2019 Study/Travel Trip: The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore plus Santa Fe and Taos, NM

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Trip Map: 2019 Study/Travel Trip: The Great National Parks- Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore
Trip Map: 2019 Study/Travel Trip: The Great National Parks- Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore

LLI folks at the Ox Bow bend of the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, WY
LLI folks at the Ox Bow bend of the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, WY

Salt Lake City Downtown Scene
Salt Lake City Downtown Scene

The Salt Lake City and County Building, is the seat of government for Salt Lake City, Utah. Completed in 1894, the building is Utah’s finest example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
The Salt Lake City and County Building, is the seat of government for Salt Lake City, Utah. Completed in 1894, the building is Utah’s finest example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.

Salt Lake Temple - This granite structure was constructed over a period of 40 years between 1853 & 1893. The walls at the base of the temple are nine feet thick, and six feet thick at the top.
Salt Lake Temple - This granite structure was constructed over a period of 40 years between 1853 & 1893. The walls at the base of the temple are nine feet thick, and six feet thick at the top.

Salt Lake City - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Salt Lake City - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Salt Lake City - Utah State Capitol Building The Neoclassical revival, Corinthian style building was designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, and built between 1912 and 1916. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The Neoclassical revival, Corinthian style building was designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, and built between 1912 and 1916. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville left in the Great Basin and the largest lake west of the Mississippi River. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth and more than four to eight times saltier than the ocean.
The Great Salt Lake is the largest remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville left in the Great Basin and the largest lake west of the Mississippi River. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth and more than four to eight times saltier than the ocean.

Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Utah-Idaho border. About 109 square miles in size, it is split about equally between the two states; its Utah portion comprises the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Utah, after Utah Lake
Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Utah-Idaho border. About 109 square miles in size, it is split about equally between the two states; its Utah portion comprises the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Utah, after Utah Lake

The National Oregon/California Trail Center is located within the beautiful Bear Lake Valley of Southeastern Idaho and situated on the historic site of the original Oregon Trail. The Trail Center was built to preserve, perpetuate and promote the pioneer history and heritage of the Oregon/California Trail and the Bear Lake Valley.
The National Oregon/California Trail Center is located within the beautiful Bear Lake Valley of Southeastern Idaho and situated on the historic site of the original Oregon Trail. The Trail Center was built to preserve, perpetuate and promote the pioneer history and heritage of the Oregon/California Trail and the Bear Lake Valley.

Afton, Wyoming is a town in the Star Valley south of Jackson, Wyoming. It is home to the world's largest arch made of elk antlers. Spanning 75 feet across the four lanes of US Highway 89, the arch consists of 3,011 elk antlers and weighs 15 tons.
Afton, Wyoming is a town in the Star Valley south of Jackson, Wyoming. It is home to the world's largest arch made of elk antlers. Spanning 75 feet across the four lanes of US Highway 89, the arch consists of 3,011 elk antlers and weighs 15 tons.

Elk Antler Arch, Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson is a small city in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton County, Wyoming It is the county seat of Teton County and is its largest town. The town derives its name from "Jackson Hole", the valley in which it is located. .
Elk Antler Arch, Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson is a small city in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton County, Wyoming It is the county seat of Teton County and is its largest town. The town derives its name from "Jackson Hole", the valley in which it is located. .

Street Scene, Jackson, Wyoming
Street Scene, Jackson, Wyoming

Rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming
Rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming. At approximately 310,000 acres , the park includes the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is only 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming. At approximately 310,000 acres , the park includes the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is only 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park: Jenny Lake
Grand Teton National Park: Jenny Lake

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park: Ox-bow bend of the Snake River
Grand Teton National Park: Ox-bow bend of the Snake River

Yellowstone National Park: Great falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from Artist Point.
Yellowstone National Park: Great falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from Artist Point.

Yellowstone National Park: Midway Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park: Midway Geyser Basin

Yellowstone National Park: Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Midway Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park: Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Midway Geyser Basin

Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Inn
Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Inn

Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful geyser
Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful geyser

Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs - a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine lime stone
Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs - a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine lime stone

Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs

Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone River
Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone River

