The Gansett Gazette

February-March
2014

Narragansett Chapter AMC
Leadership Roster

Chapter Chair-Debbie Mitchell
Chapter Vice-Chair-Bob Tessitore
Secretary-Debra Huntington
Treasurer-Tom Eagan
Membership Chair-Robin Kuznitz
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-Mary Ann Topp
and Christine Galvin

Technical Climbing Co-Subchairs- Peter Barlow
and Brian Phillips

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

Winter?

Winter seems to have come and gone several times so far this season. Entertainment seems to have been diverted to the news industry “trending” reports on the (newly minted) “Polar Vortex”. I am keenly waiting for the summer “Equatorial Vortex” to arrive. Hopefully in the meantime snowfall will still become a reality and XC skiing will return to RI and nearby areas. In the meantime make sure that you have proper gear to take advantage of our winter season. Dressing warmly and use the proper gear for the conditions. Our website Snow Resources page has good information on traction devices and clothing.

New Social Event Category

Social Events has been added to the Activities Committee to allow members to become contributors for social events without going through formal qualifications. Of course we assume that you know what you are doing when you enter a social event. The Reviewer for social events will be Chris Shafer, our Activities Committee Chair. Events of this nature could include ice skating, roller blading, slide shows, picnics, or any other social event that does not require a formally qualified leader as for biking, paddling, etc. If you wish to be included with a database account, contact Chris Shafer.

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 our leaders and committee members will contribute using our easy submittal form.

General Site Password

The general site password has previously been published in the mailed Gazette. The new password will not be published in the future. If you want the username/password combination you should contact the webmaster. It still will be changed on a yearly basis.

Communications Committee

In the coming year we hope to revise our website to make it more useful and distribute the editorial load from a single person (the webmaster) to the leadership members. We need volunteers to assist in the preliminary design and feature selections. Currently there are pages on our website that get no use, some that get heavy use, and those in between. The committee would be the body to determine what to keep and what to drop. In the past there has been minimal, and I mean minimal, input to the form and design of the current website. We need volunteers who would not only give their personal input but would look at the other AMC chapter websites to see what they are doing, how they are doing it, and is it effective? This will not be a cursory gloss over other sites, but a careful examination from the users standpoint. Any new website for our chapter will aslo have it's limitations based on our method of coding and designing the site. These limitations will need to be examined by the more tech savy members of the committee. The new website will not only need to be function on the popular full size browsers but also on mobile versions. These are the challenges that we need to address. Interested, or have questions or input? Use the Suggestion Box to contact the webmaster, or contact him directly. Let's not let the future website be as bland, but maintenance free, as our backup site. http://www.amcnarragansett.org/v/

Our Meetup Site

Currently we have 768 Meetup members that have signed up to our Meetup group. This is a pool of like minded outdoors people that hopefully will think enough of the AMC to join the AMC. If you as an AMC member are on any event or trip that has included Meetup members as guests, make them welcome and comfortable with our organization. Hopefully some will join and eventually become involved enough in the AMC to be our new leaders. Out Meetup group is our largest Social window to the Internet, other than our website.

Volunteer Positions Still Open

(New) We would like to thank Debra Huntington for volunteering to be our new chapter Secretary. Our Treasure position is in the process of being filled also. But we still need members to fill other important positions. If you have interest in any of these positions, or know of anyone who might be interested, please contact any of our Board members. Contacts are listed at the top on this page. More information on the duties of these positions are listed on our volunteer web page.

Emergency Listing from Boston

There is a big Boston Chapter cross country ski and snowshoe trip that was unfortunately left out of the Boston Chapter newsletter and the magazine. The leader, Marjorie Jordan, asked that I please bring the trip to your attention so that you could pass the message on to your skiing/snowshoeing members if they would be interested. Trip information is below.
Feb 16 – 21, 2014, Sun – Fri X-C SKI AND SNOWSHOE WEEK, VAL DAVID, QUEBEC, (Forty Plus) 19th Annual X-C Ski and Snowshoe trip to Auberge du Vieux Foyer, Val David, Quebec. Accommodations include a double room with a private bath, five nights lodging, five full breakfasts, five gourmet dinners. Includes free access to over 100 km of groomed trails for all abilities, including those at Far Hills. Indoor Sauna and large outdoor hot tub on premises. Rate $620/per person, double occ. $795/person single occ. (applicable taxes not included) $125.00 deposit required with registration. To register, call Marjorie Jordan (617 969 6863) between 7:00-9:00 PM or email magjor@verizon.net. The online trip listing can be found here: http://activities.outdoors.org/search/ index.cfm/action/details/id/70412
Susannah Hatch
Volunteer Relations Coordinator
Appalachian Mountain Club


