The Gansett Gazette
February-March
2009

Appie of the Year and
John Clark Service Awards

Presented at the Annual Meeting on Nov. 15, 2008

The Appie of the Year is the Narragansett Chapter’s highest award. It is presented to a member who exemplifies the mission of the AMC to “promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Appalachian region”. This year’s Appie joined the club in June of 2000, and began co-leading for the Northern Hikes Committee in 2004. Since that time, this year’s Appie has become instrumental in reaching out to those interested in mountain day hiking. He offers encouragement, teaches skills and shares his enjoyment of the outdoors, healthy exercise and a good meal afterward. This year’s Appie offers a variety of trips, including very popular moderate day hikes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These trips can be enjoyed without an overnight stay. On his weekend trips in the White Mountains, participants enjoy not only two great days of hiking, but his excellent cooking as well. This year’s Appie often runs the popular “Step by Step” events for those new to mountain hiking. These hikes include instruction in clothing, equipment and technique, and are open to all. This year’s Appie has developed a large a following in the chapter. His trips often fill early, and his participants enjoy their day, often asking ‘when is the next trip?’ He has been a prolific leader for the chapter. In 2008 alone, he led 8 hikes, and co-led additional 5 trips. Overall, he has led or co-led at least 28 activities. This year’s Appie has had a positive impact on the Chapter in general and the northern hiking community in particular. He has certainly promoted the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails of our region. The recipient for the 2008 Appie of the Year Award was Steve Harrisson. Steve truly exemplifies the mission of the AMC and he is congratulated on receiving the most deserving award of Appie of the Year for 2008.

The Chapter's 2nd highest award, the John Clark Service Award, is presented to the "unsung hero" of our Chapter - someone who quietly goes about the business of contributing to the chapter. The recipients for 2008 were Ilse Hill and Mike Krabach

One of the recipients of the John Clark Service Award for 2008 was Ilse Hill. Ilse has been the editor of the Gansett Gazette newsletter since 2003. She has contributed countless hours compiling and editing descriptions from each committee about their upcoming activities and creating our bi-monthly newsletter. Ilse also coordinates the submission of the final version to our mail house, so it can be printed and mailed, and submission of the information to Joy St., so it can be included in the Club-wide Outdoors Magazine. Our newsletter is the main means of communication to our members about our activities and programs and our newsletter is top-notch, due to the dedicated efforts of our editor. We are fortunate to have Ilse as the Editor of the Gansett Gazette.

Also receiving the John Clark Service Award for 2008 was Mike Krabach. Mike has been the webmaster for our chapter since 2005. During that time he has worked diligently, over numerous hours, to improve and maintain, the Chapter website. Mike has done much to enhance the website, making it very comprehensive and up-to-date, and providing the technical expertise to make it run smoothly. This includes posting the current Gazette as each new issue is available, hi-liting and including information on current topics and programs and soliciting and posting the continual stream of pictures of the various activities. Our chapter website is becoming a more important tool for the chapter and ours is one of the best. We are fortunate to have Mike as the webmaster of our chapter website.

Ilse Hill and Mike Krabach truly are unsung, behind-the-scenes heros of our chapter and both are congratulated on receiving the John Clark Service Award for 2008.

Family Outing Committee
The Narragansett Chapter's Family Outing Committee has been re-established. A page has been added to the Chapter website under Recreational that will contain a listing of: upcoming activities; guidelines for leaders and trips; and helpful tips for family outings. Members interesting in helping out the committee should contact Tom Eagan (tomeagan.amc@gmail.com) or Debbie Mitchell (dmitchell@thebravergroup.com).

Annual Meeting Minutes,
Annual Reports and Leader Awards
The minutes from the November Annual Meeting have been posted on the chapter website, along with the Annual Report of each activity group, including the Treasurer's Report, and the list of Leader Awards. All of this information is in the Members Section of the website. On the website's home page, go to "Our Chapter", then click on "Annual Meetings (pw)", enter the User Name and Password, then click on "Nov 2008 Annual Meeting". Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to review this information to have a better understanding of your chapter, of the accomplishments in 2008 for each activity group and to appreciate the efforts of the leaders that were recognized.

