View Full Version : ALDHA Gathering 2007, Gettysburg PA
Hmm, you may need a new trailname. Perhaps Panzer Leicht?
the goat
10-09-2007, 08:16
Sgt. Rock with the Troll.
Panzer
did we ever find out who was in the troll costume?
SGT Rock
10-09-2007, 08:22
They rotated so as to keep people guessing.
Rumor is WingFoot was in there.
camojack
10-09-2007, 09:01
1) Johnny Thunder and CamoJack watch at a safe distance from the "Vortex".
2) Matthewski wraps aluminum foil around his head to concentrate the powers of the "Vortex".
Panzer
Why couldn't I have been born rich, instead of so damned good-lookin'?! :cool:
They rotated so as to keep people guessing.
Rumor is WingFoot was in there.
Did anyone check Wingfoot's website to see if a troll costume was for sale?
Best,
G.R.
mweinstone
10-09-2007, 11:07
photos show sly , me and paragrine (rick) demonstrating exstreem cool.
mweinstone
10-09-2007, 11:12
shot of bobcats toung and a dash of walkin home , shaken, not stirred , makes a catwalk,...a drink composed in the imagination......ooooh!
mweinstone
10-09-2007, 11:16
we were blessed with weathercarrot and tank. if you take off the cannon from a tank and replace it qwith a weathercarrot, you get a juicer delivering freash juice to starving oppressed third world peoples. put the cannon back and you get juiced humans. witch do you choose?
mweinstone
10-09-2007, 11:23
woners waxed eyebrows shown up close as a warning to all wild beautys, do not wax your eyebrows unless you want to look like a tv. second shot shows wonder at safe distance witch recreates her wild brows of old by blurring the horrors of the waxjob. we (men of trail) beg all wild beautys to not dilute the beautypool by waxing. we live in a world where 99% of our women have turned barbi. wonder and beautys like her are on the exstreemly endangered list.
Lone Wolf
10-09-2007, 11:40
The nightly campfire at the Gatherings should be a time for folks to hang out, chat and reminisce, not for a story telling contest. It was monopolized for this. Having to listen to 2 hours of mostly boring and long-winded stories while not being able to talk, sucked. Many folks left the fire because of this. Billville should have their own campfire for the contest.
Jack Tarlin
10-09-2007, 13:03
Just got back last night.
So many highlights for the weekend; in no particular order:
*It was great to spend a good bit of time with Rock and his family; touring
battlefield with Rock ws a blast; had he been there those 3 days in 1863,
I'd probably need a visa in order to get to Springer.
*Touring the field with Wolf was also fun, especially the little kids who no
doubt mistook him for a Confederate general.
*I had the great pleasure to present a citation honoring Bob and Pat Peoples
for their contributions to the Trail. My comments were extended, but that's
too bad, I could talk about Bob for days.
*It was very nice to see the ATC's Laurie Potteiger get a lifetime membership
to ALDHA on the 20th anniversary of her thru-hike. She's one of the best
friends the Trail could ever have.
*Good news on the ALDHA Board, as such fine folks as Jojo Smiley, Old Fhart,
and Mad Hatter will be helping to lead the organization
*Had great fun with my talk to next year's hikers, who were all wonderful
*Many thanx to DriveBy for his incredible hospitality Wednesday and
Thursday and to Hillwalker for being such great company on the ride back
to NH; also thanx to the fine folks at Gettysburg Colege for supplying such
a great spot. Also thanx to Jester for his terrific and mostly correct battle-
field tour which got me to visit some places I'd never seen before.
*Looking forward very much to next year in Pipestem WV where I'm sure
Warren, Weathercarrot, and the other '08 organizers and co-ordinators will
do just as well as Gourmet Dave and the other 2007 organizers did back in
Gettysburg!
*Sorry we missed a lot of you; don't forget, it's less than 8 weeks til the
annual Billville Trashgiving weekend, so those of you who couldn't get to
Gettysburg should by all means join us up in NH; details to follow as it gets
closer to the event.
*Oh, and thanx to Matty, as always, for his present. When one is living on a
Jim Beam budget, a little Knob Creek several times a year is a wonderful
thing.
*And lastly.....very good to see so many folks from White Blaze, including
some that I've had cross words with over the years. People really ARE
different in person than they seem on the Internet; for example Terrapin is
a perfectly nice fellow, and Teej is great. Now if only we could do
something about their unfortunate voter registration.............. :D
Oh....one final comment: Best thing I heard all weekend is the news from Bob
Peoples that Pat is much improved, feeling better just about every day, and that they're both looking forward to the Southbounder season. Wish I could be there to see it.
My apologies to Lone Wolf for my contribution to the “mostly boring long- winded stories.” But I was just carrying on what seemed to be the theme of the weekend in claiming to be “mercifully brief” and then carrying on just like all the speakers at the opening meeting, except I never even claimed to attempt to be mercifully brief. In the future I will try to be more like Jack, who’s story was advertised as mercifully brief, even though I believe it may have been more “long-winded” then mine, while probably not as “mostly boring.” But Jack’s ability to be mercifully brief is one which was demonstrated several times over the weekend and continues to his previous post here.
Lone Wolf
10-09-2007, 13:58
My apologies to Lone Wolf for my contribution to the “mostly boring long- winded stories.” But I was just carrying on what seemed to be the theme of the weekend in claiming to be “mercifully brief” and then carrying on just like all the speakers at the opening meeting, except I never even claimed to attempt to be mercifully brief. In the future I will try to be more like Jack, who’s story was advertised as mercifully brief, even though I believe it may have been more “long-winded” then mine, while probably not as “mostly boring.” But Jack’s ability to be mercifully brief is one which was demonstrated several times over the weekend and continues to his previous post here.
I don't care if all the stories are excellent and short. just saying the evening campfire shouldn't be a program. it's a time to sit around and have conversations, not 1 person talking for 20 minutes
Jack Tarlin
10-09-2007, 14:22
In retrospect, I think Wolf is 100% correct on this. Jester's storytelling contest is a blast and I'm glad he presents it, but next year, it should probably be at the Billville campsite.
The Old Fhart
10-09-2007, 14:35
Lone Wolf-"it's a time to sit around and have conversations, not 1 person talking for 20 minutes"Not that I was counting, mind you, but Jack's story lasted 24 minutes and 38 seconds.:D
In retrospect, a separate campfire for the stories would be a good idea. After all, some of us old guys need to sleep, not be an applause meter! :banana
_terrapin_
10-09-2007, 14:55
OMG, what's the world coming to? I find myself agreeing with Jack and LW on this matter. And for what it's worth, I found most of the stories quite entertaining (particularly yours, Jack.) But yeah -- LW's complaint is right on the mark.
Lone Wolf
10-09-2007, 14:56
In retrospect, I think Wolf is 100% correct on this. Jester's storytelling contest is a blast and I'm glad he presents it, but next year, it should probably be at the Billville campsite.
phewww! i thought i was gonna catch holy hell from the masses for suggesting this. :)
Lone Wolf
10-09-2007, 14:57
LW's complaint is right on the mark.
not a complaint, just an observation :)
Cookerhiker
10-09-2007, 15:09
I enjoyed my first Gathering and it won't be my last!:D Even though I missed all of Saturday while out on a PATC worktrip, it was worth coming and meeting more people for the first time after only "knowing" them through cyberspace.
the goat
10-09-2007, 15:11
not a complaint, just an observation :)
....sniveler.:D
missed all of you dearly.
i was in bed with a nasty sinus infection. Can't wait for Trashgiving!
Great to put faces with so many of the names on Whiteblaze.
You can always count on these stupid get togethers to bridge people together and ruin the raucous and disagreeable nature of this fine website. What a shame.
It was great seeing so many of you, and meeting new people. As usual some of my encounters with you guys were too brief, but there is always trashgiving!
trekkngirl
10-09-2007, 17:04
Wow!!! What a weekend full of very informative meetings and learned suggestions for thruhiking.I felt like I was among the best of the best.It was well worth the trip for me.Many thanks to all involved in the preparations.
And it was great to put faces to the WB family.
You're a great host driveby and the meals were awesome thanks to you and Jack.
Skidsteer
10-09-2007, 18:12
You can always count on these stupid get togethers to bridge people together and ruin the raucous and disagreeable nature of this fine website. What a shame....
No worries.
It'll come back 'round when snow flies and temps drop.
In retrospect, I think Wolf is 100% correct on this. Jester's storytelling contest is a blast and I'm glad he presents it, but next year, it should probably be at the Billville campsite.
I don't think that Billville is about story telling. Its mostly about partying. And I think that's the way we should keep Billville. The "storytelling" was a Gathering thing not a Billville thing.
I didn't mind the story telling at the campfire but I think it did go on to long. I enyoy a good story or two, but not all night long. I went to bed before it was over.
Panzer
phewww! i thought i was gonna catch holy hell from the masses for suggesting this. :)
Come on. be honest. That's your contribution to White Blaze. Luckily You revel in catching holy hell. Don't let it go.
Us masses will express holy hell if you change.
_terrapin_
10-09-2007, 22:33
a) George Andrews (aka the TinMan, aka Mr. AntiGravityGear)
b) Baltimore Jack's session for the AT Dreamers
c) Walkin' Jim Stolz performing on Saturday night
d) LW and The Old Fhart, among others I can't name
e) Tents under high-tension lines at Reddington Farm
f) George Outerbridge shelter, on the way home
mweinstone
10-10-2007, 10:49
G.Y.O.G gather your own gathering. panzer,......panzer? are you listening to me?
camsters cammo and cammi contenplate corn.
StarLyte
10-10-2007, 14:21
Hello friends,
Besides the Whiteblaze.net Gathering 2007 Group photo (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=19162&c=661), Kevin and I just uploaded a group of photos from the Gathering.
Click here (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=19162&c=661)
There are other photos that will be published in the post Gathering issue of ALDHA's newsletter.
If you would like to upload a large version of any of these photos uploaded by bluez4u, please email me at: ATrailHiker@hotmail.com and I'll send it to you promptly.
I had a wonderful time.
Love to all :sun
Jan LiteShoe
10-10-2007, 14:48
Oh....one final comment: Best thing I heard all weekend is the news from Bob
Peoples that Pat is much improved, feeling better just about every day, and that they're both looking forward to the Southbounder season. Wish I could be there to see it.
I second that statement! I exhaled. Really good news.
After getting a "months-to-live" misdiagnosis, and then slowly recovering from what really ailed her, Pat and also Bob probably feel as if they have a new lease on an already rich and full life. Bob was certainly ebullient!
And extended comments appropriate, from this corner.
a) George Andrews (aka the TinMan, aka Mr. AntiGravityGear)
b) Baltimore Jack's session for the AT Dreamers
c) Walkin' Jim Stolz performing on Saturday night
d) LW and The Old Fhart, among others I can't name
e) Tents under high-tension lines at Reddington Farm
f) George Outerbridge shelter, on the way home
As a point of clarification, the TinMan pictured here is not me, Tin Man from CT. I have received PMs in the past from folks thinking I was George and, well, I am not. With my pack weight what it is, maybe I should meet George from AntiGravityGear some day soon. ;)
StarLyte
10-10-2007, 20:15
Problem with the campfire stories is that I love hearing some of them and as the stories were told, campers were becoming more stimulated into telling their own trail stories.
Jester is the master of telling campfire and trail stories. I could listen to him all night.
