What's New
this site is often updated with new roads, walkways and paths.
Here's what's new:
Week ending Sept. 4, 2010 ...
- Here is the direct link to the medical fund established on behalf of Walkin' Jim Stoltz (see note below):
http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/E730BD0A-FC25-5842-D71D739E26DE9780
Please help out one of the original members of our clan. If you wish to help spread the word, check out the page that's been created on Facebook and become a friend/supporter there. Thank you.
Week ending Aug. 28, 2010 ...
- A NOTE FROM WALKIN' JIM STOLTZ:
Hello Friends --
This isn't my usual Wild Wind newsletter, but I've wanted to let many of you know of some recent challenges. I returned home to Montana in mid-May intent on planning my next long trek and doing all kinds of projects I've had my heart set on. But almost immediately I started experiencing breathing and fatigue problems. The long, difficult ordeal of dealing with our health care system began, and I saw doctors in Helena, Seattle, and Billings with no good answers as to what was happening to me. In July I started getting daily fevers that knocked me further down. Finally, I had a doctor who checked me into the hospital where I stayed for 12 days as they did test after test to halt the fevers. It was there in the Billings hospital a couple days into my visit that I learned that my cancer had metastasized, reappearing in my liver.
Needless to say, things aren't looking real good. I've canceled my touring and am going through chemo treatments here in Helena. I'm hoping (and planning) on getting some quality time returned to me after going through these treatments, but it looks like I'll be on chemo the rest of my life. I would love to have my energy back and be able to do some things I'd like to do in the months (and perhaps years) ahead. After all, I do have l lots of songs I'd still like to record!!
I'm sorry to share this sad news, but I know how important it is to have thoughts and prayers and energy coming my way right now. You all have helped me in that department before and I hope you'll hold me in your light once again.
I also wanted to get the word out about my Medical Fund. This is something I set up several years ago but has been a great help with all the medical bills. A big THANK YOU who have supported me in the past with contributions. Since I won't be working again it is something that will really pull me through with the dealings with health care. You can access it at the NTAF site here or go to my website page about it here.
I'll try to send out a more traditional newsletter next month, but for now I leave you with a quote from a Leonard Cohen song...
-
"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in."
My life has given me a lot of cracks....and thus, a lot of light to guide my way wherever I may go.
Love and Happy Trails,
--- Walkin' Jim
Week ending Aug. 21, 2010 ...
- Information on the Gathering has started to be posted. Check the Gathering page to track it all down, from programs on Friday night and Saturday to registration details and other info you need to know. Also, the Ride Board has been posted online, so if you need a ride or rider, check it out. We might be able to help you.
Week ending July 17, 2010 ...
- The new AT Museum had its grand opening last month, and here's some of the press telling the story of its opening.
Week ending June 24, 2010 ...
- The summer newsletter has been posted online, on the Newsletter page, and some other housekeeping chores have been done here and there. We hope to post information on the Gathering soon.
Week ending April 24, 2010 ...
- Very sad news to pass along to all. Jim Burson, a 1959 thru-hiker, has passed away. His services will be tonight and tomorrow in Georgia. For several years, Jim organized the annual Amicalola Falls A.T. Celebration every March since it began several years ago, served on the board of GA State Parks, and was very active in introducing youth to the outdoors. He maintained the thru-hiker register at Amicalola Falls and shared the registry with ATC, worked as a ranger for Amicalola Falls State Park, and later served as president of the Friends of A.F.S.P.
Week ending March 13, 2010 ...
- Plans are in the works for the Grand Opening of the A.T. Museum, including a series of day hikes. You can also "hike in to history" to arrive at the site of the new museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park just in time for the dedication ceremony on National Trails Day, June 5. Want to know more so you can plan ahead? Here are two fliers with all the details: Hike to History and Other June Hikes. The hikes are being led by the Susquehanna A.T. Club in cooperation with the A.T. Museum Society, and the fliers include a standard hike release form.
NOTE: There's a limit of 150 hikers for the "Hike to History" excursion, so reserve your spot now.
