The Gansett Gazette
December-January
2008-2009

The Narragansett Chapter seeks Executive Committee Volunteers

The Executive Board is looking to fill three important positions:
  • Vice-Chair
  • Membership Chair
  • Membership Subchair
The duties of each position are summarized below:

The Chapter Vice Chair - monitoring the Chapter By-Laws and Standing Rules for potential updating by the Executive Board, chairing the Leadership List Committee which is comprised of the chairs of all committees, assisting the Chair in supervising the duties of the Membership Chair, the Communication Chair, and the Leadership Chair, chairing the Program Committee which plans all family, young adult, educational, informational or social events including the Annual Meeting and Spring Fling Chapter gatherings. The Vice Chair also serves as Chapter Chair in the absence or disability of the Chapter Chair and shall assume such other responsibilities as may be delegated to him/her by the Chapter Chair and /or the Executive Board.

The Membership Chair - is responsible for: encouraging new member recruitment, monitoring and promoting member retention, providing orientation of Chapter activities to new members, maintaining a list of Chapter members and coordinating new member potluck dinners.

The Membership Subchair - is responsible for assisting the Membership Chair.

Local Hiker Winter Advisory
In order to safely navigate our local trails in the winter, you need more than just good hiking boots. We recommend Stabil-Icers $44+ (just google them) or Katoola Micro Spikes $50+ (www.kahtoola.com). EMS has Stabil-Icers through December. There are less expensive options that we have tested and can recommend. Call Linda Pease 351-2234.

Recommendations For Overnight Trips
It’s important to sign up early for trips that involve an overnight stay. Leaders have to reserve spaces at motels or AMC facilities months ahead of time and put down cash deposits. They need to know how many people will be on the trip in time to cancel reservations if the trip does not fill. Communicate with the leader at least a month before an overnight trip, if possible. Usually these trips cannot accept more people in the last 2 weeks because of the need for lodging reservations.

Remember Orange visibility required when hiking/walking in RI Game Management Areas.

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Nov. 15. Hike Fisherville Brook Wild Life Refuge. Meet at 9:00 for a 5 miles easy 2 loops trail in the Fisherville Wild Life Refuge. Beautiful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors and migrating birds. Bring water, and snacks. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sun., Nov. 16. New/Prospective Member Walk. 10:30 a.m. 3+ miles at Colt State Park - Bristol RI. Bring a friend or family member! Open to all AMC members. Contact Leader (email preferred) to register and get details. L Susan Jones (474-0515, shilojones@fctvplus.net)

Wed., Nov. 19. Hike & Social. Location: Garden City time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat., Nov. 22. Rome Point Hike 10:00 AM. 4-5 miles easy hike at Rome Point in North Kingstown. Many great views of the bay and also a very good chance to see a lot of seals. We will do this hike a much different way than usual using some new trs. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374 by Thursday)

Nov. 22. Rhode Island boardwalk building trails project: (new) Join in with the Narragansett chapter trails committee in building boardwalks to span a wet area on the Ben Utter trail in Arcadia Management area in Exeter, RI. Bring water, lunch, work gloves if you have them (if not we will loan a pair), wear layered clothing due to potential cold weather, and wear hiking boots or equivalent. Meet 9:45 AM at nearby site and then car caravan to work site. For further details contact L Chris Shafer, 401-789-8331 evenings or 401-222-2797, ext. 7511 weekdays. CL Henry Cruciani

Wed., Nov. 26. Hike and Social. Location: Jamestown. Time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat., Nov. 29. Walk off the turkey stroll at Napatree Point. Easy pace with potluck lunch afterward. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L Roberta Jacobs (315-0165)

Wed., Dec. 3. Hike and Social Wakefield 6 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For info call. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Thu., Dec. 4. Conservation Meeting. 7:00 p.m., all members Welcomed. Help us plan and lead events in RI and out of state, hands on or with naturalist, foresters, experts in energy, water, landscape, gardening, marine life and more. Share your own "natural interest".We work at communicating new, interesting and useful information about improving the RI and national environments. Join us and help develop stimulating new programs for 2009. L Jack Schempp (331-4553), L Linda Pease (351-2234)

Sat., Dec. 6. Hike Great Swamp. Meet at 9:30 for a 5-6 miles loop in the Great Swamp (site of the Great Swamp battle). Fairly flat terrain with views of the Worden's Pond, possible wild life and many holly trees. Legal orange required. Boots, water, and snacks. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sun., Dec. 7. Bluff Point Walk. Approx 5 mile walk, beautiful view of Long Island Sound, if lucky might even see a submarine. Bring water and lunch or snack. If icy, bring stabilicers. Torrential rain or heavy snow cancels. L Katherine Mears (348-9413 before 9 p.m., medtho@cox.net)

