The Gansett Gazette
August-September
2010

Canoe Canoe?
There are members with canoes and no partner, and members who prefer canoeing and don't have a canoe. Call 351-2234 or email linda.pease@cox.net to advise of your interest to buddy up and get out on the water. Along with our kayak rentals, we have one rental canoe at $8 per day.

Executive Board Opening: Communications Chair.
For the past 90 years, the gansett gazette, along with word of mouth, has been our only form of communication. I have been doing this for quite some time (most recently with Shannon Kelley's help) but we need someone with new ideas to lead our chapter through these new times. If you think you might be interested, please contact me at 726-2773 or mdennen@cox.net).

Fri- Sun Oct 15-17 - 2010 AMC Fall Gathering
AMC Fall Gathering is hosted by the Worcester Chapter, will be held on October 15-17 at the Prindle Pond Conference Center Hilltop, Charlton, MA. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing or just like to socialize with other AMC members (or non-members), October is a great time to explore central Massachusetts. Plus family-oriented activities will be offered, so bring your children and grandchildren! Top it all off with lively Saturday evening entertainment and bonfire. This will be an event you won't want to miss! For more information, check out our website at www.amcFallGathering2010.com.

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Aug. 1. Blue Hills Skyline Traverse. Traverse the Skyline Trail. Bring proper footwear, water, and lunch. 9 miles, good views. Young Member sponsored, but all hikers welcome. Car spot needed. L Chris Turgeon (401-207-1180, turgeon77@ymail.com)

Tue., Aug. 3. Kayak Rescue Practice. Join us for improving your kayak rescue skills. Come to observe, practice, and learn, including self and assisted rescues. L Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), CL Ray Bucacci (401-822-1407, rbucacci@netzero.net)

Wed., Aug. 4. Hike and Social, North Kingstown. Meet at Rome Point Parking lot, 6:00pm. L Bob Richardson (401-225-4003)

Wed., Aug. 4. Family Bike Ride on East Bay Bike Path. Easy (approximately) 15-mile bike ride on East Bay Bike Path at 1:00pm. Ice cream stop included. Helmets required. Call/email for starting location. L Larry Rollins (401-521-7188 6:00-9:00pm, RollinsLF@excite.com), L Sue Rollins

Sat., Aug. 7-8. Rock Climbing Rumney - NH. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better. Camp at local campground. Dinner at an apres climb restaurant or a cost-share BBQ. Contact the L to register and get specific trip information. L Joe Goudreau (joejudig@hotmail.com), CL Chris Tate (401-742-4289, chrisri01@yahoo.com)

Sat., Aug. 7. Wickford/Narragansett/Wakefield Ride. Intermediate 32+ mile ride with some rolling sections, partly on South County bike path. Lunch in Wakefield. 9:30am start. Helmets required. L Nancy Baker (401-7373052 6:00pm - 9:00pm), CL Dick Schaffner (401-781-6310)

Sat., Aug. 7. Family Bike Ride/Lincoln Blackstone Bike Path. Enjoy a beautiful trail on an easy bike ride. Shorter and longer options to accommodate families. Other riders are welcome, too. There will be ice cream! Helmet required. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Mark Dennen (401-726-2773)

Sun., Aug. 8. Ninigret Pond Escape: Midday Sun Late Afternoon Paddle. Flatwater and sea kayakers welcome. Dinner on the beach. We'll be using the new launch in the park. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Antoinette Breed (401-751-5086, scenicroute@verizon.net)

Tue., Aug. 10. Floating Lunch Club. 12:00-2:00pm. Join WPWA on the Wood River for a short paddle to Fry Pan Pond where we'll stop to relax on the river and have lunch (bring your own). Event is suitable for beginner kayakers, ages 8+. Fee is $10/members, $15/non-members, and includes kayak rental. Pre-registration is required. For more info or to register, contact Denise. L Denise Poyer, reg/w Denise Poyer (denisep@wpwa.org)

