Check out the Upcoming Activities section below for the*which highlights newly added events.
Coordinator's Corner August 2019 In late July between Special Telephonic ALDHA Board Committee meetings, I briefly escaped the world of ALDHA administravia and backpacked through southern Vermont and northern Massachusetts in celebration of my tenth anniversary completion of the AT. It was not what I remembered and I was a whole lot slower but the smell, sweat, bugs, and appetite were similar. The vistas and natural features like nature's boulder/rock sculptures were still there. Along with the early morning bird serenade as you rolled over in your sleeping bag.
Also, I went to reengage with the AT tread-way –rocks, roots and mud; shelters; camping; and to get a close-up view of the class of 2019 AT thru hikers, section hikers, day hikers, trail angles and the AT communities from a hiker perspective rather than the through the eyes of an AT festival vendor. The Appalachian Trail family “effect” is still just as strong and important as it was 10 plus years ago.
Catch this spirit at the October 11-14 Gathering, Williams College, Williamstown, MA. Help get the “AT family” together by inviting your friends and colleagues! If you can’t make it, take a backpacking trip on the AT and rejoin the AT family! See you at the one and only “Gathering”!
Ron Burger
ALDHA Coordinator
Elections… ALDHA needs you!
Elections for the Executive Board will be held on Sunday morning at the Gathering. We will have several Executive Officer and Member At Large positions to fill. Over the last several years, board meetings have become more productive and civil. New blood and perspectives are always needed. We are seeking members who are willing to step up and actively participate. There are also several, appointed committee chair positions open. All new members will be paired with experienced board members or program coordinators, so experience is less important than ability and willingness to participate in ALDHA functions. If this is something you would consider, please contact any current Board member or Ken Bunning atbunningkr@aol.com.
Hello from ALDHA's 2019 Gathering Team!
The Gathering, It’s Getting Closer!
The 38th Gathering in Williamstown, Mass is only 2 months away. Make sure you visit the ALDHA Gathering home page to see what’s happening. Here are some highlights:
Bart Smith
Keynote speaker for this year’s Gathering
On the afternoon of July 25, 1992, Bart Smith set foot on the Pacific Crest Trail at Manning Park, Canada and took his first step southbound. The camera gear added pack weight but provided him the opportunity to capture his amazing journey.
The weight burdened his legs, shoulders and frame but allowed his spirit to fly. On October 2nd, 2018 Bart walked under the St Louis Arch completing his trek of both the Louis and Clark Trail and the entire National Trail System. Bart, aka Infinite Dust, is the only person to have walked all eleven National Scenic Trails and Nineteen National Historic Trails.
He has published many books showcasing the National Trails and hopes to continue using his images and experiences to advocate for America's remarkable National Trail System.
Bart is not only known for his hiking adventures, but also for his world-class photography. This program on Saturday night promises to be a real treat for all. Don’t miss it. Here is the link to his website:
Our Sunday night Program includes a special visit from Grandma Gatewood,
Anne Van Curren
Actress Anne Van Curen transforms into Emma "Grandma" Gatewood to describe what it was like to be the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. The dramatization is based on the book "Grandma Gatewood's Walk", which was written from accounts of Gatewood's surviving family members, newspaper magazine articles and her own diaries and trail journals. Here is a link to Anne’s website:
Workshops In addition to workshops on backpacking the AT, you can enjoy sessions focused on more specific aspects of backpacking: trail cooking, nutrition, plants and edibles, flowers, dealing with bears, ultralight backpacking, using solar energy for your devices, first aid, photography and videography, yoga on the trail, search and rescue, plus a whole lot more.
And to whet your appetite for other adventures, here is a sampling of more presentations: Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Florida Trail, Camino Santiago, International AT, Northville Placid Trail, Portuguese Camino, Tel Aurora Trail in New Zealand, the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, hiking in Iceland and Greenland, and Adirondack Place Names.
And let’s not forget our keynote speaker, Bart Smith. He is the only person to have walked all eleven National Scenic Trails and all nineteen National Historic Trails. Wow! We will have something for all.
Important! ALDHA Needs Your Experience!
We have specific needs for experienced presenters and panel members for a few workshops. We really need you to share your knowledge with those dreaming of their own hike. You do not have to be a super polished speaker. Just come with a willingness to share what you already know! Please contact Peter Passalacqua, peterpassa@gmail.com if you can help.
