Anne MacDougall, Natalie Gillingham Schorr and Meriby Sweet put together a very special collection of events) and others who sent along emails and ultimately by the Alumni Office that mailed a beautiful glossy-bound book, co-edited by our own Kitty Grant Galaitsis and Paul Upson (PA) with many pictures and our stories of where we've been and where we are.  The flip side carries a photo on the Phillips Academy original campus and within, their stories.

My planning began.  I contacted Kitty Grant Galaitsis who had visited Tucson a couple of years back.  As thanks for the private tour I gave her of the Tucson area, Kitty had invited me to stay with her and her husband the night before the activities began.  I made airline reservations (finally using a lot of accumulated miles) and very reasonable hotel reservations (thank you, Meriby Sweet, not only for the rate but also for the brilliant idea of offering us an opportunity to be all in one place), car rental (I found driving on Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York highways to be nerve-wracking - entrance ramps and exit ramps were frighteningly close together) and reservations for our animal companions so they'd be in good hands while I was gone.

The scheduled events stretched over four days, beginning with Registration at noon on Thursday, June 7, and closing with a brunch on Sunday, June 10.  Coincidentally, my husband's calendar included a business trip the week of the 10th so he planned to fly on Saturday to join me for dinner and dancing on Saturday night.  From there we sketched out a trip that included a visit with his daughter and her family (and 2 week old baby boy) near Boston, with my cousin and her children in Rhode Island, and with my son and his family in New York City.  We have four grandchildren -- all boys!

Kitty and Tony welcomed me into their home on Wednesday evening having held a delicious dinner until I arrived.  My "everlost" (our family's nickname of the Neverlost GPS direction provider since trees interfere with reception) got me there quickly in spite of a hair-raising transit through the Sumner Tunnel from Logan Airport.  One of my classmates mentioned she chose to fly into Manchester, NH and drive down - a suggestion I will investigate when I return to Andover another time.  Following a solid night's sleep and a brisk walk in the morning, Kitty led our two-car parade to the campus where we parked in a central spot within walking distance of both the Abbot and the Andover buildings.

I love the desert here in Tucson where I've lived for forty-two years.  Our backyard reflects hours of work to install plants and trees that are native and that provide us with flowers, perches for birds, and hiding spots for rabbits and other critters like coyotes, bobcats, javelina and a occasional (rare) cougar that come to visit and/or drink water out of our little pond.

Yet, I am always startled and become nostalgic for the amazing green of the east coast from New York and points north.  The campus proved no exception.  I'll be posting other photos further along.

Although I'd brought along a camera, I neglected to pull it out the first day so several opportunities for photos were missed including registration,  (so here are photos of what I received during registration and managed to bring home)

 the joint class discussion of the "Impact of your Abbot/Andover Experience" moderated by Mae Concemi Bradshaw and Charlie Bakst in Kemper Auditorium and the reception and dinner buffet in Davis Hall located in McKeen Hall on the Abbot Campus.  Here's a photo looking at McKeen Hall from the side gate leading onto the campus from School Street:

And, here's another looking down School Street towards the Abbot campus:

 Notice the young sappling.  The Andover area suffered through a terrible winter storm and several beautiful beloved older trees were lost.  During the reunion, I learned that the class of 1997 got together, issued a challenge and raised funds to plant 50 trees.  According to the Spring 2012 issue of the Andover Magazine that just arrived in my mail box, $98,000 has been raised with a goal of $150,000.  I believe this young tree is among those planted so far.

The joint discussion in Kemper Auditorium was well-attended and the comments were heart-felt - sometimes serious, sometimes very funny.  We were all so young, really.  Many who spoke remembered how unsettling it was to come from home to a new place to live - some very homesick; how tough but encouraging their teachers had been; how much fun they had; what a great (and at times not-so-great) classroom experience and solid education they were provided.  As I listened to comments and shared my own, I found myself reflecting on the backbone, so to speak, I gained there and how prepared I was for college.  I found the discussion to be a wonderful entry into the weekend.

