View Full Version : Trail Associations/Clubs
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 12:10
I've mentioned elsewhere that there isn't much information topically available about the ALDHA, and that what there is seems to be limited either to discussions involving a few people or references to "the Gathering", which may not be really understood by all.
This is a suggestion generally, but particularly to the admins (depending on their thoughts and/or further responses here):
Why not create "sub forums" for the principal trail groups that exist as discussion points about them, much as is done for shelters? And then let each group know that the sub forum exists, and that they can post to it. WB is basically the "one stop shop" now for most AT info (and growing as to other trail info, I think) as well as backpacking, and this could be a very useful thing.
I'd include not just the ATC, but the ALDHA, the PCTA, and each of the trail maintaining clubs, for starters. I don't mean that they would "own" the site, but that discussions about the group could be centered in them. I think it would help the groups as well as a lot of us here.
The Weasel
Good idea however, all the clubs and associations such as ALDHA (http://www.aldha.org), PCT (http://www.pcta.org), ATC (http://www.atconf.org) (and each trail club such as GATC (http://www.georgia-atclub.org/) and TEHCC (http://www.tehcc.org/)) CDTS (http://www.cdtsociety.org/), CDTA (http://www.cdtrail.org) etc have their own websites. I doubt you're going to get each to participate when they have their own websites to attend too.
In the meantime, I have each club and association that I'm interested in bookmarked on my computer
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 18:51
Good idea however, all the clubs and associations such as ALDHA (http://www.aldha.org), PCT (http://www.pcta.org), ATC (http://www.atconf.org) (and each trail club such as GATC (http://www.georgia-atclub.org/) and TEHCC (http://www.tehcc.org/)) CDTS (http://www.cdtsociety.org/), CDTA (http://www.cdtrail.org) etc have their own websites. I doubt you're going to get each to participate when they have their own websites to attend too.
In the meantime, I have each club and association that I'm interested in bookmarked on my computer
No, I'm sure they won't participate fully. But it would be a good way for those interested in each to learn more, and for those here who belong to each to share aspects of them. Additionally, most of those sites don't have "forums", and they might be interested in linking to WB for that purpose, knowing that they wouldn't have to moderate it or set it up.
The Weasel
No, I'm sure they won't participate fully. But it would be a good way for those interested in each to learn more, and for those here who belong to each to share aspects of them. Additionally, most of those sites don't have "forums", and they might be interested in linking to WB for that purpose, knowing that they wouldn't have to moderate it or set it up.
I don't think Troll or Rock make this an ALL trail site as it's mostly dedicated to the AT. As it is, they do have "other trails" forums. I'm moderator of the CDT forum which is hardly used. For the PCT and CDT most use backcountry.net (http://www.backcountry.net) email lists. Over the years, Ryan has been great and I personally would like to see those list continue and not supplanted. Plus those trails don't have Whiteblazes.
Perhaps, Troll could organize the links page. I have enough for each of the 3 big trails to get him going.
Jack Tarlin
09-12-2007, 19:15
There isn't much information about ALDHA?
Geesh, if you go to www.aldha.org there's all sorts of information available. You can even get their most current Newsletter free at this address.
If that's not enough, Googling "ALDHA" provides 18,000 hits which should keep the most curious soul occupied for awhile.
Anyone who says that there isn't "much information topically" about the Appalachian Long-Distance Hikers Association evidently hasn't spent much time looking for it.
TJ aka Teej
09-12-2007, 19:16
No need to reinvent the wheel. Ryan's National Scenic Trails website provides mountains of information and communication. http://www.backcountry.net/
edit: tip of the diet coke to Sly, who as usual was thinking and acting faster than I :D
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 19:27
I don't think Troll or Rock make this an ALL trail site as it's mostly dedicated to the AT. As it is, they do have "other trails" forums. I'm moderator of the CDT forum which is hardly used. For the PCT and CDT most use backcountry.net (http://www.backcountry.nnet) email lists. Over the years, Ryan has been great and I personally would like to see those list continue and not supplanted. Plus those trails don't have Whiteblazes.
Perhaps, Troll could organize the links page. I have enough for each of the 3 big trails to get him going.
