Another Fine Time at the Gathering! 
This year's Gathering was almost like a Who's Who of the long distance hiking community. Attendees and presenters included Andy Skurka, extra-long distance hiker; Doug Scott, wilderness advocate extraordinaire; Jon Knechtal, the force behind the Pacific Northwest Trail; Nona and Zigzagger, our two newest Triple Crowners, as well as the other 11 Triple Crowners at the Gathering; and the other 80+ folks passionate about long distance hiking.
Andy Skurka wowed many of us with his 2 presentatons. The Ultra-light Clinic was another look at what is necessary and efficient in ultra-light hiking, even taking it to the level of weight efficient nutrition. It seems that no matter how much we cut from our base pack weight there is still something else you can do to trim the "fat"
. His Saturday evening presentation "The New Frontier of Long-Distance Hiking: Long-Distance Adventuring" took us beyond the constucted trails to the adventure of creating your own, and finding your new definition of adventure.
A new feature at the Gathering was the Backpacker's Olympics. With various events scattered throughout the weekend competitors vied for the recognition of being able to stuff sleeping bags, set up tents boil water, stuff bear canisters with food and various other important hiking skills. The event provided a change from the presentations, a chance to stretch and move about, and more than a little humor.
Of course the highlight of the weekend was the presentation and receipt of and Triple Crown Award. ALDHAWest is the only organization that recognizes the tri-fecta of the three long trails (PCT, AT, CDT). In the past 15 years some 106 individuals have committed themselves to the completion of these three trails, almost 7500 miles and over 300 days on the trail!
Of the thirteen people receiving the Triple Crown plaque only two were present at the Gathering this year, Nona from Nowhere, and Zigzagger. After receiving their award they were met on stage by 11 other previous Triple Crown recipients.
If one was to consider the uniqueness of earning the Triple Crown, consider this; only 106 people have claimed this "crowning achievement" in the past 15 years, while 303 people are known to have summitted Mt.Everest this year alone! ALDHAWest takes pride in prividing this recognition to the long distance hiking community!
Here is the link to see the 2009 Triple Crown Video that was shown at the ALDHA-West gathering this last year. For the video, each Triple Crown recipient submitted a photo from their childhood, and
a photo from the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide
Trails. The video was shown before the Triple Crown awards were handed out. Yogi was the producer of the video, while Ryan Christensen was the editor. Check it out at http://vimeo.com/8506588
The faciilities at Camp Arrah Wannah, where this year's Gathering was held, are among the best we have been able to procure for the ALDHAWest Gathering. The food is good, the layout of the campus facilitates ample opportunity to walk, and the Pavillion, media center, is fully equipped with all the AV necessities. Besides all this their staff is excetional to work with.
Here's what Dicetra, one of our newest Board members, has to say in her blog:
This past weekend I had the privelege of attending the annual ALDHA-West Gathering at Camp Arrah Wanna in Welches OR. It was a bit of a drive from Seattle, but more than worth the travel time. I love these events because ... more
Members in the News
Descriptions of the trips Fred Gaudet favors won’t be found in your average travel guide. One he completed a couple of years ago, for instance, is advertised as offering severe weather, hypothermia, lightning... more
If you know of any members being featured in the news for their hiking exploits please let us know so we may share with our members. Contact Bob Turner, Web Editor.
Request for Contributions- No Money Involved!
ALDHAWest, being an all volunteer organization, is in need of content contributions for the Gazette publication and the web site. Most topics of interest to long distance hikers will be considered. Be sure to send pictures to be included in your material. We are capable of working with almost any formats that can be sent to us, although we do prefer electronic forms for ease of editing. To send material or for further information contact: Tom Magee, Gazette Editor or Bob Turner, Web Editor.
Other News
Request for Triple Crown recipient photos. If you are a past Triple Crown recipient and would like to have your photo included with the rest of the honorees please send the photo or digital image to Webmaster. Be sure to include your name and the years you completed the trails.
The 15th annual ALDHAWest Gathering will be held September 24-26. As usual the Gathering Coordinator, Craig Peterson, and the ALDHAWest Board are already at work planning and organizing this year's event. Watch for further details.
Calendar Of Events
| Date | Event |
| September 24-26, 2010 | 2010 ALDHA-West Gathering |
| October, 2010 | ALDHA 29th Annual Gathering |