Carbisdale Castle—A Hostel, Too! in This During My September Visit to Britain Last Year, Statues on Display in the Galleries

Hostelling International – Toledo Area : April, May & June 2006: Vol. 12 No. 3 Carbisdale Castle—A Hostel, Too! In This During my September visit to Britain last year, statues on display in the galleries. The dining room, I arrived in Carbisdale, Scotland, by train from with seating for 100-120, and two large public rooms Issue: Edinborough via Inverness (where during a four-hour all have decorative plasterwork ceilings. The hostel layover, I took a bus and boat tour to visit Nessie, also has two self-catering kitchens and a small dining Letter from the Loch Ness monster). From the train station, it is room. Other facilities include a laundry, game room, the Prez about a one-mile, moderate uphill walk to the hos- TV room, and library with Internet access (for a small 2 tel. Eight or so others fee). A bunk costs only Quick Notes joined me for the trek, a “few quid” a night, 3 all day trippers who, like about $32. Calendar me, just wanted to stay With grocery shop- 4&5 in a castle. Directions ping options limited by Recent & Upcoming to the hostel were not my late train arrival, I Events clearly marked, but one purchased a meal ticket 6 sharp-eyed member of (about $8 US) for an our group spotted the evening buffet in the Hostelling Anniversary brightly lighted castle dining room. Food was Stanp from the village road simple but plentiful, 7 and we were able to find and the dining room Volunteer Profile our way from there. crowded and noisy. 8 Located just outside The setting couldn’t The Hostelling the village of Carbisdale, have been better, with on a cliff overlooking artwork on the walls Alternative A fairytale castle beckons hostellers 9 the Kyle of Sutherland, and ornate leaded win- the hostel has an interesting history. It was built be- dows—enjoyed all the more for the simple knowledge tween 1906 and 1917 for the Dowager Duchess of that one dined (and would soon sleep) in a castle! De- Sutherland. Her second marriage in 1889 to the 3rd spite not arriving until mid-evening, I had plenty of Duke and 18th Earl of Sutherland was very unpopular time to roam the castle. I joined other hostellers in with his family, so much so that after the duke died in aimless and seemingly unrestricted wandering from 1892, his son (and heir) contested the will, which left floor to floor and room to room, opening doors and most of the estate to the duchess. A financial settle- responding to shouts of “Come here! You’ve got to Hostelling ment was finally reached and the Sutherland family see this!” Finally, anxious to relish the ambiance to agreed to build a residence to her specifications, pro- the fullest, I grabbed my book and settled into the International vided that it was outside the Sutherland property. The library for an evening read. Toledo Area duchess had the castle constructed in Ross-shire, just Unfortunately, my travel planning did not allow over the county line. time to explore the grounds before an early train de- (hi-ta) In 1933, Colonel Theodore Salvesen purchased parture the next morning. This remains my single re- the castle. During the Nazi occupation of Norway in gret about the two-week trip to England and Scotland: P.O. Box 352736 World War II, Salveson provided King Haakon VII that I did not allow for an extra day or two to stay at Toledo, OH 43635-2736 of Norway and Crown Prince Olav (later King Olav Carbisdale Castle and explore the village and trails www.hitoledo.org V) safe refuge at Carbisdale. The castle also served as around the castle. Forest walks and orienteering trails www.hiusa.org the site for the Carbisdale Conference, which led to start just outside the castle gates, with local attractions [email protected] an agreement that should Russian forces enter Nor- that include distilleries, castles, nature preserves, gold- wegian territory, they would not remain there after panning, fishing, wildlife cruises, and simply beautiful To help all, especially the the war. Following Colonel Salvesen’s death, his son, scenery everywhere—not to mention peace and quiet. young, gain a greater Captain Harold Salvesen, inherited the castle and in For more information, take a virtual tour of the understanding of the world 1945 gifted it, the contents, and the estate to the Scot- castle at www.carbisdale.org! You can make reserva- and its people through tish Youth Hostels Association. Carbisdale Castle tions there or by phone (0870 004 1109) or email (res- hostelling. opened as a hostel on June 2, 1945. [email protected]). And you might want to keep Today Carbisdale can accommodate 189 guests. in mind that the whole castle can be rented through All events are open to There are 32 rooms available, each with 2-14 beds, all the RentaHostel program—ideal for weddings, confer- the public; newcomers with toilets and shower facilities located nearby. The ences or family gatherings! are always welcome. castle has a large collection of art and Italian marble Jennifer Jarrett President’s Note The first three months of 2007 have been busy. With weekly Travel Circles, our ongoing recre- ational events, and the start of our “Soup’s On” home series, our winter schedule is getting almost as busy as our summer one. In January, HI-TA board members Scott Grenerth and Ed Dolgorukov and I were joined by HI supporter Carolyn VanNess and Toledo International Hostel Guesthouse Corporation board member Erich Drescher for a two-day visit to the Madison, Wisconsin, hostel. HI-Wisconsin Executive Director Mike Krause gave us an intensive overview in hostel operations during the visit. The trip was planned in order to gather information to assist in decision making regarding the Toledo hostel project. We thank Mike for sharing his time and knowledge so generously. We had a terrific, fun visit, and in the process learned how much more we need to know! By the end of March, Judy Wright and Leigh Cattran will have implemented our first Girl Scout Community Walls pilot project, funded by HI-USA, that integrates completion of a photography badge and a community appreciation program. Troops from two GRIP (Girls Reaching Imaginative Places) sites will complete a photographic community wall during six 1 ½-hour sessions. As part of the program, the girls will engage in interactive community awareness and pride building workshops under Judy Wright’s guidance. Leigh Cattran will lead the photography segment of the program, which will include a bus tour of their community to photograph and record the facets of their area that they would like others to appreciate. In addition, Judy and I will deliver Travel 101 programs to six different troops from GRIP sites, engaging girls in cultural awareness exercises, as well as the basics of trip planning and safe travel. We are excited to be delivering these programs in coordination with Mau- mee Valley Girl Scout Council staff member Audrey Johnson. Audrey and Cora Middlebrook will be joining Judy and other attendees at the Midwest regional meeting and Girl Scout familiarization trip at the end of March. This year the familiarization trip will visit both hostels—Chicago and Madison—in order to provide a more complete overview of the hostelling experiences available through HI. (See Judy Wright’s report on page six for more information about these Girl Scouts events.) I would also like to extend my appreciation to HI alumnus Bob Beard who is planning to implement workshops in Findlay, Tiffin, and Bowling Green on budget travel and bicycling across Europe. Our appreciation to Bob for continuing to share the expertise he has gained over the years! Remember that members are invited to attend board meetings and serve on committees. If you see an activity or program that catches your interest and you would like to learn more, we welcome your call! Jennifer Jarrett