Wed., Dec. 10. Hike and Social. Bristol, time 6 p.m. please bring flashlights. For info. phone. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat., Dec. 13. Ashaway holiday stroll. Join us for our morning/afternoon visit to the Town of Hopkinton's annual Christmas event in Ashaway. We will walk through the town visiting various Historical homes decorated for the Holidays as well as seeing Christmas exhibits and some live entertainment (Music, etc.) For details, call 222-2797, ext.7511 weekdays or leader evenings. L Chris Shafer (789-8331 evenings)

Wed., Dec. 17. Hike and Social. Providence. Time 6 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For info please phone. L Janet Harris (272-6772)

Sat., Dec. 20. George Washington Management Area. 8 mile loop, moderate hike. Bring lunch and water. Hiking boots required. Inclement weather cancels. Legal orange required. L Fran Scullin (233-2163)

Sun., Dec. 21. Wolf Hill & Mercer Look Out Conservation Hike. On a clear day you can see Jamestown/Newpoort bridges from Mercer Lookout in Smithfield. Easy paced, hiking boots required. L John Feather (754-0438, jfeather67@cox.net), L Linda Pease (351-2234)

Thu., Jan. 1. Polar Bear Plunge Hike and Social in Newport. Join the festivities at First Beach (join the hoards of plungers if you like... we will be there to support you), followed by a 4 mile Cliff Walk hike and potluck. L Sid Wax (849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com), CL Bob Cillette (529-1611)

Sat., Jan. 3. Walk Off New Years Conservation Hike. We will hike up to Joe's Rock and into Birchwold Conservation areas in Wrentham, MA. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L John Stevens (295-4203)

Sat., Jan. 3. Step by Step Mt Monadnock. Kick off the New Year with a hike to the open summit ledges of Mt. Monadnock. Instruction for new winter hikers will be available. Also for all winter hikers looking for a nice winter warm up hike. Some rental gear available. Early start, carpool from RI. Register with CL Tom Grasso. L Charlie Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), L Steve Harrison , CL Tom Grasso (thomas.grasso@pw.utc.com), CL Jim Dunn

Tue., Jan. 6. Hike Francis Carter Memorial Preserve, Charlestown. 5 Mile hike in the little gem which is Rhode Island's 2nd largest nature preserve. Easy walking through woodland trails. L Marcie Madsen (364-6538)

Wed., Jan. 7. Hike & Social E.Greenwich Time 6 p.m. please bring flashlight. For info phone. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat., Jan. 10. Hudson, Breakheart and Shelter Trails Hike. An 8 mile hike on Breakheart, Shelter and Hudson Trails. Moderate terrain. Bring lunch and water. Inclement weather cancels. Legal Orange Required. L Fran Scullin (233-2163, hikerfran@cox.net)

Sun., Jan. 11. Hike the Blue Hills, Mass. 5 to 8 mile hike. Length will be determined by weather conditions and hopefully we will be using snowshoes and/or stabilicers. Enjoy beautiful views from open hilltops. Relatively early start. Carpool from RI. L Marcie Madsen (364-6538), CL Steve Harrison , R Marcie Madsen (364-6538)

Wed., Jan. 14. Hike and Social Wickford. Time 6 p.m. Please bring flashlights. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Thu., Jan. 15. Trails Committee Meeting. Trails Committee will meet to plan out and schedule trail projects for the year. Everyone is welcome! meeting 6:30 p.m. at 152 Fishing Cove Rd. N. K. For information contact Maria 789-8331, for directions please contact Marge Gaunt at 295-7101. L Maria Earley (789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sat., Jan. 17. Conservation Event at Roger Williams Park Casino: (Time 10:00 am) A solution to reduce kids’ “outdoor deficiency”. There is growing concern that children are spending too much time watching video images without the counter balance of outdoor exercise, interaction and nature. Effective use of state and municipal parks could be part of the solution. RI has many parks, are they prepared to provide experiences that will capture interest and stimulate families and children to return? Bob McMahn, Superintendent of the Providence Park System will bring us up to date on local parks, condition and mission. Bob Paquette, Chief, DEM Division of Parks and Recreation and his staff developed new outreach festivals to draw families and children to the parks and encourage appreciation of open space and nature. DEM sponsored five family outdoor festivals at various RI state parks during the summer. Bob Paquette will comment upon the response of youthful participants. Questions are welcomed. Bring a friend. A hike is planned on the grounds after the presentation. Contact Jack Schempp (331-4553), or Linda Pease (351-2234) for time and reservation.

