Check out the Upcoming Activities section below for the*which highlights newly added events.
Coordinator's Corner June 2019
Using the “Steering Committee” to help Guide ALDHA into the future
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order” by John Burroughs
Planning for ALDHA’s future needs to be a deliberate process. The normal executive board meetings have far too many agenda items to give this topic its proper consideration. To that end, I am activating the Steering Committee called for in the ALDHA Bylaws. This Committee can be viewed as ALDHA’s autonomous “think tank.” I am assigning this Steering Committee the primary task of developing a Long Range Plan for ALDHA. Additional specific tasks will be assigned as needed.
Article VII of our Bylaws requires a Steering Committee: “There shall be a Steering Committee composed of interested members, which act informally to provide consultation and advice to the board of directors, officers and membership. The Steering Committee will meet at the annual Gathering and at the Spring Steering Committee Meeting. Membership in the Steering Committee is voluntary and open to any member in good standing. The Steering Committee may make recommendations to the board of directors, officers, and to the membership but such recommendations shall not be binding.”
The Long Range Plan is intended to provide forward-looking guidance for the expenditure of funds and direction for our organizational programs. The plan will require development of both long and short term goals that are in keeping with ALDHA’s Statement of Purpose. The Long Range Plan will not usurp the Bylaws or decisions made by the board. Rather, if accepted, it is guidance to give a general plan and direction as ALDHA moves into the future. Additional tasks should be assigned to the Steering Committee with sufficient clarity and guidance to allow timely resolution.
While open to all Members in good standing, the core of the Committee will provide structure and be comprised of a limited number of experienced ALDHA members who are devoted to our association. These members must be forward thinking and motivated to work complex issues. I have invited a number of members to consider participation and have made clear that active involvement is expected. For continuity, there is no defined term for these core committee members. However, if members find they are no longer able to actively participate, alternate members will be invited in their place. I have assigned Ken Bunning, the Assistant Coordinator, to be the Chair of the Steering Committee. The Committee will have representation at all board meetings. Its progress and recommendations will be reported at board meetings as a standing agenda item.
Happy Trails and have a great June,
Ron Burger (Graybeard)
Coordinator
CRITICAL:Updated Procedures for Reporting Incidents on the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail Conservancy and National Park Service recognized the need for improving incident reporting on the Trail after last month’s tragic and senseless attack on multiple long distance hikers. The death of Ronald S. Sanchez Jr. “Stronghold”, serious wounding of a yet unnamed female, and threats that struck terror in other hikers, has resulted in the publication of new procedures. We recommend these procedures be carried by all hikers.
The new procedures distinguish between immediate need for medical or law enforcement response, reporting suspicious activity not presenting immediate danger, and follow-up detailed reporting. They recommend always submitting a report for suspicious or potentially dangerous situations… even if it turns out to be nothing. Details on the updated Incident Reporting procedures can be found online at: http://appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/report-an-incident.
Based on this information, ALDHA has created a summarized (wallet size) incident reporting card containing the critical telephone numbers and electronic reporting information. These cards are being disseminated to hikers at AT Community festivals.
Why you should consider joining the ALDHA leadership team.
Come October, several positions on the ALDHA Board of Directors and Program leadership roles will be opening. We need individuals who support ALDHA’s Statement of Purpose and are willing to dedicate the time needed to both attend Board meetings and actively participate in ALDHA Programs.
Leadership of our diverse membership can be a challenge. Long distance hiking is usually not a team sport. We hail from all walks of life, economic circumstances, and represent an extraordinary range of life experiences. We all have responsibilities and obligations, but as a purely volunteer organization our talent needs to come from within the ALDHA family.
Specific talents that have proven successful include a good sense of humor, basic computer skills, strong organizational abilities, general writing and editing skills, team players, forward thinkers, grant writing experience, and overall dedication.
New members will be paired with experienced talent in order to provide continuity of stewardship. If you are ready to give back to our organization, contribute to leading ALDHA into the future, and interested in providing new insights to the Board, please contact our current Assistant Coordinator: Ken “Nimbus” Bunning, bunningkr@aol.com
Hello from ALDHA's 2019 Gathering Team!
WORKSHOPS GALORE
ALDHA has never had a shortage of workshops at a Gathering, and this year will be no exception. We have a variety of workshops on basic backpacking skills as well as the beauty of the flora and fauna on the trail. But why stop there? Expand your horizons and learn about new and exciting trails as our fellow ALDHA friends share their adventures from across the globe.
