Coming up in two weeks!
Yours truly will be in the vendor fair. So yes, if you are coming, look for me! I will be selling my book plus my new-to-the-market UL bag cozy.
The scoop:
(Borrowed from a post on NWHikers.net)
It is only two weeks away from the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s annual gathering, this time held in Seattle. Trail Fest 2007 takes place March 23-25 at the Mountaineers Club, 300 Third Ave. W., in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood just north of downtown. Trail classes, local outings, a vendor fair and special presentations are on the program. You don’t have to love the Pacific Crest Trail to enjoy the conference (but it helps). Visit to register
PROGRAM
Friday Evening, Special FREE Event
7 p.m.
Andrew Skurka
Skurka was the first person to complete the 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route, a transcontinental network of long-distance hiking trails from Quebec to Washington. Because of his transcontinental accomplishment, Skurka was named "Person of the Year" by Backpacker Magazine in 2005
SATURDAY
Vendor Fair 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Trail Class Schedule
9-10:30 AM
Going Light: Sub 3 on the PCT: Glen Van Peski, Henry Shires
PCT Guidebooks: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Dr. Ben Schifrin, Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell
Land Management Agencies Update: Forest Service Representatives
10:45-NOON
Capturing the Journey: Photos and Videos: Eric Valentine, Scott “Squatch” Herriott
Fires & Floods: Trail Damage Report: Elizabeth Lunney, Washington Trails Association Staff, Forest Service Representative
Trail Conservation from a Thruhiker’s Perspective: Robert “Go-Big” Francisco
NOON-1:30 PM
Special Event
To Canada and Back: A PCT Yo-Yo: Scott Williamson
1:30-2:45 PM
Getting Ready for the Trail: Workouts & Technique: Courtenay and Doug Schurman
Protecting the Trail Corridor: How You Can Help: Clark Mather, Douglas W. Scott, Brock Evans, Liz Bergeron, Mike Dawson. Ted Willhite, moderator
Trail Angels: Endangered Species? Donna Saufley, Jerry Dinsmore
3-4:15 PM
What’s New at the PCTA? (Annual Meeting): Liz Bergeron and PCTA Board Members
4:30-6 PM
Wilderness Medicine from A to Z: Dr. Ben Schifrin
Thruhiker Panel: Frank “StarMan” Gilliland, Greg “Hot Sister” Hammond, Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell, Melissa “Treehugger” Spencer, Barry “Token Civilian” Teschlog. Monte Dodge, moderator.
No Horsing Around: How Equestrian Groups Help Maintain the Trail: Dr. A. G. Wesseluis
6 PM
Class of 2006 Reunion/Class of 2007 Gathering
Saturday Speakers:
Scott Williamson, the only person to hike the PCT from Mexico to Canada and back in one year–and he’s done it twice. See You Tube
for more about Scott.
Brock Evans, environmental activist, the former Washington D.C. director for the Sierra Club and winner of the club’s highest honor, the John Muir Award.
Dr. Ben Shifrin, wilderness medicine expert and co-author of the Pacific Crest Trail guidebook.
Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell, triple crown thruhiker and author of the Pacific Crest Trail Handbook
Courtenay Schurman, fitness expert, contributor to Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills and co-producer of the DVD “Train to Climb Mt. Rainier.”
Scott “Squatch” Herriott, director of the PCT documentaries “Walk,” “Still Walking,” and the newest video, “Even More Walking.”
Eric Valentine, nature photographer whose work has appeared in regional and national publications.
Liz Bergeron, executive director, Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Donna “L-Rod” Saufley, trail activist and well-known “trail angel.”
Robert “Go-Big” Francisco, conservationist and 2006 thruhiker
Dr. A. G. Wesseluis, trail maintenance expert and member of the Washington Back Country Horsemen of America
Douglas W. Scott, Policy Director, Campaign For America’s Wilderness
Elizabeth Lunney. Executive Director, Washington Trails Association
Plus owners of gear companies, representatives from the forest service and other agencies, and five 2006 thruhikers.
SATURDAY EVENING
PCTA Trail Fest Award Dinner
7 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Dave Ross
Dave Ross hosts the Dave Ross Show from 9-12 on 710 KIRO in Seattle , and has been on the air in Seattle since 1978. He's done a daily commentary on the CBS Radio Network since 1993, and substitutes for Charles Osgood on "The Osgood File."
TRAIL FEST SUNDAY OUTINGS:
Beer & Gear: A tour of Seattle’s outdoor retailers followed by a no-host lunch at the Pyramid Ale House.
Ride the Ducks: See Seattle’s sights on an amphibious vehicle.
Bainbridge Island and Bloedel Reserve: Take a ferry to an island in Puget Sound, visit a winery and walk in a nature preserve.
The 2007 Trail Fest is only $10 for PCTA members and $15 for non-members (The Saturday Awards Dinner and Sunday outings have additional charges). Visit http://www.pcta.org/help/join/trailfest_registration07.asp to register and for the latest information.