Cody is a city in Northwest Wyoming named after Colonel William "Buffalo Bill" Cody for his part in the founding of Cody in 1896. The Cody Rodeo: Starting officially in 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo has been held every summer. 2018 marked the 99th anniversary of Cody Stampede and the 80th anniversary of the nightly performances. These two events establish Cody as not only one of the longest running successful professional rodeos, but also the only place in the country that has a rodeo performance nightly making Cody the Rodeo Capital of the World.
Cody is a city in Northwest Wyoming named after Colonel William "Buffalo Bill" Cody for his part in the founding of Cody in 1896. The Cody Rodeo: Starting officially in 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo has been held every summer. 2018 marked the 99th anniversary of Cody Stampede and the 80th anniversary of the nightly performances. These two events establish Cody as not only one of the longest running successful professional rodeos, but also the only place in the country that has a rodeo performance nightly making Cody the Rodeo Capital of the World.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a complex of five museums and a research library featuring art and artifacts of the American West located in Cody, Wyoming
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a complex of five museums and a research library featuring art and artifacts of the American West located in Cody, Wyoming

Buffalo Bill Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Shoshone River in Wyoming. It is named after William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who founded the nearby town of Cody and owned much of the land now covered by the reservoir formed by its construction. The 325 feet (99 m) high structure was designed and built between 1905 and 1910. At the time of its completion it was the tallest dam in the world. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and named a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 1973.
Buffalo Bill Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Shoshone River in Wyoming. It is named after William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who founded the nearby town of Cody and owned much of the land now covered by the reservoir formed by its construction. The 325 feet (99 m) high structure was designed and built between 1905 and 1910. At the time of its completion it was the tallest dam in the world. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and named a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 1973.

The Irma Hotel is a landmark in Cody, Wyoming. It was built by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the city's co-founder and namesake who named it after his daughter Irma Cody. A focal point is a famous back bar made of cherry that was a gift given by Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill. The Irma opened with a party on November 18, 1902, to which Cody invited the press and dignitaries from as far away as Boston. The Irma Hotel is still open for business as both a hotel and restaurant. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places, listed in 1973.
The Irma Hotel is a landmark in Cody, Wyoming. It was built by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the city's co-founder and namesake who named it after his daughter Irma Cody. A focal point is a famous back bar made of cherry that was a gift given by Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill. The Irma opened with a party on November 18, 1902, to which Cody invited the press and dignitaries from as far away as Boston. The Irma Hotel is still open for business as both a hotel and restaurant. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places, listed in 1973.

Dinner at the Irma Hotel, Cody, Wyoming
Dinner at the Irma Hotel, Cody, Wyoming

The Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, named after nearby Heart Mountain and located midway between the towns of Cody and Powell in northwest Wyoming, was one of ten concentration camps used for the internment of Japanese Americans evicted from the West Coast Exclusion Zone during World War II by executive order from President Franklin Roosevelt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Construction of the 650 military-style barracks and surrounding guard towers began in June 1942, and the camp opened on August 11, when the first Japanese Americans arrived by train from the Pomona, Santa Anita, and Portland assembly centers. The camp would hold a total of 13,997 Japanese Americans over the next three years, with a peak population of 10,767, making it the third-largest "town" in Wyoming before it closed on November 10, 1945.
The Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, named after nearby Heart Mountain and located midway between the towns of Cody and Powell in northwest Wyoming, was one of ten concentration camps used for the internment of Japanese Americans evicted from the West Coast Exclusion Zone during World War II by executive order from President Franklin Roosevelt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Construction of the 650 military-style barracks and surrounding guard towers began in June 1942, and the camp opened on August 11, when the first Japanese Americans arrived by train from the Pomona, Santa Anita, and Portland assembly centers. The camp would hold a total of 13,997 Japanese Americans over the next three years, with a peak population of 10,767, making it the third-largest "town" in Wyoming before it closed on November 10, 1945.

Heart Mountain Relocation Center
Heart Mountain Relocation Center

Heart Mountain Relocation Center: Re-creation of living quarters
Heart Mountain Relocation Center: Re-creation of living quarters

Heart Mountain Relocation Center as it looked when operational
Heart Mountain Relocation Center as it looked when operational

Heart Mountain as seen from the Heart Mountain Relocation Center
Heart Mountain as seen from the Heart Mountain Relocation Center

Traveling east from Cody to Sheridan, Wyoming across the Big Horn Mountains.
Traveling east from Cody to Sheridan, Wyoming across the Big Horn Mountains.

Coming down from the Big Horn Mountains heading east to Sheridan, Wyoming.
Coming down from the Big Horn Mountains heading east to Sheridan, Wyoming.