Save the Date
Delaware Chapter Spring Fling
April 24-26, 2009
To attend AMC’s first ever Spring Fling clubwide event taking place at the newly refubished Mohican Outdoor Center, located near the Delaware Water Gap in Blairstown, NJ. Join your AMC friends from near and far for this fun-filled weekend featuring various hikes along and around the AT, a visit to a local wolf preserve where you can see wolves and other animals in a natural setting, enjoy a few hours paddling on Catfish Pond (canoes, kayaks and all gear provided!), and of course, making S’mores around the campfire. A variety of guided activities for you to choose from will be provided throughout the weekend, and all meals are included, too. Accommodations include cabins, group and private tent sites. AMC members and non-members (families, too!) are invited. Bring your favorite musical instrument and join Mohican’s own band Saturday night in playing the classics and a few originals. This will be the first time that all twelve chapters will come together just to relax and have fun – no meetings, no business agenda, just a chance to get acquainted with fellow outdoor enthusiasts from all over the northeast. Register by calling or emailing Mohican soon, as we believe this event will sell out quickly. mohican@mindspring.com, 908-362-5670. If you’re interested in adding your skills toward advance planning or event support, call or email Chris Rapacki at 908.400.5500 or c_rapacki@eptech.com.

Change in Web Site Password
When you receive this Gazette, the password to the Members Section of the chapter web site will be changed to ski1911 as indicated on page 2. Please note that the user name is still the word “members" (without the quotes).

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

ACTIVITIES

Wed., Jan. 7. Hike & Social E.Greenwich Time 6 p.m. please bring flashlight. For info phone. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Jan. 10. Hudson, Breakheart and Shelter Trails. 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 (401-233-2163, 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 (401-364-6538), CL Steve Harrison , R Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)

Wed., Jan. 14. Hike and Social, Wickford. Time 6 p.m. Please bring flashlights. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

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 (401-789-8331 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. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. 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 (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net), CL Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677)

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 (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net)

Wed., Jan. 21. Hike & Social, Newport. Time 6 p.m. please bring flashlights. For info please phone. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

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 (401-364-6538)

Sat., Jan. 24. Lincoln Woods Hike. Meet at 10 a.m. For further details contact the leader). L Dick Sullivan (401 294-9374), CL Pam Hill (pjsh40@aol.com)

Wed., Jan. 28. Hike and Social. Leaders choice For info please phone. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

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)

Fri., Jan. 30-Feb. 1. X-C Ski Beginner and Intermediate Instructional Weekend. Cross-country 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 for $25 extra for entire weekend. 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. L Chris Shafer (789-8331 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 222-2797, ext. 7511 weekdays). L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov), R Chris Shafer (PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880, 401-789-8331 7PM to 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Wed., Feb. 4. Hike and Social in Narragansett 6:00 PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Feb. 7. Whales on the Beach -- 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. Event starts at 1 pm. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553)

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 (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net)

Wed., Feb. 11. Hike and Social, Jamestown 6:00 PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Wed Feb 11 Bike Planning Meeting: Time to fill up the riding schedule with tons of rides for all levels in all corners of the state. Meeting at Stop & Shop, N. Kingstown, corner of Frenchtown Rd./Rte 1 at 6:30 pm. Please let me know if you plan on attending and bring your schedules. Marcie Madsen (364-6538 or marcie18@att.net).

Sat., Feb. 14. Rome Point North Kingstown Hike. 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)

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 (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net), CL Steve Harrison , R Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net)

Tue. Feb. 17 Paddle Planning Meeting (new) 6:30pm Annual paddle planning meeting/potluck for sea kayaking and flatwater paddling to be held at Anne Fusco's house. Contact us if you plan to attend. Mike Krabach (333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), Linda Pease (351-2234)

Wed., Feb. 18. Hike and Social, Wakefield 6:00PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

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), Reg with 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.

Sat Feb 21 Parker Woodlands Hike: 5-7 miles. Beautiful winter views. Bring water, lunch and hiking boots. Stabilicers/yaktraks if needed. Heavy snow or rain cancels. Reg/w L Pam Hill (269-1610 7-9 pm or pjsh40@aol.com), CL Alfred Diorio.

Wed., Feb. 25. Ice Skating/Social. 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: 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.

