Menlo Borderlands - Navajo Nation - Northern Arizona 2023

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

NAZ: Pickup at SFO today...


Dear Parents,

Looking forward to seeing you today at SFO to pick up your children returning from Borderlands NAZ.  The flight is currently scheduled for an on time arrival at SFO, American Airlines arrivals, at 3:41 pm. See the flight itinerary below.

Since trip leaders cannot leave the airport until all students are picked up, we all appreciate your promptness. They will be waiting with students by the curb until all are picked up. 

Thanks,

PB

Tuesday, May 30, 2023


AA4947 FLG-PHX 1035 AM 1136 AM   

AA1851   PHX -SFO 137  PM    341  PM


PS: We'll begin on Wednesday, May 31, at 10:00 am in the NAZ classroom. This is an hour later than the usual 9:00 am start, allowing for some extra sleep and recovery time.


Monday, May 29, 2023

Goodbye, Piñon.

 Hey everyone,

This is what we did today.

This morning most of the group woke up at 5:45 to see the beautiful sunrise. After everyone woke up Rena made us a yummy breakfast. Later we reflected on the trip with Roberto and his crew. We said our last goodbyes to everyone and PICKLES! #welovepickles We had time to kill so we went to Walnut Canyon, and had a quick hike. Afterwards we finally arrived the the hotel and went to get Mexican food for dinner. Now we are getting ready to go to bed soon. 

See you soon,

Mari and "the gang" - Adrian :)








Sunday, May 28, 2023

Sunday the 28th, Day 5

 Hey y'all, it's Tyler and Lilla! We are doing very well. Today some of us woke up early and watched a ceremonial sheep butchering. Then, we had traditional blue cornmeal for breakfast, which was amazing. We spent the rest of the day learning about seed balls and actually getting out in the field to plant squash. We now respect food so much more and sympathize with the tremendous amount of work that the Diné people put into perfecting their traditions. We are sad that today was our last full day at the reservation, but at the same time, excited to come home and share with all of you the valuable lessons we have all learned.

Later, 

All of us. 







Saturday the 27th, Day 4

 HEY GUYS!!!!!


Happy birthday, birthday boy (Adrian)!!!! We hiked a nice 7.53 mile hike yesterday in Canyon de Chelly and we learned all about ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. We walked through shallow rivers and had a few encounters with quick sand (Lauren and Matthew fell in but they made it out no harm). Best hike ever! Our tour guide Reggie (Reggie Reg) and Frank wanted to be more famous than John Wayne (we will get them there!). Afterwards, we got to pick out some snacks from a grocery store and had a nice one hour drive back. Our car played 2 truths and a lie (great way to get to know one another). In addition, the grocery store had flushing toilets and running water with soap creating a pleasant bathroom experience. We had a great, challenging yet rewarding day and went to bed on a full stomach.







- Rhea and Dill

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Friday the 26th, Day 3

 Hi everyone!

Today was another good day! We spend the majority of time learning about and watching a sheep shearing, both the cultural and spiritual side of the process. Additionally, we learned about yarn and wool techniques. We had a presenter come in and show us the creation and dying of wool. Then, we created our own little Navajo rugs with our own selection of colors and designs. We ended the day with some great dinner and conversations. 

Talk to you later











Eleanor and Theo

Friday, May 26, 2023

Settled and ready for the experience

 Hi everyone,

We had a great day yesterday; we traveled to the reservation and got settled in for the next few days. We took a walk around the property and found a rock with a great view of the surrounding areas. After eating a great dinner of Navajo tacos, we headed back up to the rock to watch the sunset. 

Now, we're getting ready to learn about weaving, wool, and the Churro sheep. We're very excited to be here and have our first full day!

-Lauren and Gus 








Thursday, May 25, 2023

Adventures in Flagstaff

Had a fun first night in Flagstaff–went on walks, played some games, and enjoyed dinner together. Now we’re starting day 2 with a delicious breakfast before hitting the road to Navajo Nation.