However...later on in the night...that trailer of wood was lookin' good....a few boys and myself thought it just might become our own private little campfire after we tired from hearing too many (and too long) trail stories...nah...
Hats off to the story tellers though. There were a few hikers that told their stories that I haven't seen or heard before...it was their time :sun
It was a good night. Perfect weather too.
Cookerhiker
10-10-2007, 20:34
Hello friends,
Besides the Whiteblaze.net Gathering 2007 Group photo (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=19162&c=661), Kevin and I just uploaded a group of photos from the Gathering.
Click here (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=19162&c=661)
There are other photos that will be published in the post Gathering issue of ALDHA's newsletter.
If you would like to upload a large version of any of these photos uploaded by bluez4u, please email me at: ATrailHiker@hotmail.com and I'll send it to you promptly.
I had a wonderful time.
Love to all :sun
Wow, great photo!! What a bunch of fine-and-fit-looking people!!:)
camojack
10-10-2007, 21:06
Jester is the master of telling campfire and trail stories. I could listen to him all night.
However...later on in the night...that trailer of wood was lookin' good....a few boys and myself thought it just might become our own private little campfire after we tired from hearing too many (and too long) trail stories...
Yeah: you, me, Lone Wolf, etc. :D
camojack
10-10-2007, 21:09
G.Y.O.G gather your own gathering. panzer,......panzer? are you listening to me?
camsters cammo and cammi contenplate corn.
Corn?! :-? How 'bout camping? Nice alliteration though... :o
Jester2000
10-10-2007, 22:37
Well, this is the part where I thank people for an amazing weekend. Gotta thank Leslie, Noel, and Dave, for what was an amazing setting and a great weekend of programs.
Driveby's Casa was a great place to kick things off, and those present made me feel well-bundled.
Skeeter kept things rolling along, especially at the general meeting, and Laurie gave the best ATC talk ever at an ALDHA event.
I definitely need to mention both the folks at Gettysburg College and the owners of the Redding Farm, who were the best of hosts.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of those who went along with me on my hike of the battlefield, who put up with a Bataan-like pace and stayed in good spirits.
Next time, we'll night hike it.
Jester2000
10-10-2007, 22:59
Okay, now that I've done that, I'll address the whole storytelling thing. You know, it's funny. I did the Storytelling Contest for the first time last year, and afterwards I had a lot of people tell me that it was one of their favorite parts of the Gathering.
This was the first year it was listed on the schedule.
Perhaps some felt that it went on for too long? I don't know, but it didn't feel any longer than last year. . .
I suppose I sort of envisioned it as the sort of thing that would bring us together for a bit as a group around a fire -- certainly at these things stories are told regardless, in smaller groups.
And there's nothing, of course, preventing folks from wandering away for a bit if they want to chat.
The problem I see in having the contest away from the fire rests on three points. The contests I used to have used to involve ONLY Billville people, but that changed at the poetry contest at the Winter Warmer and at the Useless Gear Contest at Trail Days. I like seeing new faces and hearing new voices, and I think that's less likely if the contest is away from the fire.
Second, there's a tradition of storytelling around fires that is very much a part of what we do, and part of that tradition involves the presence of an audience. If the contest is away from the fire, the contest might involve only the contestants, and that would be kind of silly.
Third, before last year I had noticed a pretty dramatic decline in the numbers around the fire. The last big crowd I could remember was in 2001. Last year I felt that offering something like this at the fire would get more people there and keep them there longer. I don't think i was wrong.
But whatever. If this and complaints concerning porta potty placement are the worst that happened to folks over the weekend, then I'll take it.
And for what it's worth to those who wanted to chat during the contest, I'll note that I wasn't the one telling folks to shut the F up, so I imagine that some folks enjoyed it.
In the future (assuming that we do it again), I'll suggest that a specific time be posted, and that there be a time limit to the contest, so as not to hijack the fire, and allow those who would avoid it advanced notice.
All apologies if you had a bad time.
Just got off the phone with Hanna a little while ago. She loved the storytelling around the campfire and made me wish I had been able to go. I hope if I ever get to go to a gathering in the future, I can tell my story about my ride into Robbinsville.......
sounds like y'all had a great time. Hope I can make it one year.
Jester, I think you were right about the severity of the complaints. If the porta pottys and story telling where the biggest ones, then the weekend went great. Look at it this way. If we didn't complain about something, then it all was so bad that we can't compare the bad with the good to know the bad was bad.
speaking of porta pottys, we were camping against the treeline by the campfire, my wife had to DRIVE my F150 to the porta potty. That's how far it was.
I realize that there must be a cost savings in putting all the porta pottys together in one spot, but since this camp site was so spread out I thnk it would be worth paying something extra not to have to drive all the way across that field. Plus I don't think we want the extra traffic of cars driving around the field all night long to find a porta potty.
Panzer
speaking of porta pottys, we were camping against the treeline by the campfire, my wife had to DRIVE my F150 to the porta potty. That's how far it was.
I realize that there must be a cost savings in putting all the porta pottys together in one spot, but since this camp site was so spread out I thnk it would be worth paying something extra not to have to drive all the way across that field. Plus I don't think we want the extra traffic of cars driving around the field all night long to find a porta potty.
Panzer
I would be a little concerned about the truck driving down the little lanes to get to the far end of the farm. Did you notice how some people put their tents right up against the paths? I would hate for the driver to either not pay attention, or get caught in a groove in the ground and get steered toward a tent. You never know.
I would be a little concerned about the truck driving down the little lanes to get to the far end of the farm. Did you notice how some people put their tents right up against the paths? I would hate for the driver to either not pay attention, or get caught in a groove in the ground and get steered toward a tent. You never know.
Plus some of those little tents were very low to the ground and colored so they were hard to see at night.
Panzer
Jester2000
10-11-2007, 00:09
speaking of porta pottys, we were camping against the treeline by the campfire, my wife had to DRIVE my F150 to the porta potty. That's how far it was.
I realize that there must be a cost savings in putting all the porta pottys together in one spot, but since this camp site was so spread out I thnk it would be worth paying something extra not to have to drive all the way across that field. Plus I don't think we want the extra traffic of cars driving around the field all night long to find a porta potty.
Panzer
We considered location. We did. But just in case you need to know:
Okay, so here's the thinking on the porta potty thing. First of all, as far as I'm aware there was no extra cost associated with initial placement. But. . .
This was our first time in a very large camping area, and none of us knew where anyone would camp. If we had put only two next to the barn, and everyone camped there, people would have complained about how full those ones were, and how far away the other ones were.
In addition, the toilets were clearly visible to everyone who entered the campground. It was considered that those who knew they had, say, IBS, would choose to camp near them.
The location that was chosen, being near a gigantic blue barn that had lighting, was considered to be findable from anywhere on the entire field, even in the dark, or, as happened, fog.
Since this was our first time in this location, we'll make adjustments next time. For all we knew, everyone would camp around the barn. Now that we know that the opposite treeline is popular, we'll most likely throw a couple over there. Maybe one at the western treeline that was parallel to the road.
But you know what'll happen that year? It'll rain, and everyone will be on the high ground west of the barn. And people will say. . .
It's human nature to complain. If we didn't complain, then we wouldn't look for solutions. Then the wheel, fire, and 1-900 numbers would have never been invented.
camojack
10-11-2007, 00:38
Okay, now that I've done that, I'll address the whole storytelling thing. You know, it's funny. I did the Storytelling Contest for the first time last year, and afterwards I had a lot of people tell me that it was one of their favorite parts of the Gathering.
This was the first year it was listed on the schedule.
Perhaps some felt that it went on for too long? I don't know, but it didn't feel any longer than last year. . .
I suppose I sort of envisioned it as the sort of thing that would bring us together for a bit as a group around a fire -- certainly at these things stories are told regardless, in smaller groups.
And there's nothing, of course, preventing folks from wandering away for a bit if they want to chat.
The problem I see in having the contest away from the fire rests on three points. The contests I used to have used to involve ONLY Billville people, but that changed at the poetry contest at the Winter Warmer and at the Useless Gear Contest at Trail Days. I like seeing new faces and hearing new voices, and I think that's less likely if the contest is away from the fire.
Second, there's a tradition of storytelling around fires that is very much a part of what we do, and part of that tradition involves the presence of an audience. If the contest is away from the fire, the contest might involve only the contestants, and that would be kind of silly.
Third, before last year I had noticed a pretty dramatic decline in the numbers around the fire. The last big crowd I could remember was in 2001. Last year I felt that offering something like this at the fire would get more people there and keep them there longer. I don't think i was wrong.
But whatever. If this and complaints concerning porta potty placement are the worst that happened to folks over the weekend, then I'll take it.
And for what it's worth to those who wanted to chat during the contest, I'll note that I wasn't the one telling folks to shut the F up, so I imagine that some folks enjoyed it.
In the future (assuming that we do it again), I'll suggest that a specific time be posted, and that there be a time limit to the contest, so as not to hijack the fire, and allow those who would avoid it advanced notice.
All apologies if you had a bad time.
IIRC, the story-telling around the fire at last year's Gathering was an impromptu affair. This year, since it was actually a scheduled event, the conversation I was having when it started was interrupted by people "shushing" us. :eek:
Perhaps an official story-telling event could be held on one side of the campfire, and those of us who wound up moving away from the fire could be permitted to have our own conversations. It's much colder away from the fire, y'see.
Just my 2¢, if that much...
Jester2000
10-11-2007, 00:43
IIRC, the story-telling around the fire at last year's Gathering was an impromptu affair. . .
Nope. It was planned (by me), and it was a contest, and prizes were awarded. It just wasn't on the official schedule. Which, I would think, would have made it more bothersome rather than less.
camojack
10-11-2007, 01:14
Nope. It was planned (by me), and it was a contest, and prizes were awarded. It just wasn't on the official schedule. Which, I would think, would have made it more bothersome rather than less.
Ah. Well, I thought it was unplanned...maybe because I hadn't heard that it was.
But it was colder away from the fire last year, too...
Lone Wolf
10-11-2007, 06:05
Ah. Well, I thought it was unplanned...maybe because I hadn't heard that it was.
But it was colder away from the fire last year, too...
i'll set up a new campfire at the folk life center for us jack. let the boring story tellers bogart the main campfire ring that's suppose to be for all ALDHA members not just billville "members".
camojack
10-11-2007, 07:34
i'll set up a new campfire at the folk life center for us jack. let the boring story tellers bogart the main campfire ring that's suppose to be for all ALDHA members not just billville "members".
That would be another option. :)
TJ aka Teej
10-11-2007, 08:00
Porta Potties: They gotta be where the Honey Wagon can get to them. Having them all over the field would mean the truck would have to navagate through the tents. A s***ty idea, imo.
The Fire: Have the story telling over on one side among those interested, and let the others carry on as they will. I liked the stories I heard, but moved off to shoot the chit a few storys in, as did many.
Everyone saw where the Porta Potties were when they arrived. Plenty of space for tenting closer to the Porta Potties if you wanted to stay within walking distance. No one required anyone to tent along the perimeter.
Stop whinning.
LOL... Maybe Panzer needs the bumper dumper...
http://www.bumperdumper.com/
Cookerhiker
10-11-2007, 09:02
I liked the spaciousness of the camping area. I camped along the thin row of trees where a number of us were strung out. We could enjoy fellowship with neighbors or - like some others - choose to camp totally apart. We weren't cramped wall-to-wall like Trail Days. I didn't mind the walk to the porta potties.
the goat
10-11-2007, 09:24
LOL... Maybe Panzer needs the bumper dumper...
http://www.bumperdumper.com/
...............:D that's hilarious!:D
although, now that i've seen it, i kinda want one......
