Letters: Grand Canyon; New York Public Library

Reading Susan Spano’s story [“Ancient Rock, Eternal Truths,” Sept. 11] brought back memories of 30 years ago. I had a Norwegian student visiting, and we were staying at El Tovar in Grand Canyon with my husband and kids. One morning after breakfast, the student and I decided to hike a little ways down the Bright Angel Trail. It was a beautiful day, and we were full of energy. We had an apple and an orange for nourishment, and off we went after leaving a note for my husband.

Enjoying the lovely scenery, we did not realize that we had passed the ranch, garden and plateau until we found ourselves overlooking the Colorado River, where we met three Swedish students, to my guest’s delight.

By now, we were getting tired, and we had to hike up all the switchbacks that we had eased through going down. This was before cellphones, and I had no way to call for help.

We made it to the top just before dark — my husband had just contacted the rangers and was so happy to see us. He took a photo of two people, tired and dirty but smiling from ear to ear.

Anne Marie Nassif

Ventura

What a surprise to read Catharine Hamm’s article about my hometown, Puyallup, Wash. [“Hope Blooms With Daffodils,” Sept. 11]. Seeing the beautiful photo of the daffodil fields reminded me of the many spring days that fellow high school students and I were allowed to take days off to pick the beautiful flowers that were then sent all over the United States. We too muddied our shoes and the knees of our jeans as we kneeled to pick the yellow buds.

Many times I’ve purchased the daffodils through the American Cancer Society and wondered if they could possibly be from the beautiful Puyallup Valley.

Jan Kessler

Manhattan Beach

Read-assuring

Regarding “Time to Hit the Books,” Sept. 4: What a delight to read Christopher Reynolds’ piece on the New York Public Library and other book-friendly establishments. As a public librarian with a love of the old-fashioned printed book, I found solace and hope in his interesting article.

David Tulanian

Los Angeles

Thanks for Reynolds’ great piece on literary Manhattan, including the New York Public Library. As a boy growing up in Southern California’s Long Beach, I made an early acquaintance with its original main library, built in 1909 and still standing in the early 1970s. I have vivid memories of it. I’m glad I got to know it before an arsonist torched it, and it was torn down in the early 1970s, replaced by the monstrosity that sits there now.

Richard Zuelch

Lakewood

I enjoyed Reynolds’ article on the New York Library. As an avid reader and traveler, I don’t know why it never occurred to me to visit this beautiful landmark and the other wonderful places he suggested. Thank you again.

Teri Araiza

Los Angeles

I want to thank Reynolds for such a great article, I’ve always loved books, authors, paintings and libraries, and now I love them even more. Thank you for making my morning — and my day.

Lola De Maci

Fontana