Past Presentations

What Can Meaningful Travel Look Like in Vietnam?                              Tim Obendorf

Meaningful travel has no specific definition. “Meaningful” can be highly subjective to every person.  In the recent year of travel I have had the privilege to work with the  Central Vietnamese on two different occasions. From my travel experiences I will share what meaningful travel came to be for me and introduce some of the interesting cultural and geographical features of Vietnam.   

View the presentation here

Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands:  Fragile Lands of Desolation and Beauty                                 Ron Kelemen

Ron and Kathy Kelemen traveled parts of the vast Antarctic region for 18 days in January and February of 2024. It became a bucket list item for them because everyone else who had been there said it was one of their best trips ever. So as ice caps continue to melt and they continue to age, they asked, "Well, if not now, then when?" Like others before them, it turned out to be one of their best trips ever, vastly exceeding their already over-hyped expectations. Join them on their 18-day, 3,892-mile adventure on a polar expedition ship as they explore the NW tip of Antarctica, remote South Georgia, and the western Falkland Islands. 

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Bula! Two Weeks in Fiji                                    Laura Tesler

Join Laura Tesler for two weeks around and on the Viti Levu island in Fiji and find out why so many go back to the Fiji Islands again and again. Laura spent 1 week aboard a liveaboard diving the pristine and incredible bommies of the N'amena Marine reserve and marveling at the incredible schools of sharks, barracudas, mantas, and the explosion of life that visit this area. The second week was land based on the western side of the island and was spent diving incredibly lush soft coral gardens, visiting sea horses and giant sea fan galleries. One of the last places that coral bleaching hasn't heavily affected yet. Fiji has the world's friendliest people who really mean it when they say BULA!  

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Nineteen Days in Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud                                     Jeffrey McElwee and Diane Claus

Join us on our sixth adventure in New Zealand, as we pursue Rudyard Kipling’s “Eighth Wonder of the World” in Milford Sound, seek a universe of glow worms within Waitomo Caves, wonder at the much sought after return of the almost extinct New Zealand Falcon (Karearea), learn of the most well-integrated indigenous culture .. the Māori people .. in the world, and then go behind the scenes of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, with movie set locations around the country and at Hobbiton. Join us for a unique look at New Zealand .. we’ll even take you to the top of Mount Cook!

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Spain Again: 2024                                               Janet Neuburg

After a false start and a restart; after 3 flights and a train ride, I arrived in Malaga.  While in Malaga for 5 weeks I went on several day trips to other places, and did the same in Granada while there for 7 weeks.  I was in Alcala de Henares, which is outside Madrid, for just a few days before coming back to Salem.  “Hasta luego”. 

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NE India  - Shillong and Guwahati              Eden Rose Brown

NE India, Part 2 - We will observe the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya compete in an archery shoot, search for Bengal tigers and the one-horned rhino in Kaziranga National Park (a UNESCO site) and mingle with the fishers of the Mishing Tribal village of Majuli Island. 

View the presentation here

(Due to technical problems, the presentation begins about 2 minutes after the beginning of the recording.)

Seeking the "Darke" Side of the Moon in Middle America        Ron Kelemen

Those who have seen an eclipse almost always want to see another one.  And that was the case for Ron and Kathy Kelemen.  After experiencing the 2017 Oregon total eclipse in Madras, Ron and Kathy jumped at the chance over a year ago to join a 160-trailer Airstream eclipse rally in Greenville Ohio this April.  While the 4-minute totality was awesome, the 6,000 miles and one month of getting there and back were most of the fun.  This was Ron and Kathy’s 5th cross country trip since 2016.  Join them for 30 minutes of special attractions, hidden gems, life on the road, and scenery as they crossed the Cascades and Rockies in late March and returned via the Middle-South and Desert Southwest, traveling mostly on secondary roads.

