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Re: [at-l] Ohh, to be in Appalachia....(the Gathering)
Biasuki@aol.com wrote:
>
> I have been to one Trail Days and one Gathering (both in 96) so I'm no
> expert, but I found the Gathering to be much more laid back and mellow than
> Trail Days which was much more of a party scene. Both were great! You just
> have to appreciate them for what they are.
<Snip>
I'd be interested in hearing others.
>
> Keep on Keepin' on!
> Dean
I haven't attended Trail Days, but did attend the Gathering in '96. I
agree with Dean about the Gathering. Very contemplative mood. Much
camaraderie. As a section hiker, I was made to feel very welcome by the
thru-hikers there. I was sort of worried about this, but that feeling
went away immediately. Jim and Jinny Owen, Bill O'Brien, Bill and Laurie
Foot, Mike Henderson, Frank and Victoria Logue and many others made me
feel so welcome. I had a chance to talk to Ed Garvey and he was truly
interested in my section hikes. He even took my name and address down!
And, the highlight was talking to Earl Shaffer for about 15 minutes. I
helped him carry his materials for his slide show in and showed him
where he was to speak! He spent some time with me and even autographed
my copy of "Walking with Spring" for me. Signed it, "Happy Trails",
Pete.
I attended Warren Doyle's class for prospective thru-hikers and had the
chance to pick his brain. Very interesting person.
This was a wonderful experience for me. People were very unassuming and
down-to-earth. None of this elitism that some people experience on the
trail. No "us" and "them" atmosphere. Met a lot of at-l people too,
including Sandy, Chase, Rachel (Solophile), Bleeder Guy, Mike Henderson,
Trip, Marty (Gypsy) and a few others. I would highly recommend the
Gathering if you really want to learn about the AT, it's culture,
history, and of course, thru-hiking it. I won't thru-hike for a number
of years yet, but you can be sure that I will attend as many Gatherings
as I can. Support ALDHA!
--
Peter H. Fornof
athiker@plantnet.com
broknspoke@aol.com
http://www.plantnet.com/~athiker
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