Warren Doyle's AT course

[The Tank]

I lucked into a class of his at The Gathering in 99 before my thru-hikes.I can't tell you how many times his words helped me along.

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks!

[mweinstone]

i don't want to throw this thread off topic, but i heard of "the gathering" from a hitchhiker i picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks!

the gathering is just a fancy name for fun.

[Red Hat]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks!

I took ATI course in 2003 and found it interesting. Aspects definitely helped me complete my hike last year. Take what you find useful, and leave the rest, mostly hike your own hike...

Now, the Gathering is the annual get together of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, ALDHA, which was started by Warren Doyle, by the way. It is held the around Columbus day every year, and the location varies. This year it is up north. Here is the site for info: http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

[wcgornto]

I took WD"s class in '07 ... he helps you deal with the mental side of the hike ... it was my way of getting a bad day out of my system. And you will have a lot of bad days so learn a way to enjoy every day of your hike.

I didn't take the class. I didn't have any bad days. I had some cold, wet, rainy days ... but no bad days.

[Trailbender]

I didn't take the class. I didn't have any bad days. I had some cold, wet, rainy days ... but no bad days.

My only bad days were missing getting on my computer and playing videogames or watching tranny porn.

[Lone Wolf]

hmmmmmmmmm....a thruhiking course from the worlds greatest dayhiker?

geek

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm

[weary]

hmmmmmmmmm....a thruhiking course from the worlds greatest dayhiker? geek

We are all day hikers -- well most of us. Warren has done more "day" hikes of the AT than anyone, but also is a solo thru hiker. I've never attended one of his courses, but I can't think of anyone better prepared to teach such a thing.

[rickb]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks!

I am looking forward to attending for the first time this year.

If in doubt, you might want to check the 2 part YouTube video. Part one is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o9d...eature=related

A good amount of the time is an interview with Warren Doyle, so your question is not off topic at all.

[Spokes]

Some people take courses on how to make sushi. Now that's hard to learn.

So does that make Warren the "Itamae of the Trail"?

[Rockhound]

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm

It's cuz you're just a newb. You should just let the experienced hikers voice their opinions. you might learn something.

[Spokes]

It's sorta like watching a Time-Life infomercial on the "Legends of Rock n' Roll".

[jenpharr]

I attended Warren's ATI in 2004, before my first thru-hike. I found it immensely helpful in keeping my hike simple, affordable, and safe. He presented many options in his instruction, which I found helpful at crucial times on the trail. For example, when my stove broke I remembered that Warren had talked about hiking the trail without cooking - I soon discovered that I liked hiking better when I didn't have to cook and clean pots. I also met several other thru-hike hopefuls at the workshop. The participants were fun, energetic and engaging. The group spirit was contagious and even though I ended up hiking on my own, I carpooled and started the hike with a couple I met at the workshop. Plus his house is cool and you get to hike on the AT in the course and it is really affordable. The money spent on the course paid for itself, considering the alternative, unnecessary, and inexpensive gear that I learned about at the institute.

[John B]

Jenpharr, if I'm not mistaken, aren't you a record holder for speed hiking the AT?

It's an honor to say hello to you.

[mweinstone]

wait. the inside of his house is what? describe.....

[Sly]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks!

It's generally held on, or near, Columbus Day weekend every year. This year, the 30th Gathering, will be held in North Adams, Ma. at MCLA.

Headliner and keynote speaker will be Andrew Skurka and his recent Alaskan adventures...

http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

http://www.andrewskurka.com/

[warren doyle]

I have run the ATI since 1989. About 500 future thru-hikers, from 39 states and three foreign countries) have attended. Close to 75% of the attendees who actually started their thru-hikes completed their treks (as opposed to the regular 20-25% completion rate).
And now it is held at the Appalachian Folk School just ten miles from Damascus. Next session is May 2-6.
The tuition (which includes lodging) is affordable and you will end up spending less in the long run.
More info at www.warrendoyle.com

[DavidNH]

As for taking a course prior to through hiking, I'm sure it is useful. My personal recommendation would be simply to read what you can, and do a few back packs before hand so you have an idea what you are getting in to. Everyone works out the kinks in time. But one has to not quit in order for that to happen.


David

[Panzer1]

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm

people just like to give you flak.

Panzer

[Gray Blazer]

I like BJ's course better.

Ha Ha

.......

[old geezer]

Thanks for all the posts
After reviewing nothing but positive comments from those who have actually taken the course...I'm in!
Signed up for the September course