So, The Gathering of 2007 is over, finished, done, completed, and in the past? Anybody learn anything? Or, was the main focus on meeting one another? I am sorry that I was unable to attend due to the lack of public transportation. While I try to stay "Green" and take PT whenever I can there was no way to do so at Gettysburg, PA. Perhaps this is something to keep in mind when planning future Gatherings of ALDHA.
Skylander
Jester, et all that helped plan and pull off the Gathering,
I really liked the storytelling. The potty situation once accepted :) was doable although a little more challenging to deal with in the middle of the night (almost got caught by some late nite returning camper!) but I'm a camper I know how to deal with that, next time we are there maybe some pottys could be located in another group somewhere but if not then we'll deal with it ..besides that I need to walk. The campus worked really well and the food choices were varied and pleasant. All in all, my 7th Gathering was a great experience. I still hope we decide to go back Concord regularly and wouldn't even mind finding a NE location to rotate between the 3 venues...planning for a trip up north 3 years from now would be doable...
I really enjoyed meeting "old" online friends like TJ & Gary that I'd never met in person, the camping situation really allowed for having our own space yet being together.
Anyway, I had a great time, didn't want to go home, thanks for all your hard work and see y'all next year willing the creek don't rise...
I'm back to lurking,
vera
Lion King
10-11-2007, 09:43
http://www.health-in-action.org/library/pdf/Shaken%20Baby/Images/Waa%20cry%20baby2.jpg
Alligator
10-11-2007, 09:44
So, The Gathering of 2007 is over, finished, done, completed, and in the past? Anybody learn anything? Or, was the main focus on meeting one another? I am sorry that I was unable to attend due to the lack of public transportation. While I try to stay "Green" and take PT whenever I can there was no way to do so at Gettysburg, PA. Perhaps this is something to keep in mind when planning future Gatherings of ALDHA.
SkylanderCarpooling was an option. There's a ride board on both ALDHA's and this site. Coming from NYC, you might even be able to get a few people together to rent a passenger van the next time.
I think it was mentioned that the Gathering will return to WV next year. There's Amtrak service to Hinton, WV about 10-15 miles from the Folk Life Center.
I still hope we decide to go back Concord regularly and wouldn't even mind finding a NE location to rotate between the 3 venues...planning for a trip up north 3 years from now would be doable...
Although I like the camping facilities at the Folklife Center better, the Gettysburg College and the town made for a great venue. Maine being too far for most and NH likely dead, I would think there has to be someplace in VT or MA that would work.
I really enjoyed meeting "old" online friends like TJ & Gary that I'd never met in person, the camping situation really allowed for having our own space yet being together.
I missed Teej (and many others), yet again. I'm beginning to think he really doesn't exist, but I'll take your word for it. ;)
Lion King
10-11-2007, 09:51
I gave a quick 'story' at the campfire, I left when I felt like it and went to talk to others at a different location.
There is no rule saying you have to stay by the fire during story time, or any other time.
Most campfires are for just that, and in a sense, telling tale tells, or truthful ones...even if they are as long as Jacks, no offense, but damn that was long....are tradition by a fire.
It brings those who dont like talking so much into something they can listen to and laugh at and be in on.
With that you get a whole unified group--each sharing something and maybe learnign something from all others---, without you have many small groups mingling together around each other around a fire, but not interacting on the whole with each other.
I think the story time allows new folks to get to know some old and vice versa. But again, NO ONE is making anyone stand around and listen, it was abig field and there were plenty of places to go and chat if you felt the story time was a nuisance.
I stayed a short while and laughed, and then moved on and it was easy to do.
POtta-johns werent that far off. Sure once, as I was trying to get there at 2 a.m. I was wishing they were closer, but at least there was no question as to where they were.
I thank everyone for a great time.
camojack
10-11-2007, 09:55
I missed Teej (and many others), yet again. I'm beginning to think he really doesn't exist, but I'll take your word for it. ;)
I saw him too, although I don't know if'n he saw me back... :-?
I think LW's beef is that once the stories started, you couldn't chat anymore without being told to pipe down and that in the last two years, the official ALDHA campfire has been hijacked. That being said, I tend to agree.
Lion King
10-11-2007, 10:10
I think LW's beef is that once the stories started, you couldn't chat anymore without being told to pipe down and that in the last two years, the official ALDHA campfire has been hijacked. That being said, I tend to agree.
I hear ya, I missed the people telling others to pipe down, which is rude, as it is a campfire not a Classical Music concerto, so I cant say one way or the other anything about that.
I came for about 20 mintues, told a 2 minutes tale and rolled out to play guitar.
I'll probably be villified for this, but why not turn the Gathering into a biennial affair that is held in an alternate year to the ATC Biennial? You can attend The Gathering one year in the fall, and the ATC Biennial the next year in the summer. That next ATC biennial is planned for Vermont in 2009. That way you could keep Gettysburg as a fixture, and move it around every other year with the ATC meeting. Then folks can hang around and hike all week if they want to.
Of course, the ATC would need to buy-in to this, as would the ALDHA board.
I hear ya, I missed the people telling others to pipe down, which is rude, as it is a campfire not a Classical Music concerto, so I cant say one way or the other anything about that.
I came for about 20 mintues, told a 2 minutes tale and rolled out to play guitar.
Well, like someone said, if the placement of porta potties and the story telling at the campfire were the only negatives, the Gathering was a great success.
Maybe a story telling time limit should be placed. Two minutes for a tale with a beverage intermission between sounds great. :)
The Old Fhart
10-11-2007, 11:04
Sly-"Maybe a story telling time limit should be placed. Two minutes for a tale with a beverage intermission between sounds great.:) "I've got to agree with Sly on this one. It wasn't necessarily that the stories were told around the only campfire, but that some of the people in the audience had birthdays waiting for the stories to end; and some of the story tellers forgot what tall tale they had originally started telling.;)
My participation in the story telling would be about the right length of time for all participants.:D
I'll probably be villified for this, but why not turn the Gathering into a biennial affair that is held in an alternate year to the ATC Biennial? You can attend The Gathering one year in the fall, and the ATC Biennial the next year in the summer. That next ATC biennial is planned for Vermont in 2009. That way you could keep Gettysburg as a fixture, and move it around every other year with the ATC meeting. Then folks can hang around and hike all week if they want to.
Of course, the ATC would need to buy-in to this, as would the ALDHA board.
Yea, consider yourself villified.
Panzer
do they even have a campfire at the ATC Biennial?
do they even have a campfire at the ATC Biennial?
They did at this years in NJ. I'm not a big campfire guy though, so I didn't go.
I think LW's beef is that once the stories started, you couldn't chat anymore without being told to pipe down and that in the last two years, the official ALDHA campfire has been hijacked. That being said, I tend to agree.
If your going to have storytelling then people will have to be quiet. If people want to talk then you can't have storytelling. You can't have both at the same time. You can have one or the other.
I think that the storytelling was an attempt to try something new. There were some good stories told but now I think that the mood is to go back to the way things used to be for next year.
Not to say that we couldn't try something new again some years down the road. "dancing girls" maybe... I'd go for that.
Actually I think that the campfire was a great success because there was no shortage of firewood and the weather was about as good as it ever was. We were not exactly suffering even considering the storytelling.
Panzer
Lone Wolf
10-11-2007, 12:29
i would like a drum circle and contra dancing at the official ALDHA campfire
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 12:30
MOWGLI:
Bad idea. There are ALDHA people. There are ATC people. Some folks belong to both, and take an active role in both organizations. But not all.
Last time I went to an ATC event, everyone was around 70 years old and didn't look like they got out much. The crowd at ALDHA, though more middle-aged than younger, is a much more vibrant group. Doing these events one-every-year isn't going to encourage ALDHA folks to attend the Bi-ennial, and anyone who is a member of ATC presumably knows about ALDHA and the Gathering, i.e., if they wanted to attend the Gathering, they would. You can't force people to attend one or the other.
Your proposal wouldn't affect the ATC at all, but would damage ALDHA, it'd prevent people from seeing old friends that they only get tosee annually, and would create poor feelings. Most of all, to, it wouldn't encourage more folks to go to the Bi-ennial. To be perfectly blunt, some of the guest speakers at the Gathering weren't exactly that illuminating, and if that's the kind of lecturing that goes on at the Bi-ennial every two years, I'd rather do without it. :-?
Last time I went to an ATC event, everyone was around 70 years old and didn't look like they got out much. The crowd at ALDHA, though more middle-aged than younger, is a much more vibrant group.
I hear ya, and one way to address the issue is to infuse some new energy and younger folks into the mix. I was thinking along those lines. It's also a means to hold an event in a new location somewhere along the trail every other year.
It takes a lot to plan a conference, so there would be some synergy savings to be had from melding together 2 events. Like I said, it would take buy-in from both organizations. And that appears not to exist.
So, The Gathering of 2007 is over, finished, done, completed, and in the past? Anybody learn anything? Or, was the main focus on meeting one another? I am sorry that I was unable to attend due to the lack of public transportation. While I try to stay "Green" and take PT whenever I can there was no way to do so at Gettysburg, PA. Perhaps this is something to keep in mind when planning future Gatherings of ALDHA.
Skylander
I emailed you and offered you a ride from NY to the Gathering and back. Did you not get it???
warren doyle
10-11-2007, 13:58
Sly post #316 Well, like someone said, if the placement of porta potties and the story telling at the campfire were the only negatives, the Gathering was a great success.
Based on my experience of attending 25 Gatherings, I do not feel the 26th Gathering was a 'great success'; and, for me, it didn't have anything to do with porta-potties or storytelling at the campfire. I will only share my reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members and not on this public forum.
On another topic on this thread, perhaps the ATC should get out of the biennial conference business. They gutted the volunteer board of managers and have furthur lost touch with the trail user. This process took over thirty years and now they only have a protected 'body' with a reduced 'soul'.
The Gathering/ALDHA was a success in the 1980's/90's because it was meeting a need that the ATC could not meet during its singular goal of protecting the trail over the last three decades - the user of the trail was the low priority. The ATC had a chance to reverse their priorities the last several years but offered a name change and a slicker version of the folksy ATN. Both of these changes appear to not be directed towards becoming more people-centered rather than resource-centered.
Hopefully, ALDHA continues to keep its folk/volunteer tradition alive ($10 for a Gathering including free camping) and its people-centeredness. I worry sometimes that the mean-spiritedness/lack of civility of posters who list their ALDHA affiliation on their internet signatures (or in their posts) will have a negative impact on future Gathering attendance and ALDHA membership. Perhaps this was a contributing cause to the less than projected attendance at Gettysburg. I believe there weren't any hiking websites when we had the Carlisle Gathering (in the mid-90's) with its large attendance.
Happy trails!
Lone Wolf
10-11-2007, 14:07
So, The Gathering of 2007 is over, finished, done, completed, and in the past? Anybody learn anything? Or, was the main focus on meeting one another? I am sorry that I was unable to attend due to the lack of public transportation. While I try to stay "Green" and take PT whenever I can there was no way to do so at Gettysburg, PA. Perhaps this is something to keep in mind when planning future Gatherings of ALDHA.
Skylander
you live in NYC. you coulda gone to the Port Authority and caught a bus, no?