King’s Saddlery and Museum is in Sheridan, Wyoming which is located halfway between Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore. The city was named after General Philip Sheridan, Union cavalry leader in the American Civil War. Several battles between US Cavalry and the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Shoshone, and Crow Indian tribes occurred in the area in the 1860s and 1870s before the town was built. King’s Saddlery and Museum is a complete Western tack store with a wide selection of saddles, world famous ropes, bridles, bits, headstalls, reins, halters, roping equipment, barrel racing equipment, saddle bags, saddle blankets and slickers. The museum is home to a large collection of artifacts from the Old West and tools of the modern cowboy.
King’s Saddlery and Museum is in Sheridan, Wyoming which is located halfway between Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore. The city was named after General Philip Sheridan, Union cavalry leader in the American Civil War. Several battles between US Cavalry and the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Shoshone, and Crow Indian tribes occurred in the area in the 1860s and 1870s before the town was built. King’s Saddlery and Museum is a complete Western tack store with a wide selection of saddles, world famous ropes, bridles, bits, headstalls, reins, halters, roping equipment, barrel racing equipment, saddle bags, saddle blankets and slickers. The museum is home to a large collection of artifacts from the Old West and tools of the modern cowboy.

King’s Saddlery and Museum, Sheridan, Wyoming.
King’s Saddlery and Museum, Sheridan, Wyoming.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site includes a partial reconstruction of the original fort, the nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box battle sites and a visitor’s center. Fort Phil Kearny was an Army outpost that existed in the late 1860s located along the east side of the Bighorn Mountains in northeastern Wyoming. The post was named for Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny, a popular figure in the Civil War. Along with Fort Reno and Fort C. F. Smith, the fort was established along the Bozeman Trail in the Powder River Country at the height of the Indian Wars to protect prospective miners traveling the trail north from the Oregon Trail to present-day Montana.
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site includes a partial reconstruction of the original fort, the nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box battle sites and a visitor’s center. Fort Phil Kearny was an Army outpost that existed in the late 1860s located along the east side of the Bighorn Mountains in northeastern Wyoming. The post was named for Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny, a popular figure in the Civil War. Along with Fort Reno and Fort C. F. Smith, the fort was established along the Bozeman Trail in the Powder River Country at the height of the Indian Wars to protect prospective miners traveling the trail north from the Oregon Trail to present-day Montana.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site

Devils Tower is located in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of the Black Hills, in northeastern Wyoming. It rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, standing 867 feet from summit to base. The summit is 5,112 feet above sea level. Devils Tower was the first United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The monument's boundary encloses an area of 1,347 acres.
Devils Tower is located in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of the Black Hills, in northeastern Wyoming. It rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, standing 867 feet from summit to base. The summit is 5,112 feet above sea level. Devils Tower was the first United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The monument's boundary encloses an area of 1,347 acres.

Devil's Tower - 2019 National Parks Trip
Devil's Tower - 2019 National Parks Trip

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, in South Dakota was established in 1999 to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. This National Historic Site preserves the last remaining Minuteman II ICBM system in the United States. 450 of the newer Minuteman III missiles are still on active duty at other locations. The site consists of three facilities: a main office and two significant Cold War-era sites, a launch control center and a missile silo/launch facility, formerly operated by the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, headquartered at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. The facilities represent the only remaining intact components of a nuclear missile field that once consisted of 150 Minuteman II missiles, 15 launch-control centers, and covered over 13,500 square miles of southwestern South Dakota.
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, in South Dakota was established in 1999 to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. This National Historic Site preserves the last remaining Minuteman II ICBM system in the United States. 450 of the newer Minuteman III missiles are still on active duty at other locations. The site consists of three facilities: a main office and two significant Cold War-era sites, a launch control center and a missile silo/launch facility, formerly operated by the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, headquartered at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. The facilities represent the only remaining intact components of a nuclear missile field that once consisted of 150 Minuteman II missiles, 15 launch-control centers, and covered over 13,500 square miles of southwestern South Dakota.

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site visitor center
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site visitor center

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site missile silo
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site missile silo

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota. The park protects 242,756 acres of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park includes the largest expanse of undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. The National Park Service manages the park, with the South Unit being co-managed with the Oglala Lakota tribe.
Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota. The park protects 242,756 acres of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park includes the largest expanse of undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. The National Park Service manages the park, with the South Unit being co-managed with the Oglala Lakota tribe.

Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park

Mountain Goat, Badlands National Park
Mountain Goat, Badlands National Park

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in southwestern South Dakota. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing into the distance. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion. If completed as designed, it would become the world's second tallest statue, after the Statue of Unity.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in southwestern South Dakota. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing into the distance. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion. If completed as designed, it would become the world's second tallest statue, after the Statue of Unity.

The Crazy Horse Memorial: A model of the planned colossal sculpture, with the Crazy Horse Memorial in the background
The Crazy Horse Memorial: A model of the planned colossal sculpture, with the Crazy Horse Memorial in the background

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is centered on a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills near Rapid City, South Dakota. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the sculpture's design and oversaw the project's execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son Lincoln Borglum. The sculpture features the 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The four presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively. The memorial park covers 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet above sea level.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is centered on a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills near Rapid City, South Dakota. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the sculpture's design and oversaw the project's execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son Lincoln Borglum. The sculpture features the 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The four presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively. The memorial park covers 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet above sea level.