Ed. Note: You’ll notice that this issue covers three months—April, May and June—instead of the usual two months. This is because I will be on an extended trip during May and June, part of which will be with the HI-TA group exploring Alaska with our trusty guide, Jennifer Jarrett, who lived for about ten years in that state. We’ll be telling you all about our adventures in the next newsletter!

HI-WAYS News Hostelling International —Toledo Area Board Members Jennifer Jarrett, pres./Public Relations 419/861-9512 [email protected] EDITOR: Nancy Grover, vice pres./Membership, 419/644-5072 [email protected] Anne Burnham Activities 419/841-8427 Bill Siebenaler, secy./Hostel Development 419/478-6609 [email protected] 727/348-9983 (cell) Gerry Getz, treas./Membership chair, Finance, 419/472-7785 [email protected] [email protected] Activities

STAFF: Scott Carpenter, Public Relations chair, 419/346-7858 [email protected] Peter Tubbs, Layout Governmental Affairs Gerry Getz, Circulation Karen Daniels, Activities 419/898-2053 [email protected] Pat Squire, Distribution Ed Dolgorukov, Hostel Development chair 419/292-1551 [email protected] Scott H. Grenerth, Activities, 419/306-7575 [email protected] HI-WAYS News is published bimonthly by Hostel Development, Mission-Based Programs Hostelling International Toledo Area (HI-TA). Susan Gulich, Public Relations 734/854-8043 [email protected] The deadline for the July & August issue is Carol Kowalenko, Finance chair/Hostel Dev. 419/841-7157 [email protected] May 7, 2007. Molly McKinney, Activities 419/478-0393 [email protected] Through its programming, William (Bill) L. Obenour, Public Relations 419/372-6902 [email protected] Patti Smith, Activities 419/250-0262 [email protected] HI-TA supports the mission of Pat Squire, Activities chair, Public Relations, 419/243-7680 [email protected] Hostelling International USA. Governmental Affairs Peter Tubbs, Public Relations 734/347-6563 [email protected] Judy Wright, Mission-Based Programs 419/410-0087 [email protected] April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways Quick Notes Pat Gooch Says “Thanks!” News from Kathy Willis Bike Event Calendars and Info Pat recently had shoulder replacement Wondering whatever happened to HI-TA is your source for Ohio Bicycle surgery. She reports that in the days right Kathy? Well, she reports that she is thor- Events Calendar 2007, as well as for a limited after she returned home from the hospital, oughly enjoying her new job as import quantity of Michigan and Indiana calendars. quite a few HI-TA members brought her specialist in textiles in Middleburg Heights, Don’t wait—contact Pat Squire (419/243- food, knowing that she would not be able to Ohio (between Berea and Parma). Her du- 7680 or [email protected]) to get yours. cook for herself. She is very appreciative! ties include analyzing and reviewing textile They are also available at most HI-TA activi- Pat Squire imports for possible violations. She’s look- ties. Want to know about any particular bike ing forward to more exploration of event, near or far? Our P.O. box continues 7th Annual Pink Flamingo Ride the area around her apartment in to fill up with such information. Just ask (to- This year’s Pink Flamingo rides will be North Royalton soon. At present [email protected])—we might have on Saturday, June 9th (rain date of she is returning to Toledo each exactly what you are looking for! June 10th). They will both start weekend. She’d love to hear from at Side Cut Metropark—the you—email her at ksw1620@yahoo. Toledo’s 2nd Ride of Silence 63-mile Pink Flamingo at 8:00 com. First organized in Dallas in 2003 after a.m. and the 40-mile Baby Flamingo Anne Burnham the traffic death of an endurance cyclist, the at 9:30 a.m. There will be an ice cream Ride of Silence has become a worldwide stop in Grand Rapids. Map, route, and Wild Lupine Bicycle Tour event. There are no brochures, lunch will be provided. Riders need to As part of the Blue Weekend cel- sponsors, registration fees, or wear pink in order to participate. ebration, the Lupine Bicycle Tour T-shirts. The only stipula- Official Pink Flamingo shirts are will take place on Sunday, May tions are that cyclists ride available on a prepaid basis at a cost of 20. Cindy Warner, HI member no faster than 12 m.p.h. on $13 each. Tom must have your check by and Nature Conservancy volun- the prescribed course and May 31st. Make your check out to Thomas teer, will lead the group in a remain silent during the Biblewski and mail to P.O. Box 5503, tour through portions of the ride. Its purpose is to Toledo OH 43613, c/o Flamingo Ride. Oak Openings region. Enjoy raise motorist aware- Please include shirt size (S, M, L, XL) and viewing the blue of wild lu- ness about cyclists’ the number of shirts being ordered. pine mixed with the gold of legal rights on road- RSVP for the ride by June 8th to Tom plains puccoon. Wild lupine ways and to show re- (419/537-8887, [email protected]) or Kathy is the sole food source for the spect for those who have (419/460-2975, [email protected]). caterpillar of the federally en- been killed or injured. dangered Karner Blue butterfly. Last year nearly 200 Rowing Club Meet at 1 p.m. at Crissey School cyclists showed up for this event, a first in I’m hooked on rowing and want you (Crissey & Geiser Rds., just north of Airport Toledo, and although the weather didn’t to know about some great opportunities Hwy). A $3 fee includes a map and stop cooperate, the media provided excellent the Toledo Rowing Club (downtown, at at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve, where ice coverage. On May 16th Toledo will have International Park) offers in the summer. cream and homemade blueberry sauce its second Ride of Silence. For full details National Learn to Row Day will be on will be served! At the stop, you are also about it, go to hitoledo.org; any questions, Saturday, June 9th, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 invited to take a walk on marked paths to contact Judy Wright (jawright@accessto- p.m. Participants will be given a tour of the observe prime lupine habitat. A schedule ledo.com, 419/410-0087), Kathy Carnicom boathouse, learn the correct rowing stroke of other Blue Weekend activities is avail- ([email protected], 419/460-2975), or on an indoor erg, row an Alden Ocean Shell able at the preserve office, 10420 Old State Patti Smith ([email protected], 419/250- in the water on a tether, and be a nonrowing Line Road, as well as at http://nature.org/ 0262). passenger in an 8-man racing shell. No need wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/ Anne Burnham to sign up, just show up! preserves/html. SumPro, TRC’s Learn to Row program Service Project in Oak Openings begins the following Monday, June 11th, at Volunteers to Pitch in at Earth Day Come join fellow members for HI-TA’s 1728. (Yes, marine time is used at the boat- Work Day first service project of 2007, which will be on house--that’s 5:28 p.m.--and Rod McElroy, Dozens of volunteers will mark Earth Saturday, April 7th (rain date: April 21st; see director of the program and former Navy Day, Saturday, April 21, by joining work calendar for details). The plan is to trim brush officer, keeps things to the minute and mov- projects at several metroparks. The event either along the Wabash Cannonball Trail ing right along!) It will consist of two four- will also offer an opportunity for young or elsewhere in Oak Openings Metropark. week programs: the first session is dedicated people to be part of the third annual Great Tools will be provided, but you are encour- to sculling skills (each person rows with two Toledo Youth Service day. Earth Day Work aged to bring your own. Don’t miss this op- oars) and the second to sweep skills (each Day projects will include planting, natural portunity to give back to the park and trail person has one oar). For more information, area restoration and general park clean up. that we enjoy so much! and to sign up for SumPro, go to the Toledo For information, or to sign up, call 419-407- Other service projects, in various loca- Rowing Club website: www.toledorowing. 9703. tions, are being planned. For more informa- org. See you on the Maumee River this sum- Scott Carpenter tion, contact Gary Samples (garjan@aol. mer? com or 419/874-7369). Anne Burnham April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways Hostelling International – Toledo Area – April Calendar