Sun Feb 29 Wickaboxet Management Area Hike. 9am start. Hike Rhode Islands first State Park Forest past Rattlesnake Ledge, 4-6 miles following wood roads. Bring water and food. Legal Orange req’d. Heavy rain cancels L Pam Hill (269-1610 7-9 pm by Friday or Pjsh40@aol.com).

Wed., Mar. 4. Hike & Social, Garden City 6:00pm. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Fri., Mar. 6-8. Mt. Cabot via Bunnell Notch. (full) Strenuous Winter Hike - Mt Cabot: via Bunnell Notch. For fit, experienced winter hikers with full winter 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 (401-783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Charlie Killam

Sat., Mar. 7. Stepstone Falls Hike. Approximate 6 miles on Escoheag and Ben Utter trails in Acadia Management Area to a really nice waterfall. Bring stabilicers or equivalent in case of ice. Blaze orange required. Torrential rain or heavy snow cancels. Call evenings between 6 and 9 p.m. L Katherine Mears (401-348-9413 6 to 9 pm, medtho@cox.net), CL Pam Hill

Wed., Mar. 11. Hike and Social, Newport 6:00 PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Fri-Sun Mar. 13-15 Mts. Parker & Resolution, Conway, NH. For fit intermediate winter hikers with the proper gear. Great views on the hike which is 7.6 miles with1,700 feet of elevation gain. Sunday's hike is the leaders' choice. We will stay at the Ski Wheelers Lodge in Conway, NH. Cost is $95 and includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Reg/w L Steve Harrison 270-3363, CL Fred Griffith.

Sat Mar 14 Burlingame State Park Hike (new) 8 miles Intermediate hike at a moderate pace. This is a warm up for Spring. Vin Gormley trail loop. Boots required, lunch, and water. Rain cancels the hike. Reg. req’d. L Maria Earley 401-789-8331 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

Wed., Mar. 18. Hike and Social, leaders choice 6:00 PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Mar. 21. Cumberland Monastery hike and Pot Luck. 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)

Sat., Mar. 21. Goodard Park, East Greenwich hike. This is a 5 to 6 mile hike, along the bridle trails and beach areas of this park with views of the bay, cove and shore. L John Ross (401-884-8458)

Sun., Mar. 22. George Washington Management Area hike. 8 mile loop, moderate hike, Bring lunch and water. Hiking boots required. Inclement weather cancels. Legal orange req'd. L Fran Scullin (401-233-2163)

Wed., Mar. 25. Hike and Social, East Greenwich 6:00 PM. For information call. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Fri., Mar. 27-29. Zealand Hut Overnighter. (full) 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. Approximate cost $95 includes Shapleigh hostel and hut lodging, 2 breakfasts, one dinner. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Denise Poyer

Sat., Mar. 28. Glacier Park Westerly and Kettle Pond (new date) 10:00 a.m. We will be carpooling from the Kettle Pond visitors center to do a 3 mile walk at the Glacier Park which has very nice trails to a wonderful overlook of Block Island and Long Island. Then back to the visitors center for another short walk on the trails there. Ask about carpooling. L Dick Sullivan (401-294-9374)

Sat. Mar. 28. Hike Beautiful Scituate Reservior & Forests (re-scheduled from Jan.) Hike about 5 Mi. around the reservoir, R.Blodgett, Water Supply board member will comment on water quality, Issues with the reservoir and capability to provide adequate water in the future. Meet at Rte 102 and Ponagansett road, 10:30 AM. Bring water & snacks. L John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net), CL Linda Pease (401-351-2234)

Sun., Mar. 29. Wickaboxet Management Area hike. 9 a.m. start. Hike Rhode Island's first state forest past Rattlesnake Ledge. 4-6 miles following woods roads. Bring water and food. Legal orange required. Heavy rain cancels. L Pam Hill (401-269-1610 7-9 PM by Friday, pjsh40@aol.com)

Sun., Mar. 29. Family Hike Cumberland Monastery. (new) Easy Sunday afternoon hike at the Cumberland Monastery. 1 – 4 miles depending on ages and interest of group. Call or email for information. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192) dmitchell@thebravergroup.com, CL Mark Dennen (401-726-2773)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sun., Apr. 5. Family Indoor Rock Climbing. (new) Join the Family Outing Committee 6:00-8:00pm at the RI Rock Climbing Gym. Cost: up to $25 each includes gear rental and belayers. Register early, limit 20. Contact: John Fontaine at j2fontaine@verizon.net (401-354-6032).

