la2nu – Alumni

Join MLC Alumni and fellow WELS members
for a twelve-day, eleven-night guided tour:

Highlights to Include

WELS worship in NV and NE, daily devotions, California LHS, MLC Choir concert, Temecula Wine Tasting, Pacific sunsets, San Diego Harbor cruise, Coronado, Balboa Park, LaJolla Cove, Hollywood Bowl, The Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier, Route 66, Grand Canyon West, Joshua Trees, Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, Las Vegas Strip (optional), Valley of Fire SP, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Capitol Reef NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Amtrak through the CO Rockies, Rocky Mountain LHS, Great Platte River Archway, Nebraska LHS, and the Wells Ice Cream Parlor.

Tour Brochure

Overview

March 1-12, 2023
$2495 Double Occupancy
$3195 Single Occupancy

TOUR BASICS

W/ELS members are invited to join the MLC Alumni Association for an affordable, enjoyable, and educational “One Way” tour through some of the best of the west. From the warm, sunny beaches of Southern California to the rugged, high peaks of the Rockies, you’ll gaze and give praise to God for the amazing grandeur on display in this region.

Your cost includes deluxe motorcoach service, all attraction admissions, guide fees, 11 hotel nights, gratuities, daily breakfast plus 7 other meals, and much more. The unique nature of the “one-way” is that you can opt to fly to San Diego SAN from your location on Wednesday, March 1, and then you will be picked up by our bus and taken to our Oceanside, CA hotel. For your return, you can opt to fly from Denver DEN on Saturday, March 11 (any time of day), or continue with the group through Nebraska to New Ulm for a Sunday, March 12 evening arrival. Those needing to fly home from there can reserve a room at the Best Western Plus, New Ulm on Sunday night, then opt for a free shuttle to Minneapolis MSP on Monday, March 13 (arriving at MSP around 1:45 PM). Those choosing to fly from MSP on March 1 could also park at a hotel near MSP and be dropped at that hotel on March 13. 11/28/22 UPDATE: We are now able to offer an optional one-way flight from Minneapolis MSP on March 1. Those joining that group flight may also park at MLC or Bloomington Lutheran (near MSP) and ride with our group shuttle to the airport. See full details on the Transportation tab!

Tour Director Steve Balza will do his best to keep us comfortable, safe, and on schedule. MLC Professor Greg Diersen will be along to share insights and help us gain a greater appreciation of God’s dandy designs. Pastor Emeritus Wayne Laitinen will feed our souls with daily devotions and lead us in praise of our Creator. Social Coordinator Carol Laitinen will serve as our party planner and fun facilitator giving you ample opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers. We believe we’ve put together an itinerary that hits the highlights, includes some lesser-known gems, and allows some free time for you to relax and refresh.

COST/PAYMENTS

Single occupancy (one person/room) cost is $3195 and double occupancy (two persons/room) is $2495 per person. If you are traveling solo but would prefer having a same-gender roommate to split the costs, please note that on your registration form, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Discounts: Deduct $100 (double occupancy) or $150 (single occupancy) if you elect to end your trip on Saturday, March 11 at Denver DEN. Deduct $50 if you choose to ride the roads (bus) instead of the rails (Amtrak) through the Rockies. Up to five $20 discounts are available for A) previous alumni tour attendees, B) full payment upon registration, C) 65+ seniors, D) National Park pass holders, and E) early bird registration before December 15.

Gratuities: Tips for our bus drivers, guides, and group meal servers are included in your cost. Tips for hotel housekeepers, non-included meal servers, etc., are your responsibility.

Payments: Confirmed passengers must submit a $500 payment within a week of registering. The remaining balance is due January 31. Once confirmed, cancellations will receive refunds according to the schedule below:
Cancel by January 31: Full Refund
February 1 -10: $500 fee
February 11-20: $1000 fee
After February 20: $2000 fee
In each case, the penalty will be cut in half if a replacement traveler is found.

CONFIRMED PASSENGERS AND WAITLISTS

Registration opens online (or by phone if necessary) Saturday, November 19, at 8:00 AM Central. We will fill confirmed spaces on a first-come-first-served basis. The remaining registrants will be placed on a waitlist. In the past, waitlist members who have been able to keep their schedule clear have frequently made it on board. Waitlisted registrants do not need to send any deposit or payment until they are confirmed passengers.

IDENTIFICATION/VACCINATION/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Those flying will need to have a valid government-issued photo ID. The TSA’s Real ID requirement has been moved back to May 3, 2023. We do not require vaccination, but those registering must agree to follow local protocols (possibly mandated masks, etc.) at the venues we visit. We reserve the right to change our requirements as conditions warrant. At present, none of the hotels or transportation vendors (Thielen bus, Amtrak) require masks or vaccinations.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a high level of mobility required, we rate this tour as a 4. All passengers will need to get in and out of the bus (about four stairs) on a regular basis. All passengers will also be required to transport their bag between the bus and hotel rooms. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, and those with difficulty walking a mile or more may struggle. You’ll have free time in various places to take walks on beaches, trails, and city streets. As always, we encourage travelers to know their limitations.

