In 1999 a small group of people on the old GreatLakesHikes Yahoo! Email group decided to have a gathering the weekend before firearms deer season at the old One-room schoolhouse and former NCATA headquarters in White Cloud, Michigan. Over the past 20 years, 21 Gatherings, people have come and gone but the camaraderie, enjoyment of good food and drink, and good hiking in all types of weather has persisted. This year’s Gathering may well be the last at the Schoolhouse as it is likley the aNCTA will sell it. TAhe Gathering may continue at a new location but that will change it in some ways. However, the core qualities of the Gathering should continue. What follows are a handful of photos from past Gatherings as well as the video for the 2019 Gathering (other videos exist for a few other Gatherings on the YoutTube channel).
Our first Gathering in 1999 was smaller than the first Gathering I could find photos for. Here is probably pretty much everyone (maybe everyone) that was at the second Gathering: November 2000 Photo by Ken Knight
--November 11, 2000 at 11:36:27. , ,
John was one of the people to attend the first Gathering. I am sure some people can tell me exactly where this is but what I recall where the globe-like plants and how remarkably deep the muck off the boardwalk was as John sunk his stick ever deeper into it. 2001 Gathering. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 08, 2002 at 17:30:51. , ,
Traditions or at least things that are kin to traditions formed over the years. Eric wrapping himself up in his colorful blanket and taking a nap during a break on any hike became one such. November 2003. Photo by Ken Knight.
--November 08, 2003 at 13:46:48. , ,
SOme people have been to every Gathering throughout their whole life. Sure Abbey is going to remember the first few Gatherings she attended but she and her younger brother have lived through every Gathering they could. November 2004. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 13, 2004 at 11:36:49. , ,
Food, drink, merriment outside by a campfire and inside the Schoolhouse.November 2010. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 13, 2010 at 17:53:57. White Cloud, MI, United States
We do long and short hikes on Saturday. Sometimes things go a little awry as they did for me and Andy on a long hike where we were also doing some trail mapping.We waited here at McCarthy Lake for the rest of the people on the long hike to finish and come back to pick us up after we made our amusing, in retrospect, goof. November 2011. Photo by Andy Mytys.
--November 12, 2011 at 15:37:26. Irons, MI, United States
Sometimes during a Gathering we do more than just hike. Now and then some or all of us do trail maintenance or other trail building work.. November 2013. Not sure who took this photo.
--November 09, 2013 at 11:21:42. , ,
It isn’t always sunny and warm. We always have had people who decide to camp outside and a far smaller group who decide to sleep inside. Everyone has a good time. November 2017. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 10, 2017 at 08:32:34. White Cloud, MI, United States
Have to have fun while hiking. Steve is having fun. November 2018. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 11, 2018 at 13:47:12. White Cloud, MI, United States
Spending time bya fire during the day or at night is an integral part of time at a Gathering. November 2019. Photo by Ken Knight
--November 10, 2019 at 10:11:48. , ,
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