Uncle Silly
10-11-2007, 14:07
i would like a drum circle and contra dancing at the official ALDHA campfire
preferably at the same time. just to ensure maximum mayhem. :D
_terrapin_
10-11-2007, 14:18
you live in NYC. you coulda gone to the Port Authority and caught a bus, no?
Heh. Took me 3 1/2 hours to get from Port Authority to Allentown last summer. I can't imagine what the trip to Gettysburg would have been like.
Lion King
10-11-2007, 14:22
INTERNET KILLED THE GATHERING STAR
Sung to
"Video Killed The Radio Star"
I heard you were on the A.T. back in Fifty Two
Lying awake intent at hiking on with you.
If I was young it didn't stop you hikin' thru.
Oh-a oh
They took the credit for your thru-hikey.
Rewritten in registers and new technology,
and now I understand the problems you can see.
Oh-a oh
I met your children
Oh-a oh
What did you tell them?
Internet killed the Gathering star.
Internet killed the Gathering star.
Pictures came and broke your heart.
Oh-a-a-a oh
And now we meet in an abandoned field.
We hear the trail stories and it seems so very real.
And you remember how the Gatherings used to go.
Oh-a oh
You were the first one.
Oh-a oh
You were the last one.
Internet killed the Gathering star.
Internet killed the Gathering star.
In my tent and in my shelter, we cant stop it no matter the weather
Oh-a-aho oh,
Oh-a-aho oh
Hopefully, ALDHA continues to keep its folk/volunteer tradition alive ($10 for a Gathering including free camping) and its people-centeredness. I worry sometimes that the mean-spiritedness/lack of civility of posters who list their ALDHA affiliation on their internet signatures (or in their posts) will have a negative impact on future Gathering attendance and ALDHA membership.
The only mean-spirited and lack-of-civility actions that I have witnessed at an ALDHA Gathering occured during the opening ceremonies of the 2001 Gathering in Hanover. And Warren is correct, those actions had severe and long lasting impact on ALDHA, both on membership and Gathering attendance. I can only hope that we can avoid those kind of incidents in the future.
BTW - I thought this was the best Gathering location that I have been to. Sure, some things about Pipestem and Hanover are better, but on the whole, Gettysburg beats them both by a long shot. I know that next year the Gathering will most likely return to Pipestem, but I would love to see it held in Gettysburg every year. Seems like its a reasonable distance for most members to travel, its only 13 miles from the AT, there are tons of things to do, and the campgroud is close to town and large enough for everyone to spread out. Plus, Gettysburg College wants us back. Seems like a no-brainer to me!
Lion King
10-11-2007, 14:39
T
BTW - I thought this was the best Gathering location that I have been to. Seems like its a reasonable distance for most members to travel, its only 13 miles from the AT, there are tons of things to do, and the campgroud is close to town and large enough for everyone to spread out. Plus, Gettysburg College wants us back. Seems like a no-brainer to me!
SECONDED!
This place did indeed rock.
Lone Wolf
10-11-2007, 14:42
SECONDED!
This place did indeed rock.
THIRDED. great buffets, bars and i got a history lesson
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 14:48
Goodness, I'm surprised to see that Mr. Doyle was so disappointted with the 2007 ALDHA Gathering.
Other than a couple of less than illuminating speakers on Friday night, I thought the event was a complete success.
If Mr. Doyle truly wanted to make the 2007 event a better one, he could have easily done two things:
He could have taken a more active role in the 2006 event in order to help plan the following year's Gathering..... which he did not.
He could have taken a more active volunteer role in helping this year's event while actually there, other than giving so many presentations. I saw all sorts of volunteer work being done at the Gathering: People manned welcoming desks; they cleaned the campgrounds and auditoriums; they put up signs; they served food, and did many other things as well.
Somehow I completely managed to fail to see Mr. Doyle doing any of this.
Sorry he had such a lousy time in Gettsyburg, but truth be told, if he was truly interested in making the event better, he could have taken a more active role other than merely giving multiple presentations.
Something to think about next year, maybe, assuming he doesn't boycott next year's Gathering as he peevishly did last year's.
And that's that.
Oh, and note to Warren: If you don't wish to share your specificcomplaints with us here on an open Forum, then you shouldn't be making complaints here, either. If you have something worthwhile to say, then say it.
Cookerhiker
10-11-2007, 15:03
MOWGLI:
Bad idea. There are ALDHA people. There are ATC people. Some folks belong to both, and take an active role in both organizations. But not all.
Last time I went to an ATC event, everyone was around 70 years old and didn't look like they got out much. The crowd at ALDHA, though more middle-aged than younger, is a much more vibrant group. Doing these events one-every-year isn't going to encourage ALDHA folks to attend the Bi-ennial, and anyone who is a member of ATC presumably knows about ALDHA and the Gathering, i.e., if they wanted to attend the Gathering, they would. You can't force people to attend one or the other.
Your proposal wouldn't affect the ATC at all, but would damage ALDHA, it'd prevent people from seeing old friends that they only get tosee annually, and would create poor feelings. Most of all, to, it wouldn't encourage more folks to go to the Bi-ennial. To be perfectly blunt, some of the guest speakers at the Gathering weren't exactly that illuminating, and if that's the kind of lecturing that goes on at the Bi-ennial every two years, I'd rather do without it. :-?
I agree with you that the Gathering should remain separate from the ATC and continue to be held every year.
Re the composition of the ATC events' participants, I've attended the last 2 ATC biennials (Johnson City '05 and Ramapo this year). While the participants' average age certainly exceeds ALDHA Gatherings and includes a sizable number of 70+ year olds, all ages were represented including some young recently-completed thruhikers. My impression is the majority of participants of all ages do "get out much," taking advantage of the organized hikes all week. Many use the entire week to hike sections of the AT even on the days of the business meetings. This may not be scientific but I can tell you that 2 of my 3 roomates didn't attend a single session; they hiked every day instead.
I came away with the realization (which I should have known anyway) that many AT afficianados out there do all their hiking via day hikes, a notion supported by ATC statistics.
warren doyle
10-11-2007, 15:05
And the beat goes on.... garbage.
Ah! The annual post-Gathering pissing contest. Maybe someday we'll get beyond this. I doubt it. But maybe.
_terrapin_
10-11-2007, 15:22
I came away with the realization (which I should have known anyway) that many AT afficianados out there do all their hiking via day hikes, a notion supported by ATC statistics.
I had done several dozen day hikes and weekend hikes in the Whites before I ever thought of the AT as a "2000 mile path." These are the folks that Benton MacKaye had in mind when he dreamed up the AT. Thru-hikers are an abberation.
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 15:44
Get beyond WHAT, Nowgli?
Mr. Doyle raised some complaints....sort of.
I merely pointed out that if he wanted the Gathering to be even better than it was, there were ways he could've helped.
He chose not to do so.
So there's no pissing contest here.
Just the truth.
If he wants to dispute anything I said instead of just bleating "Garbage!" like he always does, then he's welcome to do so.
But he won't respond to what I said because everyone knows that what I said was perfectly true.
warren doyle
10-11-2007, 15:46
And the bleat goes on.....garbage.
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 15:49
Like I said..... nothing to say!!
Bleat on, dude. :D
Jack & Warren:
I think I can speak accurately when I say that there are a lot of people fed up with your back & forth. It would really be in everyone's best interests (including Whiteblaze and the trail) if you simply stopped publicly feuding. It's getting to be so old, and every year it's the same old nonsense. We're talking 5 years now that I've been here.
It would be good if both of you simply agreed to stop reacting to the other.
Is that possible?
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 16:28
Lighgten up, Mowgli.
As has been pointed out many times, when Mr. Doyle says questionable things here, someone's going to respond. Sometimes it'll be me, sometimes it'll be someone else.
All sorts of folks got onto this thread and talked about how great the recent Gathering was. Mr. Doyle joins the thread to complain.....but then tells us that he won't tell us specifically what he's complaining about.
What's up with that?
All I did was point out that if he thought the Gathering was deficient in any way, then he could've volunteered some time and effort into improving it. He had a year to help out with planning the event and taking a more active role in it....if he declined to do so, then whose fault is that?
And that's it.
As for "reacting" to each other, well, Mowgli, if anyone else had voiced similar complaints, I'd have said the exact same thing. ALDHA is an all volunteer organization. Anyone's welcome to pitch in and help out with events at any time, in all sorts of capacities. But merely coming here to complain, and then not even telling us what he was complaining about, was a fairly silly thing for Mr. Doyle to do.
But you're certainly welcome to your opinion.
That was a really long winded way of telling me to eff off.
I hope that someday you'll realize that this ongoing saga casts you in a really poor light.
A non-attendee perspective, based solely on what people have shared here:
It seems to me that Mr. Doyle is the only negative voice regarding the gathering and since he will not say what was negative, we are left to speculate what could have been so bad and have no means to help improve the situation through healthy dialogue. Were there real issues? I think most agree that potties and camp fire stories were not real issues. Every event could be improved, I am sure. So, why save it for the leaders? Why not try out these issues on the attendees and share in the suggestions for improvement? How are real issues going to be raised and a consensus built looking for resolution unless the issues are shared? People talked about how the potty and the campfire situation could be improved. And perhaps there will be changes based on this dialogue. How are other, purportedly bigger, issues going to be resolved if they are not discussed openly? A minority of one seldom can bring about real change.
That was a really long winded way of telling me to eff off.
I hope that someday you'll realize that this ongoing saga casts you in a really poor light.
Maybe. However, the saga is about one person dropping his "expertise" on us and expect us to bow and the other asking legitimate, albeit pointed, questions. I will go with the one asking the questions. Thank you.
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 16:56
Hey Mowgli, I spend most of my time here at Whiteblaze talking Trail, answering people's questions and not avoiding them, and trying to help out the new folks with what I think is good advice.
Can you honestly say Mr. Doyle spends most of his time here doing that?
In short, I'm perfectly happy with the "light" I'm cast in, and if the personal lettters I get from people just about every week are any indication, there are some folks here that actually are glad I'm here.
You're welcome to disagree.
Oh, and Tin Man, good post. Kinda hard to know what someone's whining about when they won't tell you.
Oh. Last thought. If the Gathering really was that awful, dontcha kinda think we'd have heard that sentiment from all sorts of people by now? :-?
Oh. Last thought. If the Gathering really was that awful, dontcha kinda think we'd have heard that sentiment from all sorts of people by now? :-?
Exactly! The only thing I can think of is that people were having too much fun sharing their love of the trail and camaraderie with their fellow hikers to notice that something was really wrong.
There's a place for the ALDHA Gathering, and a place for the ATC Bieneal meeting. As some of you know, I'm involved with the ATC 2009 conference.
First, yes, the largest age group at ATC Conferences is 60 to 69, followed by over the over 70 crowd. But, most of these people are very dedicated to the Applachian Trail. They are maintainers and donors. They give back to the trail. Us hikers would not have the same well maintained trail without these people.
I would not advocate that ALDHA change to an every other year Gathering. One does not really impact the other. As Jack posted, it would probably only hurt ALDHA.
That being said, the ATC Conference does have its challenges. I will not go into details here on a public forum. But Dave Startzel implied as much with his remarks at Friday's opening session.
If you want to make changes in how the ATC Conference is run, or the activities offered, such as evening campfires, send me a PM.
warren doyle
10-11-2007, 17:27
Thanks.
Very insightful.
It certainly would be very possible for me.
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 17:33
Of course it'd be possible.....Warren doesn't respond to any of my direct questions here anyway. :D
But if he wants to ignore me entirely, well that's fine, too!
