The Gansett Gazette

December-January
2016

Chapter Leadership Roster

Chapter Chair-Bob Tessitore
Chapter Vice-Chair-Russ Miller
Secretary-Debra Huntington
Treasurer-Bill Rafferty
Membership Chair-Gregg O'Brien
Activities Chair-Chris Shafer
Communications Chair-Mike Krabach
Conservation Chair-Linda Pease
Leadership Chair-Ed Poyer
Trails Chair-Dav Cranmer
Backpacking & Northern Hikes Subchair-Ed Poyer
Biking Subchair-Marcie Madsen
Local Hikes Co-Subchairs-Kerri Green and Colleen Quattromani
Technical Climbing Subchair-Peter Barlow
Flatwater Paddling Subchair-Linda Pease
Sea Kayaking Subchair-Michael Krabach
Skiing Co-Subchairs-Ann Piascik and Steve Harrington
Young Members Subchair-Scott Disnard
Family Outings Subchair-Debbie Mitchell
Webmaster/Photographer-Mike Krabach
Publicist-Shannon Kelley

Fall Gathering 2016

The Annual AMC Fall Gathering is hosted by each AMC chapter in rotation. Our previous turn was in 2006 and now it our responsibility again in 2016. The chapter organizational timeline is being followed for the event planning. Volunteers have formed a committee and toured the Alton Jones Campus on November 13 to see the facilities and campus.

This years 2015 Fall Gathering was held at Lake George, hosted by the Mohawk Hudson chapter.

Scheduled planning is continuing by our committee. Contact our Chair, if you wish to assist in any manner. Bob Tessitore

The 2016 AMC Fall Gathering committee has the following volunteers.

Planning Committee Chairperson - John Halloran
Budget & Finance Sub-Committee - Matt Putnam
Facilities Sub-Committee - Rebecca Swagger, Jerry Bernardini
Activities Sub-Committee - Barbara Flagg, Mary Fasano
Hospitality Sub-Committee - Margie Parsons, Elise Hedglen, Herrick Spencer
Publicity Sub-Committee - Elise Hedglen, Christine Satterwhite, Michael Krabach
Registration Sub-Committee - Rebecca Swagger, Jerry Bernardini
Planning Committee Secretary - Christine Satterwhite

Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting

Our Annual meeting was held on Saturday November 7th at the Save the Bay facility.

The Chapter's major awards, as described below, were presented at the meeting.

The Appie of the Year award was presented to John Stevens, who in an outstanding manner, exemplifies the mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Narragansett Chapter membership and is confirmed by the Chapter Executive Board. John is an active member of the Northern Hiking committee.


The John Clark Service Award is the Chapter's second highest honor. This award is given to the someone who quietly goes about their business of contributing to the chapter. This year the award went to Dav Cranmer. Dav is an active member and Chair of the Trails committee.


The Golden Appie award is not a yearly award but a lifetime achievement award for service to the Narragansett Chapter. Over the years, some members have given their time and talent to the AMC. The award this year was given to Dick Sullivan who has lead "too many to count" local hikes.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation by Ed Webster talking about his climb in 1988 on Mt Everest. His ascent in a party of four, with no Sherpa and without oxygen, put one of the team on the top. But at the expense of severe frostbite.

This year the attendence was over 100 members and guests. Photos of the evening are in the website Photo Album under "Social & Family Events."

Our New Leader Rewards Program

If you lead 6 or more trips next year, and qualify for the rewards program, you get a free membership in 2017.


The Narragansett Chapter is inaugurating a new program starting January 1, 2016 to encourage more members to become leaders, and for current leaders who only lead a few trips, to consider leading more trips and events. The Chapter wants to also reward current prolific leaders who contnue to lead multiple trips or events for their contribution to our chapter and the AMC.

An AMC Narragansett chapter leader qualifies for free AMC renewal membership in the 2017 calendar year, paid to the AMC by the Narragansett chapter treasurer prior to the expiration date of the leader’s membership in 2017, based on the conditional provisions (ie. rules) of the Narragansett Chapter leader reward program.

This program will be in place for one year. If successful, the rewards program may be continued.

The Annual AMC Summit Meeting

AMC's Annual Summit highlights the people who make AMC's mission real everyday- our dedicated volunteers!

The 140th Annual Summit will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016. ALL members, not just our volunteers and leaders, are invited to this event.