Mount Rushmore as seen from the trail along the base of the monument.
Mount Rushmore as seen from the trail along the base of the monument.

Mount Rushmore from the side near where scenes from the film "North by Northwest" were filmed.
Mount Rushmore from the side near where scenes from the film "North by Northwest" were filmed.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886 on the site of an older adobe church, La Parroquia (built in 1714–1717). An older church on the same site, built in 1626, was destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The new cathedral was built around La Parroquia, which was dismantled once the new construction was complete. A small chapel on the north side of the cathedral was kept from the old church.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886 on the site of an older adobe church, La Parroquia (built in 1714–1717). An older church on the same site, built in 1626, was destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The new cathedral was built around La Parroquia, which was dismantled once the new construction was complete. A small chapel on the north side of the cathedral was kept from the old church.

Saint Francis Cathedral interior
Saint Francis Cathedral interior

Saint Francis Cathedral
Saint Francis Cathedral

Santa Fe street view
Santa Fe street view

Santa Fe adobe architecture detail
Santa Fe adobe architecture detail

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Georgia O'Keeffe, her life, American modernism, and public engagement. It opened on July 17, 1997, eleven years after the artist's death, and is located at 217 Johnson Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States.
The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Georgia O'Keeffe, her life, American modernism, and public engagement. It opened on July 17, 1997, eleven years after the artist's death, and is located at 217 Johnson Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States.

Santa Fe, NM: The Cross of the Martyrs is a monument dedicated to the 21 Franciscan priests and the many Spanish colonist killed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The 25-foot-tall reinforced concrete cross sits on top of Paseo de la Loma Hill in Fort Marcy Park.
Santa Fe, NM: The Cross of the Martyrs is a monument dedicated to the 21 Franciscan priests and the many Spanish colonist killed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The 25-foot-tall reinforced concrete cross sits on top of Paseo de la Loma Hill in Fort Marcy Park

San Miguel Mission, also known as San Miguel Chapel, is a Spanish colonial mission church in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Built between approximately 1610 and 1626, it is the oldest known church in the continental United States.
San Miguel Mission, also known as San Miguel Chapel, is a Spanish colonial mission church in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Built between approximately 1610 and 1626, it is the oldest known church in the continental United States.

San Miguel Mission interior
San Miguel Mission interior

De Vargas Street House, located at 215 East De Vargas Street on the eastern side of Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico within the Barrio De Analco Historic District, is one of the oldest houses in America. It was was built in 1646 and the front original rooms are carefully maintained and still standing. It rests on part of the original foundation of an ancient Indian Pueblo dating from around 1200 CE and many believe the old adobe is much older than the mid-1600s.
De Vargas Street House, located at 215 East De Vargas Street on the eastern side of Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico within the Barrio De Analco Historic District, is one of the oldest houses in America. It was was built in 1646 and the front original rooms are carefully maintained and still standing. It rests on part of the original foundation of an ancient Indian Pueblo dating from around 1200 CE and many believe the old adobe is much older than the mid-1600s.

De Vargas Street House interior
De Vargas Street House interior

Taos, NM. Taos is the county seat of Taos County. The English name Taos derives from the native Taos language meaning "place of red willows".
Taos, NM. Taos is the county seat of Taos County. The English name Taos derives from the native Taos language meaning "place of red willows".

Lunch at The Alley Cantina which is located in the oldest building in Taos, NM. It was built in the 16th century by the Pueblo Indians and served as an outpost along the Chihuahua Trail. At one time the building was partially destroyed but was rebuilt and occupied by the Spanish government from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Lunch at The Alley Cantina which is located in the oldest building in Taos, NM. It was built in the 16th century by the Pueblo Indians and served as an outpost along the Chihuahua Trail. At one time the building was partially destroyed but was rebuilt and occupied by the Spanish government from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people. It lies about 1 mile north of the modern city of Taos, New Mexico. The pueblos are considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. The appeared much as they do today when the first Spanish explorers arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540 and believed that the Pueblo was one of the fabled golden cities of Cibola.
Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people. It lies about 1 mile north of the modern city of Taos, New Mexico. The pueblos are considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. The appeared much as they do today when the first Spanish explorers arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540 and believed that the Pueblo was one of the fabled golden cities of Cibola.