The workshops are:
How to Prep for Thru Hiking the AT
Hiking the PCT
Hiking the CDT
It is important that you are experienced on that trail and that the experience is relatively recent. These are not formal presentations. The sessions are more like sharing info about key topics related to hiking that specific trail and then answering questions in an informal discussion format. This would be a double time slot of 90-120 minutes. There are typically many questions and the time flies by. Also, if you wanted to, you could invite a couple of other seasoned hikers to help you field questions. Whatever works!
We are also looking for presenters for the following 60 minutes sessions:
Photography/videography/blogging on the trail
Trail Maintenance/Boundary Work
Managing a Hostel
If you wanted to, you could invite a couple of other seasoned folks to help you field questions and make it a panel discussion.
Volunteers We're always looking for volunteers to help with activities and contests at the Gathering. Thanks to all who have already volunteered, but we need more help. If you're interested in volunteering, email us at: gathering@aldha.org
Here is a list of some volunteer needs. No previous experience needed, just a willing heart and a pair of hands.
Campsite Setup - Wednesday and Thursday
Campsite Cleanup - Monday morning
Coffee for Workers at Campsite - Friday
Stuff Registration Packets - Thursday afternoon
Registration - Saturday Registration at Campsite - Friday
Setup Hiker Fair - Friday
Used Gear Sale - All Weekend
ALDHA Store - All Weekend
Friday Night Hiker Reception - Friday night
Ready, Set, Go!
Listed here are some things you might need to prepare for in advance.
Registration and Meals. It is important for ALDHA to get an early idea of how many hikers are attending and how many meal plans will be needed. Please register today. You can register by clicking on [Gathering Registration Form] on the Gathering home page, https://aldha.org/gathering
Lodging and Camping. If you want to get a motel room, act now. Otherwise you’ll probably be out of luck because it will be the heart of leaf peeping season in New England. There is no need to register for camping. There will be plenty of room.
Workshops. Most speaking slots are filling very quickly. If you want to share your passion and love of the trail, now is the time to sign up. We currently have over 35 confirmed sessions filled. But, we still a few more openings. To volunteer to be a presenter, click on [Workshop Presenters Form] on the Gathering home page, https://aldha.org/gathering
Hiker Fair Exhibitors. It’s time to register for your table at the ALDHA Hikers Fair. Whether it be gear, books, videos, clothing, food, information, or whatever, the 2019 ALDHA Gathering is the place to showcase your goods and services. How often do you get a chance to meet 400+ dedicated hikers in one place? To reserve your spot, click on [Hiker Fair Exhibitors Form] on the Gathering home page, https://aldha.org/gathering
Earl Shaffer Memorial Photo Contest. This year we are accepting digital photo submissions AND short videos! Entries must be received by September 15th. Photos and videos will be shared on the ALDHA website, where the membership can vote on their favorites. See the Gathering home page for more info.
Used Clothing/Gear Sale. Start going through your outdoor clothing and gear stockpiled from your adventures over the years. Here's your chance to get rid of some good stuff and make a little cash for yourself and for ALDHA. See the article below and/or the Gathering home page for more info.
Hiker Bake-Off Contest. What is a hiker's second favorite thing to do? Eat! Our Gathering Bake-Offreturns for its 4th year with all new categories. Drop off your homemade treats near the registration table at ALDHA Central by5pm on Fridayafternoon and they will be shared with all attendees after the opening night presentation. See the Gathering home page for more info.
Apple Contest. Back by popular demand is the Apple Contest. Bring your sweet, gigantic, or miniature apples when you register, or to ALDHA Central on Saturday morning. Please provide your name, contact info, and the state the apples came from. Judging will be Saturday afternoon and the winners will be announced at the Saturday evening program.
Monday Work Trip. Remember to keep your calendar open for Monday after the formal Gathering program for the ALDHA work trip. Breakfast will be provided, and you will receive a work trip patch to thank you for your hard work. You can sign up at ALDHA Central throughout the weekend.
Remember to mark your calendar and register TODAY as the Gathering returns in 2019 to the Columbus Day weekend!
Steering Committee update
The ALDHA Steering Committee has been activated to provide non-binding recommendations to the Executive Board on a long-range plan for ALDHA. A “core” subcommittee has been selected to provide the Steering Committee structure. Ken “Nimbus” Bunning (Assistant Coordinator) has been named the Steering Committee Chair and the six core subcommittee members are: Larry “Pack Rat” Luxenberg, Mike “Wing-heart” Wingeart, Jim “Just Jim” Chambers, Deb “Mona Lisa” Coleman, Steve “GSB” Paradis, and Wayne “Mad Hatter” Krevetski.