I don't disagree with you, Sly, so much as I think that it offers some opportunities to the groups, particularly as "forums" that may not be available on their sites. It's sort of like the the "other trails" point you make; there isn't a lot of traffic, perhaps, but what there is has been very good and useful. Sort of like chicken soup when you're sick: "Can't hurt, might help."
As for Jack's whining about thousands of sites about ALDHA, I think he doesn't understand how many 'newbies' we have here, and how we all are, in many ways, 'newbies' about some things. Frankly, until some other threads, ALDHA as a significant entity didn't really register on me until recently, and while I know there are trail clubs all along the AT, I can't name all of them, and as for other trails, it's hard to find them. Just having the "other trails" list here reminds me of the other major trails. So I don't think it would hurt, and it might help.
I have to say, both in this connection and in relation to the ESC topic: I'm just amazed, honestly amazed, that when suggestions on how to improve things are made (and no, I'm not talking about just myself here), there is so very, very little support, and such major opposition in every way. I realize that it's easier - and maybe more fun - to attack something than to say, "There's some value in that idea...how can we improve it and make it work." But it can be very dispiriting to see nothing but opposition to so many ideas here. Yeah, I know THAT will get attacked, too. That's sad.
May be one of the reasons Orville and Wilbur didn't tell anyone why they were going to North Carolina one time...
The Weasel
Jack Tarlin
09-12-2007, 19:35
Speaking of whining, Weasel, you should really stop and listen to yourself once in awhile.
I'm entirely aware that there are "newbies" here.
Which is why I've suggested on many occasions that the best way to get information on the Appalachian Long-Distance Hiker's Association is to visit their website.
Thisis a fairly straightforward suggestion. It seems to me that the best way for people to find out about a particular organization is to actually visit that organization's own web address.
Truly an astounding concept.
Well, to Weasel maybe.
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 19:46
And, for those who don't know about it, how are they to find out, other than to read posts where you attack anyone who disagrees with Jack Tarlin?
Jesus Weasel
Jesus Weasel
Drunk, on drugs? :-?
Jack Tarlin
09-12-2007, 19:53
I dunno, Weasel. You tell me. If I was interested in the National Audubon Society, I'd probably google "National Audubon Society" to see if they had a website. If I was interested in beekeeping, well I'd probably google "beekeeping". If I was interested in "ALDHA", I'd google "ALDHA."
Got it?
Lone Wolf
09-12-2007, 20:06
Speaking of whining, Weasel, you should really stop and listen to yourself once in awhile.
I'm entirely aware that there are "newbies" here.
Which is why I've suggested on many occasions that the best way to get information on the Appalachian Long-Distance Hiker's Association is to visit their website.
Thisis a fairly straightforward suggestion. It seems to me that the best way for people to find out about a particular organization is to actually visit that organization's own web address.
Truly an astounding concept.
Well, to Weasel maybe.
*******. i thought i was an *******.:eek:
dixicritter
09-12-2007, 20:23
If I'm not mistaken we already have links to the different trail associations listed on the site, do we not? Yep, found them right up there under Links...
check it out:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=3
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=13
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=12
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=11
Being as these organizations have their own sites with all the information available, the links should be sufficient. :)
Our forum list is a mile long already, and we have enough trouble keeping moderators as it is. I seriously doubt Rock, or Attroll will sign off on adding more work for ourselves.
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 20:25
Drunk, on drugs? :-?
No, I wish. I could use a drink, if I drank much, and, truth be told, I'm almost ashamed to say that, unlike our dear president, not to mention a lot of good people, I've just never used drugs that weren't prescribed, and none of those were even 'fun' (Lipitor? You can get high on Lipitor?????)
No, it's more a 'trail name thing', you know, as in when someone calls you somthing that they think fits. Jack, in one of his recent posts, referred to me as "Jesus Weasel" and, well, you know Jack. He's right, all the time, even when he isn't. So I sorta feel like, since Jack's right, all the time (yeah, I know I said that, but it's true, is'nt it?) that I better fall into line.
I dunno, Weasel. You tell me. If I was interested in the National Audubon Society, I'd probably google "National Audubon Society" to see if they had a website. If I was interested in beekeeping, well I'd probably google "beekeeping". If I was interested in "ALDHA", I'd google "ALDHA."