Apr 4, Wed Soup’s On! RSVP by 4/2 to Pat Gooch 419/825-2735 6:30 pm Pot luck supper, hosted by Pat, 13835 Reed Rd. (corner of OH-64). Soup and beverage provided. You bring a salad or dessert. Casual dining & warm HI fellowship. Need directions? Ask when you RSVP. See article on p. 6 for info. Apr 5, Thur Mystery Lunch Ride 25 mi - C ride Carol Rider 419/865-9145 10:00 am Meet at Lowe’s, 7010 W. Central Ave. Bike to a mystery restaurant lunch stop. Apr 7, Sat Metropark Service Project Gary Samples 419/874-7369 10:00 am Oak Openings Metropark, Mallard Lake. Help maintain our metroparks. Bring work gloves and, if you have them, tools for trimming brush; also a bag lunch to eat at Window on Wildlife afterwards. Beverage provided. Rain date: Sat., April 21. See article on p. 6 for more info. Apr 12,Thur Wildwood Wander Ride 25 mi - C ride Ray Squire 419/243-7680 10:00 am Meet in Wildwood Metropark, Visitor Center. Lunch stop at Barry Bagels. Apr 18,Wed Board Meeting Jennifer Jarrett 419/861-9512 7:00 pm Toledo Hospital, McIntosh Tower - first floor, room “A.” Apr 19,Thur Double Cannonball Ride 25 mi - B&C ride Elvin Buchele 419/885-0582 10:00 am Oak Openings Metropark, Mallard Lake. Bring bag lunch to eat at Window on Wildlife afterwards. Apr 21,Sat Rain Date, Metropark Service Project Gary Samples 419/874-7369 10:00 am See April 7th. Apr 21,Sat Budget Travel Workshop Bob Beard 419/354-1308 1:00 pm Tiffin/Seneca County Public Library (77 Jefferson in Tiffin). Learn how to travel inexpensively, from an expert. See article on p. 6 for more info. Apr 21, Sat Earth Day Work Day Earth Day projects in several Metroparks will include planting, natural area restoration, and general park cleanup. Groups, families and individuals are welcome. See article in Quick Notes for more information. Apr 26, Thur Grand Rapids Lunch Ride 25 miles - C ride Mary Lou Leonard 419/865 -5795 10:00 am Meet in Oak Openings Metropark, Mallard Lake. Restaurant lunch in Grand Rapids. Hostelling International – Toledo Area – May Calendar