Sat Jan 17 Step by Step Hike: Mt. Israel, NH. Nice views on a relatively short hike (4.2 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain) should give us plenty of time to play and practice with our new winter skills and gear. This hike is suitable for beginners with proper winter gear. L Steve Harrison (270-3363) CL Jim Dunn.

Sat., Jan. 17. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge Hike. It is surprising this 196 acre refuge with ponds and brook features is overlooked. We can do an easy carpool from exit 24 north or south from 95 from Benny's at exit. After the 2 hour hike we will warm up with hot drinks. For info call. L Herrick Spencer (723-1974, spencer295@cox.net), CL Gregg O'Brien (245-0677)

Sat., Jan. 17. Annual Technical Climbing Party. Slide shows of trips. Come catch up with friends old and new. Pot Luck - Last name: A-I salad, appetizers; J-S main course; T-Z dessert. L Brian Phillips (783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net)

Wed., Jan. 21. Hike & Social NewPort. time 6 p.m. please bring flashlights. For info please phone. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Thu., Jan. 22. Hike Trustom Pond, South Kingstown. A nice winter 4 mile walk through this National Wildlife Refuge that protects the only salt pond in RI. L Marcie Madsen (364-6538)

Fri-Sun Jan 23-25 W. Bond Backpack from the North: Join us on this adventurous backpack in the heart of the White Mountains Pemigewasset Wilderness. Early start 10+ miles with up to 4000 ft of elevation gain. Challenging backpack for experienced, well-conditioned winter backpackers with full winter gear. Lodging may be available. L Peter Broderick (207-778-0801), CL Joe Piotti (423-0091).

Sat., Jan. 24. Lincoln Woods Hike. Meet at 10 a.m. For further details contact the leader). L Dick Sullivan (294-9374), CL Pam Hill (pjsh40@aol.com)

Wed., Jan. 28. Hike and Social. Leaders choice. For info please phone. L Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Fri-Sun Jan 30 - Feb 1 X-C Ski Beginner and Intermediate Instructional Weekend : Ski at Boston Univ. Sargent Center in nearby Peterborough, N.H. Fee $145 includes Fri & Sat bunk room lodging, Sat and Sun meals, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center and instruction in small groups. Ski rentals available. Leader has option to move event to Feb 13-15, by Jan. 26 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Non-refundable $50 deposit and SASE due by December 23, payable to Chris Shafer, PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880. L Chris Shafer (789-8331 after 9pm or 222-2797, ext. 7511 weekdays).

Fri., Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Step by Step - Webster Jackson. Moderate day hike to the summits of Mt Jackson and Webster for new winter hikers as well as other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. 6.5 mile hike at a moderate pace, with time allowed for new winter hikers to learn and practice winter skills and learn how to enjoy the winter. Sunday, Leader's choice. Some rental gear available. Approximate cost $110.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Jim Dunn

Sat. Jan 31 Hike Beautiful Scituate Reservoir & Forests: (new) Hike about 5 mi. around the reservoir, R. Blodgett, Water Supply Board will comment on water quality, issues with the reservoir and capability to provide adequate water in the future. Meet at Rte 102 and Ponganset Road, 10:30 am. Bring water, L John Feather jfeather67@cox.net CL Linda Pease (351-2234)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sat., Feb. 7. Whales on the Beach -- Starts at 1:00pm. A mystery. The media periodically reports beached whales --- sometimes in RI, Cape Cod and other coastal locations worldwide. Why do they beach themselves? How effective is re-launching action? How can beaching be prevented? Prof. Bob Kenney, Graduate School of Oceanography, URI, is an acknowledge expert on whales. He has studied the "whale beaching" phenomenon for many years and will share his research, insights and fascinating graphic case histories. Questions are encouraged. Bring your family or a friend. L Jack Schempp (331-4553)

Tue., Feb. 10. Hike Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown. 5 mile walk in this little gem which is RI's 2nd largest nature preserve. Easy walking though woodland trails. L Marcie Madsen (364-6538, marcie18@att.net)

