Participants in the 2001 Gathering at Dartmouth pose Saturday for a group picture.
[Photo by Will Richard]

Hanover Happenings

20th Annual Gathering
is now itself history

Posted Oct. 8, 2001

he 20th Gathering of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association ran the gamut of emotions, from numerous high points to one or two controversial ones. In many ways, it was like a microcosm of the history of ALDHA compressed into a three-day weekend. We have had our share of in-house controversies and mountain-high inspirations, and this year’s Gathering weekend was no stranger to either.

While the opening session started with a rousing rendition of the national anthem led by Jan Benschop, several folks later walked out as ALDHA’s founder read a controversial poem about America by the late Don West that some felt was in poor taste in light of America’s recent national tragedies. The dichotomy of those two single events -- a chorus of voices that raised goose bumps throughout the hall vs. a lone voice that raised a few heckles -- has been tucked away in the memory archive of wonderfully wild Gatherings.

The Sunday business meeting, on the other hand, was one of the most moving experiences one observer has ever witnessed, and lamented that not all meetings were as full of grace and power as that one. Another member told us it was the first business meeting he had ever attended at a Gathering, and won’t miss another one. ALDHA presented its honorary lifetime membership award to Cindy Ross and Todd Gladfelter, two of ALDHA’s early pioneers who actually first met at the first Gathering in 1982 and have been together ever since, with Cindy serving as ALDHA’s second coordinator in the late 1980s. Todd and Cindy have hosted many of ALDHA’s spring meetings at their home in Pennsylvania, and Todd led several work trips as ALDHA was creating its niche in the hiking community. Making an emotional presentation to a very surprised Cindy and Todd was Cindy’s predecessor as coordinator, Warren Doyle.

Another surprise honorary lifetime award was then presented by Coordinator Henry Edwards to Bill O’Brien, Henry’s predecessor and the coordinator of this year’s Gathering. Henry noted that Bill created and still maintains the ALDHA Web page, updated the Q&A booklet “The First Step,” served as editor of the Companion for three years, served as assistant coordinator and led the work trips that reopened Graymoor Monastery to hikers, served as coordinator after Noel DeCavalcante, and was finishing a term as membership secretary on Sunday, for a total of six years on the board. He also put together the A.T. Yearbook in 1998, and coordinated the program for that year’s Gathering in Pipestem.



Surprise visit from Flyin’ Brian ...

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend occurred on Saturday when, walking into Hanover on the Appalachian Trail, “Flyin’ Brian” Robinson came to the Gathering at the tail end of his calendar thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and A.T. He only had to go from Hanover to Katahdin to finish all three major long-distance trails in one year, what he has dubbed the “Calendar Triple Crown.” When he finished on Katahdin 20 days after leaving the Gathering, he had hiked an unprecedented 7,371 miles through 22 states in less than 10 months.

Brian, a soft-spoken 40-year-old San Jose, Calif., resident whose photo appears at the top of this page, graciously stayed around for the day and sat down early Sunday morning for a riveting, sometimes hilarious question-and-answer session attended by a couple hundred early risers, quite a turnout for the Sunday morning of an ALDHA Gathering.

Here is what Brian had to say about the Gathering as he wrote in his journal late Sunday night, Oct. 7, at the fire warden’s cabin on Smarts Mountain after he walked out of Hanover earlier that morning:

“I had a great time at the Gathering in Hanover this weekend. I figured ALDHA was too big an organization to have a family feel to it, but I was wrong. The common love of hiking there really brings people together. I met hundreds of people there. Many had read my journals or otherwise followed my progress. They made me feel like I was a really special honored guest.

“Dozens of people were there who I've met on the trail this year. Way too many to try and list names, but here goes anyway: Sage, Toolbox, Karen Berger, Dee Karen Souza, Sloe Toe, Sly, Fiddlehead, Pieps, Jim & Ginny Owen, Mrs. Gorp, Lesya, Joe Sobinovsky, Weathercarrot.

“This morning at 8 a.m. I gave a talk in Cook Auditorium. I had no prepared presentation, but I answered questions from the perhaps 200 people in attendance. It was wonderful to see so many people in one place who cared so much about my grand adventure, and the ovation at the end of my talk brought a tear to my eye. It appears that I have sparked many imaginations and touched many hearts on my journey. I could hope for no more.”

Election of new officers, board members ...

We elected a new slate of officers, with 2 officers returning to their posts and 3 others being filled by current board members and one new face.

Stacy Mikkalsen was elected by acclamation to be the next coordinator, becoming the second woman to serve in that post. She had been serving as an at-large member and is the current editor of the A.T. Thru-hikers Companion. Kurt Seitz, also an at-large member, was elected assistant coordinator. Scott Beavers was re-elected treasurer, and John O’Mahoney was re-elected as recording secretary. Richard Evans, (“Solar Bear”), was elected to be the next membership secretary.