August Camp
Mount Rainier National Park
Hike in the shadows of majestic Mount Rainier

In 2014 August Camp experiences the incredible beauty of Mount Rainier National Park. Marvel at spectacular scenery while walking among towering hemlocks, relive the drama of Mt. St. Helens, and hike on the shoulder of one of the tallest peaks in the lower 48. Camp will be set up in the small former lumbering town of Packwood adjacent to the park.
After a day of the activity of your choice relax around the nightly campfire. This will be the time to listen to ranger talks, hear reports from the day’s hikes, learn about the next day’s activities, and enjoy singing and conversation.
This full service tent village for 64 campers each week offers home-cooked meals, daily hikes at all levels, nightly campfires and wonderful camaraderie.
The designated airport is Seattle-Tacoma International, and the camp fleet of vans provides transport between camp and SeaTac each Saturday.
The Application and Camper information forms, as well as detailed Camp information can found on the August Camp website at http://www.augustcamp.org/ . Plan your one or two week adventure now and be part of one of the AMC's oldest traditions. Applications will be accepted after Jan 1, 2014.
  • Week 1: July 19 - July 26
  • Week 2: July 26 - Aug 2
  • Week 3: Aug 2 - Aug. 9
  • Week 4: Aug 9 - Aug. 16
Questions about August Camp? Contact DV Chapter member and August Camp leader Lennie Steinmetz at steinmetz.lennie@gmail.com or by phone at 610-694-8677.

ACTIVITIES

Fri., Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Webster Jackson Intro to Winter Hiking. Moderate day hike to the summits of Mt Jackson and Webster for new winter hikers and 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. Fee $120 includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Bob Janus, reg/w Bob Janus (janus68@cox.net)

Sat., Feb. 1. Dog Hike at Weetamo Woods, Tiverton. Dog hike at Weetamoo Woods, Tiverton. L Judy Van Wyk, CL Paul Wynn CL Russ Miller , reg/w Judy Van Wyk (peacefulpeople@yahoo.com)

Tue., Feb. 4. Weetamo Woods/Ft. Barton Redoubt Hike. Hike 6 miles of woodland trails in Weetamo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve then a short drive to Historic Ft. Barton Woods & Revolutionary War Redoubt for another 3 miles. 10am start. Bring water, snacks & lunch. L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net) L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Fri., Feb. 7-9. Hike the Hancocks. Interesting loop over Hancock North/South Peaks, formerly the most remote, inaccessible mountain in the Whites. 9.8 mi, 2650 ft of elevation gain via Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, and Hancock Loop Trails. Approximate cost $140, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner at 4BR house in Lincoln, access to indoor pool, hot tub, sauna. L Bernardo Aumond, CL Elise Hedglen (ehedglen@yahoo.com), reg/w Bernardo Aumand (bdaumand@yahoo.com)

Fri., Feb. 7-9. Ski Best of the Whites. XC or Alpine; stay at Highland Center for 2 nights w/fine dining. $187.48 incl 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, happy hour. For active intermediates. Sponsored by Naragansett Chapter. L Jack Schempp (401-311-4553 7-9pm, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Sat., Feb. 8. Fisherville Brook/Cuttyhunk Brook Preserves Hike. (new) Hike 7-8 miles in two preserves, Audubon & Nature Conservancy minutes apart in Exeter. Nice hike, not difficult. Orange for the Nature Conservancy property. Bring water, snacks, lunch. May need microspikes. 10:00 am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Wed., Feb. 12. Narragansett Trail, Lantern Hill CT Hike. 7 mile hike on Narragansett Trail in Pachaug St. forest CT. Starting at Lantern Hill to Wyassup Lake. Must wear 200 sq in of orange. Sturdy hiking boots, water, snacks, lunch and dress warm. May need traction devices or even snowshoes. 9:30 start for short carspot. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Feb. 12. Almost Full Moon Hike and Social. (new) Meet at 6pm at the Barrington Middle School Tennis Courts, Middle Highway. Flashlights/headlamps, appropriate winter clothing and boots required. Dinner after. L N Gregg O'Brien (401-473-8132 Eves, goh243@aol.com), reg/w N. Gregg O'Brien (401-473-8132)