One of our more popular sessions is for all of you AT dreamers out there. Call it AT 101, Backpacking 101, or just plain preparing to hike the AT. Come and hear seasoned AT thru-hikers discuss everything AT: gear, mail drops, trail safety, resupply, permits, personal hygiene, etc. The list goes on and on. And remember to bring your questions and take advantage of this opportunity to quiz hikers who have thousands of AT miles on their boots!
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, 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, Ice Age Trail, Northville Placid Trail, New England Trail, Portuguese Camino, Tel Aurora Trail in New Zealand, the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, and Adirondack Place Names.
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.
Time slots are filling up fast. To volunteer to be a presenter, click on [Workshop Presenters Form] on The Gathering home page: https://aldha.org/gathering
Also, it is not too early to register for this year’s Gathering. You can register by clicking on [Gathering Registration Form] on the Gathering home page: https://aldha.org/gathering
We're always looking for volunteers to help with activities and contests at the Gathering. If you're interested in volunteering, email us at: gathering@aldha.org
Remember to mark your calendars as the Gathering returns in 2019 to the Columbus Day weekend!
USED CLOTHING/GEAR SALE
at the 38th Gathering, Williams College, Williamstown, Mass.,
Oct. 11-14
You know you have lots of outdoor clothing and gear stockpiled from your adventures over the years. There's that good jacket that you replaced because you didn't like the color, a sleeping bag you haven't used in 10 years, a nice pair of hiking shoes that never quite fit right, and a myriad of other 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. We're planning a used clothing/gear sale at the 38th Gathering in Williamstown, Mass. We'll do a 50/50 member/attendee-ALDHA split. For instance, if an item sells for $10, you receive $5 and ALDHA receives $5. You may choose to donate your 50 percent to ALDHA but that's entirely optional. The main point of the sale is to find good homes for gear and clothing, and to help all members, from beginner to seasoned, better enjoy our great trails.
All items must be clean, not stinky, and in good and working condition. (For example, no clothing with significant holes, rips or tears; no old equipment "for parts," and NO clothing/gear that smells like you just spent a week on the trail in rain and humidity!)
VERY IMPORTANT:ALDHA cannot keep any of these items - we don't have the means or storage space to do sonor will we be able to donate them. You MUST retrieve your unsold items by Sunday afternoon, regardless of whether you kept your portion of the money or donate it to ALDHA. Thanks in advance for picking up your items after the sale.
We hope that members and attendees will take advantage of this chance to downsize their gear/clothing collection, and purchase good stuff at bargain-basement prices.
Questions? Contact Jim Niedbalski, Gathering facilities coordinator, at jim.niedbalski@aldha.org
Update on the Mt Olegthorpe Monument
The following participants have given tacit approval of and agreed to help participate in the establishment of a monument on Mt Olegthorpe, the original southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This would be similar to the one on Springer Mtn, the current Southern terminus.
Jay Dement, President of Georgia Appalachian Trail Center
Ms Kathleen Ingram, President Mt Oglethorpe Association
Mr. Larry Luxemberg, President Appalachian Trail Museum
Mr. Rick Land, ALDHA & GATC member and property owner on Mt Oglethorpe
Mr. Dennis Newton, ATC & ALDHA Life member & Trail Chaplain
Thanks to Rick Land who led board members in March of 2017 on a hike to the top of Mt. Oglethorpe, known today as Eagles Rest Park.
A “shout out” to Dennis Newton who has done extensive research and was able to find out the particulars of who created the casting design for and owns the rights to the design of the plaque on Springer Mtn. Denis also located a local foundry who will fabricate the mold and cast the replica which will be placed on Mt Oglethorpe. In addition, Denis has negotiated a price for the casting of the replica, obtaining a large rock, transporting it to Mt Olegthrope, preparing the rock surface, and affixing the plaque to the rock.
Next steps are to get written permissions from: the Mt Oglethrope Association to place the monument, large rock, seating bench and sign on top of Mt Olegthrope. Permission must be obtained from GATC to make a copy of their monument which is on top of Springer Mt. Also, a park bench and placard must be purchased stating the historical significance of Mt Olegthrope. Hopefully, by the next Blaze, the committee will have an update on our progress.
Ron Burger (GrayBeard)
Coordinator
ALDHA CARE HEADS TO NEW ENGLAND
On 9 June, the 2019 ALDHA Care Program will continue north towards New England. Appalachian Trail service providers in the Mid-Atlantic and New England States will be visited by ALDHA in order to provide support for 2019, and to insure that all hostels along the AT have what they need for the 2019 season.
