The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

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February 4, 2010

Appalachian trail celebration and backpacking clinic March 6-7

at Amicalola Falls State Park

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Both experienced and novice hikers and campers attend this annual event to celebrate the great outdoors, learn about the Appalachian Trail, listen to AT hikers share their experiences, and discover what it takes to make the 5-million step journey across 14 states. There is no registration required… just come to Amicalola Falls State Park March 6-7, 2010, and seize the opportunity!



Saturday -- Authors Gene Espy (The Trail of My Life), David Miller (AWOL on the AT & 2010 Northbound - The A.T. Guide), J.R. Tate (Walkin’ on the Happy Side of Misery & Walkin’ with the Ghost Whisperers), and Bill Walker (Skywalker) will do their presentations on Saturday, March 6, 2010, joined by The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, the Benton McKaye Trail Association, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Dane and Connie Ward, a husband and wife thru-hiking team. With an hour break for lunch at noon, and a dinner break at 6:00 p.m., programs will be presented every hour from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.



Sunday -- The Backpacking Clinic highlights our vendors who will be displaying their wares in the lower lodge lobby as well as giving presentations throughout the day. Learn about the new lightweight equipment available, how to get a good fit on your backpack, what to pack, what kind of sleeping bag or water purifier is right for a long distance hike. Sunday’s programs start at 9:00 a.m. with a question-and-answer presentation led by the seasoned hikers and trail guides of Atlanta Adventurers, followed by AntiGravityGear’s George “Tin Man” Andrews sharing “What’s for Dinner?” and lightweight gear tips. R.E.I.’s Geo Presley Brooks will then demonstrate the fine art of fitting a backpack to the hiker… or vice versa! After lunch, Thomas Horsch and Dan Eubank from La Fuma/Millet will update guests on sleeping bags and alternatives at 1:00 p.m., followed by Winton Porter, Mountain Crossings’ Just Passin’ Through author, who will share excerpts from his book telling you of the common mistakes would-be thru-hikers make and how to avoid them… you’ll be amazed how much “stuff” gets sent home at Neels Gap! Leave No Trace will then share rules of the trail followed by Dawsonville’s Outside World “Safe Drinking Water” presentation.



Stay Overnight -- The park is offering a special package for attendees wishing to spend the night(s) at the Lodge, and, if you don’t want to pack a picnic lunch (78 open tables for first-come first-served guests), the Maple Leaf Restaurant offers a delightful Saturday buffet lunch (11:30 am - 3 p.m.) & dinner (5-9 p.m.), and brunch (Sunday, 11:30 - 3:00 p.m.). Call 706-265-8888 for Lodge reservations. Visit our Volunteer website at www.FriendsOfAmicalolaFalls.org for the weekend's schedule.

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