Hohokam Petroglyphs in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is an Abbott Laboratories stockholder who enjoys hiking in his free time. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft’s favorite natural areas include Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, as well as Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This network of parks features distinct remnants of cultural history, such as Hohokam petroglyphs.

Early inhabitants of central Arizona, the Hohokam practiced agriculture in Salt Valley along the Gila River until the mid-16th century. With a name meaning "those who have gone,” the Hohokam did indeed disappear suddenly. They left traces of their civilization in rock-face carvings that include abstract images as well as depictions of animals and hunters.

Though the original meaning of the Hohokam petroglyphs remains unknown, contemporary Pima Indians believe them to have spiritual significance. The carvings can be viewed from a number of trails, including the Judith Tunnel Accessible Trail in South Mountain Park, a quarter mile past the Education Center. Another petroglyph viewing spot is along the challenging Holbert Trail, which starts at the Visitor Center.

Safely Hiking the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is an active investor in Abbott Laboratories Corporation and Abbvie Pharmaceuticals. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is also an outdoorsman, enjoying trail hiking at challenging venues such as the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.

The Bright Angel Trail is the most frequently traveled path in the park; even so, few visitors try it. The trail begins on the South Rim at the Village and descends some 4,380 feet in 9.5 miles.

This affords some magnificent views of the Canyon's plant and animal life. Of historical interest are ancient pictographs embedded in the cliff walls and the remains of coral reefs.

Hikers should carry five or six liters of water, especially in the summer, when temperatures can reach 110 degrees. By far the best start times are before dawn and in the late afternoon or evening. Conditions are less extreme during the fall and spring hiking seasons.

To ensure adequate hydration, hikers should plan on resting for 15 minutes every hour. For safety's sake, park rangers patrol the trail to monitor hikers' health.

Safety Tips for Hikers at Bryce National Park

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft, a shareholder with Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, Illinois, enjoys staying active through hiking. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft frequents a number of the country’s national parks, including Bryce National Park.

Bryce National Park provides hikers with a number of unique footpaths and trails. While trails are categorized as easy, moderate, or strenuous to help hikers prepare for their day, individuals should be aware that many of the park’s trails challenge hikers with a steep ascent out of the canyon. With this in mind, casual and experienced hikers can follow a few of Bryce National Park’s tips for safe hiking.

All hikers should equip themselves with durable hiking boots that provide ample traction and ankle support to help them contend with any steep climbs. As is the case on any hiking trip, individuals should pack an appropriate amount of water. Bryce National Park suggests each person carry one liter of water for every two or three hours of hiking.

Most importantly, hikers must appreciate the fact that Bryce National Park trails can reach elevations of 9,000 feet and higher. Even those in exceptionally good shape can experience nausea and lightheadedness as a consequence of over exertion. For a full list of hiking tips and information on specific Bryce National Park trails, visit www.nps.gov/brca.                            

Traveling to Iceland

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is a shareholder in Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, and attends the annual shareholder meetings. In his free time, Edward Abbott Ravenscroft enjoys traveling. He recently visited Iceland.

Iceland has become a major tourist destination, especially for travelers drawn to nature and adventure. Many visitors take the opportunity to drive along Route 1. Also known as the Ring Road, this highway runs more than 800 miles around the entire perimeter of the country.

If you’re interested in taking a trip around the Ring Road, do your research ahead of time and plan thoroughly. First of all, ensure that you rent a car that fits your trip. You’ll most likely want to get a vehicle with four-wheel drive that can handle all terrains and weather conditions. Secondly, make sure that you allocate enough time for the trip. A week should give you enough time to explore the country intimately and detour onto the side roads. That’s the third tip - make sure to deviate from the Ring Road. You’ll be amazed at what you can discover.                            

Northgate Peaks Trail in Utah Offers Experiences for All Seasons

Edward Abbot Ravenscroft is a shareholder for Abbott Laboratories located in Chicago, Illinois. An active individual, Edward Abbot Ravenscroft enjoys hiking on trails across the country, including the Northgate Peaks Trail at Zion National Park.

Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to view animals and plants along its numerous trails. The Northgate Peaks trail is in the Kolob Terrace section of the park and gives hikers a way to get away from the crowds and relax in the cooler areas of the park. The four-mile trail weaves through pine groves and ends on a knob of volcanic rock.

Depending upon what time of year they traverse the trails, hikers should keep seasonal adjustments in mind.

Spring: Hikers should dress warmly since the higher elevation brings about cooler temperatures and snow or ice. During the early part of the season, check with park officials about the conditions of the trail before embarking on a hike.

Summer: The trail tends to be busier in the mornings since it is the access trail to The Subway. It is best to avoid the trail in the middle of the day due to the heat.

Fall: This is perhaps the best time of year to hike this trail, with cooler temperatures allowing for all-day hikes.

Winter: Significant snowfall may affect the trail and road. Hikers may want to cross-country ski instead.                            

Bryce Canyon - An Area of Unique Geologic Features

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is an avid traveler who enjoys visiting destinations throughout the Northwest, California, and Southwest. Many of Edward Abbott Ravenscroft’s favorite hiking trails are in locations such as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Situated in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is a relatively small natural area that is named after early Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce.

Spanning 56 square miles, the park is most well-known for its geologic features and is not (contrary to its name) a canyon. Situated on the Paunsaugunt Plateau’s southern edge, a number of natural amphitheaters have been carved over the millennia by elements such as rainwater and frost wedging. Other distinctive features inhabit the limestone Claron Formation, including fins, slot canyons, and hoodoos, or natural spires. Abundant wildlife inhabits the region, including the endangered California condor and Utah prairie dog. The park also offers some of America’s most unspoiled atmospheric conditions and is ideal for star gazing.