Fri., Feb. 14-17. Mt. Washington Day Hike on Presidents Weekend. Enjoy spectacular views from the top of New England. For those in good condition with winter experience and full winter gear. Long day possible. Alternate hikes based on conditions. $175 for 3 nights, 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lodging at Johnson's Motel in Twin Mountain, NH. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Michael McGuigan

Fri., Feb. 14-17. Presidents' weekend XC ski trip, N. Conway, NH. Stay in private ski club in N. Conway. 4 cross country ski areas within 25 minute drive, or choose downhill skiing or hiking. Stay in unique 30 room, 150 yr. old former Victorian inn. Lodging 2-4 to a room. 2 nights, 2 bkfasts, dinner $69, 3 nights $93. Limited to 12. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Sat., Feb. 15. Cross-country ski instructional day trip. (new) Learn the basics of cross-country skiing from AMC instructors, at cross-country ski facility. Site will be in either northeast Mass, southwest NH, or northwest RI; decision largely based on Friday's predicted ski conditions for the weekend, as affected by Thursday's snow and/or rain event. Ski day pass will likely be in $15-20 range. Ski rental equipment (in $15 - $20 range) is available at most of the sites under consideration. Attendees should dress in layers and bring lunch, snacks, and water. Arrival time will be in morning and departure in late afternoon. Further details (chosen site, driving directions, exact timing of event, etc.) will be provided by contacting the leader. L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 10 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Wed., Feb. 19. Hike/social - Garden City, Cranston. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm at Whole Foods on Sockanosset Cross Road. Bring a flashlight. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Feb. 21-23. Mt Pierce Weekend. (new) Moderate day hike to the summit of Mt Pierce for new winter hikers and other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. 6.8 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. Cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam, CL Henry Donaldson, reg/w Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com)

Fri., Feb. 21-23. Owl's Head Weekend. (full) Headlamp start and finish, must be ok hiking off trail at times, 16+miles. Sunday L's choice. L Scott Disnard, CL Tammy Daugherty, CL John Siriois , reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Sat., Feb. 22-23. 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 (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Kevin Sweeney (sween8704@yahoo.com)

Wed., Feb. 26. Blue Hills Hike, Canton, Ma. 7 mile hike in the Blue Hills. Weather will determine which trail. Moderate paced hike. May need traction devices or even snowshoes. Sturdy hiking boots, bring water, snacks & lunch. dress warm! 9:00 meet in Attleboro for carpool to Canton. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Feb. 26. Hike/social - Newport. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at CVS on Bellevue. We may walk on the Cliff Walk or through town. Flashlights. Leave at 6 pm. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Mar. 1. Dog Hike at Tillinghast Land Trust, East Greenwich RI. 3 to 5 mile hike with option for short or longer hike on Land Trust trails. Easy to moderate, good for active dogs. L Judy Van Wyk, CL Russ Miller, CL Bonnie England , reg/w Judy Van Wyk (peacefulpeople@yahoo.com)

Wed., Mar. 5. Hike/Social Bay Spring, Barrington. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mi walk and we go to dinner. 6:00 pm. Get off the couch and join us. East Bay Bike Path and Barrington's Bay Spring neighborhood,. Meet at Haines Park. Flashlights. Call before 8:00 pm. L Steven Harrington (401-434-3409, sjhep1@hotmail.com)

Mon., Mar. 10-11. Windblown XC Overnighter. Join us on an epic overnighter to XC Windblown's Warming Hut. We plan on Skiing both days with the possibility of a night Ski. Trip is limited to 10 participants plus leaders, and it will fill. Experienced beginners and above skiers preferred. Fee $30, includes lodging, Monday Dinner, and Tuesday Breakfast. Gear Rentals and Trail pass purchased individually.This trip is sponsored by the XC Ski committee and the Young Members committee. L Chris Turgeon (401-364-8082, turgeon77@ymail.com) CL Karen Rudio

Wed., Mar. 12. Hike and Social, Providence. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at 6 pm at the Gazebo on South Water Street. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772, harris.janet90@gmail.com)