To find Kemper Auditorium my search took me quickly through the Gelb Gallery, the location of the Creative Works Exhibit arranged and hung by our classmate and art gallery expert, Anne MacDougall whose long-time experience as one of the principals of the G.W. Einstein Co, Inc. yielded a wonderful collection of some of our classmates' works ranging from a triptych to photographs to abstract paintings to a creation out of empty paint tubes.  If I can get my hands on a list of what was there, I'll place it here with more details.

Classmate and then PA faculty member for 36 years, Natalie Gillingham Schorr welcomed us all to a buffet dinner where conversations continued, more people had arrived, and re-connections continued at a rapid pace.  Soon, though, travel and the day caught up with many of us.  The 7-mile drive back to the hotel went without a hitch thanks to my on-board navigator Martha Mason Denzel.

The next morning I joined Beth Crane and Kathy Krakauer for a brisk walk before heading to campus  to observe a fascinating discussion titled "Our Changing World" moderated by Frederica Aalto, Anne Ripley, and Steve Abbot.  The session began by each recounting their life and how their activities reflected and continue to reflect the changing world we live in.  Frederica talked about her birth family's support of family planning and her decision to immerse herself in this field on behalf of women who for one reason or another would prefer to not have or postpone having a/another child (among other situations).

Anne revealed that following her graduation with a degree in nursing, she devoted considerable time to service in the Far East, particularly Thailand where many people from Cambodia during those terrible times sought refuge.

Steve Abbot discussed the evolution of his career of creating documentaries including a recent project to interview those who are social entrepreneurs.

Steve had begun to show us a documentary when his presentation was halted and we were advised that we could either stay and continue to see what Steve had created or to go to a different classroom in the building to learn about Frederica's extensive activities.  I wanted to see both, actually, but truly wanted to hear what Frederica was doing so moved along.


Her audience

Once or twice she referred to herself as "just a housewife", but she is much more.  She, as a member of Planned Parenthood, traveled to the Middle East several times to bring information, medicines, medical equipment/supplies and knowledge to doctors and others interested in promoting family planning and in caring for women and girls who had suffered assaults as well as births gone physically awry.  Many in the Middle East have benefited from her devotion to this project.  She had many adventures to share and people to talk about.  It is her hope to continue her work there and following her presentation, several of us expressed an interest in supporting her in some fashion.

The session, as one might imagine, lasted longer than scheduled yet everyone was captivated by what she has accomplished.  We were due to be on the Abbot campus at noon for the formal Abbot lunch and most of us appeared by 12:30 along with several new faces -- people who had registered that morning.

Lunch was in the School Room of Abbot Hall where we, as girls, attended Chapel each morning and vespers on Sunday evening, a service I  loved.  Meriby Sweet photographed most who entered the room while several posed for photos including one with a portrait of Mrs. Crane, our cherished principal, who served from 1955-1966.  Those and more photos can be found on Facebook if one identifies Abbot Academy in the Facebook search function.

From left:  Lynne, Meriby, Kathy, Beth, Mrs. Crane, Natalie, Lexa Crane, Julie Crane

We also gathered for a group photo:

Included starting in the back from left to right:
Frederica Muller Aalto, Anne MacDougall, Natalie Gillingham Schorr, Valerie Crane,  Sue Boynton Koerber, Becky Bartlett, Lynne Moriarty Langlois, Martha Mason Denzel, Hilary Field Gripekoven, Carrie Thomas, Kathrin Krakauer, Kitty Grant Galaitsis, Cammy Moore, Jennifer Hesketh Aviles, Abby von der Heyde Summersgil, Barbara Stone Smith, Susan Niebling Hammond, Meriby Sweet, Cathy Wilkerson, Beth Crane, Betsy Bruns Eaton, Anne Ripley, Ingrid Quark Manning, and Sue Mallory Dunn.