Cool idea!
Now if he just stops coming here to say dumb things, to complain, and to give newcomers bad advice, then I'll happily start tuning him out, too!
Your move, Dr. D!!
SECONDED!
This place did indeed rock.
AMEN!
We only spent one day there and it was great! The campus setting was perfect!
The classes we attended were fantastic. It was all I had hoped for and more. The staff was great and some of the nicest people we've ever met. It was nice to be around real damn people for a change.
My only negative observation (not really:D )was that there was too many cool classes to choose from and some were scheduled at the same time so I had to choose one over the other. :(
Failure, someone said. My God, how can heaven be a failure?
And Lion King, my wife raved about your class all the way back to Bethesda!:banana
Best,
G.R.
The Old Fhart
10-11-2007, 18:58
Warren Doyle-"Based on my experience of attending 25 Gatherings, I do not feel the 26th Gathering was a 'great success'; and, for me, it didn't have anything to do with porta-potties or storytelling at the campfire. I will only share my reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members and not on this public forum."To imply, by innuendo, that there was somehow something sinister that happened at the Gathering that you can't mention in public, after you make a point of bringing it up here, is a really cheap shot at ALDHA's great efforts that made this Gathering the success it was. This Gathering was a great success by any measure. I congratulate all those who worked to pull this off without any problems.
Anyone who has been to 25 Gatherings knows how things work and if you had any legitimate concerns about the way the Gathering was conducted, but you only wanted to "share [your] reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members", what better place to do it than at the Gathering where you could personally mention it to the current and/or new ALDHA board members? You were at the business meeting and said nothing at all nor have you mentioned anything to any board member yet, according to you.
I'm sure that any of the board members would like to hear any constructive thoughts on how to improve the Gathering and you're more than welcome to contact any one you please, or to bring it up at the next Gathering, but no more cheap shots, please.
Very diplomatic, TOF. Nice post.
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 19:07
Goodness, O.F., that was really well written!
Oh, and congratulations on your election to the ALDHA Board at the last election, I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the leadership.
And I've said before that active participation is the best way to help the organization; O.F. is a great example of that!
Oh, and in case there is any doubt out there, the Gathering at Gettysburg was a great success. Everyone I spoke to had a really great time.
In fact, the first and only sour words I heard expressed about the event were here, and these words seem, happily, to be fairly solitary.
Why is that I wonder? :-?
Lone Wolf
10-11-2007, 19:23
Goodness, O.F., that was really well written!
Oh, and congratulations on your election to the ALDHA Board at the last election, I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the leadership.
And I've said before that active participation is the best way to help the organization; O.F. is a great example of that!
Oh, and in case there is any doubt out there, the Gathering at Gettysburg was a great success. Everyone I spoke to had a really great time.
In fact, the first and only sour words I heard expressed about the event were here, and these words seem, happily, to be fairly solitary.
Why is that I wonder? :-?
ditto everything but the mashed potatoes and campfire
The Old Fhart
10-11-2007, 19:26
Jack Tarlin-"Goodness, O.F., that was really well written!"I don't know if that's a compliment or not, Jack, you sound so surprised I could pen that.;)
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 19:27
And the people who ran the Gathering this year had nuthin' to do with the taters at General Pickett's buffet!!
At least I don't think they did.
I finally got around to reading the agenda for the Gathering. I was impressed with all the different activities and talks and I sure wish I could have been there to participate and meet you all. I got a chuckle that WD and Jack were competing for attendees by presenting at the same time.
Did anyone see Packrat's film? How was it? We met Packrat at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel last fall, shortly after he returned from the CDT. He had some interesting stories, including a humorous one about being chased by a Moose!
Jester2000
10-11-2007, 19:42
Did anyone see Packrat's film? How was it? We met Packrat at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel last fall, shortly after he returned from the CDT. He had some interesting stories, including a humorous one about being chased by a Moose!
I saw Packrat's film on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was the only presentation I got to see this year, as I was mostly otherwise engaged.
I thought it was excellent, despite the fact that I was not in it.
Cookerhiker
10-11-2007, 19:46
To imply, by innuendo, that there was somehow something sinister that happened at the Gathering that you can't mention in public, after you make a point of bringing it up here, is a really cheap shot at ALDHA's great efforts that made this Gathering the success it was. This Gathering was a great success by any measure. I congratulate all those who worked to pull this off without any problems.
Anyone who has been to 25 Gatherings knows how things work and if you had any legitimate concerns about the way the Gathering was conducted, but you only wanted to "share [your] reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members", what better place to do it than at the Gathering where you could personally mention it to the current and/or new ALDHA board members? You were at the business meeting and said nothing at all nor have you mentioned anything to any board member yet, according to you.
I'm sure that any of the board members would like to hear any constructive thoughts on how to improve the Gathering and you're more than welcome to contact any one you please, or to bring it up at the next Gathering, but no more cheap shots, please.
OF, it was good to meet you again and congrats on your election. BTW, I finally posted the photo I took of you and Red Wolf at the Long Trail Fest. It's in the "Get Togethers" section of the gallery.
I saw Packrat's film on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was the only presentation I got to see this year, as I was mostly otherwise engaged.
I bet you were. I am humbled by and thankful for the good works so many of the WB members are involved in and that I am only just now discovering. Thank you for what you do.
And gee, if I knew that the other TinMan was the Treasurer of ALDHA, I definitely would have changed my name!
Jester2000
10-11-2007, 20:12
I bet you were. I am humbled by and thankful for the good works so many of the WB members are involved in and that I am only just now discovering. Thank you for what you do.
Hey, you know, I was just a presenter this year (and at one moment there at the beginning, a guy in a costume).
Props really go to this year's coordinators. Usually when I try to do something, I screw it up the first time. And then for good measure, I screw it up the second time. But the crew who put together this year's Gathering hit the mark on the first try, I think.
Oh, I completely forgot to congratulate The Old Fhart ("it's with an 'F!'"), Madhatter, and 30/30, who are new board members-at-large. I got a brief glimpse over the past two years just how much work the ALDHA Board does, and I'm sure Skeeter, who is the outgoing Coordinator, is looking backwards at a successful run and forward to a bit of a breather. And a well deserved one, at that.
I know that next year the Gathering will most likely return to Pipestem, but I would love to see it held in Gettysburg every year.
Yea, I would like to see it in Gettysburg every year too.
Panzer
ditto everything but the mashed potatoes and campfire
what about the campfire on Friday night. There was no storytelling that night.
Panzer
Jack Tarlin
10-11-2007, 20:48
As much as I liked the Gettysburg location, I'd like to see the event moved around. It means people wouldn't have to make the same drive every year. Ideally we'd have two or three regular locations, North, South, and Central. That way it'd be fairer, and the folks that live way far away (like Maine or Georgia) would have a place reasonably close to their homes every second or third year. The other advantage to having several locations where people know ALDHA is that if we ever lost a place (like we did Dartmouth) we'd have several other "fallback" places to choose from which we were familiar with.
So anyway, I'd like to try different places sometime, maybe Tennessee or North Carolina, maybe Vermont. For a Central location, tho, Gettysburg is great. Beautiful campus, great town, lots of places to eat, sightseeing, etc. All in all, I wouldn't mind if Gettysburg eventually replaced Pipestem, where there's pretty much nothing to eat except cafeteria food, and is also pretty far off the A.T. But in any case, I think I'd rather see ALDHA with several locations for the Gathering, and not just one.
But in any case, I think I'd rather see ALDHA with several locations for the Gathering, and not just one.
Well, we could have several places all in the Gettysburg area.
Panzer
Well, we could have several places all in the Gettysburg area.
Panzer
I choose the North. ;)
Well, I guess its no secret that most people would like to have the gathering held somewhere close to where they live.
Panzer
Jester2000
10-11-2007, 22:55
Well, I guess its no secret that most people would like to have the gathering held somewhere close to where they live.
Panzer
I believe the general consensus is that most people would like to have the Gathering close to somewhere I live.
Fortunately, as I carry my home on my back, it all works out regardless.
I'd like to know what Warren's beefs were.
Does anyone know if we managed to use up all that firewood. There was still a large pile left when I turned in on saturday night.
Panzer
Uncle Silly
10-12-2007, 00:04
Fortunately, as I carry my home on my back, it all works out regardless.
I distinctly remember you claiming not to be a turtle.
Does anyone know if we managed to use up all that firewood. There was still a large pile left when I turned in on saturday night.
Panzer
Yup. When I turned in around 4am only a few scraps were left. Between the fire and the Billville capitol dome, the Gathering may have been the brightest object near Gettysburg visible from space saturday night. ;)
TJ aka Teej
10-12-2007, 07:35
I worry sometimes that the mean-spiritedness/lack of civility of posters who list their ALDHA affiliation on their internet signatures (or in their posts) will have a negative impact on future Gathering attendance and ALDHA membership.
Typing in front of the mirror again, Dr. "More Garbage" Doyle?
The most negative aspect of ALDHA since 2001 has been you.
Congratulations to all who did their very best to make Gettysburg '07 such a wonderful success, thoroughly enjoyed by every attendee (except one.)
TJ aka Teej
10-12-2007, 07:42
I completely forgot to congratulate The Old Fhart ("it's with an 'F!'"), Madhatter, and 30/30, who are new board members-at-large. I got a brief glimpse over the past two years just how much work the ALDHA Board does, and I'm sure Skeeter, who is the outgoing Coordinator, is looking backwards at a successful run and forward to a bit of a breather. And a well deserved one, at that.
Hear him, hear him!
My only regret was that I didn't think quickly enough to move that we seat all four candidates. My vote between 30/30 and Krewzer was a toss-up, and came down to the fact the in his 'pitch' 30/30 mentioned ALDHA's Endangered Services Campaign.
Lone Wolf
10-12-2007, 08:04
Krewzer with a K :)
SGT Rock
10-12-2007, 08:08
From a first-timer that was there it was a cool meeting. I like it and hope to become a regular. Maybe someday I'll be a presenter about the Benton MacKaye Trail.
I liked the fact I could pick and choose who I wanted to see, that I wasn't forced into large group meetings but had choices about which groups to camp with, who I wanted to listen to, etc. There were things I there that really would have bored me so I could opt out and go talk to friends. The only regret I had was missing the business meeting - and that was my own fault for being slow that morning. I sort of regret missing the opening meeting, but that was unavoidable and didn't hamper what I got out of the event.
So what needs to be added or changed Warren? I realize I only made one of these, but from my standpoint it was a success.
TJ aka Teej
10-12-2007, 08:12
Krewzer with a K :)
It's way too early to spell *everything* right! :sun
Taking an informal survey:
Did anyone get any ticks at the gathering?
Panzer
SGT Rock
10-12-2007, 11:19
Taking an informal survey:
Did anyone get any ticks at the gathering?
Panzer
No, not me.
Cookerhiker
10-12-2007, 11:20
Taking an informal survey:
Did anyone get any ticks at the gathering?
Panzer
Not that I know of
I sort of regret missing the opening meeting, but that was unavoidable and didn't hamper what I got out of the event.
Rock, you'll need to make the opening ceremony next time, the hiker roll call is neat!
SGT Rock
10-12-2007, 11:38
Well with kids in school and the distance I have to travel I don't know if it is even possible.
Well with kids in school and the distance I have to travel I don't know if it is even possible.
Maybe next year at Athens WV/Pipestem. I thinks it's only a few hours from you.
