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<DIV>Tortoise writes: I<FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"
face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> don't know if I qualify, but I want to be
a charter member of the ASDHA-West. As such I will be exempt from initiation
fees and first years due and get a 50% discount on renewals and a 50% discount
as a senior; therefore I will actually just write you a check for $0.00 each
year for my dues.<BR><BR>However I may go too far, such as actually hiking a few
miles once in a while. Hope there is a little slack in the rules
enforcement.</FONT></DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial
color=#000000 size=2></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2>-----------------------------------------------------------</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2>Switchback replies: Yes, since you are my pal, I will waive the $100
yearly dues to the American Short-Distance Hiker's Association - West. In
fact, for the holiday season about to be upon us, I will waive the yearly fees
until December 31. Of course, I cannot stop hikers from sending me holiday
gifts as a token of their appreciation. For example, you sent me some
pictures of the recent ALDHA-West Gathering.</DIV>
<DIV><BR> </DIV>
<DIV>This brings up a good point. Since I am going to go to Warner Springs
Resort with my very better half of 36-years in November or early December, this
would be a great place to hold our yearly Gathering. We would hold it
right after the April Kickoff at Lake Morena. This would be too
cool. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thru Hikers, Kickoff visitors, SoCal hiking clubs, and regular guests at
the resort. We would have visits to the Clinton C. Clarke tree, which I
discovered on the PCT Warner Springs Loop this year (campsite #22).
Warner Springs Monty could give a presentation on light weight hiking.
There would be a golf tournament too. Of course, we would emphasize to bring
your life partner to this event too - even Female Leadership Terminator
types. There is horse back riding, golf, hot springs pools, massages,
pedicures, etc. at the resort. May be we would even do a little hiking
from Barrel Springs and the Warner Springs Loop and help thru hikers, but we
would not want that to interfere with our goofing off. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Remember our motto, "Goof Off R Us."</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I thank you.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Switchback the Trail Party Animal</DIV>
<DIV></FONT> </DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">See what's new at <A title="http://www.aol.com?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001170" href="http://www.aol.com?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001170" target="_blank">AOL.com</A> and <A title="http://www.aol.com/mksplash.adp?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001169" href="http://www.aol.com/mksplash.adp?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001169" target="_blank">Make AOL Your Homepage</A>.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>