[pct-l] PCTA Trail Fest in Seattle Coming Soon

[Tom Griffin]

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). If you are coming, it is time to register at 
<http://www.pcta.org/help/join/trailfest_registration07.asp>

 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.

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. 

Questions? Contact: Brenda Murray, PCTA <info at pcta.org>

Tom Griffin
Trail Fest Volunteer
Seattle