A Sweet Time in the Sierras

The 2007 ALDHA-West Gathering

By Phil Hough, Past President, ALDHA-West

Veteran Hikers from all over came together again for the annual ALDHA West gathering, held this year Sept 28th, 29th and 30th, among the tall trees of the Sierra Pines Camp, near Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Lakes Wilderness area. Whether seeing old acquaintances once again or meeting new faces, hikers always come together as family, understanding more about each other's experiences than even the closest of friends or relatives understand.

On Friday, Scrambler, the youngest ever PCT thru-hiker, guided us through the Goat Rocks as she recounted guiding her family through that magnificent area. A treasured place, the dramatic Goat Rocks with its stunning views and harsh weather is remembered (usually with fondness) by all who traverse it unique path.

Amy Racina delivered a stunning keynote presentation, recounting her harrowing experience in the remote backcountry of Kings Canyon. Having fallen in an area beyond where most hikers ever venture, and unable to get out on her own, Amy faced a horrible fate when...well, if you weren't at the gathering you'll just have to read her book, Angels in the Wilderness, to hear the "rest of the story."

The night finished off on a lighter note as Disco and cast of tens took us along on their 2006 Continental Divide Trail hike with the Walkumentary. Joining Disco were stars of the silver screen from as far away as Germany.

Saturday morning started off with a last minute substitute, a showing of the award winning film, "Alone Across Australia." This epicadventure recounts the trip of Jon Muir as he walks, unsupported across Australia. Well unsupported by other people. Jon's 300 pounds of gear (pulled on a homemade cart) and survival skills made up for a lack of trail towns or angels. Jon's crazy antics make even the most extreme of us look sane - who else could extol the gastronomic delights of "bloated bovine"?

Cliffhanger took us along on his globe trotting hikes to visit corners of the world as diverse as North Carolina, British Columbia and New Zealand. His photographic eye for detail and passion for place were enjoyed by all.

Meadow Ed took us down, into the deep dark hole of ...the Grand Canyon, that deepest of all ditches. Inspiring tales and plenty of practical advice kept people asking him all weekend about how to go there on their own.

Justin Lichter took us on a delightful tour to that other land "down under", New Zealand. Beautiful photos presented alongsidea compelling narrative had hikers dreaming of future treks along the new long distance trail traversing both of New Zealand's two large islands.

Ryan "ProDeal" Christensen delighted us with memories of the Pacific Crest Trail in artfully crafted slide show composed of the best of the best of photographs from many members of the PCT class of 2006. No matter how many times I see Banner and Ritter Peak, or Forester Pass, or visions of Mt Shasta I am always transported back to those places as if I were just visiting them yesterday.

Paul Hacker took us climbing high on an Alpine Tour of Switzerland, with the passion for rock formations that only a geologist could sustain and a delight of native food that only a thru-hiker could appreciate.

Backers of the Mokelumne Trail, an ambitious project to connect San Francisco to the Sierras with a footpath, laid out their plans, progress and goals. Many hikers watched with inspired eyes, connecting the possibilities for future adventures. Had this trail existed many years ago, Colin Fletcher may have ended his 1,000 mile summer by walking home.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association was available throughout the weekend to talk about their role in the community of trail and hikers and made a pointed presentation about their fine work and the benefits of membership (both to the trail and the member.) It's easy as a hiker to forget all the hard work that goes into trail maintenance and preservation, by many unsung heroes.

In the fading light of a late September afternoon, the gathering attendees huddled together for the traditional group photo. Mad Monte captured it all through his "fish eye " lense and his own bleary eyed visions. Despite the inevitable delays of yet one more hiker running to get in the photo we were done in time for dinner.

After dinner we announced a record setting 22 Triple Crown plaques!!! About 15 Triple Crowners came to claim their prize and were beaming as they strode to the makeshift stage area, amid so many photographers that the regular Hollywood paparazzi would be stunned. At the end of the Triple Crown Awards ceremony, Gary "Lindy" Lindberg passed the torch as Triple Crown Coordinator on to Jackie "Yogi" McDonnell. Our great thanks to Lindy for all his hard work over the last several years and our best wishes to Yogi as every year sees more and more people donning the Triple Crown "Tierra".

The evening wound down with yet another Squatch success. It was the unveiling, a viewing of, yes, "Even More Walking". A delightful documentary setting us up for the inevitable sequel : "What You're walking again?!?"

We awoke to a blanket of freshly fallen snow, which quickly melted away as if it were a dream.

A trip to Cinque Terre Italy with Roy "Traildad" Robinson brightened our morning. Nothing like watching hikers devour fine food and wine to get the body going on a Sunday morning.

Then as the fun was winding down, we conducted the group's official business meeting. Elections were held and we should all extend congratulations to new board members Ryan "ProDeal" Christensen, Chuck "Steel Eye" Chelin, and Craig Peterson and to our new president Greg "Strider" Hummel. And, of course, a BIG thank you should go to all the people who helped to make the gathering a great success including our gathering site and program coordinators, Rachel Ginsburg and Greg Hummel. And, as always, the tireless efforts of Bert Ewing who as our secretary/treasurer works hard year round and at the gathering to coordinate registration, membership and all the details, which keep our group, running so smoothly.

Until next year, may your hikes be long and happy!

Photos courtesy of Mad Monte. check http://www.pbase.com/mad_monte1/_aldhawest_2007_gathering for more of his work.

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Calendar Of Events

Date	Event
September 19-21	2008 ALDHA-West Gathering at Lake Wenatchee, WA, YMCA Camp