- The 2010 Directory has been delivered to most folks in ALDHA by now. If you haven't gotten yours yet, hold on. It may still be in transit. If you haven't gotten yours by March 15, let us know. See more on the Directory page, including a copy of this year's cover.
- GOT THE FEVER? Check out this brand new slide show by Joe "Braid" Liles about his thru-hike last year... It features the song he wrote during his journey. Warning: You may get to scratchin' that Springer Fever.
Week ending March 6, 2010 ...
- The 2010 edition of the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion is now posted online, on the Companion page.
Week ending Feb. 27, 2010 ...
- Here's the spring newsletter. And good news from the print shop: The 2010 Directory was mailed out of North Carolina this past week, so it should be arriving in mailboxes very soon.
Week ending Feb. 20, 2010 ...
- ALDHA's spring meeting is coming up soon. Everyone is invited to participate. If you have any ideas or items you wish to bring to the board's attention please come join us on March 20th at Ironmasters Mansion Hostel at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Please contact the coordinator at coordinator@aldha.org if you plan on attending so we can get an accurate headcount for Saturday's lunch and supper and Sunday's breakfast. If you cannot attend but still have an item you wish considered please contact me at coordinator@aldha.org. Hope to see you there.
-- Jojo, ALDHA Coordinator
- The agenda for the spring steering committee meeting has been posted here.
Week ending Feb. 13, 2010 ...
- We've updated the Gathering page with the details we have so far, including the date and time of the annual spring meeting, which is set for March 20 at Ironmasters Mansion Hostel in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. All members of ALDHA are welcome, but please contact the coordinator (coordinator@aldha.org) so meals can be properly organized. We are in need of a program coordinator for the Gathering, so please check out the Gathering page NOW.
- Check out the clever little poem submitted by Glenn Mangold for the essays/poetry page of this site. The direct link: If Yeats Had Been a Backpacker.
- Directory update: The 2010 Directory is heading for the printers, so it won't be long now before you'll be receiving it in the mail.
Week ending Jan. 29, 2010 ...
- We have launched a new feature called the the ALDHA Poll. Check it out, read the question, offer your opinion and see how you did compared with everyone else's answers. If you have ideas for future polls, send them along to webmaster@aldha.org
- The 2010 edition of the Thru-Hikers' Companion is now available for sale from the the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Ultimate Trail Store. [See an image of the new cover here.]
Week ending Jan. 16, 2010 ...
- Word has been received of the death of Harry Thomas, who was known to hikers and members of ALDHA by his trail name, "Harry the Indian." He attended several Gatherings. Here's the obituary that appeared in the Athens News.
Week ending Dec. 26, 2009 ...
- Happy Holidays to everyone. Here's the winter newsletter.
Week ending Nov. 14, 2009 ...
- R E M I N D E R !
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. EST on the National Geographic cable channel, don’t miss the new full-length documentary, “America’s Wild Spaces: Appalachian Trail,” capturing the Appalachian Trail as only National Geographic can.
The National Geographic film crew will take you on a rollercoaster ride of agonizing ascents and rewarding vistas -- all courtesy of mountains roughly 480 million years in the making. You will get to explore the trail through the five distinct regions of the A.T. landscape and learn what it takes to keep this ribbon of green safe, healthy and totally wild.
In addition to breathtaking scenery along the entire trail, you will get a chance to meet hikers, volunteers, trail angels, ATC staff, and scientists. Celebrate with fellow ATC members Frank Wright volunteering on Springer, Laurie Potteiger greeting visitors in Harpers Ferry, and Gary Hill completing his 2008 thru-hike atop Katahdin.
The film will be rebroadcast that same night (Tuesday) at 11 p.m., as well as the following Tuesday (Nov. 17) at 4 p.m. EST.
Week ending Nov. 7, 2009 ...
- More photos have been uploaded to our online scrapbook, thanks to “Panzer” and “Hoop Time.” It is not too late to get your photos included, so send them to aldha@aol.com. Note: click to the end of the scrapbook for a followup story on the celestial event that some ALDHA folks witnessed on Friday night!
