Book of the Hopi by Frank Waters (384 pages) - Apex Park Upper Lot

In this "strange and wonderful book," some thirty elders of the ancient Hopi tribe of Northern Arizona freely reveal for the first time in written form the Hopi world-view of life. The Hopis have kept this view a secret for countless generations, and this book was made possible only as a result of their desire to record for future generations the principles of their "Road of Life." The breaking of the Hopi silence is significant and fascinating because for the first time anthropologists, ethnologists, and everyone interested in the field of Indian study have been given rich material showing the Hopi legends, the meaning of their religious rituals and ceremonies, and the beauty of a conception of life within the natural world that is completely untouched by materialistic worlds.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1044575.Book_of_the_Hopi

This is not to be confused with the more recent "Becoming Hopi", which is endorsed by the tribe. We'll be reading and discussing the controversial book from 1963. Book of the Hopi has been dismissed by many Hopi. With a fascinating history behind it's creation and influence, it should be great for discussion, and research.

Although first published in 1963, copies are available at local libraries. Used print copies can be found on eBay.

The plan is to meet at 6:00am at the upper trailhead lot and we can break into two groups. We're going to try this in lieu of limiting the group size, due to most folks preferring to interact without the reading/ book discussion element.

The folks who want to discuss the book can hang back with me, and we'll start with a more traditional book club discussion, just outdoors. Might pick a trail, might just find a nice spot to sit and discuss the book. If we hike it will be under 7 miles at a 2mph pace. We'll start wherever we're going at 6:15am and we'll end/ turn back when the book discussion comes to an end.

The folks who are not really into books are welcome to form a separate hiking cluster. I won't be coordinating that, but can give you ideas on different trails that may be of interest. My focus being the book discussion part of things.

Sunrise is 6:02am

Park Map is at: https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/9361/Apex-Park-Map

You'll want normal hiking stuff, hat, sunglasses, water. Folks with me shouldn't need to bring chairs.

I prefer to discuss/ explore without pets or children.