CANCELLATION CONCERNS AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Understanding that we live in uncertain times, if the trip is canceled due to new or heightened pandemic concerns or the like, our plan is to fully refund all passengers as we have in the past. Travel insurance is not offered through MLCAA. If desired, individuals may purchase a policy through a provider of their choice. Several reputable options are noted below. Many opt not to purchase travel insurance for domestic trips as your health insurance will cover them while in the U.S. Those who do are encouraged to do so within 14 days of making their deposit. You may also want to read about whether Travel Insurance for domestic trips is right for you. Check out these recent articles from industry experts Forbes and Nerdwallet.

QUESTIONS

Contact tour manager Steve Balza (alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 507-217-1731).

Accommodations

Our overnights will be a joy as we are planning to stay at some very nice accommodations. All provide complimentary breakfast and WiFi. All receive excellent reviews (4.0 of 5 or better) and should provide us with comfortable rest in beautiful settings. Some (such as Sam’s Town and Best Western Ruby’s) are attractions themselves. Click on the hotel names to read TripAdvisor reviews, or on the images to visit their Google Reviews.

Best Western Plus Palms, Oceanside, CA
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy three nights at this wonderful hotel located just three blocks from downtown and a half mile from the beach. Your arrival night is “free” for you to explore the city, grab dinner, enjoy a Pacific sunset, and relax by the pool or firepit. Its central location (within 45 minutes of CLHS, Temecula Wine Country, and San Diego), high ratings, and proximity to the ocean make it an ideal spot for our start. Plus, it ranks as TripAdvisor’s #1 hotel in Oceanside (of 31).

Best Western Plus, Barstow, CA
Barstow sits along historic Route 66 at a convenient midpoint between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. As such, it is a popular stopping spot for travelers looking to grab a bite or spend a night. We’ll be in that latter group and enjoying a somewhat short stay (7:15 AM departure the next morning) at TripAdvisor’s #1 ranked hotel in Barstow (of 32).

Sam’s Town, Las Vegas, NV
No, it’s not TripAdvisor’s #1-rated hotel in Las Vegas. It’s #63. No, it’s not in the center of the famous Las Vegas strip. That said, Sam’s Town is a super-cool “off-strip” hotel/casino that contains over a dozen bars and restaurants, a bowling alley, a resort pool (outdoors…likely too cold), an 18-screen theatre, and the beautiful Mystic Falls Park. All of our upgraded rooms will face the park (instead of the parking lot) so you’ll be able to enjoy the light show from your room or down inside the park (or both…it takes place at 6:00, 8:00, and 10:00). They don’t have breakfast included, but each guest will receive a $15 gift card to the onsite TGI Fridays (open 6:00 AM-2:00 AM).

Holiday Inn Express, Springdale, UT
The first of our three Utah nights will be spent in Springdale, the gateway city to Zion National Park. Our accommodation is located in a spectacular setting just below the Watchman Mountain and Johnson Mountain peaks, on the main drag, and less than 2 miles from the park visitor center. It’s #9 (of 15) on the TripAdvisor ranking but has 1017 Very Good or Excellent reviews vs just 23 Poor or Terrible. That says something.

Best Western Plus Ruby’s, Bryce Canyon City, UT
Our third and final stay in the Best Western chain will be in a very unique setting in the gateway city to Bryce Canyon National Park. Ruby’s has been around since 1916 and has morphed into much more than a majestic motel. Its famed cowboy theme carries throughout and its popular General Store is extensive. We’ll stay in the Main Lodge (all interior access rooms near the huge pool and restaurant).

Element, Moab, UT
Our third and final night in Utah is in yet another gateway. Moab is a very pretty city located within 10 miles of both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Known for its “healthier”-style breakfasts and attention to detail, Element will provide us with a very modern and elegant stay. This is an HGTV-type accommodation with clean lines, wood floors, and white granite.

Clarion Inn, Grand Junction, CO
A Conference Center property, this expansive hotel is within 5 miles of the Colorado National Monument and an Amtrak station. Indoor/outdoor pools (plan on indoor in March), pool tables, and an airy open feel will allow us to spread out and enjoy fellowship along with a group dinner here.

Hampton Inn DEN Gateway, Denver, CO
Consistently high standards and solid service go hand in hand with Hampton Inn. This property should be no exception. In addition to the standard indoor pool, fitness center, and buffet breakfast, the key here is the complimentary shuttle to DEN airport. Those planning to return from Denver on March 11 will be able to take the van anytime from the early AM hours up to the checkout time of noon.

