The Gansett Gazette
August-September
2009

“Go Local” New Member Welcome Weekend!
Sept. 18-20, 2009
Attention New Members! Join your Membership Committee for a New Member Welcome Weekend at the Highland Center in beautiful Bretton Woods, NH from Sept. 18-20, 2009. Meet other members and learn about sustainable living. Featured programs include day hikes, Green Technology Tours, Leave No Trace Workshops, Tips for Low Impact Hikers, a featured buffet dinner on Saturday night with all locally grown foods, a featured evening speaker and evening fireside social with trivia and games. All daily activities are guided and planned for adults and children ages 5+. Easy and moderate options for all abilities. Package includes meals, lodging, guides, transportation, instruction, off-site activities and complimentary L.L. Bean gear use. Cost for the entire weekend including taxes is only $99.90 per adult in bunk room and $82.62 per child (call for private room rates). All activities are optional and advance reservations are required - please call the AMC Reservations Department at (603) 466-2727.

For further info, please contact your Membership Committee: Robin Kuznitz at rmd@psh.com or Mary Bonaventure at mlb448@yahoo.com.

You may also want to view the weekend itinerary (153 kB pdf). More information on the Highland Center is on the AMC Website.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Family Hike
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a great place to visit! One of the reasons it is so great is because it is quiet, so you can hear the birds. The Norman Bird Sanctuary protects over 300 acres of land containing a variety of eco-systems including ridges, fields, ponds, streams, salt marsh, and sandy beach. While you are visiting, you will observe a variety of native and non-native plant species which provide habitat for a thriving and diverse life. Another reason why it is so great is because it has lots of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate.

Our family enjoys outdoor activities and we have been leading local hikes for the Narragansett Chapter of the AMC since 1999. On June 7th, we lead a family hike at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. While we had a small turnout, we had a wonderful time. Since two of the children were under age 5, we hiked the Red Fox Trail. This 1.2 mile trail crosses over a stone ridge covered in oak, red cedar, and hickory. We observed views of Hanging Rock and the ocean. This is an enjoyable trail for young families because it is easy and includes a unique rock formation called “pudding stone” or Purgatory Conglomerate.

The AMC and local Family Outings Committee are committed to fostering a strong connection between nature and physical activity through our No Child Left Inside Initiative. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in America and families need to unplug T.V.’s, video games, and computers. Overall, participation in outdoor recreation is increasing, but the connection to nature among kids is declining. Results of a 2008 survey of over 60,000 Americans ages 6 and older by the Outdoor Foundation, show that there is a decline in participation in outdoor activities among kids (ages 6-17). According to the report, 50 % of Americans participated in outdoor recreation (i.e.; visiting a park) in 2007, but there has been an 11% decline in participation in outdoor activities such as hiking.

Our family would like to encourage more AMC members to join us and other family-outing-leaders for local hikes, flatwater paddling, and more. We hope to see you at our September 19th hike in Little Compton.

By Terry and Catie Gaspard (age 10)