The day's activities will include:
  • Exciting and Interesting Sessions and Trainings
  • AMC Committee Meetings
  • Delicious Buffet Lunch
  • 140th Annual Business Meeting
  • Celebration Reception
Cost: Pay $30 when you register before January 1, 2016, Regular Rate is $40 - Attend any combination of sessions, trainings, committee meetings and the 140th Business Meeting - plus enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and kickoff a fantastic year in the outdoors with a complimentary drink and hors d'oeuvres at our Celebration Reception.

Full information and registration is at www.outdoors.org/about/annualsummit/

Location: This year we will be gathering again at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Trip Leaders Talk Card

Leaders, how good are you at introducing your trip or event to the participants? Do you always remember all the little things? Now the AMC has produced a handy card called a "Talk Card" that you can print out and carry with you for instant reminders. The card is a pdf file that is suitable for lamination. The major topics are:
  • Arrival and Signing the Waiver
  • Introductions (Gather the Group Together)
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Ground Rules and Expectations for Group Trips
View the file here: www.outdoors.org/volunteers/forms/upload/Trip-Talk-Card-with-formatting-OCT-2015-2.pdf

And as soon as you have looked over the Talk Card, you can enter the contest below.

Trip Talk Video Contest

AMC Leaders! Do you give an awesome trip talk before your AMC events? Show us! The AMC has launched a video contest to help create the ultimate training video for trip talks. The Grand Prize winner will be awarded a 2-night stay for 2 at an AMC destination. A selection of top entries will be shown at AMC’s Annual Summit in January, 2016.

Watch this video for contest details and rules (rules can also be found in the description below the YouTube video). You must be an active AMC leader to submit a video. Quick look at rules and help. The deadline for submittal of your video is Jan. 10, 2016. Let the contest begin!

Hiking with Orange in State Forests

A reminder Fall and Winter hikers, fluorescent orange must be worn in Rhode Island State Management areas by all users. This includes the Pulaski XC Skiing area in northwest area of RI. There are 200 and 500 sq. inches of orange requirements but a orange vest will cover the 500 sq. inches requirement. Cheap hunting vest are available from several discount stores, with Ocean State Job Lot being really cheap. For more detail on State Management areas that have these requirements see the Local Hikes committee page.

Winter Hiking Reminders

With snow and ice expected on the winter hiking trails, members may need extra traction or support on snow. For information on different traction devices that are available for footwear, you are refered to a section in the Winter Snow Resources page. In general more hiking advice and suggested places to hike and ski is available in these webpages, all accessable on our front webpage.

Leader Profiles Wanted

Our leaders and committee members are volunteers who enjoy donating their time and expertise for the benefit of the AMC, so that our members can enjoy the outdoor opportunities we offer. The Narragansett Chapter has a trip leader and committee member profile page to credit and introduce our leaders and committee members to the membership.

If you are a trip leader, a committee member, serve in some other capacity for the club, or served as an active past leader, and have not submitted a profile, we encourage you to share a profile with the chapter. Submitting information for the profile page is strictly voluntary, but in the spirit of the AMC, I hope most of you will contribute. How to contritube your profile here.

ACTIVITIES

Wed., Dec. 2. Hike and Social - Jamestown. 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Jamestown Dock, 6 pm. Will walk in the general area. Bring flashlight, warm clothes, etc. Rain/snow cancels. L Sidney Wax (401-935-5466, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Dec. 5. Dog Hike- Duval Trail, South Kingstown. 4 miles of Land Trust Property, ups and downs. L Bonnie England, CL Paul Wynn and Marcy Feibleman. Register with Bonnie at bonniedune@aol.com.

Wed., Dec. 9. Hike and Social, Narragansett. 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. We'll go thru Narragansett and check out the Christmas lights. We leave at 6:00 pm. Bring a flashlight. L Susan Boland (401-788-3534, sboland3@verizon.net)

Wed., Dec. 16. Fall Gathering Committee meeting, Providence. Meeting to discuss continued planning for the 2016 Fall Gathering, including possible activities. Information contact is chairperson John Halloran, fh0901@gmail.com.