Hampton Inn, York, NE
Our final night will be our second straight in a Hampton Inn. Its location near the expressway and surrounded by Walmart and a fair number of fast-food restaurants (including Nebraska’s famed Runza) will help us restock or sneak a snack before our final day.

For those returning all the way to New Ulm with the bus, you’ll have the option to reserve a room at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm on March 12 for a special rate of $100/room inclusive of tax (1-2 people/room). The rate is available only when including it on your registration and paying as part of your package. Those staying at Best Western Plus in New Ulm will be dropped off at the hotel and can be picked up the next morning. After an opportunity to worship with the students at the MLC Chapel of the Christ (10:30) and enjoy lunch in the cafeteria (11:00…$7.50), a free shuttle to MSP (or an MSP airport area hotel) will be available (11:45 AM departure…1:45 PM arrival at MSP). Those driving to Minneapolis and flying out of MSP on March 1 may want to consider a Park/Sleep/Fly option that includes a hotel room on February 28 and 14 days of parking. As of this writing, the highly rated Cambria Hotel near MSP and Mall of America is available with that stay/parking package for about $165/room.

Attractions

California
If you are living in the Midwest, and all the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray, then perhaps some California Dreamin’ could lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to over the long winter. Lord willing, our four nights on the west coast will include abundant sunshine and warm temps (average lows are 50 and highs are 70). We’ll start off by visiting California Lutheran High School where we’ll take in a Martin Luther College Choir concert. Then it’s off to Temecula to taste test some of their renowned wines before settling in for a sunset. The next day, we plan to tour San Diego with a cruise of the harbor and stops in lovely La Jolla Cove, beautiful Balboa Park, and the very cool Coronado Island. Our final day in CA will take us up to LA where we’ll reconnect with the MLC Choir and visit Hollywood Bowl, The Getty Center, and Santa Monica pier. After the choir departs, we’ll commandeer their bus and start our journey east with our next night in Barstow, a Route 66 crossroads between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Nevada/Arizona/Utah
Our departure from California takes us into the desert of Nevada where we will worship with our WELS faith family in Henderson before heading across the Colorado River for an afternoon in the Grand Canyon State. Our two Arizona highlights will be a brief stop at a Joshua Tree forest followed by, of course, the Grand Canyon. This is not the national park, but a destination called Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Reservation (just 90 minutes from Las Vegas). It’s similar to the park with various scenic lookouts over the canyon. After dinner on your own at our resort hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy the on-site amenities (including Mystic Falls) and/or take an optional trip to the Las Vegas Strip. The next morning’s options include hiking or biking on the Lake Mead Railroad/Tunnel Trails or a visit to Hoover Dam. Heading east that afternoon, we make one more stop in Nevada at Valley of Fire State Park. From there, it’s on to Utah for what may be the highlight of the journey for many – visits to the Mighty Five national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands). Our three nights in Utah will be in the main “gateway” cities outside each park (Springdale, Bryce Canyon City, and Moab). Each park contains stunningly scenic drives. Lord and weather willing, you’ll also have the option to take a hike or two at each.

Colorado/Nebraska/Iowa
Crossing into Colorado, we’ll spend a night in Grand Junction before making our way to and through the Rockies. You’ll have the choice to ride the rails (Amtrak’s California Zephyr) or roll down the roads in our Thielen coach bus ($50 discount if electing that option). Road riders will make several stops along the way visiting Colorado National Monument as well as Glenwood Springs and Vail, home to North America’s third-largest ski resort. Our time in the mile-high city of Denver will be limited – primarily an overnight stay and a quick visit to Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School. Attendees have the option to end their journey there – flying out of DEN anytime on Saturday, March 11, taking advantage of our hotel’s complimentary shuttle service. Those staying with the bus will continue east through Nebraska. At the Great Platte River Archway, we’ll learn about the trails, trains, and other transportation modes that moved the pioneers west across America. Our final day involves a tour of our WELS high school (Nebraska Lutheran) in nearby Waco, WELS worship, and an ice cream stop at Wells/Blue Bunny in DeMars, IA. We plan to arrive at MLC in the early-mid evening hours.

Transportation

~~As noted earlier, there is no group flight included in this tour package.~~

11/28/22 UPDATE: A new option to get to CA on March 1 is now available. The cost is $250 per person and it includes

an option to park at MLC in New Ulm or Bloomington Lutheran Church, 9350 Portland Ave S, Bloomington, MN (near MSP)
a group shuttle from either location to MSP (departing MLC at 9:00 and Bloomington Lutheran at 10:30)
a Southwest Airlines flight (with a free checked bag) from Minneapolis (connecting in Denver) to Long Beach, CA
SW #110 MSP-DEN 12:55 PM – 2:00 PM
SW #212 DEN-LGB 2:55 PM – 4:20 PM
a charter shuttle for our group from Long Beach (LGB) to our hotel in Oceanside (1 hour south)

Each passenger ~~will need to~~ may make their own arrangement to get to San Diego SAN airport on Wednesday, March 1 (before 7:00 PM). Our local California motorcoach will pick up our passengers and shuttle us to our hotel 45 minutes north of San Diego in Oceanside. Shuttles will run at 12:00, 3:30, or 7:00. Those on the 12:00 will be taken to the San Diego Harborfront for some free time. Those on the 3:30 will have the option to do the same or go directly to the hotel.

