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Fall E-Newsletter, 2007
Upcoming Milestone
Since 1997 I’ve led 98 trips. Sedona Sojourn next month will be #99 and New Zealand Feb 16 – March 1, 2008 will be #100. It’s still the joy of my life to see my homeland through your eyes so it seems appropriate that trip #100 will be to New Zealand. After a century of tours with gals, it’s surely time to let the guys in on all the fun! We’re offering New Zealand March 8 – 22 for five co-ed couples – for all you ladies who said “I’d love to come to New Zealand with you but I just couldn’t do that trip without my husband.”
Meet Julie, Our New Guide
When I announced to the ladies on Fire + Iceland! this year that Julie, their fellow traveler, would be guiding for Canyon Calling in the future, there were big cheers. The consensus was that "We'd love to travel with Julie again." Julie is well traveled, very inclusive, and has a wonderful sense of humor. Next year, Julie will lead Fire + Iceland! and will escort our group in Morocco.
Scheduling the Weather!
Here in Sedona, AZ it’s been a drought-breaking month of very welcome afternoon monsoon rains - which reminded me that a recent customer suggested that I talk about weather and how we schedule trips. We obviously want the ultimate weather in any region so that we can fully enjoy the outdoors. The last place we want to be is in a southwest canyon during a flash flood so we skip July and August for these trips. Yes, you can go to New Zealand in November but you’re guaranteed rain, wind and cooler weather – lets go February and March when the weather is warm and settled. The Canadian Rockies have a six-week summer window for us between snowfalls. In Morocco we have to be early enough to avoid the big heat yet late enough in the spring to not freeze in the Atlas. October in Australia is perfect to avoid the heat in the Outback, to not have “stinger” problems while swimming in Queensland and to not be cold in Sydney. On every trip folks will comment “Haven’t we been lucky with the weather.” I just smile. Our number one consideration in scheduling is weather and you can take it for granted that if weather becomes a factor on a trip, it is a very unusual situation.
Canyon Calling in the News
The Chicago Sun Times published an interview with Lynn Katsulis about her time in Morocco with Canyon Calling this year. Here is the link:
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/519648,CST-NWS-morocco0822.article
Smarter Travel on line will feature our Hawaiian Islands trip January 19 – 25, 2008 in the next week. Read at http://www.smartertravel.com/adventure-travel/
Well Behaved Women!
Laurel Ulrich, a history professor at Harvard, is the author of the famous quote “Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History.” It speaks so well to the spirit of our customers that we’re adding it to our T Shirts. Her new book, with that title, goes on sale this week. Here is the link: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400041596
British Customers
We’ve enjoyed all the Brits who have traveled with us and now we’re making it easier for you by adding prices in Pounds Sterling to our Calendar of Trips: http://www.canyoncalling.com/pages/schedule.html
We’ll be exhibiting at London’s Adventure Travel Show at Earl’s Court Jan 31 – Feb 3, 2008. See you there!
Featured Trip – New Zealand
This nation of stunning beauty was the last land in the world to be discovered. You’ll see that the best was saved for last when you secure a seat on our premier trip to New Zealand Feb 14 - 28 , and March 8 – 22 (coed couples). Its summer time Down-Under so we’ll laze on some wonderful beaches between sailing, sea-kayaking, hiking and white water rafting. New Zealand’s scenery is stunning - volcanoes, rainforests, bubbling mud, glaciers and snow-covered Alps. You’ll see why it was an obvious choice for filming Lord of the Rings. We spend a week in each of the North and South Islands where you’ll meet the wonderful Kiwis - some of the most welcoming folks in the world. A special feature of our trip is our overnight at the Maori marae (homeland). You’ll think you’re on the set of Whale Rider! We arrive as guests - and leave as family. This marae, far from the tourist crowds, has been welcoming Canyon Calling travelers into their hearts for eight years. Long-time customers call it one of the most special experiences in travel. Call us at (928) 282-0916 to reserve your space and call Jane at Choice Travel in Phoenix (800) 266 3070 to book your flights.
Notes from the Trail
San Juans
It was a week of perfect weather for hiking, biking, camping and kayaking, much laughter and new friendships. The only disappointment was that the orcas didn't show. Everyone was amazed at how comfortable the camping was and they couldn't say enough about the gourmet camp food.
Tetons- Yellowstone
The highlight of this trip was a four-way race between, rarely erupting geysers, a grizzly mom and her two cubs, sighting a dozen bald eagles on our Snake River trip - and huckleberry margaritas! Bea described this trip as "exhilarating fun" amazed that we packed so much into our week in Wyoming. Sarah even wrote a song!
Desert Mountain Escape
Mostly this was a teacher’s last harrah before the school year begins and you can tell from the brown hat photo that they were cutting up plenty! It was wonderful to experience these women rediscovering their passion for the outdoors. They were the quintessential gang who Laurel had in mind with her "Well Behaved Women” quote.
2007 Remaining Trips
| DATE |
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TRIP |
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PRICE |
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ASSEMBLE |
| Oct 15 – 19 |
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Sedona Sojourn |
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$1595* |
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Sedona, AZ |
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|
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* +9.35%
sales tax |
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2008 Trips
We look forward to traveling with you in 2008!
Happy Trails!
Cheryl
funtrips@canyoncalling.com
928.282.0916
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Cheryl in the Grand Canyon
Julie - she's the one on the right!
Lake O'Hara, Canada, 2007
Lynn and friends in Morocco
Mary and Christie in New Zealand
San Juans, 2007
Inspiration Point, Grand Tetons N.P.
Teachers on the loose!
High in the Swiss Alps
Best Horse Ride in the World - Bryce UT
High above Banff
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