I would like to make an observation as someone who has never been to a ALDHA gathering, but has only read about them. As I went through post after post, I got more and more interested and excited about going to the gathering next year. Then I got to Mr. Doyle's post and my first thought was, "what could have possibly happened that was so bad it couldn't be brought up in a public forum?". NOT being a newb, I am quite familiar with Mr. Doyle's theatrics, however, newb's reading that post may have the same first thought I did, thus questioning the gatherings. I wonder if this was his intention by bringing up unmentionalbe complaints.....................
Johnny Thunder
10-12-2007, 13:29
The boy with the broken toy?
Uncle Silly
10-12-2007, 13:50
Taking an informal survey:
Did anyone get any ticks at the gathering?
Panzer
Not I, but I know someone who found at least one on my dog and at least one on their person. Crawlers - they hadn't bitten in yet.
Jester2000
10-12-2007, 20:26
Does anyone know if we managed to use up all that firewood. There was still a large pile left when I turned in on saturday night.
Panzer
Sunday at 4:30 I threw the last scraps of bark onto the fire and bedded down next to it.
I distinctly remember you claiming not to be a turtle.
Oh crap. You caught me.
Lilred --
Hope to see you in Pipestem, for what will be, I'm sure, another excellent Gathering.
PS -- Can you believe I have yet to thank Jester's Mom for bringing all of that food and doing all of that baking? If number of induced sugar comas is any measure of success, my mom's a great baker. Thanks Jester's Mom!
SawnieRobertson
10-12-2007, 21:03
PS -- Can you believe I have yet to thank Jester's Mom for bringing all of that food and doing all of that baking? If number of induced sugar comas is any measure of success, my mom's a great baker. Thanks Jester's Mom![/QUOTE]
Is Jester's mom the one responsible for those wonderful soft pretzels on Friday afternoon at the barn? I ate my first soft pretzel ever. It was delicious, but it was also miraculous. My feet, which were at the point of bawling in pain, stopped hurting after I ate it. I'd like the recipe for that one.--Kinnickinic
NOT being a newb, I am quite familiar with Mr. Doyle's theatrics, however, newb's reading that post may have the same first thought I did, thus questioning the gatherings. I wonder if this was his intention by bringing up unmentionalbe complaints.....................
It was obviously of a personal nature if it couldn't be mentioned here or at the business meeting. Perhaps it was Warren's Trail Jeopardy being scheduled the same time as the Steering Committee meeting.
Yeah, thanks Jester's Mom!
the goat
10-12-2007, 21:07
PS -- Can you believe I have yet to thank Jester's Mom for bringing all of that food and doing all of that baking? If number of induced sugar comas is any measure of success, my mom's a great baker. Thanks Jester's Mom!
jester's mom out-did herself yet again! the apple cake & chocolate cake were fantastic as always. as were the cupcakes & cheesecake for that matter.
jester, how are you not obese at this point?!?!
Is Jester's mom the one responsible for those wonderful soft pretzels on Friday afternoon at the barn? I ate my first soft pretzel ever. It was delicious, but it was also miraculous. My feet, which were at the point of bawling in pain, stopped hurting after I ate it. I'd like the recipe for that one.--Kinnickinic
that was wonder's mom, and yes, they were great too!
_terrapin_
10-12-2007, 21:34
A few memories of the Gathering, from a newbie to this sort of thing...
- chatting with Cotton Joe (AT/IAT-06) on the drive down to Gettysburg. Joe was on his way home from working on the IAT this summer
- sleeping in my old Eureka Gossamer tent under the power lines
- meeting Teej and Starlyte before I'd even had a cuppa coffe on Saturday
- Teej's subtle method of locating Cotton Joe in the morning
- turning heads with my "A.T. Answers" tee-shirt
- getting Lagunatic's email address, on account of the tee shirt
- meeting "Crazy Horse," who I'd met a few weeks earlier at Priest Shelter
- meeting a whole buncha other WB'ers
- bicycling through Gettysburg
- meeting more WB'ers at Billville and around the fire, eg., LW whom I hadn't seen since Trail Days, 1990
- spontaneous applause at one session where I recited my hike's start and end dates. Heh.
- mostly funny stories (ok, one or two dragged a bit...) 'round the fire
- hiking up to Overbridge shelter, and driving by lots of AT trailheads on the way home
- sleeping in my old Eureka Gossamer tent under the power lines
Wow, I've got one of those. My buddy took a picture of me in it and said it looked like I was lying in state. Tight fit for my 6'2" frame.:sun
_terrapin_
10-12-2007, 23:07
Tight fit for my 6'2" frame.
It's not a tent for tall people. ;)
Did anyone think that there was a lot of pollen in the air at the Gathering. I know 3 people who are telling me that they had allergy attacks.
Panzer
Johnny Thunder
10-13-2007, 14:11
Did anyone think that there was a lot of pollen in the air at the Gathering. I know 3 people who are telling me that they had allergy attacks.
Panzer
I am one of those people.
Did anyone think that there was a lot of pollen in the air at the Gathering. I know 3 people who are telling me that they had allergy attacks.
Thankfully, I've never suffered from allergies but pollen.com has the area with low pollen counts. However, I don't know about last weekend, but the nose knows.
Well, well, well, I just got back from the "very best" Gathering since last year's. I took in a little hiking while I was up there and got home this morning. It's just so good to see everybody (with one very minor exception) having a fantastic time at the Gathering. If I let myself, I could go on longer than Baltimore Jack's story of the "Dead Guy not in room 31 of the Doyle" about all that happened this year. I'm tellin' you, you need to go next year.
My favorite parts were all the programs I attended, the little I did to help StarLyte, visiting with old hiking friends, seeing new smiling faces being welcomed and included, and just being a part of the greatest community I've ever been associated with.
The award ceremony for the Story Telling Contest. I say make all the noise you want, but pipe down when Jester reaches for the prize box. Priceless.
Yogi's PCT program on hiking the PCT. Am currently working the Model T "How to get a release from home without a divorce lawyer" plan to get away next year. (Weasel! I may need your services to protect my half of everything.)
Dick Anderson's presentation on the "impact of thru-hikers on long distance trails" was absolutely the most informative. Everyone should hear what this man has to say about "us". It's good, really good. It's little about the negative we often hear about, it's the positive.
Seeing 1 Pint getting around and not daunted by that wicked scar and all the steel in her ankle.
Helping Rock's youngest boy learn how to shoot crap....sorry 'bout that Dixi.
Getting razzed, as only a New Yorker can razz somebody, by EZ after the election. BTW, my three picks won.
Negatives:
Not near long enough. We need 30 hour days and 20 hour nights.
You mean those little blue shelters were porta johns????
No Miss Janet
Lastly, I'm glad I got home after this thread moved on a bit. It's like deja vous all over again with WD. I still haven't a clue what the problem is there, but unlike last year I really don't care this time. Too bad, so sad. If I hadn't had a good time since the '90's, I would look for something else to do. I forget the exact number that attended this year, somewhere around 500 I think. As far as I can tell, somewhere around 499 had a great time. There's a lot of really really great and wonderful people working to make this happen. And, like I said last year, as simple Thank You would go a long way.
THANKS EVERYONE!!!! YOUR THE BEST.
warren doyle
10-13-2007, 16:11
Obviously, the 'internegators' sure analyzed, in their own special way, my post #326.
As I have said before, I guess it is a reading comprehension thing.
Jack Tarlin
10-13-2007, 16:17
Nope. Wasn't a reading comp problem at all.
Virtually alone on this thread, you said you weren't happy with this year's Gathering.
You said you had specific complaints but failed to tell anyone what they were, which was pretty silly.
I don't know what's sillier, in fact.......to come up with complaints that are probably insignificant, or to complain about something without bothering to be clear what you're actually complaining about.
So maybe Warren is right after all, and it IS a reading comprehension thing.
Kinda hard to comprehend posts that don't make much sense. :D
Warren, If people have fun, connect and learn from one another at ALDHA functions, what more matters?
That's really all the ALDHA is about, right?
Jack Tarlin
10-13-2007, 16:32
Hey, Rick, if this thread is any indication, everyone DID have fun at the Gathering this year.
All but one, anyway. :-?
Sounded like a blast.
Just wondering if Warren's dissatisfaction had anything to do with seeing the ALDHA as having some higher purpose than was met in PA.
From the outside looking in, the organization seems all about fun and edcucation and connections. All great stuff, IMO.
Just curious.
Without him explaining it's hard to tell what Warren's concerns are about. I even overheard ALDHA now has insurance in case anyone gets hurt at bridge jumping. :eek:
From the ALDHA Website
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association
The Appalachian Long Distance
Hikers Association began in 1983
as an off-trail family of fellow
hikers who’ve all shared similar
experiences, hopes and dreams
on the Appalachian Trail and
other trails. Membership in this
nonprofit group is open to all.
Members get together each fall
for the Gathering, where folks
share their experiences through
workshops and slides.
And the Who page
http://aldha.org/who.htm
Jack Tarlin
10-13-2007, 16:47
I understand you're curious, Rick.
But when someone makes a point of saying that they have complaints or gripes, but then refuses to say what they are, it makes it kind of hard to discuss the validity or worth of the complaints, no?
Bud I wouldn't press him too hard on this.
God forbid you become an ************! :eek:
But in that a few dozen Whiteblaze people attended the Gathering and only one seems to be bitching about it, I think this speaks volumes.
About the bitcher, anyway.
Jack Tarlin
10-13-2007, 16:49
Damn, didn't realize I*N*T*E*R*N*E*G*A*T*O*R (without the asterisks) had become a forbidden word here.
What's up with that? :-?
But in that a few dozen Whiteblaze people attended the Gathering and only one seems to be bitching about it, I think this speaks volumes.Actually he simply stated that it wasn't a "great success" by his definition, and that he would be addressing the particulars with the board.
Hardly bitching.
Though there has been a lot of bitching from those who have taken umberage with that simple statment.
warren doyle
10-13-2007, 16:56
Objective readers should carefully read the words that I use in my post #326 and then the words used in posts #402/407.
Do you notice a difference?
What was I saying in my post #326?
Where is the voice of reasonable objectivity on WhiteBlaze?
What was I saying in my post #326?
I don't know, but that's what we're all curious about.
Jack Tarlin
10-13-2007, 17:09
Among other things, Warren, in Post #326 you said you had concerns and complaints, but then you refused to share them with us.
I'm sure your concerns would find a reasonable objective audience here.....if we only had the foggiest idea of what you're complaining about.
Til then it's sorta hard to figure out what's ruffling your feathers, OK?
Can't believe I forgot to mention how much I missed the Frolicking Dinosaurs. My best wishes and hope to see you back at the Gathering next year and here on White Blaze soon.
Cookerhiker
10-13-2007, 17:47
A few memories of the Gathering, from a newbie to this sort of thing...
...- meeting "Crazy Horse," who I'd met a few weeks earlier at Priest Shelter
-
I enjoyed chatting with Crazy Horse too. He hung by my campsite for about an hour and shared my wine. I first met him on his thru hike in '05 - we had stayed at the same shelters 2 nights n Tennessee.
SGT Rock
10-13-2007, 17:47
Objective readers should carefully read the words that I use in my post #326 and then the words used in posts #402/407.
Do you notice a difference?
What was I saying in my post #326?
Where is the voice of reasonable objectivity on WhiteBlaze?
I guess we are all having problems going back and trying to figure out what you are saying jumping around post to post. One option you can do is multiquote yourself and here (instead of listing a bunch of post numbers) and then say what you are saying here. At this point I am a little lost.
