[pct-l] Mark your Planner

[Montedodge at aol.com (Montedodge@xxxxxxx)]

 And mark it for Oct. 1st thru 3rd for next year. Thanks to Brian and Roy 
Robinson, the Aldha-West gathering will be at the Sierra Club's " Clair Tappen 
Lodge" next year. The gathering will sort of a " End of the Season hiker bash" 
with long distance hikers attending who have roots in all three long distance 
National Scenic trails as well as other long paths. 
  This is quickly becoming the event of fall , much like the kick-off is to 
the PCT in the spring. Special attention to slide shows, homemade gear 
workshops, ultralight cutting-edge vendors with packs and tents. and of course , 
friendships with other long distance hikers.
   This is a good outlet for the 2004 hikers to mix with veteran hikers and 
talk about trail changes ,water sources ,etc. fresh off their trip.
   If you've never be to the gathering, ( or kick-off for that matter!) you 
owe it to your self. to go. It is like a combo class/family reunion only with 
smelly hiker types instead of Aunt Sally and Grampa Buckshot.