Wed., Aug. 11. Hike and Social, Blackstone Valley Bike Path. Meet at rest area on Route 295 in Lincoln, 6:00pm. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Thu., Aug. 12. Narragansett-Galilee Bike Ride. 18 miles along the shore, flat and scenic. All are welcome. 6:00pm start. Helmets required. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Aug. 14. Newport Bike Ride. 30-35 miles of scenic rolling hills from the Newport coastline to the Portsmouth countryside. Intermediate 12-14 mph pace. 10:00am start. Helmets required. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Aug. 14. Family Hike: Neutaconkanut Hill. (new) Join RI Families in Nature for a hike at Neutaconkanut Hill, 675 Plainfield Street in Providence. 88 acres of beautiful woodlands, meadows, valleys, geological outcroppings, stone walls, and brooks, plus many birds and small animals, tucked away in the western corner of Providence. (www.rifamiliesinnature.org) Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy staff will walk with us and talk about these wonderful features. Meet at 9:45 am in the parking lot for a prompt 10:00 am start. RI Families in Nature event, see link below for more info or weather cancellations. I-295 Exit 4, Plainfield Pike. Bear right at fork, merge onto Route 14E, and follow for about 2.8 miles. Look for the parking lot near the Rec' Center, pool, and playing fields on the left. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Sun., Aug. 15. Spink Beach Sea Kayaking. Intermediate paddle in Narragansett Bay, Quonset Point. L Anne Fusco (401-884-3205), CL Bill Rush

Tue., Aug. 17. Floating Lunch Club. 12:00-2:00pm. Join WPWA on the Wood River for a short paddle to Fry Pan Pond where we'll stop to relax on the river and have lunch (bring your own). Event is suitable for beginner kayakers, ages 8+. Fee is $10/members, $15/non-members, and includes kayak rental. Pre-registration is required. For more info or to register, contact Denise. L Denise Poyer, reg/w Denise Poyer (denisep@wpwa.org)

Wed., Aug. 18. Hike and Pot Luck, Westerly. Meet at 6:00pm. Contact L for directions and potluck info. L Roberta Jacobs (401-315-0165, jacobs6@cox.net)

Wed., Aug. 18. Pasta Challenge/Rehoboth Bike Ride. Scenic rural biking. Two rides start and end at the same location. One for easy riders, the other at a faster pace. All the pasta you can eat at the Hillside Country Club afterward. 6:00pm start. Helmets required. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com)

Sat., Aug. 21. Annual Black Tie Flat Water Paddle on Narrow River. Join us with time to spend on the beach and dining in style, bring plastic stemware. Starting from Grosvenor Camp. For flatwater rentals, Call Steve Morra 401-231-5365. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), L Antoinette Breed (401-751-5086)

Sat., Aug. 21. Annual Black Tie Sea Kayaking. Launch at Sprague Bridge and paddle out the Narrow River inlet into the open waters of the bay/ocean. Return 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

Sun., Aug. 22. Ponkapoag Pond Trail, Boardwalk and Camp Ground. This level area has the oldest AMC camp ground for members. We'll do the trail around the pond and boardwalk. Carpool from I-95. Bring light hiking shoes, water, and lunch. For more info, call CLs. L Herrick Spencer (spencer295@cox.net), CL Carol Baldwin (401-300-9263, ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com), CL Debra Laughlin (401-437-9239, dml1054@cox.net)

Tue., Aug. 24. Floating Lunch Club. 12:00-2:00pm. Join WPWA on the Wood River for a short paddle to Fry Pan Pond where we'll stop to relax on the river and have lunch (bring your own). Event is suitable for beginner kayakers, ages 8+. Fee is $10/members, $15/non-members, and includes kayak rental. Pre-registration is required. For more info or to register, contact Denise. L Denise Poyer, reg/w Denise Poyer (denisep@wpwa.org)

Wed., Aug. 25. Hike and Social, Bristol. Meet at Colt State Park at the Chaffee Statue, 6:00pm. L Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677, goh243@aol.com)

