Well, my initiation as a Road Scholar trip leader is over! As you may recall, I was hired this summer to lead two trips of people ages 50+ along the shores of Lake Superior. Each trip lasted about five days. We hiked in state parks, canoed down a wild river, heard from local experts, and plied Lake Superior’s waters on a science mission.
During the first trip, an experienced co-leader showed me the ropes. In the second trip, different people supported me each day, but leadership was up to me. Due to the excellent orientation I received during my first trip, I felt fairly confident leading the second one. But I still messed up a few times. The mistakes were minor, and I’d like to think they involved issues that the scholar tourists didn’t notice.
The weather was wonderful and so was the clientele. Their ages ranged from mid-fifties to mid-eighties. I was impressed by their curiosity, enthusiasm, intellect, and good attitudes despite physical challenges. Even though the program was rated as moderate to hard, some scholars had recently replaced joints or used a cane to get around. We had some falls (which resulted in only minor scrapes), and some difficulty getting people out of canoes and kayaks at a tricky landing, but I’m happy to say that everyone completed the trip otherwise unscathed.
On the other hand, I was exhausted! By the end, I was glad not to wake up to an alarm every morning and to return to my routine. But I immensely enjoyed showing the scholars this part of the world. Topics included geology, botany, aquatic science, Native culture, and maritime history. I’d like to think they all left with greater appreciation for Lake Superior and the communities that surround it. As I mentioned to them, they probably know more than most locals now. If I’m able, I’d be willing to do it again next year, especially now that I know what I’m doing and would have a year to recover. 😊
Between the two trips, I discovered I had Lyme disease thanks to a deer tick I picked up during my recent stay in Brule, Wisconsin, which added to my exhaustion. But the antibiotics for it soon had me feeling more like myself.
I’m including some of my favorite images from the trips with this post.
Disclaimer: The views in this article are my own. They do not represent views of the official Road Scholar Program.
Marie's Meanderings 
Congrats on this new endeavor. You like to challenge yourself!
Well, I’m not so keen on challenges, but I needed $ to pay for my Road Scholar trip to France! I love the symmetry of that.
So glad the trips went well. Road Scholar is my main tour company.
Good to hear, Marie. I love Road Scholar’s mission.
Great photos and it sounds like you lead everyone on an equally great adventure. I’m sure the “adventurers” will have a lot of stories to tell.
The experience was memorable, all around!
I hope the Lyme disease stays away.
Thank you! The doctor assured me that the antibiotics should take care of the Lymes forever. Although I could get it again if I receive another tick bite.
I love that Road Scholar is a play on Rhodes Scholar. Road Scholar sounds like a marvelous experience for participants.
It is! I’ve been impressed by their programs, both as a participant and a leader.
Pulling zooplankton out of Lake Superior and putting it up on a screen for the group is such a good move — that’s the moment people stop looking at scenery and start looking into it. And your line about the mistakes the scholars probably never noticed made me laugh; that’s basically the job description for anyone leading a group anywhere, parents very much included. Congratulations on getting through both trips.
Thank you, and thanks for reading!