craigdailypress.com

Janet Kawcak recently returned home.

Now, she's ready to go again.

Kawcak was one of several CNCC students who joined the Heartland of America road trip last month. The trip, which took participants to Branson, Mo., was sponsored by Colorado Northwestern Community College's Craig campus and included mostly women older than age 80.

"There were so many good experiences," Kawcak said, including a visit to the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

When she got wind that the college was planning to sponsor another trip in January 2009 - this time to Hawaii - she signed up.

"I went to Hawaii once," she said, adding that that trip took place 23 years ago. "I would love to go back."

Mary Morris-Shearer, CNCC Craig campus community education director, is taking steps to make sure Kawcak gets her wish.

Securing airfare, event tickets and island transportation are on her list of things to do as she begins planning the weeklong venture.

Similar to excursions CNCC sponsors annually in the spring, the event is designed to introduce students to new sites and experiences.

During spring break this year, the college took 28 students and community members on a 12-day trip through Italy and France.

"We're isolated in Northwest Colorado," she said. "Some of our population have never traveled and seen the world first-hand."

However, unlike the spring break trip, next year's island outing is tailored specifically for people age 50 and older, Morris-Shearer said, adding that the trip will involve less walking and will not be as physically demanding.

To some degree, participants can choose their own level of physical activity. For instance, Morris-Shearer said, participants can choose between ocean snorkeling and relaxing on a covered veranda at one point in the trip.

However, morning and evening stretching sessions likely will be a daily activity, she said.

Participants also can choose to earn three credits in anthropology or history if they complete additional papers and research.

Morris-Shearer estimated the trip will cost about $2,000 a person. The figure includes airfare, dining and event tickets, including a luau.

Like the college's recent road trip, the excursion will allow participants to share experiences with people of a similar age group.

"Age is not a barrier to have an opportunity to share such a wonderful time with your friends," Morris-Shearer said. "You can go home and talk about (and) laugh about your adventures."

For more information about the trip, call Morris-Shearer at 824-1135.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com