Fri., Aug. 27-29. Kinsmans Weekend. For experienced Northern hikers. Saturday: 10 miles RT with 3650' elevation gain. Sunday: L's choice. Register by 8/2. Cost is $110 and includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts and one dinner. L Sue Warthman, CL Steve Harrison , reg/w Sue Warthman (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, swarthman@cox.net)

Sat., Aug. 28. Bike Ride: Pawtucket/Seekonk/East Providence. Start at 10:00am. Easy-to-moderate ride, 22 miles through neighborhoods and historical places, plus future bike path locations. Both hybrid and road bikes will work well. Helmets required. Bring water and lunch. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net), CL Dave Natale

Sun., Aug. 29. Guided Bird Walk at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. 9:00am. Bruce Lawson, Naturalist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will introduce us to the diversity of resident and migrant birds at this beautiful 252-acre refuge supporting over 200 species. Following our walk we'll visit the newly-renovated visitor's center. Optional lunch to follow. Families welcome. L Kristin Caproni (401-952-8698, kristincaproni1@gmail.com), L Dennis McCarthy (401-556-8955, dmccarthy12@cox.net)

Sun., Aug. 29. Kayak Neponset River to Boston Harbor. Kayak from Neponset River to Boston Harbor. Visit George Island and others. For prepared kayakers only. Weather dependent. 15+ mile paddle. L Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), reg/w Mike Krabach

Sun., Aug. 29. Family Climbing Event: Lincoln Woods. (new) Picnic area TBD, with parking and access to several climbing/bouldering areas, plus a fishing spot. 10:00am start. All are welcome, including non-AMCers. Spend the day or stop by for a little while. Bring a picnic lunch and chairs. If you'd like to paddle, EMS rents kayaks and canoes at the park (arrange ahead of time). Hike, walk, paddle, climb, swim, run, or fish. Casual day in the park to see friends, meet people, and have some fun too! L John Fontaine (401-333-5350, johnfontaine1@verizon.net), L Jeannine Peterson (401-949-4453, surnurse@yahoo.com)

Tue., Aug. 31. Floating Lunch Club. 12:00-2:00pm. Join WPWA on the Wood River for a short paddle to Fry Pan Pond where we'll stop to relax on the river and have lunch (bring your own). Event is suitable for beginner kayakers, ages 8+. Fee is $10/members, $15/non-members, and includes kayak rental. Pre-registration is required. For more info or to register, contact Denise. L Denise Poyer, reg/w Denise Poyer (denisep@wpwa.org)

Wed., Sep. 1. Hike and Social, Middletown. Meet at Sachuest Point, 6:00pm. L Sid Wax (401-849-2495, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Sep. 3-5. Lake Winnipesaukee Hike, Kayak, and Bike. More details at www.winaukee.com. Intermediate-level activities each day including yoga, happy hour, and evening programs. Lakeside cabins with plumbing and showers. Includes two breakfasts, two trail lunches, and two dinners (with a vegetarian option). Cost is $140/pp. Payment will will be accepted through August 30. Call Linda to qualify, and mail check to Debbie Mitchell, 2945 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864. Include phone number and email address. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553 7:00-9:00pm, jschempp1@gmail.com), L Herb Kingsbury (207-439 6449 7:00-9:00pm), reg/w Linda Pease (130 Sunbury St., Providence, RI 02908, 351-2234 7:00-9:00pm, linda.pease@cox.net)

Wed., Sep. 8. Hike and Social, Warwick. Meet at City Park, 6:00pm. L Ginny Calabrese (401-782-6518)

Fri., Sep. 10-12. Annual Trails/Recreation Weekend, Burlingame State Park. Various trail projects on Saturday, with recreation afterward (swimming or other relaxation), plus a group dinner in the evening. Sunday, an 8-mile Gormley trail hike. Free Friday and Saturday camping. Non-campers, meet at 9:00am on Saturday, Burlingame camping area main parking lot. All trail maintainers (new and experienced) are welcome. Bring gloves, sturdy footwear, water, and lunch. All tools provided. Register by 9/8 for trails project, camping, and dinner potluck item. Raindate will be 9/17-19. L Chris Shafer , reg/w Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7:00-9:00 pm, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sat., Sep. 11. Sakonnet Vineyards Bike Ride. Relatively flat 30-mile ride through scenic Tiverton and Little Compton. Intermediate pace at 12+mph, with few stops. Helmets required. Call/email L's for starting time. L Larry Rollins (401-521-7188 6:00-9:00pm, RollinsLF@excite.com), L Sue Rollins

