If you couldn’t make it
to the 1997 Gathering,
here’s what you missed...

By Bill O’Brien

It’s been only a few days since I got back from New Hampshire, so I haven’t had time to put together a full report yet, but I’ll keep adding notes here over time to fill you in on some of the things that happened at this year’s Gathering at Dartmouth. I have also added a few pictures the Gathering and from the subsequent work trip (thanks to Andrew and Laura Sam for the use of the camera, and Joe Cook for his picture-taking expertise.) Captions for the photos used on this page can be found at the bottom.

From the beginning Friday night, I guess you could say there was magic in the air. During the testimonials, Scott Hoffman surprised his girlfriend — and the rest of the assembly — by pitching a marriage proposal in front of the whole crowd. She said yes.

Later that evening, as many huddled around a campfire off Grasse Road, the Northern Lights made an appearance. For many, it was their first time seeing them. If anybody believes in omens, I sure hope this is a good one for ALDHA.

The first people to do the American Discovery Trail in a single year were there (Bill and Laurie Foot), as was the first person to hike from Key West, Fla., to the Gaspe Peninsula, following the Florida Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the approximate route of the as-yet unfinished International Appalachian Trail (John Brinda). Also on hand was Sam Swisher-McClure, who this past year set the fastest record for a thru-hike of the Long Trail, at 6 days, 6 hours and several minutes. (Congrats to all, by the way!)

Also adding a special touch to the proceedings, just by their presence, were Leon Barkman, the 37th person to hike the whole A.T. and a longtime ALDHA member who made his first Gathering this year; Albie Pokrob, one of the early founders of ALDHA who attended his first Gathering in several years; and Ed Garvey, who at age 83 camped out (like the rest of us) in a tent from the early 1970s.

Flying out for the ALDHA Gathering was the head of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Joe Sobinovsky, who with other members of the PCTA offered two workshops and set up a display to explain more about this ever-more popular followup to an A.T. thru-hike.

He could not attend at the last minute because of commitments at home, but Dr. O.W. Lacy (“Red Owl”) was honored by the steering committee during Sunday’s meeting with an honorary life membership in ALDHA. His plaque will be hand-delivered at a later date.

While we missed hearing the familiar strains of “On the A.T.” by Raven, a couple of new voices were heard for the first time Friday night, including “Southern Harp,” who sang a very moving piece she wrote about the A.T. during her 1995 thru-hike.

And on Saturday night, Walkin’ Jim Stoltz shared new songs and pictures from his 1996 thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as some old favorites, including a song he wrote about ALDHA. His concert was followed up by the traditional clogging dance, a celebration of spirit within the ALDHA family. (“Cool Breeze” Joe Fennelly kept in sync with the band on his tin whistle.)

The work trip that followed the Gathering proved to be quite a popular event. At one point on Monday we had 26 people working away on the A.T. The first day was spent at the site of the new Happy Hill shelter, which will be a stone structure with wooden support beams for a metal roof. ALDHA members peeled and moved heavy logs, moved rocks, set stones in place, mixed concrete, stacked lumber, etc. Most of the rest of the week was spent on trails around Mount Moosilauke, with the ALDHA crew staying at Ravine Lodge. (I provided my old slide show on the John Muir Trail for entertainment the first night.) The final day was spent back at the Happy Hill site. A special thanks to Bert Gilbert for his usual supply of leadership and a place to crash on the final night.

Elections...

Many have asked what happened at the Sunday business meeting. We voted on a new slate of officers and board members, and took up 5 resolutions. The new board consists of the following:

Bill O’Brien Coordinator

Paul Holabaugh Assistant coordinator

Scott Beavers Treasurer	Cindy Ross Recording secretary	Monica Cook Membership secretary
Wolff Alterman Director-at-large	Warren Doyle Jr. Director-at-large	Henry Edwards Director-at-large
Karine Kelleher Director-at-large	Frank Krajcovic Director-at-large	Kierin Lal Director-at-large

Resolutions...

