ANDERSON AND ANDERSON MARKETING AND PROMOTION TEAM ATTENDS APPALACHIAN LONG DISTANCE HIKERS ASSOCIATION(ALDHA) GATHERING AT CONCORD COLLEGE IN ATHENS , WEST VIRGINIA
While they do not lay claim to being long distance hikers they are experienced and expert in long distance driving. Between Thursday and Monday afternoon they covered approximately 2000 miles (almost the length of the AT) on some of the most scenic interstates in northeastern United States during the height of the fall foliage season. They “camped” in several excellent, and low priced, Super 8 motels and ate a lot of Dick’s carrots and fast-food along the way.
In addition to about 30 hours of driving time, they did five presentations at the Gathering and staffed out traditional IAT/SIA information booth. It was a great opportunity for Dick and Walter to see all their long distance hiking friends and meet lots of new ones.
Several thru-hikers of the IAT/SIA were in attendance including: Mother Nature’s Son, Mechanical Man, JoJo Smiley, Spur, Linguini, Dennis Webster, Tennessee, and Gourmet Dave.
Dick and Walter got a chance to update all of these hikers on the great progress that has been made in improving and extending the trail. Mother Nature’s Son and Mechanical Man and Captain America conducted a well attended seminar on their 2008 hiking experiences that included some wonderful photographs taken along the trail. One historic photograph was of them at the new north end of the trail at Crow Head, on the Island of Newfoundland. They answered questions from an audience of potential 2009 thru-hikers.
The presentations at the Gathering include detailed descriptions of member’s hikes on many of North America’s long distance trails. It was clear to Walter and Dick that the issues we are dealing with are shared with most long distance trails.
One highlight of the Gathering was for Walter and Dick was a chance to meet, and talk to, (and get photographed with) Gene Espy the second person to thru-hike the AT in 1951.
After the ALDHA business meeting Dick met with Bill O’Brien from ALDHA and agreed to sponsor the 2000 Miler’s reception at the 2009 ATC Conference in Vermont.
Next year’s ALDHA Gathering will return to Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Walter and Dick are hoping that other members of the Maine Chapter and the IAT/SIA Council will join them on Columbus Day weekend for the 2009 ALDHA Gathering.
Many of Walter’s wonderful photographs accompany this article.
Concord University - Exterior
Concord University - Interior
Campsites
IAT/SIA Display
Gene Espy and Dick Anderson
IAT/SIA Display
Stage
| 