Elected to the three at-large seats on the board were Noel DeCavalcante (“Singing Horseman”), Mark Hudson (“Skeeter Bait”) and Jim Owen (“Bald Eagle”). It was a four-way race for three seats, with Warren Doyle the other candidate. The new board consists of the following:

Stacy Mikkalsen Coordinator

Kurt Seitz Assistant coordinator

Scott Beavers Treasurer	John O’Mahoney Recording secretary	Richard Evans Membership secretary
Karen Berger Member-at-large	Noel DeCavalcante Member-at-large	Wayne Greenlaw Member-at-large
Mark Hudson Member-at-large	Jim Owen Member-at-large	J.R. Tate Member-at-large

Anniversary Celebrations ...

We started off with recollections on Friday night about the year 1982, when the first Gathering was held in Pipestem, W.Va. Back then, George Bush was vice president. Today, another George Bush is president. Argentina invaded the Falklands 19 years ago; recently we’ve seen our own country invaded.

In ’82, our friends in Canada got a new constitution. Today they have a new trail. AT&T was ordered broken up to save us money; this past year, Microsoft was in the hot seat under a similar threat. The biggest movie 19 years ago was about a little monster called ET. This year, the No. 1 movie was about a big green monster called Shrek. Alice Walker published her first big novel, “The Color Purple,” back in ’82, and this year, publishing his first novel is our very own J.R. “Model T” Tate.

Al Sochard talked about what the Gathering has meant to him. We learned a few things about ALDHA’s history at the annual trivia contest on Saturday afternoon. We blew out the candles on a mammoth birthday cake coordinated by Bob and Rose Goss at the Contra Dance Saturday night, and we sat back and laughed at ourselves Sunday during a skit celebrating the history of the trail and this hikers’ mecca called the Gathering.

We had every early member of ALDHA stand up at the end of Sunday’s business meeting to take a bow, and gathered every past coordinator except two on the stage for a group photo that’s never been taken before.

Trail troubadour Jim Stoltz closed Sunday’s business meeting with a new song he wrote about ALDHA and the Gathering.



Steering Committee Meeting minutes ...

Steering Committee Meeting

Date: October 6, 2001
Time: 0700 hours
Location: Tindal Hall, Dartmouth College

Meeting opened by Coordinator Henry Edwards
Members signed a card giving our best wishes to Beau Bushor.
Scott Beaves spoke about staying on as our treasurer and what those responsibilities entail.
Bill O’Brien spoke regarding potential candidates for the membership secretary. He will advise those candidates what duties entail.

There was a presentation by James “Doc” Horak concerning a new 2,000-miler patch that the ATC will have made. ATC has stated they will accept our chose of patch.

Frank Krajcovic offered his thoughts for the skit.

Bill O’Brien gave an overview of the Gathering to date.

Discussion on ALDHA’s donation to the Garvey Shelter. Decision was tabled so the new board can have input on the subject.

Meeting adjourned at 0800 hours

Minutes Respectively Submitted


John O’Mahoney
Recording Secretary

Steering Committee Meeting

Date: October 7, 2001
Time: 1219 hours
Location: Ankeny Classroom, Dartmouth College

Members in Attendance:
Stacy Mikkalsen, Mark Hudson, Wayne Greenlaw, Karen Berger, Dan Smith, Kurt Seitz, John O’Mahoney, Warren Doyle, Jim Owen, J.R. Tate, Art Hehn, Nancy Lake, Scott Beavers, Rich Evans, Noel DeCavalcante

Meeting opened by Coordinator Stacy Mikkalsen

Old Business:
Henry Edwards talked about new design to ATC 2000 miler patch. It was agreed by committee to accept a new design for the 2,000-miler patch. ATC will be notified of our choice.

New Business:
Discussion on Gathering 2002 at Concord College
Warren Doyle volunteered to be Facilities Coordinator.
Jim Owens volunteered to be Program Coordinator.
Board members voiced they are willing to assist in any way needed.
Bill O’Brien will notify board on feasibility of holding 2003 Gathering at Dartmouth.
At Spring Meeting 2002 any & all suggestions for locations of future Gatherings will be discussed. Between now & then please check out any alternatives.

James “Doc” Horak showed several of his new designs for the 2,000-miler patch. ATC has stated they will accept ALDHA’s chose for 2,000-miler patch.
Motion made to accept new design for 2000 miler patch.
Motion seconded
Motion passed.
ATC will be notified of our choice.