Sat., Sep. 11. Bike Ride: Lincoln/Valley Falls/Blackstone. Start at 9:45am. Intermediate 24-mile ride through new sections of Valley Falls and Blackstone bike paths to Woonsocket city line. Return trip through parts of Lincoln with some hills. Helmets required. Bring water and lunch. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net), CL Dave Natale

Sat., Sep. 11-12. Rock Climbing Cannon Cliff - NH. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camping is at a private campground that we have arranged. Dinner is at an apres climb restaurant. Contact the L to register and get specific trip information. L Brian Phillips (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), CL Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Sun., Sep. 12. Vin Gormley Trail Hike. 8-9 mile loop hike in Burlingame State Park. Hike has a few ups and downs, some rocks and many flat sections. Moderate pace. Lunch, water, snacks, and boots are recommended (special if after rain event). Meet at 9:00am. Rain will cancel. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00-9:00pm, momearley@netzero.com)

Sun., Sep. 12. Block Island Conservation Hike and Easy Rider Bike Ride. Enjoy beautiful scenery by bike and the trails of Rodman's Hollow by foot (we'll lock bikes). Bring lunch, drinks, snacks, and money for ice cream. Helmet required. L Barbara Flagg (bakayaker51@verizon.net), CL Dennis McCarthy, reg/w Dennis McCarthy (401-455-0866, dmccarthy12@cox.net)

Sun., Sep. 12. Wachusetts Over The Top Twice Hike (Figure 8). Informative talk by Princeton Power & Light on their new windmills. Enjoy hawk migration at the top. Relaxed pace. L John Stevens (401-295-4203, stevens.john.m@cox.net), L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), CL Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Wed., Sep. 15. Hike and Social, Roger Williams Park, Providence. Meet near the Rose Garden across from the casino, 6:00pm. Rain cancels. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772)

Fri., Sep. 17-19. Paddling/Camping on Moon Island - Squam Lake, NH. Annual weekend of kayaking and camping on Moon Island, enjoying the last weekend of summer on this pristine lake surrounded by the foothills of Sandwich, NH. Participants should be experienced and have proper equipment for camping/kayaking. Sea kayak is required and participant must be able to carry all of their equipment. Cost is $35. L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com), reg/w Bill Rush

Sat., Sep. 18. Mount Monadnock Hike. Off the beaten path. Let's see where things take us! Carpool from RI with food afterward. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sun., Sep. 19. Slater Park Patriot Day (Not an AMC Event). Slater Park, Pawtucket, is hosting Patriot Day. There will be encampments with the Rhode Island Regiment, the French Lafayette Regiment, and others. Tour historic Daggett House, visit Daggett Farm, and ride the carousel. Great for families and history buffs. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net)

Sun., Sep. 19. Blackstone River Cruise. Enjoy scenic and historic trip with narration. Make reservation. Arrive at 4:30pm, Pawtucket pier, 45 Madeira Ave, Central Falls. One hour, $10. We have 15 seats reserved. Possible supper afterward. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, 7:00-9:00pm, jschempp1@gmail.com), L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, 7:00-9:00pm)

Wed., Sep. 22. Hike and Social, Wickford Ryan Park. Meet at the entrance on Oak Hill Road, closest to Route 1 from Route 4, 6:00pm. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Sep. 25. Hike with Dogs on Duval Trail, South Kingstown. Five miles on beautiful dog-friendly wooded trails with areas of ups and downs. Meet in small parking lot on Post Road, 9:00am. Bring sufficient water, snacks and pick up bags. Hiking boots recommended. No expandable leashes. Recommend harness/leash instead of collar/leash. To register, call. L Bonnie England (401-374-2507, bonniedune@aol.com), CL Paul Wynn

Sat., Sep. 25. Jamestown Bike Ride. 28 miles of rolling terrain with a few hills. Easy-intermediate ride at a moderate pace. Scenic ocean views and sea breezes. 10:00am start. Helmets required. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Sep. 25. Older Male Members Canoe/Kayak: Potowomut River. Open to all members with appropriate experience and the proper equipment. See details at here. L Gary Whitney (401-885-1506, garywhitney3@cox.net), CL Cherine Whitney , reg/w Gary Whitney.