Taos Pueblo - listening to a lecture from our guide
Taos Pueblo - listening to a lecture from our guide

The Rio Grande Gorge is a geological feature in northern New Mexico where the watercourse of the Rio Grande follows a tectonic chasm. Beginning near the Colorado border, the approximately 50-mile (80 km) gorge runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico, through the basalt flows of the Taos Plateau volcanic field. The gorge depth is 800 feet just south of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge 10 miles northwest of Taos.
The Rio Grande Gorge is a geological feature in northern New Mexico where the watercourse of the Rio Grande follows a tectonic chasm. Beginning near the Colorado border, the approximately 50-mile (80 km) gorge runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico, through the basalt flows of the Taos Plateau volcanic field. The gorge depth is 800 feet just south of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge 10 miles northwest of Taos.

Local Dairy Queen near the Rio Grande Gorge
Local Dairy Queen near the Rio Grande Gorge

El Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church in Chimayó, New Mexico located between Taos and Santa Fees. (Santuario is Spanish for "sanctuary".) This shrine, a National Historic Landmark, is famous for the story of its founding and as a contemporary pilgrimage site. It receives almost 300,000 visitors per year and has been called "the most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the United States."
El Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church in Chimayó, New Mexico located between Taos and Santa Fees. (Santuario is Spanish for "sanctuary".) This shrine, a National Historic Landmark, is famous for the story of its founding and as a contemporary pilgrimage site. It receives almost 300,000 visitors per year and has been called "the most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the United States."

El Santuario de Chimayó
El Santuario de Chimayó

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2019 Forum Speakers & Related Photos

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Janury 2019 Forum - Sidney Sachs is presented a certificate of Appreciation by LLI President Anna Dixon in recognition of his dedication to LLI during 10 years as LLI Webmaster.
Janury 2019 Forum - Sidney Sachs is presented a certificate of Appreciation by LLI President Anna Dixon in recognition of his dedication to LLI during 10 years as LLI Webmaster.

February 2019 Forum - LLI President Anna Dixon thanks financial planner Stan Corey for his great Forum presentation about the need for continual financial planning during our lengthening retirement years.
February 2019 Forum - LLI President Anna Dixon thanks financial planner Stan Corey for his great Forum presentation about the need for continual financial planning during our lengthening retirement years.

LLI President Anna Dixon presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Edward R. Alexander, Jr., senior expert from the Government Accountability Office, who discussed the benefits and challenges for new technologies embedded in millions of everyday products at the March 2019 Forum.
LLI President Anna Dixon presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Edward R. Alexander, Jr., senior expert from the Government Accountability Office, who discussed the benefits and challenges for new technologies embedded in millions of everyday products at the March 2019 Forum.

At the April 2019 Forum Dr. James Zimbelman of the Smithsonian Institution relayed many fascinating details on the life of James Smithson, a British subject whose will provided initial funding for the Smithsonian Institution, although he never had visited the United States.
At the April 2019 Forum Dr. James Zimbelman of the Smithsonian Institution relayed many fascinating details on the life of James Smithson, a British subject whose will provided initial funding for the Smithsonian Institution, although he never had visited the United States.

At the May 1, 2019, Forum, April Stafford, U.S. Director of Design Management for the U.S. Mint provided members a behind-the-scenes look at how U.S. coins and commemorative medals are designed, produced and distributed.
At the May 1, 2019, Forum, April Stafford, U.S. Director of Design Management for the U.S. Mint provided members a behind-the-scenes look at how U.S. coins and commemorative medals are designed, produced and distributed.

At the June 5, 2019 Forum Robert Johnson, Dir. of Sustainability at NVCC, talked with LLI membership about environmental sustainability and what they can do to help.
At the June 5, 2019 Forum Robert Johnson, Dir. of Sustainability at NVCC, talked with LLI membership about environmental sustainability and what they can do to help.

September 4, 2019 Forum: LLI President Anna Dixon presents a certificate of appreciation to film critic Michael J. Canning who gave members a very entertaining presentation, “Does Hollywood Ever Get it Right?”, based on his reviews of past and recent movies featuring scenes and stories about our Nation’s Capital.
September 4, 2019 Forum: LLI President Anna Dixon presents a certificate of appreciation to film critic Michael J. Canning who gave members a very entertaining presentation, “Does Hollywood Ever Get it Right?”, based on his reviews of past and recent movies featuring scenes and stories about our Nation’s Capital.

At the September 4, 2019, Forum, Past President of LLI/NOVA Scott Pinckney presents a very well deserved Certificate of Appreciation to Lorin Goodrich for all he’s done for our organization.
At the September 4, 2019, Forum, Past President of LLI/NOVA Scott Pinckney presents a very well deserved Certificate of Appreciation to Lorin Goodrich for all he’s done for our organization.