The first official meeting of the Steering Committee will be Saturday afternoon at the Gathering in Williamstown. Look for time and location in the Gathering Program. All interested ALDHA members “in good standing” are welcome to participate. If you have a vision for ALDHA’s future, please bring your written proposal to the meeting. Writing pads will be available and participants will be allowed up to 3 minutes to speak… depending on time available.
USED CLOTHING/GEAR SALE
38th Gathering, Williams College, Williamstown, Mass.,
Oct. 11-14
We know you have lots of outdoor clothing and gear stockpiled from your adventures over the years; items that are still functional and valuable, but you don't need or want them any longer.
Here's your chance to get rid of some good stuff and make a little cash for yourself and for ALDHA at the used clothing/gear sale at the 38th Gathering in Williamstown, Mass. All items must be clean, not stinky, and in good and working condition.
Questions? Contact Jim Niedbalski, Gathering facilities coordinator, at jim.niedbalski@aldha.org
More from the Coordinator's desk.....
Long distance hikers and state sales taxes
It has been mentioned at various levels in the trail community that long distance hikers and section hikers are only a small percentage of the total users of the Appalachian Trail. That may be, but they do have a rather positive economic impact on the many small trail towns.
In addition, a recent study on the economic impact of “state sales taxes” by the Outdoor Industry indicates a rather significant financial gain to the state governments by the outdoor recreationists' payment of sales taxes on their equipment, lodging, food and vehicular travel. For example, New York State received $3.6 billon dollars in sales taxes from the Outdoor recreationist.
Sure a small percentage came from the hiking community. However, long distance and section hikers hiking the AT who pay taxes on everything they buy, financially assist 14 states through the state sales taxes. Not many outdoor recreationists' can claim that they paid taxes in 14 states!!! (Refer to: AMC Outdoors Summer 2019, pg. 12 “Hiking Taxes”)
ALDHA Donations to ATC on Behalf of the Hikers
Also on the financial front, ALDHA’s financial contribution for the Kennebec River hiker river ferry crossing, to help defray the cost, placed ALDHA in the AT Journeys financial donation “Hiker” $1000 to $9000 category. (refer to the ATC, AT Journeys pg 53)
Advertising the ALDHA Gathering Several invitation email letters were sent to the New England and Mid-Atlantic AT clubs asking the presidents, communications, and editors to kindly put a summary of ALDHA’s “Gathering into their September electronic and paper newsletters to their members.
ALDHA Coordinator and Mt Oglethorpe Association Board meeting Mt. Oglethorpe Association Board president invited the ALDHA Coordinator to meet on August 14 at Eagles Rest park to select agreeable sites for the future Commemorative monument of the original southern terminus of the AT.
In addition to the coordinator, ALDHA members, Dennis Newton – who did the literature research; Bev Murano-Ottinger and Tom Ottinger who live near Mt. Oglethorpe and have hiked the trails at Eagle's Rest Park were present.
AT Museum Society will manage the Ironmaster hostel at Pine Grove, PA starting in 2020 That’s good news for ALDHA, long distance hikers, and the AT Museums docents. Larry Luxenberg, the AT Museum Society's President indicated that he envisions a hiker “Dungeon” ala White Mountain Hut for hikers in the basement; an ALDHA static display corner ; storage space for ALDHA's historical records and many other possibilities. The AT Museum Society will have a display at the Gathering hiker Fair.
The morphing of the ATC Biennial to VISTA According to a VISTA spokesperson, the follow on to the ATC Biennial known as VISTA , which was scheduled for the summer of 2020 at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahawah, NJ has been pushed back to 2021 due to unforeseen location and management issues.
There WILL be a pre-gathering ALDHA Newsletter The ALDHA newsletter is at the printer and was scheduled to be mailed out on or before August 16. Jill Byrd, ALDHA Treasurer, has performed the necessary procedures to clear up a stalled mailing issue to get the Newsletter mailed! Thanks Jill! Email newsletters arrived should have arrived in your inbox this past week.
ALDHA SAR Ends
August 13, 2019
This letter is to officially inform you that the ALDHA Search and Rescue (SAR) program has been terminated. An agreement between the National Park Service (NPS) and ALDHA was always considered essential, both for jurisdictional and liability parameters. After initial successes in developing a Memorandum of Agreement, personnel changes resulted in 2 years of indifference and finally refusal to consummate an agreement. Still with 12 fully qualified SAR members and belief in the mission to support hikers, ALDHA reaffirmed its backing for the SAR Program at the 2018 Gathering.
