Help needed for Thru-Hiking Workshop 7/19 in VT

[Lauriep]

I'm putting out a call to '08 Thru-hikers and others with recent long-distance A.T. experience to help with a workshop at the A.T. Festival in Castleton, Vermont, on Sunday, July 19 at 1:15 pm (Stafford 146).

"2008 Thru-Hikers Share Secrets of Success" will be moderated by Bill O'Brien, longtime Appalachian Long Distance Hiker's Association (ALDHA) leader and me. This workshop will be in the same format that's used every fall at The Gathering: recent thru-hikers stand at the front of the room and answer questions from the audience about thru-hiking and recent trends in gear, and everything A.T.-related. 51 people are registered so far.

Since we don't know how many '08 thru-hikers will be attending the festival, we're broadening the criteria for those who will be answering questions.

If you're not already registered for the festival and don't plan on participating in any other part of the festival, your registration fee will be waived. I don't yet know if I'll need to submit your name in advance for you to be able to get in, but either way I'd appreciate hearing from you if can come. Post here or email me (before July 17) at lpotteiger@appalachiantrail.org.

There's more info about the festival at www.vermont2009.org.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

[Jack Tarlin]

Will be there and will be happy to help in any way; have not thru hiked for awhile, but have fairly extensive long-distance experience in recent years, including 2008 as well as this year. Will be in Castleton Thur. PM or early Friday and will find you then.

[Lauriep]

Jack,

It'll be an honor to have you join us.

I'll be sure to have copies of your resupply article on hand.

Laurie

[Lauriep]

We'd love to have some '09 thru-hikers in the mix for the workshop.

My husband and I can pick up a couple hikers at the Rutland hostel, or the Rt 4 (or some other close-by) trailhead on Sunday morning. (Castleton is 14 miles west of Rutland; 18 miles west of the A.T.) I can also offer a meal or two, maybe a shower, and drive you wherever nearby you might need to go, and get you back to Rutland or the trailhead later in the day; maybe the next morning if you'd like to camp. There's limited camping at Castleton College; I haven't been able to find out yet if there will be any space left. There are other campgrounds nearby that do have room.

I might be able to someone else to help with transportation if more than a couple thru-hikers are interested.

If you'd like my cell #, send me an email or PM.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC