Yes, I know that it's been awhile since I wrote a newsletter. Alot has been going on. But I wanted to take this time to announce that The Rag Tag Rangers are about to celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2010! It was in the spring of 1995 that seven of us signed up for the AOL/ATC/Backpacker Tag Team Relay Hike. We did some training hikes throughout the summer. Then, we did our part of the Tag Team Relay Hike. We backpacked from PenMar, MD to Harpers Ferry, WV. Is was a tough but fantastic hike. And that was only the beginning. Over the next 15 years we would have close to 200 outings that would cover about 3,500 miles in distance. This would include somewhere around 100 people and take place in 8 different states. Alot of friendships were made. There were times when the number of outings would be few and the future of the group was in jeopardy. But we always came back to hike again. And we saw some fantastic places and met some very nice people along the way. So what are we going to do to celebrate our 15th anniversary? I don't really know. It is my hope that someone organizes a good day hike or backpacking trip to celebrate our 15 years as a group. Keep checking our yahoogroups page for details on this event. I do know that I will be stepping back from the group this year due to some personal changes coming up. I hope to hike some this year. But don't expect to see me around as much. It is my hope that someone picks up the hiking stick and leads the group forward. I also hope that someone takes over the web site. We have done some great hiking together over the years and I have alot of memories that I will carry with me always. I wish all of you the best in every aspect of your lives. As for me I'm not sure what the future will bring. But I will do my best to make it one heck of an adventure. Mike C