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Take a Trip on Route 66              Sharon Elaine Thompson

Road trip! Why do those words excite us? Is it the freedom to explore? To discover the unusual, the past, or ourselves? Whatever it is, driving Route 66 is the iconic American Road Trip. So in celebration of my 70th birthday, with my friend and trusty navigator, we crossed the country on frontage roads, small town main streets, and twisty desert mountain passes. We cruised the 2248 miles through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica covering a hundred miles a day, stopping for roadside kitsch, colorful murals, family history, old restaurants and hotels, and burros. We met people from all over the world who knew more about Route 66 than many Americans. We drove through history and geography. We discovered towns that were still proud and making the most of what they had, towns that had given up, and towns that had died. We got lost, detoured, and made side trips. It was a delightful, surprising, sometimes silly, and sometimes sad twenty-six days. In short, it was everything a road trip should be. 

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India: Hornbill Festival in Nagaland        Eden Rose Brown

Join us on a magical, once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Jewel of the Northeast: The Great Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, India! In the farthest northeast corner of India, the tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with appreciation and fervor. These celebrations are sacred, and all Nagas take part, with each having their own ways of promoting their culture. The festival is named after the Hornbill, one of the most respected and resplendent bird species in the state, and the bird’s importance is reflected in several tribal songs and dances. 

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Rocking Egypt and Jordan        Virginia Vanderbilt

Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!  Who knew there were so many kinds of rocks and so many ways of transforming them into incredible monuments and sights?  Egypt and Jordan have more than their fair share of rocky wonders.  Michael and Virginia will be highlighting many of these as they recap their recent three-week trip in Egypt and Jordan.  

Join us as we pop inside some pyramids, meander through museums, be spellbound by the sphinx, be thankful for no murders on the Nile, channel your hidden Indiana Jones as you walk through the Siq to Petra and just generally be struck by the good kind of shock and awe as we revisit the marvels of these two extraordinary countries.

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Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World    Dale Ryan

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Guatemala is a captivating country that boasts a breathtaking array of natural wonders and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. In my presentation you will see volcanic peaks, Mayan ruins, traditional markets bursting with colorful textiles woven by indigenous artisans, and some of the Spanish influence in Guatemala. I include photos from Guatemala City, Antigua, Tikal, Lake Atitlán, and various other locations.

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Paris, Cornwall and the Road to Catastrophe    Eric Schuman

Learn about a few French gems Eric discovered last August, then visit Cornwall from prehistoric times to today. See magnificent gardens,  beautiful beaches and Victorian estates. At the conclusion of the program, hear 3 other travelers describe their personal travel challenges and catastrophes.

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The Balkans: Exploring the Cultural Tapestry of Southeastern Europe       Natalie Brown and Noah Mozell

Natalie Brown recounts her month-long adventure through the Balkans. In early 2023, Natalie and her partner, Noah Mozell, took time off to travel around Europe for two months. They spent the majority of their time exploring Southeastern Europe, starting in Slovenia and Croatia, and making their way further East (both geographically and culturally) to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Follow along as Natalie shares stories from the idyllic shores of Lake Bled, the steep hills and fortified walls of Dubrovnik, the bright blue waterfalls of Plitvice National Park, the Disney-esque cobblestone lanes of Mostar, and the urban centers Zagreb and Sarajevo, all while learning about the unique mix of cultures, faiths, and the complex history that has shaped this corner of Europe.  

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Our Greek Odyssey         Ron Kelemen and Kathy Ellis-Kelemen

Last spring, Ron and Kathy Kelemen traveled independently in Greece for five weeks. They stayed in eight different places, some well-known and others bypassed by most tourists. They connected with the locals, hiked to ancient ruins, experienced spectacular views, and ate well-perhaps a little too well. How did they put this together and get around? What would they do differently next time? Join them as they relive their Greek Odyssey.

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Presented by Ellen Froot

Are you looking for a place to escape the PNW winters, curious about retiring abroad? Please join me as I share my solo experience of spending four months in Chiang Mai, Thailand. During that time, I immersed myself in the culture, explored the area, mixed with the locals, connected with ex-pats, and got a taste of what retirement life might be like there. I'll share the good as well as the bad, and if I will be returning.

Click here to watch the presentation.  

Presented by Sandra Gangle

Sandra and Gene traveled on a small ship on the St. Lawrence River,  from Toronto to Quebec, then around the Gaspé  Peninsula to Halifax, Nova Scotia and beyond.  Beautiful weather, magnificent scenery

Click here to watch the presentation.  