The Sheriff’s in town! At the October 2, 2019 Forum, LLI President, Anna Dixon, presents an appreciation certificate to Fairfax County Sheriff Stacy Kincaid who spoke on leadership and explained the role of the Sheriff’s Office and its many innovative programs at the Fairfax County Jail.
The Sheriff’s in town! At the October 2, 2019 Forum, LLI President, Anna Dixon, presents an appreciation certificate to Fairfax County Sheriff Stacy Kincaid who spoke on leadership and explained the role of the Sheriff’s Office and its many innovative programs at the Fairfax County Jail.

Nov. 6, 2019, Forum speaker Dr. Jay Labov spoke about initiatives to promote science education, as opposed to having students memorize a lot of scientific facts and jargon. He also specifically addressed the challenges to teaching evolution in the nation’s public schools.
Nov. 6, 2019, Forum speaker Dr. Jay Labov spoke about initiatives to promote science education, as opposed to having students memorize a lot of scientific facts and jargon. He also specifically addressed the challenges to teaching evolution in the nation’s public schools.

Annual Holiday Luncheon – December 2019

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Photographs in this gallery are provided courtesy of Richard Steelman.

LLI/NOVA Arts and Crafts Fair - April 2019

Every year, the LLI/NOVA Arts and Crafts Exhibit is scheduled in conjunction with the April Forum. That’s the day when we see the artisan side of some of our LLI/NOVA members. They are painters, weavers, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, card makers, weavers and more! They share their talents by displaying one or two of their beautifully handmade items. Members come early and see the exhibit which is set up in the Seminar Rooms adjacent to our Forum space in the Ernst Community Center. Such incredible workmanship! Open the gallery below to take a look at the efforts of our artistically accomplished members.

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Artisan: Arline Sachs
Artisan: Arline Sachs

Artisan: Bev Portman
Artisan: Bev Portman

Artisan: Colletta Hammond
Artisan: Colletta Hammond

Artisan: Connie Diamant
Artisan: Connie Diamant

Artisan: Joyce Pomeroy
Artisan: Joyce Pomeroy

Artisan: Janice Viola
Artisan: Janice Viola

Artisan: Dick Martin
Artisan: Dick Martin

Artisan: Dianne Parrish
Artisan: Dianne Parrish

Artisan: Deb Hunsberger
Artisan: Deb Hunsberger

Artisan: Karen Flann
Artisan: Karen Flann

Artisan: Mary Lu Bednarsky
Artisan: Mary Lu Bednarsky

Artisan: Nancy Pinckney
Artisan: Nancy Pinckney

Artisan: Phil Hodges
Artisan: Phil Hodges

Artisan: Ray Bednarsky
Artisan: Ray Bednarsky

Artisan: Richard Steelman
Artisan: Richard Steelman

Arts & Crafts Fair - April 2019
Arts & Crafts Fair - April 2019

Northern Virginia Positive Aging and Wellness Fair - April 2019

In collaboration with Fairfax County and community partners, the Northern Virginia Positive Aging and Wellness Fair was held at the Fairfax County Government Center on April 8, 2019. The Fair featured many exhibits and resources for adults in our community, a keynote address by Pat Collins of TV News4 and numerous informative workshops in both the morning and afternoon.

LLI/NOVA was one of 60+ local exhibitors who offered tools and information to educate and inspire adults to achieve a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle as they age. LLI/NOVA President Anna Dixon estimated that at least 200 people stopped by to talk with the several LLI/NOVA volunteers who staffed our exhibit, and several of these visitors committed to joining. Anna thanked everyone who volunteered to make the day a big success - those onsite at the Fair and those who worked hard in the background designing our new banner and tablecloth, as well as printing the many handouts!

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LLI/NOVA volunteer Arline Sachs and LLI/NOVA President Anna Dixon alongside our new vertical banner at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair
LLI/NOVA volunteer Arline Sachs and LLI/NOVA President Anna Dixon alongside our new vertical banner at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair

LLI/NOVA’s exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair (including our new table covering!)
LLI/NOVA’s exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair (including our new table covering!)