Discussion on where to hold 2002 Spring Meeting. The choices are Cindy Ross’s home or Blackburn Center. Matter put to vote.
7 votes for Ross’s
2 votes for Blackburn
2002 Spring Meeting will be held at Cindy’s. Cindy requested that she’d need a head count of all attendees before March 23rd.
Discussion that consideration is given that editor of Companion be given a stipend. It was decided to table the matter till Spring Meeting.

Discussion on date for Spring Meeting.
Motion made to hold meeting on March 23 & 24 at Cindy’s near Hawk Mountain, Pa.
Motion passed with one abstention

Meeting adjourned at 12:59 hours
Minutes Respectively Submitted
John O’Mahoney
Recording Secretary

General Business Meeting

Date: 10-07-01
Time: 0934
Location: Cook Auditorium, Dartmouth College

Henry Edwards opened meeting.

Reports
Coordinator by Henry Edwards
Henry spoke about spring steering committee meeting work performed on Garvey Shelter in MD. ALDHA has set side up to $800.00 for Pavilion on site.

Letter sent to ATC reference 1st AT thru-hiker. ALDHA recognizes & wishes that ATC also would recognize Earl Shaffer as 1st thru-hiker unless documents are presented to change this.

$50 was paid to AHA for yearly dues for ALDHA board members. Incoming board can decide if they wish to continue membership in AHA.

Henry Edwards presented ALDHA’s Thru-hiking experience at ATC Bi-Annual Meeting.
Alternative trail source information available on ALDHA web site.
New board may want to consider spending some of the funds we now have.
Upcoming election will reshape the board.
Newsletter will be published after Gathering
Companion editor is Stacy Mikkalsen

Treasurer report by Scott Beavers
Museum $1260.00
Checking $6700
CD $6300
Life Member $8600
Plus cash on hand from registration

Membership by Bill O’Brien
New person will need to keep database up to date. We use word perfect program & it’s available for new membership person. Printing out labels for mailing as needed.
Attendance at this Gathering is around 500.
1200 to 1300 is our current membership.

ATC by Brian King
Thanked all the ATC volunteers from ALDHA membership. Thanked Stacy for all her help with the Companion for the last 3 years.
Saddleback is now protected area. ATC will continue to monitor the Saddleback issue. Building their GIS capability. Computer system has been updated. 5% short fall in the budget so far this year. ATC is continuing to review issue of the 36 thru-hiker claims.
ATC will resist registration or permit fees.

Work Trips
Folks volunteering for work detail meet at gatehouse at Storer

Companion by Stacy Mikkalsen
Problems with Companion have been resolved 10-15-01 deadline for upcoming issue. Stacy has been editor for last 3 yrs & is willing to co-editor. Need help with field editors. Sales we’re up this year. We renegotiated our fee to $2000 from ATC. Over 3000 copies sold so far. New additions will be appearing in the 2002 Companion.

Museum Committee by Larry Luxenberg
AT Museum Society was formed to assist in the process. We had our 1st Symposium at the Gathering & look forward to another at next Gathering. An oral history project will begin later this year. Donation fund is building slowly. Looking for a student to assist with the museum. Physical location has not been selected and further discussion will continue.
Harpers Ferry is the first choice for building housing museum. Contact Larry if you have any plans.

Old Business
Chuck Wood presented his copies of 1986 ALDHA documents to Henry.

New Business
Chuck Wood made presentation to ALDHA for future displays that he made. All were amazed at the craftsmanship displayed in this display. He was gratefully thanked by the membership.

Election of 5 officers and 3 at-large board members
Coordinator:
Stacy Mickkalsen
Motion & 2nd to close nomination
Stacy elected by acclamation

Assistant Coordinator:
Kurt Seitz
Motion & 2nd to close nomination
Kurt elected by acclamation

Treasurer:
Scott Beavers
Rich Evans
Rich Evans requested his nomination be withdrawn.
Request granted & Rich Evans name was removed from nomination.
Motion & 2nd to close nomination.
Scott elected by acclamation.

Membership Secretary
Rich Evans
Motion & 2nd to close nomination.
Rich elected by acclamation.

Recording Secretary:
John O’Mahoney
Motion & 2nd to close nomination.
John elected by acclamation

3 Members at-large
Noel DeCavalcante
Jim Owen
Mark Hudson
Ginny Owen nominated & declined
Bill O’Brien nominated & declined
Warren Doyle
Each candidate spoke to membership
Ballots were collected & counted.

3 Members at-large elected:
Noel De Cavalcante
Jim Owen
Mark Hudson

Coordinator Stacy Mikkalsen took over running of meeting.

Bill O’Brien spoke about filling out Gathering critique before leaving. These are very helpful in planning future Gathering’s.

Talked about Maine Rose Fund Raffle that will be held later tonight. Donations will be gratefully accepted to this fund. Brian King mentioned that Maine Rose book will have an additional chapter she taped before her death.

