Copy/Repost Hike

If you missed it, then you missed the passion, camaraderie and magic of another great GO Gathering in southern New Hampshire, held August 16-18, 2019.

I think having a GO Gathering at a men’s only campground makes for a better time.

The gathering, a reunion and homecoming event for gay outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, is held to celebrate the holistic benefits of gay men being active in the natural world. Just the fact that we're still having GO Gatherings and having so much fun after 20 years speaks for itself!  

We all came from distant points, hurrying along to arrive as soon as possible to enjoy the surroundings of southwestern New Hampshire and to meet new and familiar faces once more. MountainSide gay men's campground is FABULOUS!!! From the open fields providing views extending for miles to the cute accommodations in cottages, bunkhouse, vintage campers, cabins, screen houses, horse trailers and lean-to’s, the campground was perfect for GayOutdoors members. Dave was so charming greeting everyone and personally walking everyone to their site. He even had necklaces and keychains made with our logo to give to everyone. We give a bug hug to both Dave and Mike for helping us have the GO Gathering run so smoothly! SMOOCHES!!!  

Everyone began arriving Friday mid-afternoon to late evening. After checking in with Dave and Mike, and setting up their gear, guys chatted by the canteen.

MountainSide was our base. The campground was beautifully maintained, bathrooms clean with highly pressurized showers, and offered many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Sustaining members brought over snacks to share at the Canteen and then the GO Gathering got into full swing with the start of the Beer Blast Friday evening. At the Beer Blast, we brought a six-pack of our favorite local craft brew to share with others. Some of us pitched in a bottle of wine. Out of all the local brews I tasted, I thought those from Philadelphia were my favorite. It was great how everyone bought more beer on Saturday to extend the Beer Blast all weekend!

Each night, we lit up the Tiki Torches inside the Canteen that provided a soft, ambient light. The evening was a mix of socializing, entertaining and meeting other GO members. I noticed a lot of new faces as well as a great many GO Gathering veterans. I take that as a sign of a healthy and vibrant community that is developing its own tradition and history while looking outward and evolving.

Right outside the Canteen we had a campfire each night. We stocked up the fire pit with wood Jon and I brought and Dave skillfully lit up the fire. Mike from MountainSide tended the campfire during the night.

Saturday early morning was overcast and very hot and humid. After a relaxing breakfast in camp, Dave and Mike led a hike up to Daniels Mountain. In the afternoon, Jon and I led a hike and swim to nearby Kilburn Pond.   

I particularly enjoyed Saturday’s Potluck where the culinary outdoor talents of our members were in full display! I was just amazed how great all the dishes were...and this was put together in a campground. This rivaled any of the potlucks I've been at that were cooked indoors! Dishes included grilled sausage with onions, grilled kielbasa, steamed broccoli covered with cheese, delicious pasta dishes, yummy chicken soup, rotisserie chicken, and summer salads. Gay men sure know how to cook. For dessert, we had a GayOutdoors 20th Anniversary cake with ice cream!!!

Right after the potluck, we lit up the campfire and a few minutes later, a huge thunderstorm came in with pouring rain. It let up for about a half hour and then another band of showers rolled in. The showers were not too bad and we hovered around the campfire nonetheless.

Sunday we focused on packing and heading home. This was a fun weekend with an amenable group of GO members.  Most of us had never met before. Some kindled new friendships.

The GO Gathering certainly lived up to the GayOutdoors slogan, "Making New Gay Outdoorzy Buddies in a Safe and Comfortable Atmosphere!" It provided a fun and safe venue for a group of strangers to bond together, share their passion for the outdoors, and meet others to plan/run future outdoor activities for the gay community in their local area.

For 20 years, Gay Outdoors has been dedicated to helping gay, bisexual and straight male outdoor enthusiasts meet each other online to participate in outdoor activities run by volunteers who post them in its activities calendar, find the latest news of interest to the gay outdoors community, learn about where to go, what gear to buy and how to get started in outdoor activities. It all leads to a safe, healthy and positive lifestyle!

Thanks to all of us that signed up and participated! We had a fun and relaxing time. Hope to see you on our other trips real soon!

Mike and Jon

 

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