- And speaking of “Hoop Time,” check out the story that ran Sunday in the Patriot News of Harrisburg about the A.T. Museum’s opening next Trails Day in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania. It was written by Chris Couragen, aka “Hoop Time.”
- For a report on ALDHA’s post-Gathering work trip at the A.T. Museum site, check out the story writtten about it by Sanne Bagby.
- The deadline for the fall newsletter is Nov. 15, so get your photos and submissions in the editor’s hands as soon as possible. You can send your material to newsletter@aldha.org.
Week ending Oct. 31, 2009 ...
- THE GROUP PHOTO from the 2009 Gathering has been posted and can be downloaded for your scrapbooks. Speaking of which, we still need more photos for our online scrapbook. We know there are a lot of photos out there... please send some to us at aldha@aol.com.
Week ending Oct. 24, 2009 ...
- Leftover neck wallets, new bumper stickers and other memorabilia that ALDHA sells have been added to the order form you can print out and mail in with your check or money order. Only a limited number of the new neck wallets are available, so get yours now. They were very well received at the Gathering. Also, the price on the remaining 25th anniversary T-shirts has been slashed, but only a few are still available.
- A new brochure for 2010 has been posted online in PDF format.
- If you would like to see and hear “Braid” sing “The Hiker Song,” which he composed during his A.T. thru-hike this past year, check out this video from the Gathering filmed by “Old Goat” and “Check6.” Providing musical backup for Joe are “Dutch Treat” and “Singer.” The song was performed during Walkin’ Jim’s workshop, The Hikers’ Muse, on Sunday afternoon at the Gathering.
Week ending Oct. 17, 2009 ...
- An ONLINE SCRAPBOOK OF THE GATHERING has now been posted online. It is made up of photos submitted by those who were there, and there’s plenty of room left if you’d like to contribute your artwork. Just send your pics to
- If you enjoyed your experience at this year’s Gathering, please write a letter to Janet Morgan Riggs, the president of Gettysburg College, and let her know what your impressions are of her university... Its grounds, buildings, classrooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, etc., and how much you enjoyed your visit there. You can write to her online. Just visit this site: Contact the President, and follow the instructions. If you prefer to write a personal note and mail it to her, the address is:
- Janet Morgan Riggs, President
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Week ending Oct. 10, 2009 ...
- ON OUR WAY TO GATHERING: Hope to see you all in Gettysburg!
- THIS JUST IN: Bart Smith, our feature presenter on Friday night, has just finished his several yearslong journey of becoming the first person in history to have hiked all 11 of our National Scenic Trails and is on his way back East for the ALDHA Gathering. You can read about the completion of his his trek and find out more about him and this magnificent accomplishment in a story published Saturday in The Seattle Times. This coming weekend -- at the Gathering -- will be Bart’s first public appearance since the end of his trek, and he will be, quite literally, fresh off the trail.
- Gettysburg is gearing up for the 150th anniversary of its Famous Fight in four years (2013), and it’s taking some steps now to spruce itself up for the big observance. Check out this story from the Detroit Free Press with details on some of the things that have already been done in town, and what is new since our last ALDHA Gathering at Gettysburg two years ago: Gettysburg Upgraded for Anniversary
Week ending Oct. 3, 2009 ...
- We’ve lost all the information that was on this page. Uggh... But here’s what you need to know... There are updates being posted on the following pages as we get closer to the Gathering, which is coming up in just over a week. So please check back frequently. We will attempt to rebuild this page as best we can ... AFTER the Gathering.
- GATHERING PAGE
Including updates on what you’ll find in your registration packet; and what the Class of "A.T.9" is doing to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
- RIDE BOARD
There are new ride & rider requests, including one posted Saturday from someone about to finish a thru-hike in the Shenandoahs who would like to celebrate at the Gathering.
- PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- POST-GATHERING WORK TRIP
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need to recruit some free hands on Thursday night before the Gathering to help stuff the registration packets. If you can arrive early for the Gathering, on Thursday, you can pitch your tent at the campsite but only if you help us out in the early evening. We will likely head to the college to do the work, since we need tables and chairs to do it right.