Anyway, I am trying to be reasonable. From my viewpoint as a new attendee it was a success.
_terrapin_
10-13-2007, 17:53
I enjoyed chatting with Crazy Horse too. He hung by my campsite for about an hour and shared my wine. I first met him on his thru hike in '05 - we had stayed at the same shelters 2 nights n Tennessee.
Funny, he offered me the dregs of a large bottle of Merlot that he'd schlepped up to Priest Shelter. I slurped happily. He played a couple of tunes on his small red guitar.
It was great seeing Crazy Horse at the Gathering. I met him in CO earlier this year. Nice kid and a very talented musician/singer. Anyone have his contact info?
Cookerhiker
10-13-2007, 17:56
I guess we are all having problems going back and trying to figure out what you are saying jumping around post to post. One option you can do is multiquote yourself and here (instead of listing a bunch of post numbers) and then say what you are saying here. At this point I am a little lost.
Anyway, I am trying to be reasonable. From my viewpoint as a new attendee it was a success.
Well said!
From my reading of Warren's posts, it seems his concerns largely lie more with (1) the direction of the ATC and with (2) perceived lack of civility on WB rather than the Gathering per se. There's an oblique reference to ALDHA needing to serve the needs of the users i.e. hikers but I thought the Gathering did precisely that, based on my own observations and those of others on this post.
What was I saying in my post #326?
We're hikers not mind readers. If you don't know, how do you expect us to know? Stop the charades. I loathe these games.
MrsG
_terrapin_
10-13-2007, 18:12
It was great seeing Crazy Horse at the Gathering. I met him in CO earlier this year. Nice kid and a very talented musician/singer. Anyone have his contact info?
Wish I did. I gave him my card with my email addr, but I haven't heard from him. He lives in Richmond, does a lot of hiking up in the 3 Ridges area.
Sly post #316 Well, like someone said, if the placement of porta potties and the story telling at the campfire were the only negatives, the Gathering was a great success.
Based on my experience of attending 25 Gatherings, I do not feel the 26th Gathering was a 'great success'; and, for me, it didn't have anything to do with porta-potties or storytelling at the campfire. I will only share my reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members and not on this public forum.
On another topic on this thread, perhaps the ATC should get out of the biennial conference business. They gutted the volunteer board of managers and have furthur lost touch with the trail user. This process took over thirty years and now they only have a protected 'body' with a reduced 'soul'.
The Gathering/ALDHA was a success in the 1980's/90's because it was meeting a need that the ATC could not meet during its singular goal of protecting the trail over the last three decades - the user of the trail was the low priority. The ATC had a chance to reverse their priorities the last several years but offered a name change and a slicker version of the folksy ATN. Both of these changes appear to not be directed towards becoming more people-centered rather than resource-centered.
Hopefully, ALDHA continues to keep its folk/volunteer tradition alive ($10 for a Gathering including free camping) and its people-centeredness. I worry sometimes that the mean-spiritedness/lack of civility of posters who list their ALDHA affiliation on their internet signatures (or in their posts) will have a negative impact on future Gathering attendance and ALDHA membership. Perhaps this was a contributing cause to the less than projected attendance at Gettysburg. I believe there weren't any hiking websites when we had the Carlisle Gathering (in the mid-90's) with its large attendance.
Happy trails!
Well said!
From my reading of Warren's posts, it seems his concerns largely lie more with (1) the direction of the ATC and with (2) perceived lack of civility on WB rather than the Gathering per se. There's an oblique reference to ALDHA needing to serve the needs of the users i.e. hikers but I thought the Gathering did precisely that, based on my own observations and those of others on this post.
Frankly, I have no idea was his implications were when he disagreed that the Gathering was a "great success" or who the appropriate members of ALDHA could be to take up his concerns, nor do I understand his reluctance in addressing any perceived problems with the 2008 Gathering in an open forum.
On that note, his post seemed kind of trollish and may have gotten the desired reults.
Creek Dancer
10-13-2007, 19:49
Is this the same Crazy Horse that is in Lion King's PCT video?
Wish I did. I gave him my card with my email addr, but I haven't heard from him. He lives in Richmond, does a lot of hiking up in the 3 Ridges area.
Cookerhiker
10-13-2007, 20:10
Is this the same Crazy Horse that is in Lion King's PCT video?
Yes. Crazy Horse told me at the Gathering that Lion King shot him as he was hiking up to him at, I think, the border. When we talked Friday evening, Crazy Horse hadn't actually seen the show yet but he presumed he was in it.
Based on my experience of attending 25 Gatherings, I do not feel the 26th Gathering was a 'great success'; and, for me, it didn't have anything to do with porta-potties or storytelling at the campfire. I will only share my reasons with the appropriate ALDHA officers/members and not on this public forum.
.................................................. .........
The Gathering/ALDHA was a success in the 1980's/90's because it was meeting a need that the ATC could not meet during its singular goal of protecting the trail over the last three decades - the user of the trail was the low priority. The ATC had a chance to reverse their priorities the last several years but offered a name change and a slicker version of the folksy ATN. Both of these changes appear to not be directed towards becoming more people-centered rather than resource-centered.
Hopefully, ALDHA continues to keep its folk/volunteer tradition alive ($10 for a Gathering including free camping) and its people-centeredness. I worry sometimes that the mean-spiritedness/lack of civility of posters who list their ALDHA affiliation on their internet signatures (or in their posts) will have a negative impact on future Gathering attendance and ALDHA membership. Perhaps this was a contributing cause to the less than projected attendance at Gettysburg. I believe there weren't any hiking websites when we had the Carlisle Gathering (in the mid-90's) with its large attendance.
Happy trails!I hope to attend a Gathering in the near future. Sounds like a great event to connect with others who love backpacking. As an outsider looking in, I can't understand W.D.'s post # whatever as quoted above. Does he lament that the # of people attending in 2007 are nowhere near the #'s in the past? Sounds to me like he believes that the attendence is dropping off compared to the mid- 90's. Does he believe that the focus of the organization is not the same as it was the past? Is that a problem? As a person of interest I've got to agree with Mowgli. Does all this drama really help ALDHA? It's obvious that this orginization is far from fading away, but is it really a shadow of it's former self? I'm confused as an outsider looking in. Just my .02.
I've got to agree with Mowgli. Does all this drama really help ALDHA? It's obvious that this orginization is far from fading away, but is it really a shadow of it's former self? I'm confused as an outsider looking in. Just my .02.
I tried to explain on another thread, the drama here hardly reflects upon ALDHA or a Gathering. Actually, very few of the 1000+ ALDHA members post here, just some of the more vocal ones.
This years Gathering had 500 attendees which, I believe, is typically better than most years, atleast in the 10 years I've been attending. The last time it was held in PA in 1996 it had about 600, a record, so in that regard it may have been a disappointment, but ALDHA is alive and well.
You outta come next year in WV Ed and judge for yourself.
I tried to explain on another thread, the drama here hardly reflects upon ALDHA or a Gathering. Actually, very few of the 1000+ ALDHA members post here, just some of the more vocal ones.
This years Gathering had 500 attendees which, I believe, is typically better than most years, atleast in the 10 years I've been attending. The last time it was held in PA in 1996 it had about 600, a record, so in that regard it may have been a disappointment, but ALDHA is alive and well.
You outta come next year in WV Ed and judge for yourself.
So the next one will be in WV? Is it a predictable rotation between the locations, or do they decide each year when they find out which location will be available?
Thanks for the reply, Sly. I have never doubted that the ALDHA members were fine upstanding hikers. I look forward to being part of it. SORUCK anyone?:sun
SORUCK anyone?:sun
Coming soon. I spoke with the NOC this week and they'll be getting back to me soon about the 2008 rates at which time I'll be able to make an official announcement.
_terrapin_
10-13-2007, 23:15
Is this the same Crazy Horse that is in Lion King's PCT video?
I dunno, but here's a picture of him, at Priest Shelter about a month or so back.
But when someone makes a point of saying that they have complaints or gripes, but then refuses to say what they are, it makes it kind of hard to discuss the validity or worth of the complaints, no?
Thats because he thinks that you couldn't handle the truth. He's just trying to protect your feelings.
Panzer
I dunno, but here's a picture of him, at Priest Shelter about a month or so back.
yep same guy..he is also on ProDeal's 2006 PCT DVD
Creek Dancer
10-14-2007, 09:38
Yup, that's the same guy as Ewker said. We live in the same town and we hike the same areas. I hope to run into him on the trail some day. He's a great musician and sounds like an interesting guy.
I dunno, but here's a picture of him, at Priest Shelter about a month or so back.
Lone Wolf
10-14-2007, 10:13
I hope to attend a Gathering in the near future. Sounds like a great event to connect with others who love backpacking. As an outsider looking in, I can't understand W.D.'s post # whatever as quoted above. Does he lament that the # of people attending in 2007 are nowhere near the #'s in the past? Sounds to me like he believes that the attendence is dropping off compared to the mid- 90's. Does he believe that the focus of the organization is not the same as it was the past? Is that a problem? As a person of interest I've got to agree with Mowgli. Does all this drama really help ALDHA? It's obvious that this orginization is far from fading away, but is it really a shadow of it's former self? I'm confused as an outsider looking in. Just my .02.
come to pipestem next year ed. there is no drama at the gatherings. just a lot of fun and fellowship. really
SGT Rock
10-14-2007, 10:14
Planning to be at SORUCK
Lone Wolf
10-14-2007, 10:16
Planning to be at SORUCK
me too. i'll lead the blue-blaze hike again
StarLyte
10-14-2007, 10:19
I dunno, but here's a picture of him, at Priest Shelter about a month or so back.
There are 2 Crazyhorses.
The Crazyhorse pictured has dreads and is also in Lion King's video.
The other Crazyhorse, ALSO attended this year's Gathering, and camped with Red Wolfe next to the barn (he had his white corvette parked there with the many bumper stickers). He also hiked in at the Billville hiker Feed in July.
Both very nice people.
Lone Wolf
10-14-2007, 10:27
There are 2 Crazyhorses.
The Crazyhorse pictured has dreads and is also in Lion King's video.
The other Crazyhorse, ALSO attended this year's Gathering, and camped with Red Wolfe next to the barn (he had his white corvette parked there with the many bumper stickers). He also hiked in at the Billville hiker Feed in July.
Both very nice people.
red corvette
StarLyte
10-14-2007, 10:28
come to pipestem next year ed. there is no drama at the gatherings. just a lot of fun and fellowship. really
There's never any drama, unless you've created it in your mind....and the mind is a terrible thang...
SO FAR, and as of THIS date, the Gathering will rotate between Concord University (http://www.concord.edu/) in West Virginia; the campground located at the Appalachian South Folklife Center (http://www.folklifecenter.org/)...you know the place
and
Gettysburg College. I cannot verify if Redding Campground will be available. both too far in the future to announce anything.
I think both locations are ideal, I love both.
_terrapin_
10-14-2007, 10:30
I met the other one too, in fact he was about the first person I met arriving at the campground at 2 AM on Saturday. Wearing some crazy zoot suit costume with pointy shoes. But he's not someone I knew from the trail. The dreadlocked one was.
StarLyte
10-14-2007, 10:36
I met the other one too, in fact he was about the first person I met arriving at the campground at 2 AM on Saturday. Wearing some crazy zoot suit costume with pointy shoes. But he's not someone I knew from the trail. The dreadlocked one was.