We will be chartering a Southern California motorcoach to take us around that region from March 1-4. On Saturday, March 4, we will meet up with the choir and move to the Thielen motorcoach for the rest of the trip.

You have two options for when you will end your trip and head home.

Option A is to travel all the way back to MLC with the group. This will get you to New Ulm on Sunday evening, March 12. If desired, you can add on a night at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm for $100/room (must do so on registration to receive that rate). On Monday, March 13, you would have an opportunity to attend worship with the MLC students at the Chapel of the Christ. (10:30), enjoy lunch in the cafeteria ($7.50), and take a free shuttle up to Minneapolis MSP or a hotel near the airport. Transportation between the hotel and MLC would be provided if needed.
Option B is to fly home from Denver DEN on Saturday, March 11. We will be staying at the Hampton Inn Denver Gateway on the previous night and they have a complimentary shuttle you could take any time between 3:00 AM and Noon. Those who choose this option won’t be with us in Nebraska and will get a price deduction of $100 (double occupancy) or $150 (single occupancy).

Registration

The “One Way from LA Registration Form” will be available at this link at 8:00 AM Central Time on Saturday, November 19. The tour is open to all W/ELS members.

The first 42 to register will be listed as confirmed passengers. Anyone who registers after the tour is full will go on a waitlist. Once we know exactly how much space is needed for choir instruments, robes, and risers, we may be able to take more passengers. If you register on November 19, you’ll be notified of your status (confirmed or waitlist) by email or phone later that day or on Monday, November 21. We will do our best to update the survey and website once we know that the confirmed spots are filled.

Information you will need to complete the survey includes . . .
* Name (for nametag), gender, date of birth, address, email address, phone number, and church membership.
* Emergency contact name, relationship, and phone (cannot be another tour passenger).
* Rooming preference (single room, double with a known roommate, or double with an assigned roommate).
Roommates will always be assigned two beds. Married couples will have the option of choosing 1 or 2 beds or
no preference. We will do our best to accommodate that request.
* Choose the road or the rails (Amtrak) through the Rockies. Road travelers will stop at Colorado National
Monument, Glenwood Springs, and Vail. A $50 discount applies to those selecting the road route.
* Dietary restrictions.
* Discounts. See above.
* Denver Airport DEN conclusion on March 11 (-$100 for Double Occupancy, -$150 for Single Occupancy) or
return to New Ulm (via Nebraska) with the group on March 12.
* Those returning with us to New Ulm can reserve a room at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm on Sunday,
March 12. If you register and pay as part of your tour, the rate would be $100/room including tax. You may
also request a complimentary ride up to MSP or an MSP area hotel of your choosing on Monday afternoon,
March 13 (arriving at MSP at about 1:45 PM).

Web Resources

Interested in learning more about the various places we plan to visit on the tour?

Clicking on the TA next to each of the attractions listed below will take you to their listing on TripAdvisor.com, the nation’s #1 site for reviews of hotels, attractions, and restaurants. Clicking on the G takes you to the Google listing. It also offers excellent images and reviews. You may also enjoy this collection of YouTube videos (coming soon) featuring tour destinations. Activities that are options have an asterisk*.

California
Old Town Temecula (TA, G) Temecula Winery (TBD) Windmill Food Hall (G)
La Jolla Cove (TA, G) Balboa Park (TA, G) Coronado Ferry Center (TA, G)
Flagship Cruises (TA, G) Hollywood Bowl (TA, G) The Getty Center (TA, G)
Santa Monica Pier (TA, G)

Nevada, Arizona, and Utah
Hoover Dam Bypass (TA, G) AZ Joshua Tree Forest (TA, G) Grand Canyon West (TA, G)
Mystic Falls Park (TA, G) Lake Mead Rail Trails (TA, G)* Hoover Dam (TA, G)*
Valley of Fire SP (TA, G) Zion Kolob Canyons (TA, G) Zion National Park (TA, G)
Bryce Canyon NP (TA, G) Escalante Staircase NM (TA, G) Capitol Reef NP (TA, G)
Arches NP (TA, G) Canyonlands NP (TA, G)

Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa
California Zephyr Train (TA)* Colorado NM (TA, G)* Glenwood Springs Pool (TA, G)*
Vail Village (TA, G)* Great Platte Archway (TA, G) Wells Ice Cream Parlor (TA, G)