Got it?
And if I didn't know the ALDHA existed, or was something I should be interested in?
I assume you're suggesting deleting all the "other trails" forums. Gear forums, too. After all, one can google "backpack" or "stove."
Glad to see you're against anything, Jack. Laws, ideas, whatever. Just pretty much damn all. I think they used to call people like that 'nihilists.' There were other names, too, but who knows what the filter here hates?
Jesus Weasel
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 20:27
If I'm not mistaken we already have links to the different trail associations listed on the site, do we not? Yep, found them right up there under Links...
check it out:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=3
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=13
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=12
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/links/browselinks.php?c=11
Being as these organizations have their own sites with all the information available, the links should be sufficient. :)
Our forum list is a mile long already, and we have enough trouble keeping moderators as it is. I seriously doubt Rock, or Attroll will sign off on adding more work for ourselves.
That's good to know, Dixi. I obviously haven't explored all the many things here. Thanks for passing that on. I'll take a look later.
The Weasel, formerly Jesus Weasel (sorry, Jack. Hate to let you down. But nah, I'm just The Weasel. But you can keep genuflecting.)
I don't disagree with you, Sly, so much as I think that it offers some opportunities to the groups, particularly as "forums" that may not be available on their sites. It's sort of like the the "other trails" point you make; there isn't a lot of traffic, perhaps, but what there is has been very good and useful. Sort of like chicken soup when you're sick: "Can't hurt, might help."
As for Jack's whining about thousands of sites about ALDHA, I think he doesn't understand how many 'newbies' we have here, and how we all are, in many ways, 'newbies' about some things. Frankly, until some other threads, ALDHA as a significant entity didn't really register on me until recently, and while I know there are trail clubs all along the AT, I can't name all of them, and as for other trails, it's hard to find them. Just having the "other trails" list here reminds me of the other major trails. So I don't think it would hurt, and it might help.
I have to say, both in this connection and in relation to the ESC topic: I'm just amazed, honestly amazed, that when suggestions on how to improve things are made (and no, I'm not talking about just myself here), there is so very, very little support, and such major opposition in every way. I realize that it's easier - and maybe more fun - to attack something than to say, "There's some value in that idea...how can we improve it and make it work." But it can be very dispiriting to see nothing but opposition to so many ideas here. Yeah, I know THAT will get attacked, too. That's sad.You know, I never cared much for lawyers, but you guys have a great grasp of effective use of words and I can certainly admire a clever baiting, especially when it was so immediately effective. Methinks WD isn't the only one who knows how to push a good button
The Weasel
09-12-2007, 21:04
Frosty, while you certainly have a point, it was said not to bait, because baiting Jack just isn't necessary. It was a recognition of inevitability, combined with, frankly, a little hope that I am wrong. Thanks for not attacking the substance of what I said. I mean that.
The Weasel
Frosty, while you certainly have a point, it was said not to bait, because baiting Jack just isn't necessary. It was a recognition of inevitability, combined with, frankly, a little hope that I am wrong. Thanks for not attacking the substance of what I said. I mean that.
The WeaselBait was the wrong word, I guess, but I do think you can push buttons with the best of them. And you certainly called the attack right.
To be honest, when I read the part about you saying you would be attacked for saying what you said, my first thought was to write an over-the-top post "attacking" you. Unfortunately, you were already attacked for real for saying it, so the joke would have been pretty stupid. Not that it was that smart to begin with. But it would have been funny.
And I agree with you that certain post topics gather much criticism. One of the benfits of a forum like this should be that everyone can give their experiences and we can all make decisions based on widely varying opinons. The problem is that saying anything bad about certain places/whatever draws massive fire. It doesn't matter if you are only relaying your experience without judging.
There is an alpha-donkey in every internet forum, whose duty it is respond with heavy artillery at casual criticism, and to keep the posters in line. Most people learn not to post after an attack or two.
There isn't anything you can do about it. Relying on logic would be like watching a debate between an astrologer and an astrophysicist. The astrophysicist would have no chance. Ten pounds of nonsense and ridicule trumps one pound of coherence and logic every time.