Wed., Dec. 16. Christmas Hike and Social, Wickford. This will be a down town Christmas hike and out to Wilson Park and back to eat. Bring a flash light. Directions: Take a Rt. 4 from 95 or Rt. 4 going north to Rt.102 east to Down town. Take a left turn into Brown St, Park just across from the Wickford Market Place in the parking lot on your right. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974 anytime, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Dec. 19. Pachaug State Forest Hike. 9 mile strenuous loop hike. Plan on 4.5-5 hours. We will start at 9:30 am. Enter the state forest from Rte 49 in Voluntown CT. Follow the road right, when you come to a fork in the road stay right. This is the parking lot we will start from. Hunter Orange required. L Kim Pepas (860-383-6149 Before 9 pm, ppepas8@comcast.net) CL Carol Baldwin

Wed., Dec. 23. La Sallette Hike and Social, Rhode Island. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go out to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. What better place than Lasallette Shrine for Christmas. Two options for meeting... at shrine or carpool: Hike leaves at 6pm. Meet in front of ramp down to Manger exhibit - La Sallette, 947 Park St., Attleboro. MA. Or you can meet at Davenports 1925 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence. at 5:30 to carpool up. Let us know. Flashlights suggested. Heavy rain, snow, or bad driving conditions cancel. Dress for weather. L N Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677, goh243@aol.com), reg/w sid wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jan. 2. Green Fall Pond Hike. (new) 7.5-8.5 mile hike starting on the Tippecansett Trail. Plan on at least 4 hours. Meet at the Tippecansett trailhead at "postal location", 567 Rockville Rd, Voluntown CT. Directions from Rt 95, Exit 3, to Wyoming, to Hope Valley on Rt 3, drive north on Spring St. (Rt 138) and go 1000 ft past the CT State line. There is limited parking on the east side of road. L Kim Pepas (860-383-6149 Before 9 pm, ppepas8@comcast.net) CL Colleen Quattromani

Sun., Jan. 3. Breakheart Trail hike. (new) This is a 6.5 mile hike at a moderate pace that takes us half way around Breakheart Pond and through the woods passed the Alton Jones campus, a large stone chimney, and a youth camp. Wear sturdy boots, bring water and food (even if you ate breakfast). The temperature may be low; dress in non-cotton layers. Start at 9:30am. Directions: Take route 165 off of Route 3 (by the pizza shop). Go three miles from route 3 and turn right at the Exeter Baptist Church on Frosty Hollow Road, continuing 1.5 miles to its end. Turn right on another gravel road and follow it to its end; the parking lot with be on your left. L Karen Paley, L Elizabeth Kroll (lizkroll@verizon.net), reg/w Karen Paley (401-714-3569 after 7 pm, ksurman1@cox.net)

Wed., Jan. 6. Hike and Social - Jamestown. 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Jamestown Dock (East Ferry), 6 pm. Nighttime water views guaranteed. Bring flashlight, warm clothes, etc. L Sidney Wax (401-935-5466, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Jan. 8-10. Moderate White Mountain Winter Hiking Weekend. (new) Join us for 2 days of winter hiking near Crawford Notch, NH. All levels welcome. Most suitable for fit hikers with proper equipment, this trip serves as an introduction to hiking winter peaks. Required equipment includes waterproof, insulated winter boots. Intended route is a loop over Mt. Field and Mt. Tom (7.3 miles, 3,440' elevation gain, 6:10 hours book time). Snowshoes, crampons. light traction and poles available for rent. $125 cost includes 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Bob Janus

Sat., Jan. 9. Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing. (Canceled - To be rescheduled when it snows.) Day trip to Great Brook Farm nordic ski center, about 1 hour northeast of Providence. Good for beginner to intermediate level skiers. Instruction provided by leaders if needed by any participants; will divide group according to ability, if necessary. Day pass obtained at center and ski rentals available on site. Dress in layers and bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet in morning for carpooling at Triboro Plaza entrance parking area in Attleboro Falls (take RT. 152 exit (exit 5) off I-95 north and proceed right off exit for short distance to plaza, on right, at 125 Robert Toner Blvd.). Contact leaders for meeting time and confirmation of trip (snow dependent). L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov) L Mark Dennen (401-354-9377, zenmartialartist@gmail.com)

Sat., Jan. 9. Blue Hills, Hike Ponkapoag Pond and the Boardwalk. With snow this will be an enjoyable scenic 4.5 mile hike, through the AMC camp site and over the boardwalk, there are no hills. Bring snow shoes if you wish. Chances are they will not be needed. We can stop for something hot later while there, yet be back by 2:30. Meet for carpool at Apex in Pawtucket at 9:30 am. Or meet at trail head, off Rt 93N, exit 3, take right to parking. Directions from south of Providence: Take 95 north to exit 28, bottom of hill, left on Rt 114 into the Apex parking lot on your left. Park in the near east side of the parking lot. Questions, call Herrick. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974 anytime, spencer295@cox.net)