    Leader Profile: Ed Poyer
  • Lives in Richmond RI, married to Denise who is also active in AMC.
  • Occupation: Computer Programmer Analyst.
  • AMC member for 17 years, trip leader for 16.
  • Has been Backpacking and Northern Hikes sub-chair for about 12 of the last 14 years.
  • Roles in AMC - Northern Hikes Leader, Mountain Leadership School Instructor, Inactive Major Excursions Leader, ADK Winter Mountaineering School Instructor, Wilderness First Responder. Previously Leadership Development Chair for about 5 years.
  • AMC awards: 1999 Narragansett Appie of the Year; 2009 AMC Volunteer Leadership Award.
  • Why lead? I lead because I enjoy taking people out into the outdoors where they can enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I also enjoy the camaraderie that develops in the backcountry.
  • Favorite places: Whites, Sierras, Rockies, Grand Canyon.
  • Hiking achievements: I met my wife Denise while leading trips: she signed up for one of my overnighters to Galehead Hut. Aside from that, I’ve enjoyed leading to all 48 4,000 foot New Hampshire peaks in winter.
  • Suggestions for aspiring leaders: Start off slowly and enjoy the ride. You can learn something on every trip. Learn as much as you can from other leaders, and take the courses available (WFA, Mountain Leadership School, NOLS, etc.) You get out of it what you put into it.
  • Perfect outdoors moment: Sleeping under the stars in the Sierra; skinny dipping in an alpine lake.
  • Never leave home without a water bottle of some sort.
  • Future trip goals: Glacier NP, Bitterroots, Never Summer Range, Cascades, Olympics, the list goes on and on…
Discount at Colmans Camping
AMC Members get a 40% discount at Coleman. Log into the Member Center www.outdoors.org/membercenter and scroll down to "AMC Discounts" on the lower right of the page to click on the live link. Coleman sells top quality outdoor equipment and at 40% off you can easily get tremendous value for your dollar. If you have any problems logging into the member center please contact AMCInformation@outdoors.org.

AMC Fall Gathering Oct 16-18, 2009
Mark your calendar!
Save the date! The 2009 AMC Fall Gathering will be held in the beautiful Berkshires – October 16–18 – during peak foliage season! Hosted by the Berkshire Chapter, at Becket-Chimney Corners in Becket, Mass., the event will run from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, cliff/wall climbing, rope courses, workshops and presentations, Contra-dancing, campfires, socials – we’ll have it all! Bring the family – the program is “kid-friendly.” Read more at www.amcberkshire.org/gathering, or contact mcfg2009@gmail.com.

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Aug. 1. Newport bike ride. 30-35 miles of scenic rolling hills; Newport coastline to Portsmouth countryside. Intermediate 12-14 mph pace.10AM start. Helmets required. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Aug. 1-2. Burlingame Family Camping/Events Weekend. Sat- learn basics of camping, setting up a tent, campfire cooking & more. Optional free Sat. overnight camping and campfire storytelling for children. AMC family hike. Non- AMC hayrides, hike and mountain biking activity organized by other groups. Free time available for other optional recreational activities. Must register in advance with leader. L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sat., Aug. 1. A Redhead and a Brunette Ninigret Flatwater Paddle. - Late afternoon to avoid the mid-day sun. Meanders across Ninigret Pond rather than down the middle for a different perspective. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Antoinette Breed (401-751-5086)

Sat. Aug. 1. Great Outdoors Pursuit. The RI Great Outdoors Pursuit is a twelve-week contest that will have you decoding clues, discovering state parks and participating in fun activities and challenges. The activities will vary at each event but will focus on living an active outdoor lifestyle. Go to www.amcnarragansett.org and click on "Notices & Reminders" for dates and details.

Sun., Aug. 2. Family Climbing Day at Lincoln Woods. Climb, hike, picnic. Meet at 10 am (site TBD. Top-ropes will be set up on some easy kid-friendly climbs. Open to everyone in the AMC and families of climbers and hikers who may be interested in joining us for the day. Bring a picnic lunch and chairs. L John Fontaine (401-354-6032, johnfontaine1@verizon.net), CL Jeannine Peterson (401-949-4453, surnurse@yahoo.com)

Tue., Aug. 4. Local Hikes Meeting. At 6:30 pm. Peak hiking activity will be coming soon for fall and winter and no one wants to miss it. All hikers and leaders meet at Stop@Shop in North Kingstown 6:30 PM Call for directions. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Tue., Aug. 4. Kayak Rescue Practice. At URI Bay Campus. 5:30pm start, but late arrival OK. Wet exits and rescues to be practiced. Come and watch or participate. Short paddle after possible. Contact Mike for questions. L Michael Krabach (401-333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), CL Ray Bucacci (401-822-1407)

Wed., Aug. 5. Hike and Social. In Narragansett, Meet at the Towers Court Yard 6 PM. L Sue Boland (401-783-7461)

Thur. Aug. 6. Full Moon Family Paddle Evening 6pm to 8pm. Enjoy an easy paddle on the Wood River with the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association. Learn about dragonflies and mayflies while you explore the edges of the river as the sun sets and the full moon rises. This program is appropriate for people new to kayaking and children eight and older. Fees cover rental of small, single person kayaks, PFD's, and paddle instruction. L Denise Poyer 401-539-9017 or email denisepoyer@gmail.com. Costs $20 per person. Limit 15.

Fri., Aug. 7-9. Mts. Willey & Field hikes. Strenuous 7 miles, 3200 ft elevation gain over two 4000 ft peaks in Crawford Notch section of the White Mountains. For intermediate hikers. A shorter hike on Sunday chosen by leaders. $100 fee includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Ski Wheelers Lodge in Conway, NH. L Sue Warthman (401-270-3363, SWarthman@cox.net), CL Bob Janus

Sat., Aug. 8. Wickford/Wakefield Bike Ride. 32+ mile ride, intermediate pace, some rolling sections, partly on S. County Bike Path. Lunch in Wakefield.10am start. Helmets req'd. L Nancy Baker (401-737-3052 6 to 9pm), CL Dick Schaffner (401-781-6310)

Sat., Aug. 8-9. Rock Climbing Rumney, NH. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camp at local campground. Dinner at an après climb restaurant or cost share BBQ. Contact the leader to register and get specific trip information. L Joe Goudreau (401-334-0425, joejudig@hotmail.com), CL Chris Tate (401-742-4289, chrisri01@yahoo.com), Reg with Joe Goudreau

Sat., Aug. 8. Annual Black Tie Paddle on Narrow River. Join us with time to spend on the beach and dining in style, bring plastic stemware. Flat water start from Grosvenor Camp. Flat water rentals only call Steve Morra 231-5365. (Sea Kayakers start from bridge on Rt 1A in Narragansett). L Antoinette Breed (401-751-5086), L Herrick Spencer , R Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Aug. 8. Annual Black Tie Sea Kayaking. Launch at Sprague Bridge, paddle out the Narrow River inlet into the open waters of the Bay/Ocean, returning on the calmer waters of the Pettaquamscutt River for a Black Tie Potluck lunch in style with flat water paddlers. L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com), CL Ray Bucacci

Sat., Aug. 8-10. White Mountains Trails/Hiking Weekend. Help improve trails in the Pinkham notch area Sat afternoon and Sun- no prior trail maintenance experience required and all tools provided; intermediate hike on Monday. Lodging and most meals at nearby Camp Dodge volunteer center. L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov), CL Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM), Reg with Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM)

Sun., Aug. 9. Ft. Wetherill sea kayaking. Sea kayak paddle from Ft. Wetherill. Intermediate trip, open water conditions. Weather determines route. L Ray Bucacci (401-822-1407 evening, rbucacci@netzero.net), CL Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)

Tue., Aug. 11. Narragansett-Galilee midweek Bike Ride. 18 miles along the shore, flat and scenic. All welcome. 6 PM start. Helmets req'd. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Wed., Aug. 12. Hike and Social Ryan Park Kingstown. Start time is 5:45 Pm. for information call. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Aug. 15. Buzzards Bay Brewery Ride. This 30-mile, relatively flat ride goes along scenic routes through Westport and Dartmouth. Intermediate pace 12+ mph, with few stops. After ride, picnic at the Brewery. Tours of the brewing process available after the ride, along with a chance to sample a variety of beers. Bring your lunch, water and snacks. Helmets req'd. L Larry Rollins (401-521-7188 6-9:30PM, RollinsLF@excite.com), CL Susan Rollins

Sat., Aug. 15. Easy Riders Attleboro/Rehoboth Bike Ride. First ever Easy Rider ride ending with pot luck complete with candelabra hosted by co-leaders!(we're calling it Semi-Formal...) Scenic 20+ ride of Attleboro and Rehoboth. NEW members welcome! Afternoon start.Helmets req'd. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Christine & Rich Ayres (sunbird20@comcast.net)