May 3, Thur Jerry City Ride 25 mi - C ride John Isaacson/Pat Squire 419/352-5608 10:00 am Bowling Green Wal-Mart, S. Main & Gypsy Lane (SW corner of parking lot). Bring lunch to eat in a park along the way. May 4, Fri Soup’s On! RSVP by 4/2 to Mary Lou Leonard 419/865-5795 6:30 pm This “dining in” event has moved to Friday. Potluck supper, hosted by Mary Lou at Lane’s End Farm, 8602 Pilliod Rd. (off Albon Rd.). Soup and beverage provided. You bring a salad or dessert. Casual dining & warm HI fellowship. Get exact directions when you RSVP. See article on p. 6 for more info. May 5,Sat Black Swamp Budget Tour 20/40/50/60 miles Ray & Pat Squire 419/243-7680 9:00 am Woodland Mall, US 25, Bowling Green. Park in rear lot. Discover the Black Swamp by bike. Fee: $3 - map, marked route, sweep SAG. Food: buy at carryouts or restaurants en route or bring your own. May 8,Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Marcia Roby 419/382-0883 6:30 pm Ft. Meigs, Perrysburg. Ice cream stop along the way. First evening bike ride of the year! May 9, Wed Budget Travel Workshop Bob Beard 419/354-1308 7:00 pm Bowling Green/Wood County Public Library (251 N. Main St. in BG), Community Room. Learn how to travel inexpensively, from an expert. See article on p. 6 for more info. May 10,Thur Lunch at Mom’s Ride 30 mi - B & C ride Elvin Buchele 419/885-0582 10:00 am Secor Metropark, Nature Center. Lunch stop at Mom’s restaurant in Swanton. May 15 Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Mary Lou Leonard 419/865-5795 6:30 pm Meet at Lane’s End Farm, 8602 Pilliod Rd. (off Albon Rd.).Bike to ice cream stop. May 16 Wed Board Meeting Jennifer Jarrett 419/861-9512 7:00 pm Toledo Hospital, McIntosh Tower - first floor, room “A.” May 17, Thur Tale of Two Trails Ride 25 miles - C ride Gary & Jan Samples 419/874-7369 10:00 am Side Cut Metropark, meet in Silver Lake parking lot. Restaurant brunch stop along the way.

May 19, Sat TriAdventure Race Volunteers Needed! Larry Lindsay 419/826-5182 7:30 a.m. Independence Dam State Park, Defiance. Entry fee: $20 for ages 21 and up; $5 for under 21 yrs. For more info: www.maumeetriadventurerace.net or Larry (by phone or at [email protected]). Remember: All club-sponsored bike rides require cyclists to wear approved helmets. A : fast pace 16 + mph B : fairly quick 14 + mph C : moderate 12 mph D : slow & short 8 mph

April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways Hostelling International – Toledo Area – May Calendar, continued

May 20, Sun Wild Lupine Ride 20 miles - C ride Cindy Warner 419/861-2067 1:00 pm Crissey Elem. School, 9220 Geiser Rd. See wild lupines in bloom. Fee: $3. Food stop & activities at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve. See article in Quick Notes for more info. May 22, Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Linda Wheeler 419/517-4514 6:30 pm Secor Metropark - meet at Nature Photography Center. Bike to an ice cream stop. May 24, Thur Bike To Petersburg 32 mi - B ride Ed Szymanski 734/847-8929 10:00 am Carr Park, Lewis Ave. - downtown Temperance, MI. Restaurant lunch stop. May 26, Sat Budget Travel Workshop--Bicycling in Europe Bob Beard 419/354-1308 1:00 pm Findlay/Hancock County Public Library (206 Broadway in Findlay), Community Room. Learn how to travel Europe inexpensively, from an expert. See article on p. 6 for more info. May 29, Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Ray & Pat Squire 419/243-7680 6:30 pm Parkway Plaza (Detroit Ave. & A.W. Trail) - meet at water tower. Ice cream stop in Maumee. May 31, Thur Oak Openings Wilderness Ride 30mi - B ride Dave Mentzer 419/335-2533 10:00 am Oak Openings Metropark - Springbrook parking area (bike trail @ OH-64), 1 mi S of Airport Hwy. Restaurant lunch stop. Hostelling International – Toledo Area – June Calendar