Missing from the photo were Mary Louise Currier Gagnon who attended dinner the evening before, Mae Concemi Bradshaw who was in many places at once,  Beverly Brown Berg who attended Frederica's session that morning; Carolyn Dow, Martha Lyman, and Darcy Wheeler Bacon  who came later either for/or the Parade, the annual meeting in the Phillips Chapel,  and  the Memorial Service, and Cynthia Everett White who arrived in time for dinner on Saturday night.

Another group photo with Mae present:

From left:  Mae, Martha, Lynne, Meriby, Beth, and Hilary

Notice the polo shirt that Meriby is wearing.  You'll see many of us wearing this shirt in photographs taken during the gathering in Cochran Chapel following the march.  Meriby took on the task of having many of these, with the Abbot logo and of the Abbot blue, made for us and sent along a humorous email inviting us to purchase one to avoid being identified as a "trailing spouse."  Another class, soon to hold a Reunion, has requested many.  I believe you can still contact Meriby to buy one if you're interested.

Here are some more photos:

The afternoon promised to be interesting with the session "What is On Your Bucket List" moderated by George Andrews and Kitty Grant Galaitsis in place of Darcy Wheeler Bacon followed by one of the classes I'd signed up for - Global Islams - led by Diane L. Moore, Instructor and Department Chair, Philosophy and Religious Studies.  She also teaches at the Harvard Divinity School.

Bucket lists invariably included Non Sibi (not for self) activities as well as plans for trips, blessed involvement with grandchildren, and brief accounts and encouragement for second and even third careers.  The discussion shifted when Carrie Thomas remembered our classmate, Louise Getzman, who took her own life during a bout with depression at a time when being gay was rarely revealed and often dealt with painfully and privately.  Others stepped forward and revealed their family's experiences on this topic while others reflected on the climate in general in the sixties and seventies.  Kitty and George kept the microphone in motion to acknowledge both Abbot and Andover graduates.

There were two classes on Friday afternoon:  The Addison's Collection (Addison Gallery of American Art) and How It Has Grown and Global Islams.  Our class, Global Islams, was packed.  No one was disappointed for we enjoyed a lively discussion first on religious illiteracy and then contemplated how Islam is practiced in diverse ways depending on the sect and jurisprudence of that sect.  Two case studies were provided.  One of a marital  situation in Malaysia in which the husband can simply say, "I am divorced" and he is but in which the wife must go through a lengthy court hearing process that still does not guarantee a divorce even if the husband is abusive as was the the case.  The second situation occurred in Turkey when, after secularization occurred, some women began to wear head scarves again.  The government reaction to ban this activity fueled additional protests.  Our discussion included examining what might have happened if the government had let things be, given that the country is predominantly Muslim.  Great class.  Terrific example of the caliber of teacher on campus.

By now I was ready to relax.  I joined a very noisy cocktail reception in the gym and from there, thank goodness, moved with several classmates (we all managed to populate tables close to one another) including Kitty and her husband, Tony who joined us for clam chowder, steamed clams, delicious lobster with shells prepared, corn on the cob, and I forget what else.  A feast.  Dessert was strawberry shortcake.  Several people went back for seconds.   The evening passed very quickly and I was ready to drive the seven miles back to my room and get a solid night's sleep.

Except (!) I decided to take a look at one of the volumes we were given when we registered:  the book by Susan McIntosh Lloyd titled A Singular School:  Abbot Academy, 1828-1973.  Suddenly it was 11:30!  We also received the two book package of Academy Hill and the Campus Guide of Phillips Academy, Andover.  I had decided to check my bag on the flight back.  The addition of these two books made that decision very wise.

The Non Sibi Breakfast in the Memorial Gym starting at 8 a.m. Saturday morning was on my must-do list for I was curious to learn how the campaign of our class had gone.  In addition to Mae, who was chair, members of the Abbot fund raising committee included Beth Crane, Lynne Moriarty Langlois, Hilary Field Gripekoven, Meriby Sweet, and Martha Mason Denzel.    Much to my astonishment (Mae's remark as she passed my chair on her way to the podium was, "hold on to your pants")  we are blessed with an extraordinarily generous group of classmates for our total combined Abbot/PA Class Gift exceeded $9 million.  I'll update this figure when we receive the final results.  Breakfast, by the way, was delicious.