Presented by Mary Hollendoner

After a decade in the corporate rat race, Mary was ready for a change. So she and her husband quit their jobs, pulled their six-year-old daughter out of school, and moved into an old camper van. They planned to take a year off to drive from California to Argentina in search of a simpler life. What followed were three-and-a-half years of heartwarming personal encounters, breathtaking wilderness campsites, and occasionally terrifying situations. But overwhelmingly their experience was of local people welcoming them and teaching them about generosity and priorities in life. You may also want to read her bestselling, award-winning book about these adventures: “Monkeys on the Road.” 

View the presentation here.  (Because of its large size, you may need to download the file to your computer and then play the file.  The pictures start at 23 seconds.)

Wild Wolf Watching in Yellowstone National Park    Bruce and Kelly Hazen

Yellowstone National Park is known as the best place in the world to see wolves in the wild. Over the past 16 years, Bruce and Kelly Hazen have watched wolves in Yellowstone during their twice a year visits. Learn the insider tips and tricks to making the most of your wolf watching adventure. Topics include: where, when, and how to comfortably observe wild wolf behavior, wolf watching etiquette along with equipment and supply needs. You will learn what to expect during a typical day in the life of a wolf watcher. Hint: Be crepuscular.

A resource guide for wolf watching in Yellowstone.    Click here to watch the presentation. 

Presented by Tom Ferron

Tom will share his experiences photographing the exotic animals of Pantanal National Park in western Brazil, along with thundering Iguazu Falls on the Brazil-Argentine border.  By contrast, he will also share the beauty of the deserts and wildlife in Namibia.

   Click here to watch the presentation. 

Presented by Virginia Vanderbilt

Two of our favorite countries; one of our favorite modes of transportation.  Join Virginia and Michael as they explore tiny portions of extraordinary countries on foot.  Compare the pros and cons of different walking holidays: Totally independent; partially programmed; and all inclusive.  Is a ramble through a foreign destination in your future? Join us to share the experience of very slow travel and to see what the options are. 

   Click here to watch the presentation. 

Presented by Eric Schuman

Join Eric Schuman on a Rick Steves tour of Spain and France. Then travel through the Swiss Alps on a Road Scholar trip, traversing 800 miles of spectacular mountains, glaciers and lovely Swiss cities.    Learn about an almost Covid adventure and a near disaster at 40,000 feet. 

   Click here to watch the presentation. 

Presented by Sandra Gangle

Sandra and Gene Gangle traveled the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts in a small ship, the Aegean Odyssey, in early summer 2022.  They visited Greek, Roman and Venetian historic sites, as well as art museums and cultural centers in Spain, France and Portugal.  Sandra painted many of the architectural sites she viewed during the trip. 

   Click here to watch the presentation. 

Note: The pictures start after the introduction at 2:34.

Presented by Kyle Martz

Kyle Martz, also known by his trail name 'Mooch,' will be presenting a photographic memoir from his experience hiking 2650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Throughout this 21-chapter presentation, Kyle will depict his stories of the wildlife, weather, and people of the Pacific Crest Trail. Born in Salem, Kyle graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Environmental Science from Willamette University. Kyle will share how growing up and studying in the Willamette Valley inspired his thru-hike last summer. 'Mooch' is now back in civilization and is excited to share his experience with the Mid-Valley Travel Club community!  

  Click here to watch the presentation.  

Presented by Scott English

Flying in/out of the world's most dangerous airport, 92 miles hiked, a total of 25,000 feet of elevation gain, bitter cold with gusting winds but it was worth it all to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp.   

  Click here to watch the presentation.  

(The pictures start at 2 minutes 53 seconds.)

Presented by Eden Rose Brown

Join intrepid traveler Eden Rose Brown as she explores the diversity and wonders of the Falkland Islands and Santiago, Chile.  Spend time on two of the most species-rich sites in the Falklands - 47 species of birds on Sea Lion Island alone!  There we’ll observe dramatic cliffside Rockhopper Penguin colonies, burrowing Magellanic penguins, Southern Giant Petrels, South American Sea Lions, and Orcas patrolling for unwary Southern Elephant Seals – along with a close call with a Striated Caracara.  On Pebble Island, we’ll explore moorlands, rocky cliffs, deep ponds and wetlands that provide homes to a variety of birds and the world’s second largest accessible King Penguin colony. 