June 1, Fri Soup’s On! RSVP by 5/30 to Linda Wheeler 419/517-4514 6:30 pm “Dining in” on the first Friday of each month. Potluck supper, hosted by Linda, 8743 W. Bancroft, west of Centennial Rd. Soup and beverage provided. You bring a salad or dessert. Need directions? Ask when you RSVP. See article on p. 6 for more info. June 5, Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Tom & Nancy Verner 419/878-6440 6:30 pm Meet at Fallen Timbers Monument, off the Stitt Rd/Jerome Rd exit from US-24, just west of I-475. Bike to a favorite ice cream stop. June 7, Thur 50th Anniversary Ride 31 miles - C ride Ray & Pat Squire 419/243-7680 8:30 am Secor Metropark, Nature Photography Center. Ride 50 km (31 mi) in honor of Ray & Pat’s 50th wedding anniversary, which is today. Restaurant stop in Whitehouse. June 9, Sat Pink Flamingo Ride 63 miles R SVP by 6/8 to Kathy Carnicom 419/460-2975 8:00 am Side Cut Metropark, Silver Lake. Map & lunch. Must wear pink & must RSVP by 6/8. Rain date 6/10. See article in Quick Notes for more info. June 9, Sat Baby Flamingo Ride 40 miles RSVP by 6/8 to Tom Biblewski 419/460-2975 9:30 am Side Cut Metropark, Silver Lake. Map & lunch. Must wear pink & must RSVP by 6/8. Rain date 6/10. See article in Quick Notes for more info. June 12 , Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Celeste Grime 419/878-5156 6:30 pm Monclova School, SW corner of Monclova & Monclova-Waterville Rds. Bike to ice cream stop. June 14 Thur KC’s Ride & Moor 35 miles - B ride Kathy Carnicom 419/878-5156 8:30 am Kroger in Waterville - Michigan St. at Waterville-Monclova Rd. Lunch after at Chowder’s & Moor. June 19 Tue Ice cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Judy Wright 419/410-0087 6:30 pm Meet at Whiteford School, Consear & Sylvania-Petersburg Rds. Ice cream stop. June 20, Wed Mailing Party & Board Meeting Jennifer Jarrett 419/861-9512 6:30 pm Toledo Hospital, McIntosh Tower - first floor room “A.” Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. June 21, Thur Ride, Pot-Luck & Swim 30 miles - C ride Judy Smith 419/340-8061 8:30 am 10119 Lewis Ave., 1.5 mi N of Temperance, MI. Bike to Luna Pier, followed by potluck picnic and swim back at the Smith’s. Bring a dish to share and swim suit. June 24, Sun 32nd Portage River Bicycle Tour 10/31/62/100 miles Ray Squire 419/243-7680 7:00 am Registration opens at Woodmore High School in Elmore, OH. Map, marked route, patch, SAG, snack stops, lunch at Portage River Festival. $15 pre-reg; $20 day of event. Discounts for kids. See article on p. 6 for more info. June 26, Tue Ice Cream Ride 15 miles - C ride Gerry Getz 419/472-7785 6:30 pm NE corner Dorr & Secor - in parking lot next to University Parks Trail. Bike to ice cream stop. June 28, Thur Napoleon Lunch Ride 32 Miles - C ride Ed White 419/389-1049 8:30 am Meet in Grand Rapids. Park in gravel lot near Maumee River bridge. Restaurant lunch in Napoleon.

Remember: All club-sponsored bike rides require cyclists to wear approved helmets. A : fast pace 16 + mph B : fairly quick 14 + mph C : moderate 12 mph D : slow & short 8 mph