Sun., Aug. 16. Bay Island Hop kayaking. Paddle to all the islands in East Passage. Intermediate, open water paddle, weather determines route. L Ray Bucacci (401-822-1407, rbucacci@netzero.net), CL Bll Rush (whr0316@msn.com)

Wed., Aug. 19. Pasta Challeng/Rehoboth Bike Ride:. Scenic rural biking. Two rides start/end same location. One easy riders pace, one faster pace. All the pasta you can eat at the Hillside Country Club after. 6pm start! Helmets req'd. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Bill Rush

Thu., Aug. 20. Trails Committee Meeting. At 6:30pm. We will meet to plan out and schedule trail projects for the year. Everyone is welcome! at 152 Fishing Cove Rd. N Kingstown. For information and teleconferencing please contact Elise. For directions contact Marge. L Elise DelBarone (edelbarone@yahoo.com), CL Marge Gaunt (401-295-7101)

Fri., Aug. 21-23. Double C Weekend, Conway, NH. Join us for the best views in the Whites on Mt. Carrigain (4,700') on Sat. and Mt. Chocura On Sunday. For fit experienced hikers. Stay at ski lodge in Conway for $90.00/person. Includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts & 1 dinner. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL Sue Warthman

Sat., Aug. 22. Tiverton-Westport bike ride. 36 scenic miles along coastline. Flat except for one hill. Intermediate 13-14 mph pace.10AM start. Helmets required. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Aug. 22. Arcadia Trail Hike. 8:30 start for a 7 miles one way hike through a couple of boulder fields and some streams. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7PM-9PM, momearley@netzero.com), CL Paul Wynn

Sun. Aug. 23 Great Outdoors Pursuit. The RI Great Outdoors Pursuit is a twelve-week contest that will have you decoding clues, discovering state parks and participating in fun activities and challenges. The activities will vary at each event but will focus on living an active outdoor lifestyle. Go to www.amcnarragansett.org and click on "Notices & Reminders" for dates and details.

Sat., Aug. 29. Pawtucket/Seekonk/E.Prov. Bike Ride. 22 mile easy intermediate ride of new neighborhoods, local historical places, and future bike path locations. Hybrid bikes welcome. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sun., Aug. 30. Providence industrial waterfront kayak tour. Bold Point launch to tour the Providence industrial waterfront. Intermediate open water level. Weather determines route. L Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)

Wed., Sep. 2. Hike and Social Wickford. Meeting time is 5:45 in parking lot across from the former Ryan's Market on Brown St. For information call. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Fri-Sun, Sep. 4-6. Lake Winnipesaukee Multi-Activity Weekend. (slightly revised) Fabulous Lake Winnipesaukee (NH) can be yours: Hike, Paddle, Bike, plus Yoga & Swimming- Explore! See this stunning location at www.winaukee.com Choose one of 3 Intermediate activities for each day: two hikes/day 5–8 mi; one bike ride 25-40 mi, one paddle, Happy Hr & Campfire Program. Comfortable lakeside cabins w/plumbing. Rooms for couples Includes 2 breakfasts, 2 trail lunches, 2 dinners, lodging $140.00 p/p. Phone to qualify, 7–9 PM, CL Linda Pease (401-351-2234), L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553), CL Herb Kingsbury (207-439-6449). Send check payable to Jack Schempp, 47 Arbor Drive, Providence RI. Include phone number and email address. Registration closes on August 31.

