Annual Reunion 2024 Recap
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the Trail Crew Association’s 2024 Reunion Weekend!
It was three days packed with fun, adventure, and good company and we can’t wait for next year. If you would like to donate to TCA, please do so below.
You can make a general donation or contribute to one of our three initiatives: Shelburne Cabin Fund, Reunion Fund, or Communications and Alumni Engagement Fund. The Shelburne Cabin Fund money is for completing the reshingling project on the roof, the Reunion Fund money is to reserve a spot for next year’s reunion, and the Communications and Alumni Engagement Fund money is to spruce up our website and publications such as Chips and Clippings. Just write down the fund you are interested in supporting in the “TCA Initiative” line. Stay tuned for updates on next year’s reunion! We are going to try to schedule it earlier in 2025 and perhaps hold the event in the North Conway area.
Saturday Recap: A Productive Day of Trail Restoration and Leadership
On Saturday, TCA members Bob Biddle, Willie Janeway, Nate Lowrey, and Marshall Pontrelli worked on the base of the Old Bridle Path with Peter Jensen for the “Restore the Ridge” volunteer organization. Under Peter’s expert guidance they split rocks, quarried and began the new trail’s first staircase. Meanwhile, alum Bob White served further up-trail as an RTR project manager.
Sunday Recap: A Day of Insightful Talks and Great Company
On Sunday, we had terrific weather for our annual reunion at the Dolly Copp Picnic area. It was a great turnout with good food and better company. Reuben Rajala and Tom Ross spoke about how they established the core of the present day North Country trails program: trails, shelters, and Dodge all under Reuben’s 20+ of trails leadership; established Trails Day, youth and adult volunteer programs including adopters and service trips; fostered regional and international exchanges; physically building Dodge; and much more. Nate Lowrey then gave an exhaustively researched seminar on ax and crosscut saw history, complete with printouts and many axes and saws, contextualized in the history of logging and technological advancements. Fascinating talks and good times!
Monday Recap: A Day of Patrolling with the Pro Crew
Finally, on Monday, TCA members Bob Biddle, Nate Lowrey, Tom Ross, Lucy Milde, Alex Milde, Annie Dumais, Willie Janeway, and Marshall Pontrelli conducted patrols with the 2024 AMC Professional Trail Crew. We started the day with a group stretch outside of the new Hutton Lodge, then split into four crews patrolling the Kinsmans, Haystack Mountain, Osseo Trail, and Unknown Pond. What an amazing experience and thank you to the AMC and current crew members for letting us be a part of the day!
