Holy Cross College took education out of the classroom during the 2005 Spring Break as it sponsored trips spanning the four corners of the earth. Nearly 10% of the Holy Cross student body took advantage of the outstanding opportunities to travel to such exciting destinations as Peru, Rome, and to the United States very own “Four Corners” area. The Geology of the American Southwest course features a 10 day trip to the National Parks of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Daily hikes were taken through some of the most amazing scenery that most Hoosiers have never heard of, but which the students of this class will certainly never forget. For example, Dead Horse Point is a State Park in Utah that is not likely on many student’s lists of “must see” locations. However, this was the setting of one of many scenic and unforgettable “classrooms” and ranks among the most impressive places to witness a glorious sunset.

Our geology students quickly found that the “Cochran” way to learn about geologic concepts is by using their feet. Daily hikes through National and State Parks took them to many places of geologic interest, and unparalleled beauty. Students also enjoyed much exploring, scrambling and climbing up on various rocky landscapes, and posing for pictures that are not intended for viewing by the faint of heart (or most mothers!). Among the favorite hiking adventures included Angels’ Landing at Zion NP, Queens Garden at Bryce Canyon NP, Devil’s Garden at Arches NP, and the grand daddy of them all – to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and less thrilling of course, back up again). All students of this course came away with a great appreciation for the beauty of this previously unknown region of the country, a basic familiarity for the geologic history that caused these places to look as they do, and a healthy respect for the physical demands of exploring far from roads and parking lots.

If you would like to know more about how you can earn science credit in an unconventional, physically strenuous, yet fun and awe-inspiring course, ask Bill Westfall, Sara Wolfson, Josh Nurkowski, Dan Hill, or Boris Demianczuk about their trip. If you think that you may want to participate in such a course, contact Mr. Cochran or your advisor about next fall’s course.