“For more than 30 years folks have been gathering twice a year to share their love for backcountry travel by canoe, by snowshoe, or by ski. From throughout the Northeast and Canada we have come together to teach, to learn, to make new friends, and to spend time with old friends as we talk about past trips and plan for future trips.” (quote from the website)

This is a new event to us, but it’s clearly not a new event — and we’re both so eager to attend that we’re closing the shop for the weekend so we can both attend…

There are multiple on-water and land based workshops, evening presentations and time to just hang out with like minded folks - new folks to meet and friends to make.

The list of presenters, instructors, workshops leaders and guides, includes Becky Mason, Alexandra Conover Bennett, Willem Lange, Sam Brakeley and many more.

There is also the opportunity to attend a pre-Gathering SOLO Wilderness First Aid class, including optional CPA and - successful completion will result in the nationally recognized SOLO WFA certification. This class will start Thursday, October 12 and end just prior to the start of the Gathering.

Here’s the link to the Gathering website where you’ll find the full schedule, info on accommodations, meals and registration. There are only 80 slots available, and I suspect they are going to go quickly - so check it out!