LLI/NOVA volunteers Arline Sachs, Mary Lu Bednarsky, Jona Wheeler and Janice Smith talking to exhibit visitors at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair
LLI/NOVA volunteers Arline Sachs, Mary Lu Bednarsky, Jona Wheeler and Janice Smith talking to exhibit visitors at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair

LLI/NOVA Volunteers Arline Sachs and Bonnie Hopler talking with visitors to the LLI/NOVA exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair
LLI/NOVA Volunteers Arline Sachs and Bonnie Hopler talking with visitors to the LLI/NOVA exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair

LLI/NOVA Volunteer June Chalou talking with visitors to the LLI/NOVA exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair
LLI/NOVA Volunteer June Chalou talking with visitors to the LLI/NOVA exhibit at the NoVA Positive Aging and Wellness Fair

Spring 2019 Trip to Staunton, VA

Spring 2019 Trip to Staunton, VA – Two days/1 night. A visit to one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America. Stops included Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, a stay at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, a play at the famous American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriar’s Playhouse, and English High Tea at the thatched cottage of Anne Hathaway.

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Staunton, VA Trip 2019
Staunton, VA Trip 2019

Staunton, VA Trip 2019 - Lovely old downtown
Staunton, VA Trip 2019 - Lovely old downtown

Staunton, VA Trip 2019-Frontier Culture Museum
Staunton, VA Trip 2019-Frontier Culture Museum

2019 Staunton Trip, VA - LLI Members at the Anne Hathaway Cottage
2019 Staunton, VA Trip - LLI Members at the Anne Hathaway Cottage

2019 Staunton, VA Trip - A visit to the Anne Hathaway Cottage for High Tea
2019 Staunton, VA Trip - A visit to the Anne Hathaway Cottage for High Tea

Staunton, VA Trip 2019-High Tea at Anne Hathaway Cottage Tea Room
Staunton, VA Trip 2019-High Tea at Anne Hathaway Cottage Tea Room

2019 Staunton, VA Trip - High Tea at the Anne Hathaway Cottage
2019 Staunton, VA Trip - High Tea at the Anne Hathaway Cottage

Staunton, VA Trip 2019-Blackfriar's Playhouse private backstage tour and lecture
Staunton, VA Trip 2019-Blackfriar's Playhouse private backstage tour and lecture

Staunton, VA Trip 2019 - LLI Folks
Staunton, VA Trip 2019 - LLI Folks

Photographs in this gallery are provided courtesy of Ray Bednarsky and Pat Harrison.

May 2019 Spy Tour

May 2019 Spy Tour Trip – On Wednesday, May 21st, LLI members were taken on a tour of many of the sites associated with intelligence and counter intelligence activities in the Georgetown, VA, and DC with a final stop at The Cold War Museum in Vint Hill, Virginia. The tour was led by Gary Powers, founder of the The Cold War Museum.

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Spy Tour May 2019 - Before touring the Cold War Museum, the group enjoyed a buffet lunch catered by Covert Cafe' at the Vint Hill Craft Winery. Some even purchased a bottle of wine or two. The food was delicious!
Spy Tour May 2019 - Before touring the Cold War Museum, the group enjoyed a buffet lunch catered by Covert Cafe' at the Vint Hill Craft Winery. Some even purchased a bottle of wine or two. The food was delicious!

Spy Tour May 2019 - The Cold War Museum, Vint Hill, VA.
Spy Tour May 2019 - The Cold War Museum, Vint Hill, VA.

Spy Tour May 2019 - Gary Powers explaining activities associated with intelligence drops.
Spy Tour May 2019 - Gary Powers explaining activities associated with intelligence drops.

Spy Tour May 2019 - The LLI group at the Cold War Museum, Vint Hill, VA.
Spy Tour May 2019 - The LLI group at the Cold War Museum, Vint Hill, VA.

Photographs in this gallery are provided courtesy of Pat Harrison and Debi Hunsburger.

2019 Photography SIG Images

January 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “2018 - The Year in Review." Members were asked to review the photos they had taken during calendar year 2018 and present their 10 favorites to the group. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Martin - Panoramic view of Meadowlark Gardens

Ray Bednarsky - Perfect spot to relax - Hawaii
Ray Bednarsky - Perfect spot to relax - Hawaii

Pat Lunt - Backyard bird feeder - The result of hours of patient waiting for just the right moment
Pat Lunt - Backyard bird feeder - The result of hours of patient waiting for just the right moment

Kathy Earnest - Scenic Mountain in Pategonia, Chile
Kathy Earnest - Scenic Mountain in Pategonia, Chile

Kathy Dillon - Iceland
Kathy Dillon - Iceland

Buck Myers - Perast, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.
Buck Myers - Perast, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

February 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Cold." In this wintry time of year, members were asked to take pictures that depict “cold” – cold temperatures that is. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Cold by Ray Bednarsky
Cold by Ray Bednarsky

Cold by Jona Wheeler
Cold by Jona Wheeler

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

March 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Circles." Circles and circular shapes are all around us and members were asked to take pictures that include such shapes. The circular object did not have to be the subject of the photo but must be in the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Circles by John Strong
Circles by John Strong

