Writing workshop to hone observational skills in Zion National Park - MNA Venture destination

Writing on the Rocks – Zion!

Leader: Ann Weiler Walka and Peter Friederici
Dates: Cancelled - Call to inquire about alternatives
Cost: $1065 Members / $1125 Nonmembers
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Cost includes transportation, meals, and hotel (double-occupancy; add $225 for single lodging).

Zion in late April, with its vibrant red walls, spring-green leaves, and claret cups blooming on creamy slickrock, is a fine place to refresh the senses and the writing spirit. This workshop for practicing or aspiring writers will celebrate writing as a way of learning a place. Settled at night in a snug base camp, we’ll go out during the day to hone our observational skills, record intimate details of place in our journals, and experiment with developing our notes into more refined pieces. Late afternoon and evening will offer opportunities to split into small groups to consider and apply the techniques of essayists, poets, and journalists in making finished work. And of course, we’ll make time to read aloud from our own work and that of our other favorite writers.

Pre-Trip Information Packet (PDF Downloads)

» Medical/Waiver [31 KB]

Ann Weiler Walka and Peter Friederici A writer, naturalist, and stubborn generalist, Ann Weiler Walka is intrigued by a landscape’s weave of geologic processes, natural histories, ecological relationships—the patterns and surprises that make up the world. Read more…

Peter Friederici has been hiking, observing, and writing about the Southwestern landscape for more than 15 years. In his writings he focuses in particular on teasing out the intricate details of relationships between people and place. Read more…

“Terrific group leaders with real knowledge of the area and social histories. The [camp] library [provided by our trip leader] was great. Food was terrific. Selection of hike areas was good.” —S.V.

“I have never been on such a trip, although my husband has. I found I really enjoyed it. (I am usually a more “city type” of woman). I would definitely recommend MNA [Ventures] to others (and already have) because you are detail- and people-oriented.” —G.C.