April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways Recent and Upcoming Events See the back cover for upcoming HI-TA rides! Budget Travel Workshops Mission-Based Program Committee Come and learn how to travel inexpensively—from the expert! HI-TA’s Bob Beard is offering three free workshops. Report In accordance with our grant from HI-USA, dates have been “Budget Travel—Bicycle Touring in Europe” will be on Satur- set to deliver programs to Maumee Valley Girl Scouts in the GRIP day, May 26th, 1-4 p.m,. in the Findlay/Hancock County Library’s (Girls Reaching Imaginative Places) initiative. The girls participating Community Room (206 Broadway in Findlay). You’ll discover how in these programs generally come from lower income families and cycling’s slower pace provides an opportunity to meet local folks, live in the inner city. As promised, we will deliver three Travel 101s enjoy the out-of-doors, and still get somewhere—all the while sitting to them. The first two were completed on January 29 and February down and, of course, having fun! Topics to be covered will include: 19, with the third being rescheduled due to inclement weather. The preplanning, what to take, how to pack it, expenses, accommoda- girls are very receptive and excited about the prospect of traveling to tions, health and safety. hostels. What do they learn? They learn about planning and budget- The other Budget Travel workshops will be Saturday, April ing for a trip and smart packing. In addition, they are taught about 21st, 1-3:30 p.m., in the Tiffin/Seneca County Library (77 Jeffer- hostels and how they differ from a hotel. son in Tiffin) and Wednesday, May 9th, 7-9 p.m., in the Bowling The Community Walls project is also underway. It began on Green/Wood County Library’s Community Room (251 N. Main February 7 with completion date set for March 14. Artist Leigh St. in Bowling Green). Cattran and I, along with two GS leaders, are working with 21 girls These programs are open to all. Past participants have found from two troops. We have received much support from the Girl them to be a helpful way to sort through information overload, while Scouts staff. We have been meeting on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 well-traveled attendees have picked up new tips and offered learning p.m. at the Port Lawrence Community Building. The next newslet- experiences of their own. Bring friends or make new friends—and ter will report on the much-anticipated reception and unveiling on then get started planning your next adventure! Any questions, con- March 21. tact Bob Beard (419/354-1308 or [email protected]). On February 18th Arielle Semmel (Chicago hostel), Natalie Jef- Portage River Bicycle Tour fries (Huron Valley GS council) and I presented a plenary session at the Train the Trainers conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Twen- Sunday, June 24th ty adult GS trainers enthusiastically attended our session and we Woodmore High School, Elmore reached out to about twenty others at each of the meals we attended The Portage River Bicycle Tour is HI-TA’s first major bike during the conference. All were most excited about hostelling and event of the year! Join us on a tour of scenic rural roads along the the possibilities of working together. We talked about the relation- Portage and Toussaint Rivers. With clearly marked routes of 10, 31, ship between GS USA and Hostelling USA and our similar missions 62 and 100 miles, this tour offers distances for riders of all skill lev- with emphasis on creating caring world citizens. They expressed els—from novice to expert. Each rider receives a map of the route, considerable interest in the mission-based program opportunities a Portage River 2007 patch, snacks and drinks at designated rest for the girls. All in all, it was a big success and we hope that by areas, and lunch at the Portage River Festival. SAG vehicles assist in reaching one leader at a time we will continue to network. I really case of emergency or non-repairable breakdown. Pre-registration is plugged the Malabar Farm trip in May and the GS familiarization $15, while registration the morning of the event is $20; children get trip in March. Hopefully, we generated much interest in both. discounted prices. Check in is between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. Long Judy Wright distance riders should start early. Entry forms are available in area Soup’s On! Suppers Continue bike shops, libraries, and YMCAs, as well as from the ride brochure The first Soup’s On! was at www.hitoledo.org—or phone Ray Squire at 419/243-7680. definitely a success. There were thirteen hungry people at the home of Marcia and Harry Roby and the cook, Pat Squire, did a “souper” good job of cooking up a choice of bean or barley soup. Desserts were in the true tradi- tion of our group—yummy and plentiful. Upon leaving, many commented that they would be heading to the gym for a work- out the next morning You missed a fun time if you didn’t make it to the first Soup’s On!—but don’t despair, Pat Squire cooks up a storm there will be more. In May, they’ll move from the first Wednesday evening to the first Friday evening. Check the calendar for future dates and locations. Anyone interested in hosting a future Soup’s On! should contact Pat Squire Adele Shelton has presented twelve slide shows to the HI-TA (419/243-7680 or [email protected]). Travel Circle, the most recent at Wildwood Metropark on John Rider March third. April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways A Commemorative Postage Stamp Honoring the 100th Anniversary of Hostelling Why honor the 100th anniversary of hostelling with a Have other countries recognized the contributions of postage stamp? hostelling by issuing a postage stamp? Because of the domestic and worldwide impact of hostelling on Yes. The governments of Australia (1989), Germany (1952 and furthering international understanding. Since 1909, hostelling has 1956), India (1998), Ireland (1981), Japan (1967 and 1992), and Swe- served more than 1.2 billion overnight hostel stays to travelers. In den (1985) all believed hostelling important enough to merit com- 2005 alone, more than 34 million overnights were hosted in about memorative postage stamps. The United States has not yet. But we 4000 hostels in 85 countries. In the United States, nearly one mil- hope that will change in 2009! lion overnights by travelers from over 100 countries were welcomed in 2005–with about 40 percent domestic users. Hostelling makes a What artistic designs have other countries used for notable and unique contribution to intercultural exchange, domes- hostelling postage stamps in the past? tically and globally. Hostelling is a wonderful topic for a postage stamp because it lends How does hostelling con- itself to a range of visually appealing tribute to intercultural designs. To view past hostelling post- exchange? age stamps, visit the Hostelling Stamp The design of a hostel build- Gallery [Centennial of Hostelling at ing encourages interaction, and openingdoorsopeningminds.org]. hostel programs reinforce it. Hos- tels are shared accommodations Are other countries consider- that by their design facilitate ex- ing hostelling postage stamps in change. Common rooms, kitch- 2009? ens and dormitories all encourage Hostelling stamps issued in other countries Yes. Tens of millions of people camaraderie among the people of worldwide have had their perspec- different backgrounds and cultures who stay there. Organized pro- tives widened and outlooks changed due to hostelling. In other grams enhance the cross-cultural experience. countries around the globe, these advocates simultaneously are ap- proaching their own postal authorities and requesting issuance of a Who founded hostelling? postage stamp for their own countries. Hostelling was founded in 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, a Ger- man schoolteacher. Feeling the impact of the industrial revolution, How are postage stamps selected for the USA? Schirrmann grew worried about the effects to the health and welfare A Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee is tasked with reviewing of his students. Schirrmann’s vision of a “wandering school”, which all postage stamp proposals. The Advisory Committee has 15 mem- contained the early seeds of experiential learning, has grown into an bers from a wide range of professions. Each year it recommends a international movement of over 4000 hostels worldwide. mix of 25-30 stamp topics that are educational and interesting. The Americans Isabel and Monroe Smith discovered hostels while Postmaster General makes the final decision. leading scout troops through Europe. The Smiths established Amer- ican Youth Hostels in 1934 and launched its first organized hostels. How do I express my support for a hostelling postage The organization’s name has since been changed to Hostelling In- stamp? ternational USA (HI-USA) to express its international connection Sign your name to the on-line petition [Centennial of Hostelling and inclusiveness of people of all ages. at openingdoorsopeningminds.org] that soon will be presented to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. Or better yet, write your How has hostelling evolved? own letter of support. Send your letter to: The founding purpose of the hostelling movement was to preserve access to the natural world for students and other travelers. It Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee wasn’t long before hostels dotted the landscape, providing warmth, Stamp Development safety and companionship to thousands of travelers, encouraging United States Postal Service more people to venture out and explore the countryside. 1735 North Lynn Street, Room 5013 Yet as violence between countries escalated through successive Arlington, VA 22209-6432 World Wars, Schirrmann and other founders observed travelers from different regions and disparate backgrounds, cultures and be- When will the final selection be made? liefs forming friendships as they spent time together in hostels. The The U.S. Postal Service does not advise if a subject has been unique environment and communal atmosphere of the hostels al- approved until a general announcement is made to the public. The lowed people to overcome their differences and reach greater levels general announcement for 2009 issues will be made in late 2008. In of understanding. the meantime, visit this web site for progress reports. ______“Building peace through international friendship” emerged as a core value of hostelling. “Frequently Asked Questions,” openingdoorsopeningminds.org