Circles by Arlene Gribben
Circles by Arlene Gribben

Circles by Charlotte Rosenfield
Circles by Charlotte Rosenfield

Circles by Elizabeth Lonoff
Circles by Elizabeth Lonoff

Circles by Fritz Ernst
Circles by Fritz Ernst

Circles by Ray Bednarsky
Circles by Ray Bednarsky

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

April 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Spring." Spring is a season associated with renewal and rebirth. Nature abounds with a variety of flowers and plants. The goal of this theme is to capture a photograph that evokes the feeling of Spring. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Spring by Buck Myers
Spring by Buck Myers

Spring by Elizabeth Lonoff
Spring by Elizabeth Lonoff

Spring by Fritz Ernst
Spring by Fritz Ernst

Spring by Kathy Dillon
Spring by Kathy Dillon

Spring by MaryLu Bednarsky
Spring by MaryLu Bednarsky

Spring by Ray Bednarsky
Spring by Ray Bednarsky

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

May 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Rectangles." Rectangles and rectangular shapes are all around us and members were asked to take pictures that include such shapes. The rectangular object did not have to be the subject of the photo but must be in the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Rectangles by Buck Myers
Rectangles by Buck Myers

Rectangles by Dick Martin
Rectangles by Dick Martin

Rectangles by Elizabeth Lonoff
Rectangles by Elizabeth Lonoff

Rectangles by Fritz Ernst
Rectangles by Fritz Ernst

Rectangles by Kathy Dillon
Rectangles by Kathy Dillon

Rectangles by Arlene Gribben
Rectangles by Arlene Gribben

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

June-July 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Fill the Frame." This is a key photographic composition technique that follows the ‘get closer’ rule. It means framing your subject in such a way that it occupies a large amount of space in a photograph. The object is to fill the frame with your subject and little else, leaving little doubt about what the intended target was. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Fill the Frame by Phi Hodges
Fill the Frame by Phi Hodges

Fill the Frame by MaryLu Bednarsky
Fill the Frame by MaryLu Bednarsky

Fill the Frame by Kathy Dillon
Fill the Frame by Kathy Dillon

Fill the Frame by Jona Wheeler
Fill the Frame by Jona Wheeler

Fill the Frame by Fritz Ernst
Fill the Frame by Fritz Ernst

Fill the Frame by Elizabeth Lonoff
Fill the Frame by Elizabeth Lonoff

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

August 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Curves." This is a shape that is all around us and includes virtually everything that is not in a straight line. This could be a sweep of trees, a bend in a river, a roadway curving away from or toward us, the shape of a leaf or flower petal, or abstract shapes. The curve or curved item need not be the subject of the photo but the photo must have a curve in it. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Curves by Ray Bednarsky
Curves by Ray Bednarsky

Curves by Kathy Earnest
Curves by Kathy Earnest

Curves by Kathy Dillon
Curves by Kathy Dillon

Curves by Fritz Ernst
Curves by Fritz Ernst

Curves by Buck Myers
Curves by Buck Myers

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

September 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is “Textures." From brick walls to tiled roofs to wooden fences, textures are all around us. A dictionary definition for "texture" includes the visual and tactile quality of a surface; the distinctive physical composition or structure of something, especially with respect to the size, shape, and arrangement of its parts; the smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. of something. An item or object displaying texture must be the subject of the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Texture by Ray Bednarsky
Texture by Ray Bednarsky

Texture by MaryLu Bednarsky
Texture by MaryLu Bednarsky

Texture by Fritz Ernst
Texture by Fritz Ernst

Texture by Elizabeth Lonoff
Texture by Elizabeth Lonoff

Texture by Dick Martin
Texture by Dick Martin

Texture by Buck Myers
Texture by Buck Myers

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

October-November 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is the color “Yellow." The world abounds with the color yellow. It is all around us and can be found on such diverse things as signs, clothing, flowers, food, etc. The list is endless. For the purpose of this theme the yellow object does not have to be the subject of the photo but the color yellow must be somewhere in the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Yellow by Ray Bednarsky
Yellow by Ray Bednarsky

Yellow by Kathy Earnest
Yellow by Kathy Earnest

Yellow by Kathy Dillon
Yellow by Kathy Dillon

Yellow by Jona Wheeler
Yellow by Jona Wheeler

Yellow by Fritz Ernst
Yellow by Fritz Ernst

Yellow by Buck Myers
Yellow by Buck Myers

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

December 2019

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is the color “Red." Red is a color that is all around us and is particularly predominant during the year-end holiday season. For the purpose of this theme the Red object does not have to be the subject of the photo but the color Red must be somewhere in the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.