Tour of Historic Sites from the novel Mariano’s Crossing
Book Tour Group at Red Ridge
Please join David Jessup for a fun and informative presentation and tour that explores the real-life people and places that inspired his award-winning historical novel, Mariano’s Crossing.
We’ll begin with breakfast at Sylvan Dale Ranch, followed by a presentation and a walking tour of the ranch grounds, including Indian tipi rings and the remains of the original Alexander homestead dugout in the riverbank, which was exposed during the 2013 flood.
Next, we’ll take a driving tour and visit the site of the old Weldon School, the Medina Cemetery, Namaqua Park (Mariano’s original Crossing), and Red Ridge, the novel’s imagined location of John Alexander’s hideout and Lena’s secret gravesite. We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch on Red Ridge and wrap up our tour with wonderful views and a group discussion.
The Red Ridge segment of the tour will require carpooling in four-wheel-drive vehicles, or some may choose to climb the last half-mile on foot (calculate a half-hour fairly steep hike up an old quarry road bed).
COST: $68.00. Includes breakfast, lunch and all tour activities.
REGISTRATION: On-line at http://www.heartjcenter.org/
Register by September 18. Tour limited to 30 people.
Questions? E-mail davidj@sylvandale.com, or call (970) 481-8342.
OUR SCHEDULE:
9:00 AM Breakfast in the Sylvan Dale Heritage Roundup Room.
9:30 AM Historic photo slide presentation: Mariano’s Crossing – From Fact to Fiction.
10:00 AM Walking tour of main ranch grounds, including the original William Alexander Homestead, the original bridge location, old barn, Indian tipi rings, and view of Mt. Alexander.
11:00 AM Depart for driving tour, car caravan to the Weldon School ruins, Marianna Butte, Medina Cemetery, and Mariano’s Crossing near Namaqua Park.
12:30 PM. Lunch on Red Ridge, the “Hideout,” overlooking the river valley below.