Ed. Note: The online petition is now also available at hitoledo.org. We encourage Hi-Ways readers to go to our local site to sign the petition and to check out all the other information about HI-Toledo that is available there. April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways Volunteer Profile: Ken and Mary Jo Sawers

I first met the Sawers several years ago when they were helping they and their children have gone on many bicycling trips and trav- a group called the Joy People, a Christian social group for disabled eled to many hostels in the U.S. and Canada. They have enjoyed people and their friends. Its founder, Shirley Anne Roeger, is our writing articles about their travels, one of which, “Hostelling: More mutual friend and the person who recruited us. I remember Mary Vacation for a Fraction of the Cost,” appeared in Bend of the River playing piano for the Joy People, as she often does at our HI-TA Magazine in 1988. It described the experience of hostelling and holiday party also. the activities of our lo- Ken was born in cal council during the Buffalo, New York, 1980s when Paul and raised in nearby Hanson was so active as Hamburg. Mary was ride and activity leader. born and raised in New Another article, pub- York City, where she re- lished in Spoke, a cy- calls having to go to the cling publication, was park in order to see any about their three favor- trees and grass. Before ite hostels for 1992—in their marriage, Ken was Canada, Maine, and a high school teacher Vermont—and their ex- in Niagara Falls, while periences there, includ- Mary taught elemen- ing being introduced tary and junior high in to the French custom New York City. After in Canada of “double their marriage they were hugging” every guest. employed by Catholic In those days there were Relief Services, an agen- many more (AYH) hos- cy that distributes U.S. tels in the U.S, as peo- surplus foods. ple often opened their During the 1960s, they worked and lived in Pakistan for two homes or basements to HI travelers. They even remember a tree years and Malaysia for one year. It was an exciting time and they house and the Battleship Massachusetts that were used as hostels at enjoyed meeting many of the Peace Corps volunteers who worked one time. Ken and Mary report their favorite hostel is a former light- in both countries. They also met Jackie Kennedy during her visit to house, situated on a beautiful beach on Cape Cod. Another favorite the area, and on a trip to Calcutta, India, were introduced to Mother of theirs is in Sydney, Australia, a very up-to-date hostel that has a Teresa. After returning to the States they lived in Fort Wayne for travel bureau, restaurant, and swimming pool on the top floor. two years before coming to Toledo in 1966. Ken became a college Perhaps the greatest benefit of HI membership came to them professor at the former Mary Manse College and Mary taught math immediately after they moved to Toledo. They didn’t know any- at St. Ursula Academy. She also served as dean of girls there for one here and felt so fortunate to meet a great group of people who five years, in charge of discipline. After Ken retired from teach- shared their healthy lifestyle, respect for the environment, and ac- ing, he served for eighteen years as crossing guard at Ottawa Hills ceptance of people with diverse backgrounds. The HI group was like Elementary School. The couple have enjoyed their forty years in an extended family, with children who became good friends with Toledo and frequently tell their relatives back East that it is a great their children. Everyone enjoyed hiking, biking, canoeing, skiing, place to live. and camping. They have fond memories of the Spitznaugle’s chalet The Sawers have an international family. They adopted a two- and skiing at the Cadillac Ski Resort in Michigan. Each year they year-old son from Germany (Oliver is now forty six) and ten months continue to help out with HI-TA’s progressive dinners, which have later a seven-year-old daughter from the Philippines (Mary Lou is an international bent. now fifty). Both are living in Toledo and raising their three grand- They both still have fun travelling and spent three weeks in children. Ireland last summer visiting Mary’s cousins. Ken and Mary also con- In their retirement the Sawers continue to stay active. Ken re- tinue to enjoy short hikes and talking with other travelers. For the ports that he has learned a lot from taking numerous courses at UT last ten years they have presented slide shows about their travels at under Program 60. Whenever he meets a student on campus from HI-TA’s Travel Circles on Saturdays in the metroparks, and Mary India, Pakistan, or Malaysia he is able to greet them in their own lan- reports she is currently working on her family history. guage, which helps make them feel more at home here in America. We at HI-TA are fortunate to have the Sawers in our ranks and Ken also was a board member for the Mildred Bayer Clinic for the to have the opportunity to learn about their interesting experiences. Homeless, which gives medical assistance free of charge to home- We wish them many more great adventures and travels to come. less people in Toledo. Mary has served as a member of the Bethany Thank you, Ken and Mary for joining us and supporting us on the House board, an organization that provides a safe haven for moth- HI-TA journey from AYH days to the present, and beyond. ers and children who have been victims of domestic violence. Interviewed by Ken and Mary are longtime members of HI and remember the Bill Siebenaler days when it was called American Youth Hostels. Since the 1960s,