Six classes were offered Saturday morning.  I had originally signed up for Write for Your Life, Lou Bernieri, Instructor in English and Executive Director, Andover Bread Loaf, but the class began at 8:45 a.m. while I was at breakfast so I decided to look in on Michael Legaspi's Science, Religion, and the Pursuit of Wisdom.  I was not disappointed.  Mr. Legaspi, Instructor in Philosophy and Religious Studies, began the class by eliciting synonyms for wisdom.  It soon became clear that this was not an easy task.  He took us through thoughts about Artistotle, the Bible, Descartes, and finally what he called "The Ghost of Sophia: Modern Science and the Loss of Meaning."

I walked away with two terms that have continued to provoke thought:  concilience and second voice.  Mr. Legaspi provided a handout for further reading and discussion that included a website devoted to 'wisdom research'  administered by the University of Chicago.   I was reminded during the class, as I had heard before, that Wisdom as a concept is feminine in every language.

If most if not all of the teachers at Andover exhibit this kind of enthusiasm, technique, and knowledge, the students continue to benefit tremendously, an education about which all of us are very proud.

Other classes offered included Teaching History at Andover: The Pedagogy of the American Past, Christopher L. Jones;  Teaching Economics in a Trillion-dollar World, Christopher Shaw, Instructor and Department Chair, History and Social Science; Adventures in Astronomy, Clyfe G. Beckwith, Instructor in Physics; and Justice and Globalization, Thomas S. Hodgson, Instructor in Philosophy and Religious Studies.

On a beautiful sunny and pleasant Saturday morning, we gathered behind our class banners in front of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library and, led by bagpipers, marched on into the Cochran Chapel for the Celebration of Reunion and the Annual Report from Oscar Tang, chair of the Board of Trustees of Phillips Academy.  A pamphlet of Abbot Academy songs had been put together for our class and we sang two of them as we marched towards the Chapel - the Abbot Class of 1962 Song, words by Meriby Sweet to the tune of Anchors Aweigh and Come Along and March, words by Alice Shultz, Class of 1933 to the tune of Percy Grainger (Country Gardens).  What fun!

Many remarks of praise were exchanged between Oscar Tang, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, and retiring Principal Barbara Landis Chase - two individuals who have given so much to this institution.  Mr. Tang announced class gifts and recognized the contributions of others, including Dean of Admission Jane Fried.  The achievement of need blind admission, a goal of Mrs. Chase, was highlighted.  Forty-six percent of the student body receives financial aid (p. 25 of the Spring 2012 Andover Magazine) while the endowment stands at a remarkable $797 million.  Again from the Andover Magazine, Barbara Landis Chase and her trustee partners David M. Underwood '54 and Oscar L. Tang '56 helped to raise more than $560 million since 1994.  A tremendous celebration of noise frequently came from the balcony where the youngest reunion class gathered to express their enthusiasm.

We paused during the meeting and listened to pianist Seho Young, PA Class of 2015 (think about his class year for a moment and the packed chapel of about 1200 people), as he rendered a beautiful interpretation of Widmung ("Dedication") by Robert Schumann, transcribed by Franz Liszt.

The Chapel graced by trees:

Inside the recently renovated Chapel that includes seat cushions for the wooden benches, courtesy of the Abbot Class of 1962.

In we marched, filling the Chapel including the balcony, occupied by more recent graduates!

(Carolyn Dow insisted that I be included in a photo!)  As you can see, by this time Carolyn Dow (first photo) and Darcy Wheeler Bacon as well as Martha Lyman (second photo) had joined the group.

The schedule called for us to walk over to the Addison Gallery steps for our Class Photo.  I'm looking forward to seeing the photo although I know I and others had difficulty sitting there for quite awhile in the hot, bright sun.

However, a cookout lunch under the trees was nearby and following a delicious meal, many of us played musical tables as we continued conversations with classmates with whom we had not had a good opportunity to speak previously.