Wed., Mar. 12. Sprague Farm/Steere Hill Farm Hike, Gloucester. (new) 7-8 mile easy hike in two charming Gloucester Land Trust properties. Bring lunch, water snacks, traction devices and maybe snowshoes. 10:00 start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Fri., Mar. 14-16. Southern Presidential Traverse Day Hike Weekend. Enjoy spectacular views from Monroe, Eisenhower and Pierce. 10 miles, 3,800' gain, 9:00 hours. For those in good condition with above tree line winter experience. Full winter gear required. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $120 for 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Lodging at Johnson's Motel in Twin Mountain, NH. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Scott Disnard

Tue., Mar. 18. Moose Hill Sanctuary, Hike, Sharon, MA. (new) 6-7 mile hike in Mass Audubon's Moose Hill. Really nice sanctuary. Small fee. Bring water, snacks, lunch, traction devices. Meet Shaws, exit 5 to carpool @ 9:30. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Mar. 19. Hike and Social, Narragansett. (new) Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Leave at 6:00 pm. Bring flashlights. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland2@cox.net)

Fri., Mar. 21-23. Mount Adams Alpine Hiking Weekend. Join the leaders as they attempt to summit Mount Adams in the Northern Presidentials. We will have an early start on Saturday and then overnight at one of the RMC high cabins (either Crag Camp or Gray Knob). Possible additional alpine hikes (conditions permitting) and hike down on Sunday. Full winter gear, appropriate fitness level, and significant above-treeline in winter experience required. Limited availability. $80. L Bernardo Aumond (617-335-7684, bdaumond@yahoo.com) L Scott Sprague (401-934-3103, dadders154@hotmail.com)

Fri., Mar. 21-23. Double Winter Weekend. (new) In spite of what you see in RI, there is still snow in New Hampshire. End the season with relaxing walks in the NH woods. Ed and I are planning separate moderate hikes this weekend for two groups of new winter hikers and other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. 5-7 mile hikes 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 $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L's Charlie Killam and Ed Poyer. reg/w Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com)

Wed., Mar. 26. Hike and Social - Ryan Park, North Kingstown. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike, and then we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the lot by the ball fields, Oak Hill Road). Leave at 6:00. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Wed., Mar. 26. Mt. Tom/Escoheag/Breakheart Trail Hike, Exeter. (new) 7-8 mile hike in Arcadia Management Area. We'll go in reverse of our usual ascent of Mt. Tom ledges starting at Arcadia Trail trailhead. Snow conditions will determine ending carspot. Bring lunch, water, snacks, traction devices and maybe snowshoes. stop at Middle of Nowhere Diner after. 9:30 start for carspot. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Mar. 26. Bike Planning Meeting, Please come! (new) Time to plan this years bike rides. Spring is knocking on the door! If you would like to get involved, lead or co-lead bike rides, you are welcome to attend the meeting. Space limited, so please let me know you'll attend. We'll also discuss using Meetup for posting our rides, too. Meeting 6:30pm at the Cranston Public Library's back meeting room on Sockanassett Road. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Sat., Mar. 29. Mashamoquet Brook State Park. (new) Hike 5-6 miles at a moderate pace up to Wolf Den and Table Rock in Mashamoquet Brook State Park. Nice challenging climb to the wolf den! Some intermediate ups and downs after that. Short half mile bird viewing loop trail separate from hike available to check out afterwards. Required to hike with us that day: Sturdy hiking boots, water, and trail snacks. We may need poles to cross some small swampy areas - bring one if you have one! Hike starts at 9:30am. L Rebecca Swagger, CL Carol Baldwin , reg/w Rebecca Swagger (rebeccaswagger@hotmail.com)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Tue., Apr. 1. Pachaug Trail Hike Arcadia Management Area. (new) 7 mile hike on Pachaug Trail start in RI end in CT. Always a challenging hike, could possibly be icy! Sturdy boots required. Bring water, snacks, lunch and traction devices. Middle of Nowhere Diner after. 10:00 am start for short carspot. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Apr. 2. Hike / Social - Barrington. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Historical area with Bay views. Park at 230 Washington Rd, corner of Bradford St. Dress warm. Reflective vest recommended; we will be on quiet streets. Meet at 6:00. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Sat., Apr. 5-6. Wilderness First Aid Workshop. (fee reduction) 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 Cookie in northwestern 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 15. Narragansett Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $25. Registration for all others will begin on February 1, and will cost $95 for Narragansett Chapter members and $165 for all others. The fee covers all instruction and materials and does not include lodging or meals. For registration information or to register, contact Linda Pease (351-2234) linda.pease@cox.net. L Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com).