Sat., Sep., 5. E. Prov. to Bristol Bike Ride (new) New 35 mile ride at moderate pace. Scenic and fun ride!10:30 start. Helmets req'd Reg. req’d. L Tom Shackleford (richev148@aol.com 401-369-5615)

Wed., Sep. 9. Hike and Social in Narragansett. Meet at the Towers Court Yard 6PM. L Sue Boland (401-783-7461)

Sat. Sep. 12. Discover The Lloyd Center, Dartmouth MA (new) Covers 55 acres. We’ll do a 1.5 hours easy meander of woodland, swamp and shore side trails and view a nature video and explore the center. See a whale and lots of other neat stuff. Families and new members welcome. Visit www.Lloydcenter.org. L Linda Pease (351-2234). CL Kris Caproni (333-6589, kristincaproni1@gmail.com

Fri., Sep. 11-13. Annual Trails/Recreational Weekend at Burlingame State Park. Sat. - Trails projects, recreation afterwards (swimming or other relaxation), & evening potluck meal. Sun. 8 mile Gormley trail hike. Free Fri. and Sat. camping; non-campers meet at 9:00 a.m. Sat. in Burlingame camping area parking lot. All trail maintainers (new and experienced) welcome. Bring water,gloves,sturdy footwear, and lunch. All tools provided. please register by Sept. 9. Rain date Sept. 18-20. L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov), CL Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM), R Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM)

Fri., Sep. 11-13. Baldface Loop, Evans Notch Valley, Chatham, NH. Strenuous hike for fit experienced hikers comfortable on rock and rugged trails. Approximately 11 miles with 3,400' elevation gain. This long & challenging hike provides great views. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. Lodging at ski lodge in Conway, NH for $90.00/person. Includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts & 1 dinner. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, HikerSteve@cox.net), CL Peter Broderick

Sat., Sep. 12-13. Rock Climbing Cannon Mt. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camping is at a private campground we have arranged. Dinner at an après climb restaurant. Contact the leader to register and get specific trip information. L Brian Phillips (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), Reg with Brian Phillips

Wed., Sep. 16. Hike and social Warwick. Meet in City Park Warwick 6:00 PM. for info call C/L Virginna Calabrese. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974), CL Virginia Calabrese (401-782-6518)

Thu. Sep. 17. Mt. Tom Truss Bridge Maintenance (new) New Volunteers needed Mt. Tom truss bridge - Jenny Crooks will lead a group of volunteers to clean and paint whole bridge, check water bars on side hills and use putty knives for cracks - where the dirt cakes in. Need more people to volunteer to help. No experience necessary. Reg. req’d. L Jenny Crooks jbcrooks1@verizon.net.

Fri., Sep. 18-20. Paddling/Camping on Moon Island,Squam Lake, NH. Annual weekend of kayaking and camping on Moon Island enjoying last weekend of summer on this pristine lake, surrounded by the foothill's of the Whit Mountains. Participants should be experienced, proper equipment for camping and kayaking, sea kayak is req'd and be able to carry all of your equipment. Cost $35. L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com), Reg with Bill Rush

Sat., Sep. 19. Blue Hills Ridge Hike, MA. Hike the ridge starting at the ice rink and ending at the visitors center. A tough, all day 9 mile hike with beautiful views and LOTS of ups and downs, includes a car spot. L Marcie Madsen, CL Steve Harrison , Reg with Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)

Sat. Sep. 19. Family Outings Hike at Simmons Mill Pond. Join us for a 2-3 hours of walking on this beautiful state management area full of great wildlife viewing. Reg/w Terry or Craig Gaspard (683-7828 or gaspard782@aol.com)

Sun. Sep. 20. South County Bike Ride (new) A new 30-35 mile ride through South County. Beautiful scenic and idyllic back roads, with lots of rolling hills. Start/end leaders house. Helmets req'd. Reg. req’d. L Marcie Madsen 401-364-6538. Wed. Sep. 23 Hike/Social in Jamestown. Meet at town dock at 6pm. For information call L Sid Wax (935-5466 or email sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sep. 24, Reel Rock Film Tour. (new) Mark your calendars... The Reel Rock Film Tour is coming to the Cable Car Cinema in Providence for an exclusive one night showing. The event at 7-9 pm is sponsored by AMC and REI. And if seeing great climbing films from all over the world isn't enough... your admission ticket will put you in a raffle for free gear courtesy of co-sponsor REI.