Presentation of IAT medals
Dick Anderson thanked ALDHA for all there support & looks forward to continued support.
Viateur De Champlain & his wife presented gold, silver & bronze medals to IAT thru-hikers that were present.

2002 Gathering will be held on October 11-13 at Pipestem, WV.
Mention that next Spring meeting will be held at Cindy Ross’s home or
Blackburn Center. Discussion will be made at Steering Committee Meeting
following this meeting.
Warren Doyle volunteered to be site coordinator at 2002 Gathering.
Bill O’Brien spoke on duties of site coordinator.
Honorary Life Memberships
Warren Doyle presented Honorary Life Membership to Cindy Ross & Todd Gladfelter
Henry Edwards presented Honorary Life Membership to Bill O’Brien

Bill O’Brien thanked all for their extra efforts in making this a memorable 20th Anniversary.
All ALDHA past elected officials and early members in attendance were recognized.
Warren Doyle read a letter he wrote back in 1982 about ALDHA.
Walking Jim Stoltz sang a song he wrote specially for the 20th Anniversary of ALDHA. All thoroughly enjoyed it.
Motion to have Walking Jim Stoltz’s ALDHA song sung at every Gathering.
Motion 2nd & passed

Meeting adjourned at 1259 hours
Minutes Respectively Submitted
John O’Mahoney
Recording Secretary





The ALDHA Song ...

A year earlier, I asked trail troubador Walkin’ Jim Stoltz if he could try to compose a song about ALDHA to be sung at our 20th annual Gathering in 2001. Regretting it the moment I asked him, I was surprised at how quickly he agreed to give it a try. Jim was gracious enough not to say no, and I know he must have had more than a few second thoughts as the months ticked away and the Gathering got closer and closer.

By all accounts from everyone who was there to hear it for the first time at the end of Sunday’s business meeting, the end result was well worth the effort that Jim put into it. Sadly not everyone was there at the business meeting to witness it, but when he was through singing this song, you knew it was one of those special moments that define an entire Gathering. As someone mentioned in their written comments after the Gathering, they’ll never miss another Sunday morning business meeting again.

So, on behalf of ALDHA, I’d like to thank Jim for saying yes, and for singing his heart out on our behalf. The lyrics of the song follow.

--Bill O’Brien

The days are getting shorter and the leaves begin to fall
My pack is hung up on the wall, til the spring begins to call
Time to head out to the Gathering, all the friends out there to see
Folks that walk their talk and live their dreams
And they all inspire me.


[Chorus]
Come along with me, to the Gathering again
To see my friends of the trail
And my trail friends


It’s a Gathering of hikers, all ages and all kinds
The doers and the dreamers, the sighted and the blind
It’s for the boosters and the boasters, the ones who go and do
It’s for the slow ones and the fast ones, and even yellow blazers, too


[Chorus]


You’ll meet the elders of our tribe, the first to walk the trail
And the new folks still in progress, heading for the holy grail
Everyone has a story, a smile or thought to share
The old blood and the new, they’ll all be headin’ there


[Chorus]


You’ll meet the ones who do the trail work and keep coming back for more
And the ones who help the hikers when they’re trailworn and sore
From all walks of life, from all over the land
You see it’s all one big trail
And it’s all one big clan

Comments from your critiques ...

The critiques that members submitted will be compiled and posted here. If you have any comments you’d like to add on your own, by all means e-mail them for inclusion below.

• I have been asked a few times for copies of the handouts from Saturday’s maildrop workshop. This information can be accessed online at my Web site, http://members.aol.com/karens62. Let me know if you have any questions!
— POG

•

Etc. ...

We fell just shy of having 500 people register for the Gathering. We should land squarely on target for our budget, which was roughly $5,000. The sale of T-shirts, buttons, stickers and extra neck wallets was also figured into the budget, so the Gathering will have paid for itself.

The coordinator of this year’s Gathering will be sending out thank-you notes soon, but right off the bat thanks are due to the folks at Storrs Pond Campground, especially Vern and Luke who were always welcome sights at what is truly the jewel of the ALDHA fleet when it comes to accommodations. And to the schedulers, maintenance people and technical helpers at Dartmouth College ... a huge thank-you to you all, especially to Larry for his technical assistance.

And for an entertaining two years at the helm of ALDHA, many thanks to Henry Edwards, who finished up his term on Sunday when he passed the gavel to incoming coordinator Stacy Mikkalsen. Henry will always be a teacher, whether or not he’s in the classroom, and many of us learned much about how to communicate with others, how to get other people involved in ALDHA, and how to keep on hiking, which is really the only business we’re in, after all is said and done. — bob

Trailhead
New Boots • Gathering • Grapevine • Springer Fever
A.T. Companion • Headlamp Material • Work Trips • Side Trails