Sun., Jan. 10. Dog Hike - Weetamoo Woods. (new) This hike is approximately 3 miles long. The terrain is easy to moderate. L Paul Wynn, L Mary Hodess (508-479-3112, mlhodess@cox.net) CL Hodess, Brian , reg/w Paul Wynn (401-644-8529, wynnpw1@yahoo.com)

Tue., Jan. 12. Fall Gathering Committee meeting, Cranston Library. Meeting to discuss continued planning for the 2016 Fall Gathering, including possible activities. Information contact is chairperson John Halloran, fh0901@gmail.com.

Wed., Jan. 13. Hike and Social, Barrington. (new) 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Shaws parking lot by the bike path (186 County Rd). Wear reflective clothing and bring a light, as some crazy bikers use the path at night... Dress for conditions... L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Fri., Jan. 15-18. XC ski/snowshoe MLK Weekend, N. Conway. Stay in private centrally located ski club in N. Conway. 4 cross country ski areas within 25 minute drive, or choose downhill skiing, snowshoe or hiking. Stay in unique 30 room, 150 yr. old former Victorian inn. Lodging 2-4 to a room. 2 nights $69, 3 nights $93. Cost includes breakfasts and dinner. Limited to 10. For more info, contact leader. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Tue., Jan. 19. Winter walk on the East Bay Bike Path. (new) We will walk the East Bay Bike Path to a historical (Mayflower) cemetery; we will be on some local streets. Please dress for wind and weather! Dangerous driving and/or walking conditions will cancel. Start 10am at Haines Memorial State Park. The hike will be about 4 miles. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Wed., Jan. 20. Hike and Social - Cliff Walk at Full Moon- Newport. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we go out to to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at CVS on Bellevue. Flashlights. Leave at 6 pm. L Mary Alice Smith (401-851-6906, maryalicesmith4@gmail.com)

Fri., Jan. 22-24. Cold River Camp Ski & Snowshoe Weekend. (full) Stay at AMC Cold River Camp Winter Cabin. L Ann Piascik (401-603-9820 4pm to 9 pm, ap25776@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jan. 23-24. Ice Climbing NH, White Mountains Region. Designed for experienced ice climbers and rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, boots and crampons but can share ice tools. Cost share lodging. Register with Leader. L Peter Barlow (401-871-0552, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Sat., Jan. 23. Hike the Duval Trail. (canceled) According to the South Kingston Land Trust website, "The 2.4 mile DuVal Trail (5 miles round trip) crosses numerous parcels protected by SKLT and RIDEM. This trail features the hill and kettle topography of a terminal moraine left by the retreating glaciers of the last ice age. Visitors enjoy a sweeping view of the ocean and Block Island to the south from a scenic overlook. Polly's Rock Loop passes through dramatic hills and vales to the west of the original entry trail." Wear sturdy boots, layers of non-cotton clothing, and bring at least a liter of water and food (even if you ate breakfast). L Karen Paley (401-714-3569 before 7 p.m., ksurman1@cox.net) CL Liz Kroll (lizkroll@verizon.net)

Sun., Jan. 24. Ice Skating in 'downtown' Providence. Take a break after the holiday craziness to enjoy some outdoor fun. Join us for ice skating at the Alex and Ani City Center ice rink at 2 Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence ( http://www.alexandanicitycenter.com/ ). Admission is $7 and skate rental is $6. We'll meet at the ticket office at 1:00PM. Registration is not required, but if you have any questions contact Karen. L Karen Rudio (Karenrudio@comcast.net)

Wed., Jan. 27. Hike and Social - Bristol. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go out to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Bristol end of East Bay Bike path (Thames and Oliver Sts), and we will walk around Bristol. 6:00 pm Wear reflective clothing and bring flashlight. Dress appropriately for the weather. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Fri., Jan. 29-31. Mt. Parker winter hiking. Join us for a day of winter hiking to this uncrowded summit with great views. 7.8 mi RT, with 2800 feet of elevation gain, moderate pace. Enjoy views in all directions, including the Montalban Ridge, Mt. Washington, and the southern Presidentials. Sun hike TBD. Full winter gear required. $90 for 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner at ski club in N. Conway. Register with L Elise Hedglen. (ehedglen@yahoo.com) L Stephen Harrison (hikersteve60@gmail.com)

Sat., Jan. 30. AMC 140th Annual Summit meeting. Norton Mass. The 140th Annual Summit will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016.