Sat., Feb. 14. Hike Bigelow Hollow/Nipmuck State Pk, CT. Discover this gem in northeast CT. 5-7 mile loop includes a ridgewalk hopefully using snowshoes and/or stabelicers. Carpool from RI. L Marcie Madsen (364-6538, marcie18@att.net), CL Steve Harrison , R Marcie Madsen (364-6538, marcie18@att.net)

Sat., Feb. 14. Rome Point North Kingstown Hike. (new) 10:00 a.m. 5 miles of easy hiking with many nice views of Narragansett Bay done in a different way. Could also be the last chance to see the seals this winter. L Dick Sullivan (401-294-9374)

Fri., Feb. 20-22. Wildcat Ridge Traverse. Hike the length of the Wildcat Ridge by the Wildcat Ridge and 19 Mile Brook Trails. 9.4 miles with 3,250 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike, early start, late finish, for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at Pinkham Friday and Saturday nights. Approximate cost $157.00, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Closing date for sign up is Jan 20. Register with CL Joe Piotti. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Joe Piotti (joseph.piotti@lpl.com)

Fri-Sun, Feb 20-22 Snowshoe Workshop, Squam/Sandwich Area, NH. Sharpen up your snow-shoe technique and enjoy scenic trails at a moderate pace. Stay in motel, 2 nights, 2 per room w/ simple breakfast, dinner out, only $95. Participants must own or rent snow-shoes. Carpool possible. Contact L Steve Harrison 270-3363, CL Jack Schempp 331-4553.

Sat Feb 21 Conservation: Visit Foxwoods Museum, CT. It takes a few visits to take it all in. This is a first class museum (35000 sq feet) for adults and kids. There’s something for everyone, even movie lovers. L Yvonne Federowicz 354-5524, L Linda Pease 351-2234.

Wed., Feb. 25. Ice Skating/Social. (new) Ice skating followed by a social in Providence 6:00 PM at Kennedy Plaza Skating Center.Bring your skates or rentals available. Rain or snow storm cancels. For info call. L Janet Harris (401-276-6772), CL Antoinette Breed (401-751-5086)

Sat Feb 28 Conservation Event: (note date change) Owls can see in the dark and lots more…Owls are extraordinary birds. Kim Calcagno, Audubon, will comment about various owl species in New England and explain their unusual characteristics. She will bring along two of her Owl friends to help her out. Kim provided a fascinating program on Hawks at the 2008 Spring Fling. Bring a friend --at the Audubon Facility in Smithfield. A hike is planned after the talk. Phone for reservations/starting time:10:30 am. Jack Schempp 331 4553 or Linda Pease 351-2234.

Sat Feb 28 Hike the Wapack Trail, NH. Will be covering the southern section of the Wapack trail over Mt. Watatic. We start early from RI with possible exit with headlamps due to the length of hike (9.1 miles). This hike is suitable for intermediate winter hikers with proper winter gear. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Jim Dunn.

Fri-Sun March 6-8 Strenuous Winter Hike – Mt Cabot: via Bunnell Notch. For fit, experienced winter hikers with proper gear. Steady pace, 10.4 miles, 3200 ft elevation gain, 9 hours. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $110 fee includes 2 nights lodging. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Charlie Killam

Sat., Mar. 21. Cumberland Monastery and Pot Luck after. (new) Easy 4 mile hike on the Cumberland Monastery grounds and a Pot luck afterwards. Call for time and directions. L Gail Trapp (401-651-2412), CL John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net)

Fri- Sun March 27-29 Zealand Hut Overnighter. Spend a cozy weekend at an AMC backcountry hut, with optional hikes to Mt. Hale and Zeacliff 11.7 miles, 2300' elevation gain, 9 hours. For experienced, fit winter hikers with full winter gear and winter sleeping bag. Cost $95 includes Shapleigh hostel and hut lodging, 2 breakfasts, one dinner. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Denise Poyer.

Fri March 27 Conservation Bird Event: Join Kim Calcagno at Audubon in Smithfield for an evening dedicated to the mysterious American woodcock. Beginning w/soup, salad, fresh bread and an introduction to this bird and its exuberant mating flights. Then venture outdoors to view and listen for mating flights and songs. Sturdy shoes, dress warmly and bring flashlight. If bad weather, we will re-schedule. L Linda Pease 351-2234. CL Yvonne Federowics 354-5524.

Sat., May. 16. Hike beautiful Block Island. (new) 8 miles, bring water, snacks & lunch. Rain cancels. Ask about carpooling. L Gail Trapp (401-651-2412), CL John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net)