Resolution #1 failed.

“That ALDHA disagrees with exclusionary membership practices of hiking clubs that maintain the Appalachian Trail.” [Presented by Warren Doyle]

Resolution #2 passed.

“That ALDHA use recycled and recyclable paper for all of its publications, paperwork, etc.” [Presented by Henry Edwards]

Resolution #3 failed.

“That ALDHA opposes the use of eminent domain for the future acquisition of land for the Appalachian Trail.” [Presented by Warren Doyle]

Resolution #4 was tabled.

“That ALDHA opposes the logging of any National Forest land.” [Presented by Henry Edwards]

Resolution #5 was tabled.

“That ALDHA opposes the implementation of any future regulations, user fees, permits, etc., that will have a negative effect on the long-distance hiking community.” [Presented by Warren Doyle]

The critiques that members submitted are being compiled by Gathering Coordinators Karine Kelleher and Bob Rzewnicki and will be posted here as soon as they are available. If you have any comments you’d like to add on your own, by all means e-mail them for inclusion below.

Thanks to everyone who took part to make the Gathering happen. I’m looking forward to the next two years as the new coordinator. My personal thanks to Noel DeCavalcante, the outgoing coordinator, for all of his work over the past two years. I’ve had a lot of fun working with him, and he has promised to stay active and involved in ALDHA for many years to come.


Other comments...

We enjoy reading the ALDHA pages and we certainly had fun in Hanover. We’re always looking for news on the AT hikers who stayed with us this year and in the past year. Taking care of Hikers Paradise (our hostel) keeps us from hiking as much as we’d like, but all the hikers and home pages like this almost make up for it. Keep up this great place!
— Mary Ann, Bruce and Bruno, paradise@ncia.net), 10-27-97

• • •

Just back from the Gathering ’97. As this is my fourth, I’m finally (possibly) getting a feel for these hiker unconventional conventions. I think I see a very positive trend in terms of quality of presentations, attendee interest (we’re not just there for the beer and police raids), and expansion from an AT-focused trail to much more national perspective. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this come together. Saw perhaps 30 friends from ’94 and made plenty of new ones. See you on the John Muir next year? Best regards,
— Bad DNA ’94 (paul vail, baddna94@aol.com), 10-17-97

• • •

The Gathering came off great probably in no small measure due to your efforts. This year’s was a good one and the online stuff probably helped it stay organized better than usual. Also, congrats on being elected the new coordinator. It’s a big job and we know you are up to the task!

Sorry we had to miss the business meeting on Sunday. It’s too bad our time slot was right after that as we utilized the entire time to set up for our show and we did not get to attend any of the meeting. We did have about 75 people attend our show which was good.

I guess you’ll likely be putting something on the website about the Gathering. If that is some ways off into the future, how about letting us know the outcome of the board member at large elections and the 5 resolutions that were presented. And, if any other resolutions were presented, what were they.

Again, congrats on a job well done.
— Bill & Laurie Foot, The Happy Feet, 10-14-97

• • •

I was at the Gathering this past weekend, I was wondering if you knew what the overnight temperature lows were for Friday and Saturday night. Thanks. I had a wonderful time this weekend too.
— Matthew "Rishi," GA--->ME98, RISHI42@aol.com, 10-14-97

• • •
Dear Sprained Rice:

I loved Walking Jim’s “Forever Wild” show at the Gathering. Do you know if he has a homepage and if so, what is his URL? Angel Eyes and I just love his music and want to write and order some more of his music. (We thought the “Food Chain” song was so funny, we can’t stop singing it!) Sincerely,
— Mother Nature’s Son 10-15-97

(Note: Jim’s home page address was published under his photograph in the last newsletter, and is also available on ALDHA’s website from the profile of Jim reprinted from Larry Luxenberg’s book. The shortcut, of course, is http://www.walkinjim.com)

• • •

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