Jester2000
09-12-2007, 22:21
There is an alpha-donkey in every internet forum . . .
Even though I don't really fit the description, I totally want to be referred to as the alpha-donkey.
Link to A.T. Maintaining Clubs from The Appalachian Trail Home Page:
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at/atclubs.html
The PATC has a Trails Forum
http://www.hypernews.org/HyperNews/get/trails/PATC.html
AMC Bulletin Boards
http://appalachia.outdoors.org/bbs/
Johnny Thunder
09-13-2007, 09:08
I've mentioned elsewhere that there isn't much information topically available about the individual hiker-related statutes of each trail state, and that what there is seems to be limited either to discussions involving a few people or references to "The Law", which may not be really understood by all.
This is a suggestion generally, but particularly to the admins (depending on their thoughts and/or further responses here):
Why not create "sub forums" for the individual legal environments provided by the trail-states that exist as discussion points about them, much as is done for shelters? And then let each Bar Association know that the sub forum exists, and that they can post to it. WB is basically the "one stop shop" now for most AT info (and growing as to other trail info, I think) as well as backpacking, and this could be a very useful thing.
It'd include not just the local Bar Representatives but hikers and lawyers from other states who wish to learn about the specific legal issues imposed on hikers before a. traveling to the specific state with the intention of hiking or b. espousing informed advice to those intending to do so.
An Example: When traveling to my home town on or around the 4th of July it is illegal to posess, use, or distribute Silly String. Hikers should know things of this nature.
Johnny
"Well, what I figured they did, they cut out a picture of your head and pasted it on another different picture! I've done some collage work myself"
Jester2000
09-13-2007, 14:16
A suggestion for the admins:
Can you create a forum for people who want to suggest the creation of new forums?
The Weasel
09-16-2007, 17:35
I've mentioned elsewhere that there isn't much information topically available about the individual hiker-related statutes of each trail state, and that what there is seems to be limited either to discussions involving a few people or references to "The Law", which may not be really understood by all.
This is a suggestion generally, but particularly to the admins (depending on their thoughts and/or further responses here):
Why not create "sub forums" for the individual legal environments provided by the trail-states that exist as discussion points about them, much as is done for shelters? And then let each Bar Association know that the sub forum exists, and that they can post to it. WB is basically the "one stop shop" now for most AT info (and growing as to other trail info, I think) as well as backpacking, and this could be a very useful thing.
It'd include not just the local Bar Representatives but hikers and lawyers from other states who wish to learn about the specific legal issues imposed on hikers before a. traveling to the specific state with the intention of hiking or b. espousing informed advice to those intending to do so.
An Example: When traveling to my home town on or around the 4th of July it is illegal to posess, use, or distribute Silly String. Hikers should know things of this nature.
Johnny
"Well, what I figured they did, they cut out a picture of your head and pasted it on another different picture! I've done some collage work myself"
Johnny--
I think this link would be much more useful to you.
http://www.sarcasmsociety.com
The Weasel
I think this is a good idea because some of these organizations do a pathetic job with maintaining their websites (MATC is one for sure). It would be nice to have a forum dedicated to sharing information about different trail organizations. Even information on the ATC's website is out of date. For example, when you go to find out information about backpacking workshops, one of them is for a backpacking workshop that took place in 2005(the Kittery trading post one if someone is curious or if someone from the ATC is reading this).All I am really asking for is that these different groups maintain their websites so their information is accurate and up to date.
Kirby
I think this is a good idea because some of these organizations do a pathetic job with maintaining their websites (MATC is one for sure). It would be nice to have a forum dedicated to sharing information about different trail organizations. All I am really asking for is that these different groups maintain their websites so their information is accurate and up to date.
Kirby
I didn't like club websites that weren't updated either. So, even though all I know about HTML is what I learned in 1995, I wound up moving from complaining mostly to myself to (now for several years) a webmaster for two A.T.-maintaining clubs, http://www.satc-hike.org (http://www.satc-hike.org/) and http://geocities.com/cvatclub . They're not flashy or pretty but I do try to keep them up to date and sometimes even remember to delete the rotten links.