Fri., Sep. 25-27. Cape shores multi-event weekend. Cape Shores, golden season, stimulating naturalist walks Sat. & Sun. AM, bike path biking, bay kayaking. Naturalists comment on birds, ducks and sea creatures, tides, history. Questions welcomed. Explore National Seashore and 1400 acre Audubon refuge. Afternoons free. Possible evening walk. Camp at Wellfleet Audubon. Hot showers. Arrive Fri. 2 pm to 8 pm. Families welcomed. Optional group dinners Fri & Sat. Cost $65. pp, food not incl. Phone co-leader for reservation. Mail check to J. Schempp, 47 Arbor Dr, Providence, 02908. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553), CL Mike Krabach, Reg with Mike Krabach (401-333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)

Fri., Sep. 25-27. Mount Mansfield Weekend. Join us for a weekend of challenging day hikes in scenic Vermont. Saturday we'll hike to summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, on the Hell Brook Trail which has been called the most difficult approach to Mansfield. We will then head south through the Subway and the Canyon, returning north on the scenic summit ridge along the Long Trail. Sunday - Leader's choice. For experienced, well-conditioned hikers. Approximate cost $150.00, includes 2 nights lodging in Stowe, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Ed Poyer

Sat., Sep. 26. Older Male Members Canoe/Kayak : Potowomut River. Open to all members with appropriate experience and proper equipment. See details at this link. L Gary Whitney (401-539-0922, garywhitney3@cox.net), CL Cherine Whitney , Reg with Gary Whitney

Wed., Sep. 30. Lincoln Woods/Blackstone Bike Path hike. Meet at Lincoln Woods/carpool 6:00 PM sharp. For info. call. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Fri., Oct. 2-4. Autumn Splendor at AMC's Cardigan Lodge. Join us for day hikes in Mt. Cardigan Reservation during this beautiful hiking season. Moderate hiking with time to enjoy views and company; 6-10 mile hikes with 1500-2000' elevation gain. $145 fee includes 2 nights full service hut lodging, meals & social hour. L Jim Dunn (Jim.Dunn@jwu.edu), CL Tom Grasso , Reg with Tom Grasso (860-878-4099, thomas.grasso@pw.utc.com)

Sat. Oct. 3. Moonlight Paddle Hundred Acre Cove, Barrington. Join us for a paddle as the sun sets and the moon rises in the crisp fall sky. Bring water, snacks and bug spray. CG requires at least a flashlight onboard. Suitable for all size boats. L Gregg O'Brien 245-0677 goh243@aol.com, L Antoinette Breed 751-5086 scenicroute@verizon.net

Sun., Oct. 4. Haines Park Sea Kayaking. Haines Park launch, paddle either up or down the coast. Intermediate open water paddle. Weather decides route. L Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 10-11. Rock Climbing, Gunks, NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.5 multi-pitch trad routes only. Attendance determined by the number of leaders to seconds. Register with leader to get specific trip information. L Dave Curry (401-739-2604, dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com), Reg with Dave Curry

Sat., Oct. 17. Mt. Holyoke & the Seven Sisters, South Hadley, MA. Come name the seven sisters with us and enjoy great views of the CT River Valley. Begin the day at Atkins farm with pastries and end the day with dinner. Suitable for intermediate hikers. Approximately 7.3 miles that you'll swear was 15 miles. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, HikerSteve@cox.net), CL Ed Poyer

Sat., Oct. 24. Fall Foliage Paddle on the Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on the Pawtuxet River From Pontiac Mill's to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup after. L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com), CL Linda Peace , Reg with Bill Rush

Sat., Nov. 7. Rock Climbing Lead Workshop. Must be an experienced climber who has seconded on multi-pitch climbs. Participation is at the discretion of the leader based on experience and climbing ability. Contact the leader to register and get specific information. L Brian Phillips (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), CL Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com), Reg with Brian Phillips