    The day's activities will include:
  • Exciting and Interesting Sessions and Trainings
  • AMC Committee Meetings
  • Delicious Buffet Lunch
  • 140th Annual Business Meeting
  • Celebration Reception
Sat., Jan. 30. Mt. Tom/Breakheart Trails Hike, Aracadia, RI. (new) 10-11 mile loop hike on a variety of terrains. No beginners please. We will meet at the Arcadia Ranger/Canoe launch parking lot on Rte 165 in RI by the Wood River for a 9:30 am start. Wear your hunter orange. L Kim Pepas (860-886-1710 Before 9 pm., ppepas8@comcast.net)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Tue., Feb. 2. Trustom Pond Hike. (new) Enjoy about 3 miles of woodsy & flat trails to views of BI Bay; bring binoc's to view birds; bring traction devices & poles if snowy; snack & water; dress for weather. If you want to car pool or caravan from the Salt Pond Shopping Center in Narragansett, contact the leader. L Elizabeth Kroll, L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com), reg/w Liz Kroll (lizkroll@verizon.net)

Wed., Feb. 3. Hike and Social - Garden City, Cranston. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go out to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm at Whole Foods on Sockanosset Cross Road. Route will be dependent on snow conditions. Bring a flashlight, and dress for conditions and visability. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Feb. 5-7. Intermediate above treeline hiking weekend in the Whites. (new) Enjoy spectacular views from above treeline. For those in good condition with winter experience and full winter gear. Suitable for your first trip above tree-line. Required equipment includes waterproof, insulated winter boots, and full face protection.Likely peaks include Mt. Pierce (7.2 miles, 2,410' elevation gain, 6:10 hours book time) or Mt. Jackson (5.2 miles, 2,140' elevation gain, 4:50 hours book time). Snowshoes, crampons, light traction and poles are available for rent. $125 cost includes 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Jim Swanberg

Sat., Feb. 6. Annual Climbing Party. (new) Come catch up with friends old and new. Open to all climbers. Slide shows of trips. Gear swap. Pot Luck - Last name: A-L - appetizers, M-R - desserts; S-Z- entrees. Location: Pawtucket VFW 171 Fountain Street, Pawtucket, RI. L Kenneth Hamel (bikeskiboy@hotmail.com)

Wed., Feb. 10. Young Members Pizza and Planning Social. (new) Lets get together to talk about YM trips, plans for the year, and how to become more involved. New comers welcome! Come meet some fun loving adventure seeking people! L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com 161 Cushing St, Providence)

Sat., Feb. 13. Cross Country Skiing at Pulaski State Park- Gloucester. Skiing on groomed trails, some hills. Orange is required, some orange vests are available. Approximately 3 miles. L Mark Dennen, reg/w Mark (401-726-2773, zenmartialartist@gmail.com)

Wed., Feb. 17. Hike and Social - Newport. (new) 2-3 mile hike and the we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Walk thru Newport' s colonial Point section, and along the shore. Bring flashlight. Meet at Van Zandt pier at Washington St., 6 pm. L Thomas Freeman (401-338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Wed., Feb. 17. Fall Gathering Committee meeting, Cranston Library. (new) Meeting to discuss continued planning for the 2016 Fall Gathering. Information contact is chairperson John Halloran, fh0901@gmail.com.

Sat., Feb. 20-21. Ice Climbing, Smuggler's Notch, VT. Designed for experienced ice and rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Must register with leader. L Peter Barlow (401-871-0552, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Wed., Feb. 24. Hike and Social, Narragansett. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. We'll walk on the beach or around town, depending on conditions. We leave at 6:00 pm. L Susan Boland (401-788-3534, sboland3@verizon.net)

Fri., Feb. 26-28. Ski/Snowshoe NH Weekend. Stay and ski/snowshoe from 18th Century farmhouse. Hearty home cooked meals, cozy fires and views of Cardigan and Gunstock. Intermediate x-country skiing. Beginners welcome. Downhill ski at Ragged, optional. $110 includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Leader: Ann Piascik. L Ann Piascik (401-603-9820, ap25776@yahoo.com)

Sat., Feb. 27. Dog Hike - Grills Preserve, Grills Preserve, Westerly. (new) 3 to 4 miles on gentle winding trails, beautiful property. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) CL Van Wyk, Judy CL Hodess, Brian (bonniedune@aol.com)