I also took the opportunity to return to the Gelb Gallery to spend more time with our classmates' creations.

There were other events that afternoon and I regret not attending Global Engagement:  A Greener Blue (discussion including "alumni who are tackling the related social, economic, and environmental challenges through innovation and action") yet I needed some time for myself to process everything of the previous three days.

After awhile, I wandered slowly over to the Abbot Campus for some quiet introspection, to take some photos, and to visit areas I had not seen for a long, long time.

Before I begin posting the photos, I want to post this one of the bench that sits in front of Draper Hall.  The bench with its inscription (and the extensive renovations of all the buildings initiated by an extremely generous gift by Oscar Tang) honors Oscar Tang's wife (deceased), Frances Young Tang, Class of 1957.  More about his life and his extraordinary generosity can be found here.  If you have the opportunity, ask Meriby Sweet to recount the story of Mr. Tang's reaction when he saw the decaying Abbot Campus.

After pondering this bench, I walked around the circle and snapped some shots.  While reading the guides to the campus, I learned that Draper Hall was deliberate designed to look medieval.  I always thought so, even had nightmares about it.  But I walked inside, too, and thanks to the renovations and many changes, none of the thoughts rushed back that I had worried about.

Draper Hall viewed from School Street:

 Viewed from the back that sunny afternoon:

 I ran into Natalie Gillingham Schorr and her husband.  They'd come from the lower campus and encouraged me to look for the new plaque in the Secret Garden, a place I do not believe I ever visited while at Abbot.  While searching, I discovered this seeming attempt of a petroglyph far back on the campus near the road.  I showed the picture to several people but none had seen this before.  Have you?

My stroll included the Maple Walk, still showing a bit of the asphalt path that existed there once upon a time:

The soccer field where I played (and loved) the position of left-wing halfback.  My children played soccer when they were younger, too:

And, I finally discovered The Secret Garden:

And, the plaque on the rock:

A couple more photos:

Looking across the Sacred Circle to the gates opening to School Street:

The Abbot Chapel

and the location of the Abbot Tea hosted by Natalie that afternoon at 4 p.m. where we enjoyed sipping tea and munching cookies, chatting more with friends and Principal Barbara Landis Chase, and listening to a practice session by the Abbot Reunion Singers who were later to sing during the Memorial Service.

A record of Mrs. Chase's accomplishments, written by Dr. Christopher Shaw '78, Instructor and Chair, History and Social Science, can be found starting on page 20 of the current Andover Magazine.

From left for the impromptu rehearsal:  Meriby, Kitty, Frederica, Carolyn Dow, Betsy, Cammy, Anne and Lynne. 

Following the tea, I walked with Betsy Bruns Eaton to the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips campus so she could prepare for her remarks during the service (5:30 pm) and I could locate the programs and begin greeting those who arrived early.  I did not take any photos other than this one -

Susan Mallory Dunn and I were greeters for many classmates of Louise Getzman and Mary Noyes Martin as well as the classmates of 26 men of the Phillips Class of 1962 who have passed away.  During the service, the bells tolled after each name was read.

We were welcomed and called to worship by The Reverend George E. Andrews, II, Phillips Class of 1962 who also gave the benediction.  The service, planned by the Rev. George E. Andrews, Betsy Bruns Eaton and Jonathan W. Sox was a wonderful tribute to these women and men taken from us all too soon.

Among those classmates was Charles Beard whose widow, Vivian Beard, sang a hymn - Amazing Grace - and an anthem - Oh Lord, I'm On My Way.  The chapel resounded with her beautiful voice and her presence lent a special touch to the service.

At this point I stopped taking photos.  I returned to my hotel room to greet my husband, Enrique, who had flown in from Tucson for the dinner and dance which began at 8 p.m. in Paresky Commons.  We were directed to an upper large room where our two classes enjoyed a delicious meal, wine, and finally dessert.  Enrique and I, as did others, chose to retire at this point knowing that we had a busy four days ahead of us. 

What a wonderful reunion it was!  A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success.