Sat., Apr. 12. Beginner Rock Climbing Course, April 12 & 19. Course consists of two progressive classes of instruction and is intended for beginning climbers and gym climbers who want to make the transition to the outdoors. Classes are held at nearby CT crags. Course participants must be 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 2-day course: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100. Student Discount, AMC Member $40, Non Member $80. Register early as these classes fill quickly. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Sun., Apr. 13. Museum, Hike and Dinner. (new) Brown Museum of Anthropology, Hike, Dinner & post-dinner sunset hike. Contact leaders for further info. Limited to 10. L N Gregg O'Brien (401-473-8132 Evenings, goh243@aol.com) CL Antoinette Breed (scenicroute@verizon.net)

Sat., Apr. 26. Chapter Spring Fling Details and registration to be announced later.

Sun., Apr. 27. Dog Hike at Ben Utter Trail, Arcadia Management Area. Dog hike at Ben Utter Trail, Arcadia Management Area. Moderate hike is for active dogs and people. L Judy Van Wyk, CL Paul Wynn, reg/w Judy Van Wyk (peacefulpeople@yahoo.com)

Sat., May. 3. Intermediate Rock Climbing Course, May 3 & May 10. Course consists of two progressive classes of instruction and is intended for intermediate climbers or those who took the beginner class. Classes are held at nearby CT crags. Course participants must be 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 3-day course: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100. College Student Discount, AMC Member $40, Non Member $80. Register early as these classes fill quickly. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Sun., May. 4. Dog Hike at Hudson/Breakheart Trail, Arcadia Management Area. Dog Hike at Hudson and Breakheart Trails, Arcadia Management Area. L Bonnie England, CL Paul Wynn, CL Mercedes Rivero , reg/w Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Fri., May 9-11. 5th Annual Young Memebers Spring Camping Weekend. (new) Join the YM for a weekend of camping at Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod. Learn about camping, do day hikes, visit the beach, or do your own thing. L Scott Disnard, reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Fri., Jun. 6-8. Alpine Flowers hike weekend. Enjoy the miniature beauty of alpine blossoms and spectacular views along the Presidential Range. One night at the Highland Center, one night at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. For the experienced mountain hiker with proper equipment. Twelve miles reg/w.t., 6-7 hours per day, 2800 feet of elevation gain at a moderate steady pace. Should be comfortable scrambling rocks with a full pack. $260 includes bed and breakfast at the Highland Center ($110 optional) and dinner + bed and breakfast at Lakes of the Clouds ($150). L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net), reg/w Bernardo Aumond (464 Hanover Street, #6, Boston, MA 02113, 617-335-7684, bdaumond@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jun. 7-8. Rock Climbing - Gunks. Climbers capable of 5.6 routes or better. Trip size may be limited due to leader to second ratio. L Steven Prouty (sprouty115@gmail.com) CL Jeannine Peterson (surnurse@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jun. 21. Dog Hike at Sprague Farm, Glocester RI. 3 to 4 mile easy hike on Land Trust property in Chepachet RI. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) CL Judy Van Wyk CL Russ Miller , reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)

Sat., Jul. 12. Dog Hike at Caroline North Trail, Carolina Management Area. 4 to 5 mile hike in Carolina Management Area, Richmond RI. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) CL Russ Miller CL Judy Van Wyk , reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)

Sat., Jul. 12-13. Rock Climbing, Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, NH. Climbers comfortable on 5.7 routes or better. Participation determined by the number of leaders to seconds, stay at ski club, dinner Saturday cost-share pizza. Reg/w leader to get specific trip information. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Seth Yurdin (sywg12@gmail.com)

Sat., Aug. 2-3. Rock Climbing - Rumney. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camp at local campground. Dinner at an après climb restaurant or cost share BBQ. L Jeannine Peterson (surnurse@yahoo.com) CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com)

Sat., Sep. 6-7. Rock Climbing - Cannon. Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camping is at a private campground we have arranged. Dinner is catered. L David Curry (dmcurry13@yahoo.com) CL Mary Stevenson (mesbbkc@verizon.net)

Sat., Oct. 11-12. Rock Climbing - Gunks. Climbers capable of 5.6 routes or better. Trip size may be limited due to leader to second ratio. L Sarah Rich (saeandpetzl@gmail.com) CL Ken Hamel (kenskibike@cox.net)