Trains, Planes and Automobiles

After a full day of travel yesterday I’ve made it back to Lander. I think I sold a NOLS course on the cab ride to the airport. Carlos, a Cuban immigrant who has been in the States for about 20 years, is fascinated by the idea of a NOLS course in Alaska. All the way from the West Side to LaGuardia we talked about NOLS, what we teach and Alaska. Carlos would be a fantastic NOLS student–very positive attitude, very curious and excited by everything around him. What a cool guy! He has my card and a NOLS catalog.

While I was waiting for my flight at LaGuardia I did a phone interview with Betsy Cummings, an author who is doing a book on alternatives to college for Warner Books. We had a great conversation about NOLS as both an alternative educational opportunity and as a part of a well-rounded education. We’re going to have her speak to a few NOLS grads as well.

When I got off the phone, a woman sitting in the next row over asked if I worked for NOLS. Turns out it was Melissa Gray’s mom. Melissa is the director of NOLS’ Wilderness Medicine Institute.

I flew up from Denver with a group of NASA astronauts who are starting a NOLS/NASA Winter Expedition today. This is the second NASA course that NOLS Professional Training has offered this winter.

Now I’m back in the office and starting to dig out after a week and a half on the road.It is fun seeing everyone, but the piles of stuff are a bit daunting. I particularly like Cara’s pink card that has been added to our cubicle!

Better get going!

Bruce Palmer, NOLS marketing director