Laurel and Hardy on the American Discovery Trail.
Our First Gathering
By Joyce and Peter Cottrell
“Laurel and Hardy”
Living in New Hampshire all our lives and never stopping in Hanover to view its beautiful village and historic Dartmouth College and to soak in the incredible rich atmosphere was inexcusable. Our thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail was the reason for finally strolling her streets. That journey and a membership into ALDHA was the reason for a return visit the following year. Discovering Hanover again was only the beginning of surprises that filled that prefect October weekend. With a well-read and studied program in hand, we found seats in the college auditorium that Friday night. It was a full house, enthusiastic hikers socializing. Smiles, laughter, hugging, crying, and exchanges of all sorts filled the room. Silence. "... Class of '98 ..." We stood up. Bodies quickly rotated around. We saw familiar faces. We saw unfamiliar faces. We saw comrade faces. No words needed. Eyes locked. The shared journey was in all of our eyes. Hearts pounded and goose bumps surfaced. As these words are written, the same heart pounds and goose bumps surface. For two days we went "down memory trail" with friends and met new friends and new exchanges. We learned of numerous trails from enthusiastic presenters. We learned details about gear, communities, food, health, mapping and so much more. The Sunday night closing program came too quickly. We had learned, we had taught, we had experienced and mostly, we had felt. Our Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike gave us a spirit, our first ALDHA gathering gave us a lifeline to keep the spirit alive. We continue to hike and we continue to Gathering.
Is there a blogger inside of you yearning to tell the story of your first Gathering? Please, write it down and send it to us, with pictures if you have them, and we will post them here on ALDHA’s Web site as we gear up for the 25th anniversary Gathering in October 2006.