April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways The Hostelling Alternative Ed. Note: Bob Scarlett, his wife, Christine, and his seven children (pictured at right) are all very pleased to call themselves new members of Hostelling International in 2006. He reports that hostelling has made it possible for his family to travel affordably in some of America’s popular urban centers. The following article is reprinted from the Dough Boy Digest, J. M. Smucker’s Toledo plant newsletter (Fall 2006). Big cities have for years both fascinated and frightened me. They present the opportunity to see unique sights nowhere else available. But they also pose the risk of crime, the threat of getting lost, and the certainty of spending large amounts of money to park, sleep, and eat. One way to cut down on the expense of sleeping and eating in the big cities of America (and around the world) is to stay at hostels. Whenever any of my family members talk about staying in hostels, people tell them that they saw the 2005 movie Hostel, in which a shady hostel is the site for a series of de- mented, bloody murders of young hostellers innocently trying to enjoy a European vacation. Sorry to disappoint anyone, but I have stayed in three hostels in the last five months—in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York City—and I never saw even one serial killer. The worst thing I witnessed were signs in NYC in the kitchen about the “Juice Thief,” who apparently had been pillaging other people’s juices kept in the common industrial-sized refrigerator. This was as deep as the underworld got at any of my hostel stays. (In fact, in DC in January, I left my razor, shampoo, toothbrush, and pajamas in the men’s bathroom in the morning and arrived later that same night to find all these items missing. I chalked the loss up to my stupidity and figured housekeeping had taken them. However, when I asked about a lost and found area, I recovered all my things in place, clothes folded, in a large clear laundry bag. At that point I developed a sense of security and safety about staying in hostels.) Most of the other hostel tenants we met were from other countries. The vast majority of people are from the Far East and Western Europe. We met one young man from Australia, who told us that it is common for young people from his country to “see the world” before they begin a lifetime of employment, probably due to their ties to a European past [and] their extreme isolation in the South Pacific. But some of the tenants were from America, and the Chicago hostel actively recruited groups of Girl and Boy Scouts to stay in their spacious accommodations. In fact, one of the by-laws of hostels is to encourage people to meet others from other countries, and, indeed, my family saw many people from all parts of the globe during our hostel stays. A membership to Hostelling International (HI) for $28.00 entitles you to significant discounts at hostels throughout the world and the USA. You, also, receive two buy-one-get-one passes for a free night’s accommodation at any of the seven largest hostels in the US, includ- ing: San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, or New York City. Hostels are always conveniently located to major transit centers and sightseeing areas. In DC, we were four blocks from a Metro subway stop and could be at the Smithsonian museums or the major national monuments within 10-15 minutes. In Chicago, the hostel was right next to two El stops, and one block west of Michigan Avenue in the South Loop. Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Chicago Insti- tute of Art were a five-to-ten-minute walk away. In New York City the hostel—the world’s largest—was located two blocks east of Broadway and two blocks west of Central Park in the Upper West Side. Within fifteen minutes on the #1 subway, my family was at Times Square. We could have easily walked to the Museum of Natural History or the Rose Planetarium. The cost to stay at a hostel is based in large part on its location and prices are per person. Children under 18 are ½ priced, except in NYC. To stay in Chicago with one adult and four minors and a discounted free night for me, cost on average $89.00. The savings from having a kitchen facility and dining area to eat our meals reduced our meal costs significantly. The elevated train turned a corner right outside our dining window and provided a great deal of entertainment while we were eating! What are the worst parts about staying at hostels? Why are they able to keep their prices so low? These two questions are tied together. Unless you specifically request it, you will stay in a dorm-style setting, which means in bunks. Your up or down bunkmate could be a member of your party, or someone of the same or opposite sex unless you specify that you do not want to be in a co-ed room. The hostel operators will try to accommodate your requests, but if you have not reserved ahead of time, you may not get exactly what you want based on availability. Each room has 4-6 bunks in it. People are expected to be courteous and respectful towards others who are trying to get to sleep, and it was always my experience that other people were. Each person has a large personal locker in which to put their stuff. These are very big and are situated right next to your bed and require a personal lock. How is it to share a room with strangers? The first night was, I will admit, one in which I had to overcome my own personal fears of strangers and the urge to sleep with all my valuables clutched to me. However, as I began to find out after three uneventful stays, people from other parts of the world don’t really want your stuff as much as you may fear they do. They are probably in the city for the very same reasons you are, and as a matter of fact, we did happen to run into some of our hostel mates when we were touring the cities of Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York City. At that time we began to see that we were part of a world culture as well as an American one. Bob Scarlett April, May & June 2007 : HI Ways NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Hostelling International U.S. POSTAGE Toledo Area P.O. Box 352736 PAID Toledo, OH 43635-2736 TOLEDO, OHIO PERMIT NO. 431 Issued Bimonthly

Address Service Requested April, May & June 2007

MEMBERSHIP 2007 HI-TA BICYCLE EVENTS Portage River Tour Tombstone Tour APPLICATION Sunday, June 24, Elmore Sunday, Oct. 14, Secor Metropark Youth (17 & under) Free Ray Squire: 419/243-7680 Tom & Nancy Verner: 419/878-6440 Senior Citizen (55 & older) $18 Adult (18 to 54) $28 Life $250 Metroparks Tour Family Haunted Ride Non-Profit Organization Free Saturday, July 14, Whitehouse Sunday, Oct. 14, Oak Openings Metropark Name:______Judy Wright: 419/410-0087 Tom & Nancy Verner: 419/878-6440

Address:______Irish Hills Tour City/St:______Sunday, Sept. 23, Sylvania Nancy Moorhead: 419/536-4826 Zip:______Date of Birth:______-______-______VOLUNTEERS & CELL PHONES NEEDED! Phone:______If you are unable to cycle at any of these four major events, how about calling to volunteer a few hours of your time? Schedules are flexible, no previous experience required. email:______You get to meet interesting people who share your love of adventure and the outdoors while Please send me a copy of the current USA making possible HI-TA’s only fundraising activities. Hostel Directory. SAG drivers and food stop volunteers use cell phone to communicate with headquar- ters and each other. Previous sponsor Alltell declined to continue and no other cell phone Make checks payable to: sponsor has been found. Thus, each director needs to secure the use of at least six cell phones for their event. Please call one or more ride directors today to offer use of your cell Hostelling International — Toledo Area P.O. Box 352736 phone or to volunteer! Toledo, OH 43635-2736

Apr May Jun 2007