Fri., Mar. 11-13. Challenging above treeline hiking weekend. Enjoy spectacular views from the top of New England. For those with proven winter hiking fitness, winter experience and full winter gear. Required equipment includes waterproof, insulated winter boots, and full face protection. Some above tree line experience required: expect a full day. Likely goals include a Southern Presidential Traverse of Mts. Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower & Pierce (10.6 miles, 3,900' elevation gain, 7:20 hours book time), Mt. Clay or Mt. Madison (6.4 miles, 4,100' elevation gain, 6:20 hours booktime) Snowshoes, crampons, light traction and poles are available for rent. $125 cost includes 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Tom Grasso

Sat., Mar. 12. Dog Hike - Sprague Farm, Chepachet. (new) 3 to 4 miles, easy trails in historic area. Dogs and humans have a great time. L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) L Paul Wynn (wynnpw1@yahoo.com) CL Feibleman, Marcy

Sat., Apr. 2. Dog Hike - Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserves, Cumberland. (new) 3+ miles on gentle wood trails. Dogs and humans have a great time. Waterproof boots highly recommended. L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Sat., Apr. 9. Leadership Training Workshop, Chepatchet, RI. (new) Join us for a one day workshop to develop and practice important skills needed to successfully lead safe and enjoyable chapter activities. Sessions will include Activity Design and Planning, Screening Participants, Leadership Styles, Decision Making, Trailhead Procedures, Managing Your Group, and Accident Scene Management. The skills presented will apply to all chapter activities, and will benefit anyone planning to lead a one day activity, a weekend trip, or maybe something more ambitious. We will split into small groups to make the day highly interactive, giving you the opportunity to benefit directly from the experiences and knowledge of the experienced chapter leaders who will be leading these sessions. Whether you are an experienced leader looking to make your trips run more smoothly, or are interested in becoming a leader, this workshop will give you the skills and confidence you need to lead a chapter activity. The workshop will take place in Chepatchet, RI. Cost for chapter members is $25.00, and includes refreshments. L Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com) L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com), reg/w Linda Pease (linda.pease@cox.net)

Sat., Apr. 16-17. Wilderness First Aid Training, Camp Hoffman, West Kingston, RI. (new) Red Cross first aid training is certainly helpful, but when you are in a backwoods situation, you need more. This course will provide the knowledge you will need to deal with medical emergencies when you are more than one hour from medical care. In addition to patient assessment, this course will teach you how to treat immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia and other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more. This is a two day course and will be taught at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI. The course will once again be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO). Cost for AMC Narragansett Chapter trip leaders is $25. Cost for Narragansett Chapter members is $95 and $165 for non-chapter members. The fee covers all instruction and materials and morning snacks, but does not include lodging or meals. For registration information, call Linda Pease (401-351-2234). L Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com), reg/w Linda Pease (401-351-2234)

Sat., Apr. 23. Spring Hiking Warmup - Pack Monadnocks. (new) Let's hike the Pack Monadnocks by way of the Wapack Trail. Intended route is 7.6 miles RT and 2150 ft of gain. Gear is going to depend on conditions, but light traction and warm clothing a must. We may require winter gear should winter persist. Moderate pace. We are out to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. Carpool from northern RI. Late Afternoon return. Possible dine out after. L John Stevens (401-487-2629 7-9pm weeknights, jstevens184@gmail.com) L Kerri Green (kegreslp@gmail.com)

Sat., Apr. 30. Dog Hike - JB Hudson, Breakheart Trails, Exeter. (new) 4+ miles, many ups and downs, option to extend to 7 miles. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Mary Hodess (mlhodess@cox.net) L Paul Wynn (paul.wynn@yahoo.com) CL Brian Hodess

Sun., May. 15. Dog Hike - Carolina North, Carolina Mgmt Area. (new) 4 1/2 miles, ups and downs. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) L Paul Wynn (paul.wynn@yahoo.com) CL Brian Hodess

Sat., Jun. 4. Dog Hike - Pascoag Forest Trails. (new) 3 to 4 miles, trails to be determined closer to hike date. L Paul Wynn (paul.wynn@yahoo.com) L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) CL Feibleman, Marcy

Sat., Jun. 18. Dog Hike - Ben Utter Trail, Arcadia. (new) Beautiful 3 to 4 mile hike with ups and downs along the Falls. Dogs and humans have a great time. L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) CL Feibleman, Marcy