Not Encouraged

The story by Gus Stevens recounting a European tour (“Not-So-Young Couple Explores the Continent,” May 5) is more a deterrent than an encouragement for senior citizens.

Throughout the feature, Stevens stresses the hardships for senior citizens of a motor tour in Europe. He states that it is tough, and compares himself with tougher younger men. He is not a participant in the Boston Marathon, so why the emphasis on stamina? He did 4,000 miles in five weeks, which is a little over 100 miles a day and, for the most part, relaxed and enjoyed driving. One should not need to fall on the bed exhausted at 5 p.m. each day.

Until I retired at the age of 67, I had a 12-hour day, which included almost 100 miles of commuting on L.A. freeways--much more stressful than those European highways.

My wife and I tour Europe each year by car. My first tour was in 1948 on a motorcycle. I am certainly not less able to manage and perform the functions of traveling today than I was then. My wife and I averaged 10 miles a day walking in Paris last year.

NORMAN F. BATES

Dana Point