In addition to the nature safari, we will also spend time in vibrant Santiago and Stanley, the quaint, English village/capital of the Falkland Islands and discover the interesting history of English and Argentinian claims over the Islands.  Please join Eden as she recounts this amazing journey, half a world away.

  Click here to watch the presentation.  

Presented by Ron and Kathy Kelemen

PreCovid, Morocco was one of the safest Arab countries to visit, and it will probably resume that status once the pandemic is over.  It is downright picturesque.  Join Ron and Kathy Kelemen as they camped in the Sahara Desert and explored its modern and ancient cities, its beautiful countryside, and archeological ruins in 2017.

View the presentation here. (Note, the audio starts off quite bad, but improved at 2:40)

Presented by Abbie Hitchen

Abbie shows photos and shares stories of her journey through East Africa, including highlights of Capetown, Victoria Falls, safari adventures, relaxing in Zanzibar, mishaps in Botswana and Tanzania, and what it's like to work while traveling.  Enjoy her observations of African culture, the Rwandan genocide and its amazingly quick recovery, and the wonderful people she met along the way.  View the presentation here.

Presented by Stephanie Hazen

Stephanie Hazen and Ray Temple recount their adventures rafting down Eastern Oregon’s Owyhee River.  Big horn sheep, desert flowers, rapids, petroglyphs, colorful basalt cliffs, golden eagle nests and a bit of Oregon history await you in this hour long presentation.  View the presentation here.

Presented by Ron and Kathy Kelemen

What’s not to like about this place?  Other than the long flight to get there, Ron and Kathy Kelemen found Sri Lanka in January to be downright refreshing and low cost.  While there are a few similarities with Malaysia, Bali, Thailand and India, Sri Lanka is unique in its own right and quite easy to travel independently.  As periodic guests of local Rotarians they got to experience this country from a unique perspective. They share some of their insights and photos of Sri Lanka’s serene beauty, people, hospitality, historic sites, travel tips, and more.  View the presentation here.

Presented by Cherie and Chuck Bennett

Join Chuck & Cherie Bennett as they explore the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and learn what a South Ham is. Many Brits consider this one of their favorite areas of Britain. This quiet, isolated region of beautiful countryside and picturesque villages has a deep and abiding link with the D-Day landings at Normandy and other maritime history, including the Mayflower and Drake's Golden Hinde. Gorgeous coastline, harbours, gardens and stately homes fill out the program. View their presentation here.

Presented by Dick and Jane Groff

The Groffs share their driving exploration of Australia’s own “down under”, the island state of Tasmania.  About the size of Ireland, Tasmania is a laid-back island and mostly uncrowded - on one 6-hour drive we encountered only 2 other cars but 6 wallabies!  Highlights included meeting one of the (in)famous Tasmanian devils, seeing Cradle Mountain, and exciting, scenic boat tours on the island’s east coast among the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. View their presentation here.

Presented by Pritam Rohila   

Located at the height of 7,710 feet, deep in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is perhaps the most important archaeological site on the South American continent. It was a fortified royal retreat along the extensive Inca foot highway, lost to the outside world until its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Flying from Lima in a small plane between mountain peaks and over narrow valleys; experiencing altitude sickness at Cusco; and waiting for clearance of the landslide blocking the train track to Machu Picchu; getting there for us was an adventure. But encountering picturesque stepped agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu, along with its stone dwellings, its Temple of the Sun, and Hitching Post of the Sun, made it all very worthwhile.   View the presentation here.   

Presented by Jim Brown  

Jim's hike of the "Alpine Pass Route" from Sargans to Morges can be hiked in about 15 days, but Jim chose to make it 50 days! With several detours along the way, highlights included Loèche-les-Bains and Grindelwald, Ticino and the Chestnut Festival (la fête de la châtaigne) which takes place near Locarno on Lago Maggiore.    View Jim's presentation here.

Presented by Dick and Jane Groff

34,000 Brits clinging to a rock. Dick and Jane will share their day exploring the staunchly British enclave of Gibraltar.   View the presentation here.