Yes, that is correct Terrapin ;)
The most interesting people I've met are those with unconventional methods and eccentricities.
But then, I love everyone. I like it that way. :banana
me too. i'll lead the blue-blaze hike again
Atta boy! :banana
Hey Wolf, you think you can get Sly ready to go this yr :p
Hey Wolf, you think you can get Sly ready to go this yr
LOL... I'll probably be busy, doing stuff.. ;)
Johnny Thunder
10-15-2007, 09:12
Damn, didn't realize I*N*T*E*R*N*E*G*A*T*O*R (without the asterisks) had become a forbidden word here.
What's up with that? :-?
I think the mods have eliminated all words not in the dictionairy. This year they can include RPG, Romcom, and telenovella.
Jester2000
10-15-2007, 18:29
From my reading of Warren's posts, it seems his concerns largely lie more with (1) the direction of the ATC and with (2) perceived lack of civility on WB rather than the Gathering per se. There's an oblique reference to ALDHA needing to serve the needs of the users i.e. hikers but I thought the Gathering did precisely that, based on my own observations and those of others on this post.
Well, you've got to keep in mind that ALDHA is a completely separate organization from ATC, although I've got to say that I do appreciate that ATC has consulted ALDHA and included it in relevant decisions (credit for this goes, I believe, to Laurie, and, to a certain extent, Brian King). This is a good thing, and regardless of how one feels about the direction of the ATC, it's nice that they actively solicit the opinions of an organization that represents long distance hikers.
As far as civility on whiteblaze goes, I know that during the period that I was an ALDHA Board Member, I tried to moderate my posts and be civil insofar as it was possible. But there's a difference, I think, between being a member of an organization and being a representative of that organization. I like to believe that most discerning hiker web surfers know the difference between what goes on on the internet and what goes on in the world of meat. And if a little nastiness online were a deal-breaker regarding attendance at an event, no one would go to Star Wars movies (have you ever been in one of those chat rooms? Crazy. . .)
I hope to attend a Gathering in the near future. Sounds like a great event to connect with others who love backpacking. As an outsider looking in, I can't understand W.D.'s post # whatever as quoted above. Does he lament that the # of people attending in 2007 are nowhere near the #'s in the past? Sounds to me like he believes that the attendence is dropping off compared to the mid- 90's. Does he believe that the focus of the organization is not the same as it was the past? Is that a problem? As a person of interest I've got to agree with Mowgli. Does all this drama really help ALDHA? It's obvious that this orginization is far from fading away, but is it really a shadow of it's former self? I'm confused as an outsider looking in. Just my .02.
Hey, you know, we're all a little confused. About a lot of things. Is ALDHA a group wherein the members move in lockstep, united on every point. Um, no. Do we all love the trail and hiking, in our own way? Yes. Are we all pretty much willing to offer our experience and our knowledge to others who are willing to listen to us go on and on and on about whatever aspect of hiking we care about? Absolutely.
I'm less concerned with numbers than I am with passion, although I'm pretty sure that our group has more members than it's ever had (and I have yet to hear an official number regarding Gathering attendees, so a numbers-based argument is premature anyway). I'm not sure how one defines a "great success," but I'm positive that a majority of attendees viewed it that way from the feedback I've received, and that a lot of people gave and absorbed a lot of information over the weekend (and there was even some time for some laughter and dancing).
So the next one will be in WV? Is it a predictable rotation between the locations, or do they decide each year when they find out which location will be available?
Right now ALDHA is in a bit of flux in a number of areas, and this is one of them. In the past the Gathering has alternated between West Virginia and New Hampshire in a predictable way. The net Gathering will be in West Virginia, and it's my understanding that the Board plans tentatively to be back in Gettysburg in 2009. I presume that they'll be looking for a new New England location over the net two years, and if things go well there will again be a northern Gathering.
~ In the past the Gathering has alternated between West Virginia and New Hampshire in a predictable way. The net Gathering will be in West Virginia, and it's my understanding that the Board plans tentatively to be back in Gettysburg in 2009. I presume that they'll be looking for a new New England location over the net two years, and if things go well there will again be a northern Gathering.
Jester, why is Dartmouth no longer an option?
Jester2000
10-15-2007, 19:07
Jester, why is Dartmouth is no longer an option?
This is just my opinion (although it's an informed one), but I think it became clear to the Board after our last time there (2005) that Dartmouth wasn't as accommodating as they had been in the past. Some brilliant scrambling and audibles by Bill and John O. made that weekend work out well, but issues regarding water at the camping area, showers, and classroom and function room availability were major problems.
I fear that Dartmouth may have outgrown us.
That is not to say that ALDHA will never go back to Hanover -- I'm no longer able to comment on that. But I think it unlikely, and I suspect that the Board will be looking at smaller schools in New England who will treat us the way we were treated by the staff at Gettysburg College, which is to say, as if they wanted us to return.
Thanks for your response, Jester. I wondered why Dartmouth was no longer discussed as an option.
As I recall, there was no shortage of water at the 2005 Gathering. :D
SGT Rock
10-15-2007, 19:12
Maybe Maryville College would host you someday ;)
We have a good outfitter and lots of restaurants - plus the Smokies.
Jester2000
10-15-2007, 19:19
As I recall, there was no shortage of water at the 2005 Gathering. :D
Hmm. Now that you've mentioned it, I suppose there was too much water at the camping area in 2005. And everywhere else in New England as well. . .
. . .And yet absolutely no one showed up for the work trip to build an ark.
Maybe Maryville College would host you someday ;)
We have a good outfitter and lots of restaurants - plus the Smokies.
I think my mom went to college there!! It would be cool to be there...never have. NO wonder I have all those old pics of her and friends in the Smokies.
vera
Thanks for your response, Jester. I wondered why Dartmouth was no longer discussed as an option.
As I recall, there was no shortage of water at the 2005 Gathering. :D
They turned off the drinking water and the showers a week or two before we arrived. Maybe that was to save money or maybe that was to prevent the pipes from freezing, I don't know. Mid october is a little early for a pipe breaking freeze though.
Panzer
mweinstone
10-18-2007, 14:38
jester didnt envoke the five minnute law. at other gatherings he did and it worked fine. after five you get a sneer. then booing at 7 minutes. we need a boreing story weapon. it shoots fart gas at you and drives you off. when you see the crowd passing a devise thats right out of old farts lab, and makeing sbd noises. ........it means your storys over and its time to play..... saturation bombardment fractalsplatter! and if you tell a boreing story their must be concequences. your put on jesters list and banned from the festivitys. your taken out back, lashed to easy, and made to listen to his rambleings as we drunk him up and keep you sober. bad i know, but worth it.
here are pictures from this year's gathering http://web.mac.com/thickredhair/AT_Fall_07/In_Pictures/In_Pictures.html along w/ others from my section. enjoy!
SawnieRobertson
11-13-2007, 16:08
Maybe Maryville College would host you someday ;)
We have a good outfitter and lots of restaurants - plus the Smokies.
Please make a commitment to making this so. I attended a week-long Advanced Placement seminar there. They couldn't have been more welcoming or accommodating. Of course, this is a different crowd, but I think we tend to mind our manners while at The Gathering. There are also lots of group campsites at Cades Cove with lots of bears. (Did that one too with the Sierra Club, and, yes, bears were very present but the red wolves were being removed.) Think what fun it would be to huff and puff up to Spence Field Shelter. Think what fun it would be to have a big group bicycle ride around the Cove on a Saturday morning. Then, of course, there's the Dolly Parton thing not so far away, and there's the deep dark cave there at Townsend.
Great suggestion, Sgt. Rock.
Kinnickinic
trekkngirl
12-08-2007, 16:45
Hi guys
While I was at the Gathering this year I joined ALDHA..I have yet to receive any confirmation or any monthly news letter from them..Is this still too early to expect a response?( 3 months).. I have emailed ALDHA.org and the webmaster but the mailer doesn't go thru on either..Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. :confused:
Thanks Pat
StarLyte
12-08-2007, 17:21
Hi guys
While I was at the Gathering this year I joined ALDHA..I have yet to receive any confirmation or any monthly news letter from them..Is this still too early to expect a response?( 3 months).. I have emailed ALDHA.org and the webmaster but the mailer doesn't go thru on either..Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. :confused:
Thanks Pat
The Gathering was 2 months ago....October ;)
I have not received an email from you, so sorry. I'm not sure the email address you used though. I am receiving other email from the website and just checked it again to make sure.
We have not received any other complaints. If you email me your information I will check into this promptly.
The 3rd quarterly newsletter was mailed out right before the Gathering. The next newsletter is under construction now and will be mailed out soon. So you have not missed any newsletters.
Because you are having a problem with email, you can email me privately at:
ATrailHiker@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Marsha Lee
Membership Secretary
ALDHA
The Gathering was 2 months ago....October ;)
LOL...
Marsha Lee where have you been? I haven't heard from you lately. :(
StarLyte
12-08-2007, 17:25
LOL...
Marsha Lee where have you been? I haven't heard from you lately. :(
Hey you rascal....I'm trying to figure out how I can make both Rucks that what I'm doin..... :D
trekkngirl
12-08-2007, 17:28
Hey Marsha
Yes it was Oct..oops! I emailed the one at the bottom of your last reply and also the webmaster@aldha.org at the bottom of the ALDHA page...anyways I will send you my info..Thanks a bunch Pat
StarLyte
12-08-2007, 17:30
Hey Marsha
Yes it was Oct..oops! I emailed the one at the bottom of your last reply and also the webmaster@aldha.org at the bottom of the ALDHA page...anyways I will send you my info..Thanks a bunch Pat
Sorry that happened to you...>I know stuff happens....believe me :rolleyes:
Hey you rascal....I'm trying to figure out how I can make both Rucks that what I'm doin..... :D
Well get on it! :banana
Sorry that happened to you...>I know stuff happens....believe me :rolleyes:
what is it with ALDHA and the folks in Tn ;)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-09-2007, 06:56
Maybe Maryville College would host you someday ;)
We have a good outfitter and lots of restaurants - plus the Smokies.The youngest of the Dino children attends this college now. It would be a lovely location, but I'm not sure where they would have to put the group camp.
If you do end up doing this, I will help with the things that need to be done locally even though I'm not an ALDHA member. I'm not a my-way-or-the-highway sort of person. Some only see black and white, I see shades of gray.
Lone Wolf
12-09-2007, 07:53
it's too far south. gettysburgh should be the permanent home for gatherings
Amen....I totally agree. A very good central location
warraghiyagey
12-09-2007, 22:05
. . . I see shades of gray.
Does Mr. Dino know this??
:p
I'm just too naughty tonight.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-09-2007, 22:11
Does Mr. Dino know this??
:p
I'm just too naughty tonight.::: Dino whacks Warraghiyagey with tail :D :::
::: Dino is glad to have dodge bullet of Gathering in Maryville :::
camojack
12-09-2007, 22:27
Does Mr. Dino know this??
:p
I'm just too naughty tonight.
Good one. :D
warraghiyagey
12-09-2007, 22:31
Good one. :D
Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all night. . . again. . . sadly.:)
trailangelmary
08-07-2008, 05:22
Here is the first video I have uploaded onto YouTube from the 2007 Gathering in Gettysburg
Opening Ceremony Skit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWcQCZnI6-E)
StarLyte
08-07-2008, 06:19
Great job Mary-thank you!
mweinstone
08-07-2008, 06:23
ready, set, ......gather!