Without a federal umbrella agreement, we were forced to pursue a state by state approach. As you know, the trail runs through 14 states and individual agreements with each would be required. With the Pennsylvania Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources being a strong advocate of the Appalachian Trail and friend of ALDHA, we had a clear leg up in the process. Pennsylvania became the test state for moving forward. Unfortunately, after strong initial interest, we were unable to get ether a face to face meeting to discuss the process or returned communication.
After five years of actively participating, and three years Coordinating the ALDHA SAR Program, it is well founded and organized, but without a functional path forward. Last month the ALDHA Executive Board supported my motion (with regret) to terminate the active portion of the SAR program. ALDHA will continue promoting Preventative SAR as part of our focus on hiker education.
I want to thank you for your interest and dedication to both SAR, ALDHA, and the hiking public. No one
knows the sacrifices involved in SAR better than you. I would ask for continued participation in your
local SAR structure. It’s only a matter of time before there is another incident like Geraldine Largay.
Let’s pray the myopic view of federal and state agencies do not result in the same outcome.
Very respectfully,
Ken “Nimbus” Bunning
ALDHA Assistant Coordinator and
SAR Program Coordinator
**Editors comment: This is the copy of a letter sent to ALDHA SAR team members. Reach out to Ken Bunning, watch the ALDHA webpage, the Blaze or come to the Gathering to find out how you could become involved with the new PSAR education program.
UPDATE REPORT of the annual RPH work weekend!
When: July 19, 20, 21, 2019.
Where: RPH Cabin
This 20th anniversary RPH work weekend was the hottest on record. Temps ranged from 95 on Friday up to a 100 degrees on Sunday. Pair that with the high humidity and boy, it was a scorcher!
Even with the oppressive heat 69 hard-working volunteers stayed the whole week end. FANTASTIC! Our crew did a bang up job considering the HEAT!
Here are just a few of the projects which were completed:
The massive hole (root ball hole 15 feet long x 4 feet deep x 6 feet wide.) caused by last May’s tornadoes was finally filled in with donated rock and dirt from the root ball. This work will allow the trail to move back to the old location.
Five water bars were installed. Three were completely new and two were repairs.
The trail from Taconic State Park Way to the Miller Hill Stream Bridge was hardened with crushed gravel to prevent on going erosion.
Several sections of rooted out trail boardwalk near the shelter and behind the bridge were repaired.
Three new bunk bed ladders were built.
The Gerry Messerich Flower Garden was weeded out.
A six feet cedar directional post was installed near interstate I 84 to indicate were the trail picks up after crossing I 84.
Our new donated picnic table was repaired.
Numerous car parts from the back of RPH near the stream were pulled out and brought up to the lawn for later disposal.
Thanks to all the volunteers who participated and helped finish several long-term projects! ALDHA members came from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and NY to help out.
The sponsors for this year’s event were:
Lumber from Chelsea Forest Products 157 River, Wappingers Falls, NY.12590
Stone from Thalle Industries Route 9 Fishkill, NY. 12524
High line Pulleys from LLBean, Freeport ,ME
Thanks to ALDHA’s sponsorship of this event, we are able to keep doing this year after year.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Messerich, Bascom Grillmaster
Crew Leader RPH Cabin Volunteers Club http://rphcabin.org
Upcoming ActivitiesAre you looking for an activity to motivate you to stay in shape? Are you missing trail family? Would you like to give back to the trail? Here is the latest info on upcoming activities. * Indicates that this event is a new addition to calendar.ALDHA Work Trips - South Work Trip Aug 20 2019 Annual Trail work event and Open House with Wright State University, TEHCC, SAWC and ALDHA and MRO. Description above. For more information concerning any of the above trips, please contact: Jim Chambers, jimathiker@yahoo.com , (423) 440-2518, http://www.southernappalachianworkcenter.org Mid-Atlantic Work Trips *Nov 14 - 17, 2019 Boundary work and trail work in Virginia. Meet at Blackburn Trail Center on the eve of the 14th. More information to come or contact, Ron Bungay atronbungay@verizon.net or call 410-627-6367, https://aldha.org/news Northeast Work Trips For information concerning additional work trips between Blaze emails see: ALDHA webpage and/or for more information contact: Tim Messerich at 845-401-8817 http://rphcabin.org
