Join us as we head to Canada's Maritime Provinces and hike these scenic coastal trails during the peak fall color season! Experience the world-famous Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia. In New Brunswick, we will explore the Bay of Fundy and the picturesque landscapes surrounding the highest tides in the world. Become a safer, stronger and more mindful hiker as we hike between six and 10 miles per day. Classes: Aug. 24 and Oct. 24 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Sept. 24 to Oct. 1. Fee: $2,239 (includes air/ground transportation, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, park admissions, all activity fees and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu or Nate Hambel, email: hambeln@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS025.
The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas! Head to the Lone Star State over winter break to hike among the astonishing diversity of plant and animal life in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As the sun sets, we will turn our eyes to the sky and marvel at some of the darkest night skies in the country where light pollution is almost nonexistent. Additional highlights include attending a star party at McDonald Observatory, and taking an optional trip south of the Rio Grande River to explore the quaint village of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico (passport required). Become a safer, more mindful user of public lands as we hike up to six miles a day. Classes: Dec. 14 and Feb. 13 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Jan. 15 to 21. Fee: $1,966 (includes air/land transportation, hotel lodging, activity fees, admissions, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS050.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Yellowstone National Park away from the summer crowds! Spend your days snowshoeing among the seemingly endless snowy landscapes, marveling at geological wonders and incomparable wildlife. Explore the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the world-renowned Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Return each evening to the comforts of a hot meal, warm bed and shower. Participants will also have the option to try cross country skiing during some of the outings. This experience is ideal for beginner and intermediate snowshoers. Classes: Feb. 1 and March 20 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Feb. 19 to 25. Fee: $2,950 (includes air/land transportation, in-park snow coach transportation, equipment, park fees, hotel lodging, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1814 FS040.
The man-made and natural wonders of Jordan have been attracting travelers for ages. Join us on this active cultural adventure as we hike the gorge of Wadi Mujib, float in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, and trek through the rose-rock canyons of the lost city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Our journey will conclude among the soaring sandstone and granite cliffs of Wadi Rum. Here we will travel to a desert camp to learn about the ancient Bedouin culture, ride camels, eat traditional meals and overnight under the vast night sky. Other activities include trekking in the Ajloun Nature Reserve and the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Expect to hike up to eight miles a day. Classes: Feb. 15 and April 24 (6 to 8:50 p.m.). Field Study: March 25 to April 2. Fee: $3,783 (includes air/land transportation, accommodations, most meals, entrance/activity fees, local guides and tips). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS038.
Ride one of Europe's classic cycling routes through forests, enchanting river landscapes, quaint villages, Baroque-style squares and countless cultural sites, following Europe's second largest river, the Danube, along the way. Explore three European capitals: the music-rich city of Vienna, the young yet medieval Bratislava, and the architecturally stunning Budapest. Participants must be comfortable riding between 25 and 42 miles a day over flat terrain with the occasional slight hill. Classes: May 3 and June 12 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: May 20 to 29. Fee: $3,275 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel lodging, luggage transport between hotels, bike rentals, attraction admissions and most meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS-1804-FS070.
Experience the wildest and most remote part of Alaska as we venture north of the Arctic Circle to explore roadless, pristine landscapes virtually untouched except by the hand of nature. Beginning in Bettles, a town founded during the gold rush and home to only 23 hearty souls, we will take to the skies in bush planes to explore the two least visited and most remote parks in our National Park System: the massive and rugged Gates of the Arctic and the wildlife-rich Kobuk Valley. Landings in both parks will allow for short excursions. Returning to the lodge, evenings will be spent looking overhead for the aurora borealis, just as dark skies return to the land of the midnight sun. The second part of the adventure will be hiking among the changing tundra of Denali National Park and the Alaska Range as fall brings warm colors and fresh snow to the high peaks. Classes: Aug. 2 and Sept. 18 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Aug. 26 to Sept. 3. Fee: $5,950 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, some meals, and entry/activity fees). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS015.