Sat., Sep. 25-26. Arcadia Mgt. area trail project. (new) Join Narragansett chapter trail committee members in a trail project on Sat. Sept 25 (rain date Sun Sept 26). We will install water bars and steps for erosion control on the Breakheart trail and do periodic brushing on the Breakheart and Penny Hill Cutoff trail. Meet 9AM. Bring water and lunch and work gloves (or we will loan you a pair). For further details, contact leader. L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7-9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sun., Sep. 26. Easy Riders: Tiverton/Little Compton Bike Ride. 22 scenic miles at an easy pace on mostly flat/quiet terrain. Bag lunch break on the beach. Helmets required. L Steve Morra (401-231-5365)

Sun., Sep. 26. Westerly/Watch Hill Bike Ride. Crowds are gone, so enjoy this beautiful area of our little state with mansions and beaches. Lunch by the waterfront. Faster intermediate pace. Helmets required. 10:00am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)

Wed., Sep. 29. Hike and Social, Warren. Meet at Warren Town Beach, Water Street, 6:00pm. L Wendy Farr (401-533-3084, wendyfarr42@gmail.com)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sat., Oct. 2. Fort Hill Farms and Corn Maze, Thompson, CT. Fun and educational experience where participants receive a game sheet and learn a conservation theme as they make their way through the maze. The farm also has picking patches and naturally raised cows. After completing the maze, enjoy their organic ice cream. Families and all others welcome! L Kristin Caproni (952-8698, kristincaproni1@gmail.com), L Jack Schempp (331-4553, jschempp1@live.com)

Sat., Oct. 2. Mount Welsh and Mount Dickey Hike. Foliage season, hopefully. Moderately-paced 4.4-mile hike with time for chocolate on the ledges. Carpool from RI with food afterward. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00pm - 9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 9-10. Rock Climbing, Gunks - NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.4 routes or better. Lodging is up to you. Dinner at an après restaurant. Contact the L to register and get specific trip information. May limit participation due to L to second ratio. L Dave Curry (401-739-2604, dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com)

Sat., Oct. 9. Tillinghast Pond Management Hike (TPMA) Meet at 9:00am for a 5-6 mile hike to learn and explore this new pristine area with historical and geographical facts of the TPMA provided by preserve volunteer and hike CL Mike Parker. Ideal area to view the Fall tapestry of colors. Easy hike, ideal for new members. Rain will cancel the walk. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00-9:00pm, momearley@netzero.com), CL Mike Parker (mike.parker@cox.net)

Fri-Sun., Oct. 15-17. AMC Fall Gathering AMC Fall Gathering is hosted by the Worcester Chapter, will be held at the Prindle Pond Conference Center Hilltop, Charlton, MA. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing or just like to socialize with other AMC members (or non-members), October is a great time to explore central Massachusetts. Plus family-oriented activities will be offered, so bring your children and grandchildren! Top it all off with lively Saturday evening entertainment and bonfire. This will be an event you won't want to miss! For more information, link to www.amcFallGathering2010.com.

Sat., Oct. 16. Mount Holyoke and Seven Sisters Hike. Annual trip to see views and eat at Atkins Farm and Apollo Pizza (we are an eating club). 7.4 miles at a moderate pace. Carpool from RI. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7-9:00 pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 23. Fall Foliage Paddle on the Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on Pawtuxet River. From Pontiac Mills to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup afterward. L Bill Rush (401-941-4983, whr0316@msn.com), L Linda Peace (401-351-2234), reg/w Bill Rush