Tue., Apr. 14. Local Hikes Meeting 6:30 PM. Come to offer a hike or two for summer time. We need to do June/July and Aug/Sept. Everyone is welcome to the meeting. Call for directions to Stop&Shop North Kingstown route 1. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat - Sun, April 25-26 SOLO Basic Wilderness First Aid: 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). Pre-registration for volunteer leaders will begin January 19. Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $60. Registration for all others will begin on February 1, and will cost $115 for Narragansett Chapter members and $165 for all others. The fee covers all instruction and materials and does not include lodging or meals. Register early, as this course has been a sellout for the past several years. For registration/ information, call Linda Pease (351-2234).

Thu. May 7 Map & Compass evening Workshop: (new) Learn to find your way in the back country. Topics include reading map symbols & contour lines, matching the terrain to the map, taking & using bearings, orienting map & compass, declination, determining your location and planning your route. Practice skills in the woods on Saturday. $15 includes map and materials. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com)

Sat. May 9 Map & Compass Off Trail Practice: (new) Continuation of Thursday Evening workship. Practice skills in the woods on Saturday. L Ed Poyer

Sat May 16 Spring Fling 2009 Save the date for our Chapter's Annual Spring Fling, that will be held at the beautiful S. Kingstown Land Trust Barn in Matunuck. This year's activities will include scenic hikes, paddling, bicycling and family activities. Look for the registration/event notice in the next issue of the Gazette.

Sat May 16 Family Easy Paddling Outing. (new) Join other AMC families (couples and/or youth and their parents) at 1 PM for an afternoon outing on Worden's pond and possibly a part of an adjoining river in South Kingstown. Kayakers and canoeists welcome, as well as beginning paddlers. Inquire in advance about free use of extra canoes available at the launching site or may reserve in advance AMC rental kayaks. After the paddling event, join us at the nearby chapter spring fling site for other activities, followed by evening meal. Rainy/windy weather forecast will likely result in postponing this event to Sun. May 17. For details, contact leader, Chris Shafer (401-789-8331, 7-9pm) or (401-222-2797, ext. 7511, days - work) or christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov .

Fri-Mon May 22-25 High Peaks of the Pemigewasset Wilderness: Strenuous overnighter to Galehead Hut. Hike in via North Twin. Sunday hike to South Twin, Guyot and the Bonds. Enjoy camaraderie and hearty backcoutry fare. For those in good condition with mountain hiking experience. Moderately paced; longest day: 9 miles, 3400 Ft elevation gain, up to 9 hours. Expect river fordings, possibly some snow. $155 fee includes motel and hut lodging, 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners. View 2007 trip. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Denise Poyer.

Sat., May. 30. Hike beautiful Block Island. 8 miles, bring water, snacks & lunch. Rain cancels. Ask about carpooling. L Gail Trapp (401-651-2412), CL John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net)

Fri-Sun June 5-7 Alpine Lakes & Gardens Weekend - Club wide event Enjoy the remarkable miniature beauty of alpine flowers while hiking along the majestic southern Presidential Ridge. Intermediate challenge, moderate pace: 7 mile, 7 hour day, with 2500' elevation gain and some steep, exposed sections. For fit, experienced mountain hikers interested in blooms, not peaks. View photos from 2003 trip. $175 fee includes hotel & full service hut lodging, tips, breakfasts & 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com).

Thur-Sun July 2–5 Adirondacks High Peaks Region Weekend. Enjoy 3-days of challenging dayhikes to non-4000' footers in the Adirondacks High Peaks region. Hikes 4 – 8 miles featuring steep and very rugged terrain, some scrambling. For fit, experienced mountain hikers. $195 includes 3 nights lodging at a guide company's lodge, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Dinner supplied by leaders and prepared as a group. View previous trips. Space is limited, register early. L Sean Buckley. Reg/w CL Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com).