The 2019 ALDHA Care Program will end it’s journey in Millinocket, Maine, and will assist current year Southbound Hikers in their quest to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2019. If you want to support ALDHA Care in the future, please go to http://www.aldha.organd make a donation.
Trail Days Update from TrailangelMary
We had a record number of volunteers who helped prepare, serve and clean up after the Trail Day's hiker lunch and people who donated items to the lunch. It helped make the ALDHA Hiker Reception at Trail Days 2019 a big success.
Many thanks go out to Riff Raff Camp, Kent N Tent, Mr Blister, Singing Sister, Sparrow, Shuttle, Knee Deep, Chuck Norris, Tigger, Highlighter, Leapfrog, Dobbie Ma, G.G., Hopper, Iwox, Phoenix Rising, Missing Kink, Motorcycle Mama, Hiker Greg, Solace, Cragmac, Kokopelli, MaBuddha, Madhatter, Old Gray Goose, Doc, Crookshanks, and Trailangelmary.
200 trail family members were fed, met new and renewed old friendships and had a great time.
(The ALDHA board wishes to honor and give many thanks to Mary for again planning, organizing and hosting a wonderful event. THANK YOU, TrailangelMary!)
Check out our recently updated 2019 Hostel Binder at your favorite Appalachian Trail Hostel! Didn't know that ALDHA had information in Hostels? Ask to see it.
Trail Work Update from RPH Trail Crew Leader
For those of you who have not been able to be there, the project that RPH trail crew is working on is the last stone step in Fahnestock State Park on the Appalachian Trail. We have been repairing the trail north of Route 301 for the last TEN years. By far, this last stone is the hardest and heaviest to move. The stone in question weights more than 1000 pounds. So far we have dragged it approximately 400 feet to the bottom of the steps. Of course, the installation is at the top of the stairs and that doesn't include the retaining stone on the sides.
We have had five GREAT working days on the trail: I Love My Park Day, May 4th, 13 people turned out; May 11th, six people; May 18th, seven people; May 25th, four people; and June 1, National Trails Day, six people showed up. Fantastic!
Don't let it be said that RPH Cabin Volunteers do it easy! We will get it done!
One thing that is helping us greatly, is the L.L.Bean Grant which allowed us to get BLACK RAT pulleys. The pulleys let us set up angle drag systems which means no more disconnecting the GRIP HOIST at every bend in the trail. YES!
We will be there on June 8th, 15th, and 22nd to finish up.
Remember our club will have a display at "Hops On The Hudson" in Cold Spring, NY on June 29th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fifteen hundred to two thousand people are excepted to be there. Let's hope we get some new members.
Southern Appalachian Work Center Trail Work Update
On 18 July, 2019, ALDHA and SAWC in cooperation with Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club (TEHCC), will erect a new foot bridge at mile 394.6 on the Appalachian Trail.
This trail preservation event and trail construction opportunity will allow trail volunteers a chance to learn medium duty trail construction, erosion control, and provide an introductory view into the hydrology of the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail. Approved bridge design has been provided by TEHCC,
Check the Trail Crew and What's New sections at http://www.aldha.org for developing details on this event.
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 *July 18, 2019 Foot bridge construction
*Aug 20 2019 Hump Mountain Trail work with Wright State University, TEHCC, SAWC and ALDHA.
Details for both events to follow in next month's Blaze or on ALDHA webpage.
For more information call or email: Jim Chambers, jimathiker@yahoo.com, (423) 440-2518, http://www.southernappalachianworkcenter.org Mid-Atlantic Work Trips For information concerning additional work trips between Blaze emails see:
ALDHA webpage and/or for more information contact, Ron Bungay atronbungay@verizon.net or call 410-627-6367, https://aldha.org/news Northeast Work Trips Saturday's in June: Stepping stone installation at Fahnestock State Park work trips will run from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays until the RPH clean-up weekend with camping option at RPH Cabin over night possible. Meet on Rte 301 on the west end of Canopus Lake were the AT crosses the road. Tools, safety gear, and instruction provided. It is important to contact, Tim Messerich for more information. July 19,20, 21, 2019, Annual work weekend at RPH Cabin.
For more information about these two events contact: Tim Messerich at bascomgrillmaster@yahoo.com, 845-401-8817 http://rphcabin.org
Good hiking and best of luck to the Class of 2019! Mt Katahdin opened June 15, 2019 for the season and is now ready and waiting for all SOBO & NOBO 2019 hikers.
