My apologies if these is another thread on this — but I don’t recall seeing one recently.
For those who don’t know, the ALDHA gathering is coming up soon.
This year’s is in Williamstown, MA over Columbusday weekend.
By my nature, I am not normally inclined to participate in such things but my wife and I came to the last two held in Williamstown, and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Good vibe for both those with friends attending, or for those who may not know a singe person, I think. Great camping field, and the college where many excellent presentations are held is a great venue — we have eaten in the dining hall as it afford the chance to socialize a bit (just sit next anyone who doesn’t look like a student and say hello).
For non-hiking stuff, you can walk to the world class Clark Institute (an Art museum that would be right at home on Central Park - sited in the boonies by the Singer Sewing machine money) or the MASMOCA contemporary art museum in nearby Adams. You can drive up Greylock, or ride bikes on a decent rail trail. Or go on any number of scheduled group hikes. Just saying, there is plenty beyond just the AT stuff to enjoy — but that is of course the best part (opening night is always fun as each year’s class stands up together in the auditorium. Plenty of inspiration I guarantee.
Basically, I guess what’s I am saying is that I think some folks who are not normally drawn to such things (like me) might think about attending.