Letters from Students

The first set of letters is from a 3rd and 4th grade class in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Some of the comments in this first set refer to the ENA pilot which features segments with The Buffalo Soldiers of the American West re-enactor team, Mayor Chip Page of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and a visit to Fort Hall, Idaho, for the Sho-Ban Indian Days Festival. 

Also please note that the children refer to Robert as “Chewie” or "Chewy" (as in Chewbacca of Star Wars fame), a nickname given to him a number of years ago by a fellow Colorado Springs video producer. (Robert used to have a lot longer hair then.)  He says he likes this nickname a lot better than the last one he had when he went to the Arctic in 1988.  His nickname then was “Worm.”

Dear Chewy,

            It was nice for you to come and share that presentation with us.  I thought you would bike, walk and canoe you way, but that’s the way you wanted to do it.

            Is it true that you broke the world record for push ups?

            It also struck me that you where not using a G.P.S.

            Good luck on your trip.

               From Zachary 

Dear Chewy,

            I think it would be hard to walk 7,500 miles.  I think you are great.  I also liked Klondike.  Thank you for coming in.  The video was great!  I think you are my favorite explorer.  When I told my family they were very interested in you, especially my Grandma she is a walker also.  Finally, I think you will set a good example to all, and will become a great part of history.  You are a great person!

               Ty

Dear Chewie,

            Thank you for coming and telling us about your trip across the United States.  I am surprised that you are going to be walking for over a year!  By the time you’re done walking 4 miles you’ll be sleeping!  I really enjoyed the movie, I just got finished watching it.  Hey, did that bean, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sauce, and bread taco taste good?  See ya’ in a year!

            Your friend, Tyler 

p.s.  I really liked your dog!

Dear Chewy,

            Thank you for coming and talking about Expedition North America.  I really liked Klondike.  The movie was also very interesting.  I liked the Indians the best.  I thought it was funny when you ate the Indian taco.  It was also funny when you rode the horse.  I thought that it was neat that they gave Susan Anderson two headstones.

            Thank you again for coming and sharing things.  It was neat.

             Your friend, Jenna 

Dear Chewy,

            Thank you for coming to my class.  I really liked what you were talking about.  I also liked Klondike.  What really amazed me is that you’re walking.  Here are some questions: How many schools are you planning to visit?  How many states are you going to cross?

             Sincerely, Tori

p.s.  Please write back!

Dear Robert and Klondike,

            I liked your presentation about Expedition North America.  I liked Klondike the dog a lot.  We watched the movie all the way through today.  It was good.  My favorite part of it was the Shoeless Mayor.  It was was funny.  Tori talked a lot about you on Friday.  On Monday she said she was nervous.  When you’re back, I want to know if Klondike ran away over night or something.  I’ll ask Tori to find out.  Also about the movie, I really liked the look of that Indian taco, it looked really good and filling.

            Sincerely, Camille

p.s.  I am e-mailing you on my birthday!

Dear Chewy,

            Thank you for sharing you video, your Husky Klondike, and your expedition with me and my classmates.  We were very delighted to have you as a very special guest.  I do hope you thought we were being on our best behavior – if you don’t think so, it’s not unusual!  The video and Husky were a big hit, the Husky was best, though!  The part about the Buffalo Soldiers was very interesting – I never knew about them, even in second grade – we did not learn about black history!  I think your adventure will be very, very educational.

            Your friend, Toryn

p.s.  Send back by mail!

Dear Robert (Chewy) and Klondike:

            Thank you for coming to our classroom.  Today we watched your expedition video.  I loved the Native American part.  Was the Indian taco good?  I noticed that the tacos were different on how they were shaped.  The Native America’s outfits caught my attention the most.  I loved the colors.  Oh, ya, with the Buffalo Soldiers, did you like riding the horse?  On my birthday I am going to write to you.  Also on that day tell me where you are.  Thank you.

            Sincerely, Nikki

p.s. Please write back.