I believe nearly all the A.T. club websites are maintained, like nearly all the A.T., by volunteers. Although speaking for myself feedback is welcomed and I do try to address it when I become aware of it, folks with more time and talent are always welcome to step forward to help. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
kirby,
It would likely do far more good were you to contact MATC's webmaster Terry L. Karkos (
[email protected]) than WhiteBlaze with your concerns. You might be surprised to find someone who would be grateful for your assistance.
I recently suggested an additional link to SATC's website and it was added the next day.
Shades of Gray
Appalachian Tater
09-16-2007, 21:28
The whole point of the internet is that it's easy to access information located on different servers all over the world, so there's no need to bring all the information to one local spot. Even Google, which has basically done that, merely acts as a way of finding the information instead of serving it.
A list of links is a great idea.
Appalachian Tater
09-16-2007, 21:31
I think this is a good idea because some of these organizations do a pathetic job with maintaining their websites (MATC is one for sure). It would be nice to have a forum dedicated to sharing information about different trail organizations. Even information on the ATC's website is out of date. For example, when you go to find out information about backpacking workshops, one of them is for a backpacking workshop that took place in 2005(the Kittery trading post one if someone is curious or if someone from the ATC is reading this).All I am really asking for is that these different groups maintain their websites so their information is accurate and up to date.
Kirby
Kirby, you come across as the kind of intelligent and capable person who would make an excellent volunteer for the MATC to assist with maintaining their website, especially since you live in Maine. Even if you're not an I.T. kind of guy, the site looks fairly simple.
Even information on the ATC's website is out of date.
Kirby
Not the information on hunting seasons and bag limits since it's linked by ATC and provided by the individual states themselves. Who knows more about those regs than the people who create them and enforce them?
The Weasel
09-16-2007, 23:48
Not the information on hunting seasons and bag limits since it's linked by ATC and provided by the individual states themselves. Who knows more about those regs than the people who create them and enforce them?
While they know the regulations, they do not always do a good job of making it easy to find them or to understand them.
The Weasel
I couldn't agree more. I have a friend employed by DCNR who knows what you've pointed out. We talk about it and share email about it. I've been pestering others to help make it more available too.
If hikers don't know the laws, regs and other rules they're expected to follow, how can they be expected to follow them? It's a good thing there isn't more enforcement. Without more effort devoted to education, we'd all be locked up before long.
ATC has a wealth of information on their site, but it takes some digging to locate it. What I linked today was something I don't believe I ever saw before and I visit their site often.
WalkinHome
09-17-2007, 14:43
Speaking from first hand knowledge and experience, it won't surprise to to learn that clubs like the MATC or the ATC have too few volunteers trying their best to do too many jobs. It is not because we want to be over-tasked, but there are not enough folks stepping up to the plate. We welcome all as volunteers though it may not be as easy as you would like to break in but if you have a love of the trail and the passion to go with it you should persevere. COME ON DOWN!!!
PS if you wish to know what my list of jobs looks like send me a PM. And I am a lightweight!!LOL
walkin' wally
09-17-2007, 21:06
Speaking from first hand knowledge and experience, it won't surprise to to learn that clubs like the MATC or the ATC have too few volunteers trying their best to do too many jobs. It is not because we want to be over-tasked, but there are not enough folks stepping up to the plate. We welcome all as volunteers though it may not be as easy as you would like to break in but if you have a love of the trail and the passion to go with it you should persevere. COME ON DOWN!!!
PS if you wish to know what my list of jobs looks like send me a PM. And I am a lightweight!!LOL
Yeah, about being busy with MATC;
Weary had a post a little while ago that said, If you want to get something done ask the busy person to do it.
By the way, I just got the section directly south of yours to maintain. :sun
All I am really asking for is that these different groups maintain their websites so their information is accurate and up to date.
Kirby
Are you asking them or just telling us?
To learn more about A.T. maintaining clubs, go here (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786807/k.3154/Trail_Clubs.htm).
WalkinHome
09-18-2007, 15:07
We, at the MATC, are running as fast as we can. To his credit, Kirby has been on at least two MATC work trips helping build privies. But there is allot more to a maintaining club than the glamorous? trail work LOL.