The Gansett Gazette

October-November
2011

From the Chair

Our Chapter's Annual Dinner Meeting is a wonderful time to recognize and celebrate our amazing Chapter Volunteers, to vote on the slate of incoming Executive Committee members, and to hear about a great outdoors adventure. This year's Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 12th from 6 to 9 pm at the beautiful Save the Bay facility in Providence. This year's program, "Tramping New Zealand" will be presented by "Sam" Jamke, AMC Director for the Northern Region. We will also be presenting our Chapter's most prestigious awards as well as celebrating those service volunteers who have given so much through activity leading, trail work, and special projects. Please join us on November 12th for a very festive evening. The Annual Meeting Registration Form also included in this issue of the mailed Gazette.
Bonnie

Narragansett Chapter AMC
Leadership Roster

Chapter Chair-Bonnie England
Chapter Vice-Chair-Debbie Mitchell
Secretary- Sandra Savella
Treasurer-Tom Eagan
Membership Chair-Robin Kuznitz
Activities Chair-Chris Shafer
Communications Co-Chairs-Mark Dennen and Shannon Kelley
Conservation Chair-Linda Pease
Leadership Chair-Ed Poyer
Trails Chair-Elise Del Barone
Backpacking & Northern Hikes Subchair-Ed Poyer
Biking Subchair-Marcie Madsen
Local Hikes Subchair-Herrick Spencer
Technical Climbing Co-Subchairs- Peter Barlow and Brian Phillips
Flatwater Paddling Subchair-Linda Pease
Sea Kayaking Subchair-Michael Krabach
Skiing Subchair-Sue Rollins
Young Members Subchair-Scott Disnard
Family Outings Co-Subchairs- Tom Eagan and Debbie Mitchell
Webmaster/Photographer-Mike Krabach
Photographer/Reporter-Shannon Kelley
Archivist-Sandra Savella

Family Committee Adventures
Huts, lodges, and tents – just do it!

In our latest installment in the adventures of our chapter’s favorite (okay my favorite) 7 and 9 year old girls our story takes us once again to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Five years ago the girls and I began a summer time tradition of going to NH to visit Story Land, Santa’s Village, and Clark’s Trading Post. As the girls have aged none of these destinations have lost their luster but we have expanded our trips to include an ever-increasing outdoor component. Starting with a hike to the Basin on our first trip the girls have progressed to Arethusa Falls and on to the summit of Mt. Willard (following the challenges in a previous installment we managed to summit this summer).

Building on the guidance we provided about hiking with kids last issue I thought it might be helpful to provide a real world example of how to combine multiple goals into a single trip. This year, the girls and I visited all our regular stops but used our lodging to create a greater sense of adventure. Over four nights we stayed at the Highland Center (their favorite, it has ping pong), Zealand Hut, Joe Dodge Lodge, and a tent site at Cardigan Lodge.

We arranged our lodging so that we would have access to showers and “civilization” at least every other day and chose locations that were in close proximity to our daily destinations. By putting everything into day packs or duffel bags we had access to everything we needed and easily transitioned between locations. As much as this might seem like more work than it is worth (I assure you it wasn’t!) both girls enjoyed the adventure and proudly told anyone who would listen about their destinations.

My favorite experience came after we all hiked the relatively easy 2.7 miles to the Zealand Hut after a great day at Santa’s Village. At dinner, the girls had the irreplaceable opportunity of sharing the table with a group of 4 Appalachian Trail thru hikers in their 50s who were enjoying the comparative “luxury” of the huts while traversing the Presidential Range. There was no moment more priceless than trying to get my 7 year old to comprehend what it meant to hike 1,900 miles over 6 months. (I failed and had to break down and buy her a map.)

Our club offers fun and affordable opportunities to just about anyone who likes being outside. It is up to us to take them. Do you have a hike you haven’t yet taken, a hut you have always wanted to see, or is there an experience you want to share with a child? If yes, don’t wait any longer. Get out there and do it today.

See you on the trail,
Matt Putnam

Chapter Annual Meeting
November 12, 2011

This year's annual meeting will be held at the Save the Bay campus in Providence (see registration form). Non-members are welcome. Below is the slate of candidates for the Chapter's 2011/2012 Executive Committee. You will notice there are several open positions. If you are interested in volunteering for any one of these positions, please contact Bonnie England, Chapter Chair.
  • Chair Bonnie England
  • Vice-Chair Debbie Mitchell
  • Secretary (open)
  • Treasurer Tom Eagan
  • Membership Chair Robin Kuznitz
  • Activities Chair Chris Shafer
  • Communications Chair (open)
  • Leadership Chair Ed Poyer
  • Conservation Chair Linda Pease
  • Trails Chair Elise Delbarone
  • Gazette Editor (open- non-executive position)
  • Past Chair Tom Eagan

2011 AMC Fall Gathering
Fri-Sun., Oct. 14-16
at Sargent Center, Hancock, New Hampshire

Join the AMC for Fall Gathering at Sargent Center, a Nature's Classroom full service camp near Peterborough, in the Mt. Monadnock region of New Hampshire. Meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow AMC members! Go hiking, walking, bicycling, paddling, rock climbing, exploring, and more, during Fall foliage season. Participate in a gear swap and sale, attend meetings Saturday morning and afternoon, or relax outdoors. Children are welcome at Fall Gathering, and family oriented activities will be offered. On Saturday evening, enjoy a social hour and raffle, followed by dinner, lively entertainment, and a campfire. More info and registration at http://amcboston.org/committees/gathering

Code Blue Hikes

The first Code Blue hike is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 in Smithfield. There will be an informal discussion of how and when to use the new chest compression only CPR vs the standard CPR. There will be no certification offered, just knowledge of the theories and process minus practicing on dummies, but you will have all the knowledge needed to recognize and rescue someone in respiratory and cardiac arrest. You'll be able to decide from your location and situation which CPR method to use. We are looking into doing this again in South County and on the East Bay in the future. No dates or venues set yet. If you aren't a hiker, you're welcome to attend the talk before we depart for the hike.

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Oct. 1. Restore Blackstone Park, Providence. Trails & Conservation Committees invited you to help complete last section, split rail fence, install erosion barriers, delineate trails, fun, gratifying. Make new friends, light work. Start 9am, finish early pm. Rain date, Oct 2, bring water, lunch and gloves. L Jack Schempp (jschempp1@gmail.com), reg/w Chris Shafer ((401) 222-2797 day)

Sat., Oct. 1. Tiverton-Westport bike ride. 36 scenic miles along coastline. Mostly flat, one hill. Comfortable intermediate avg. pace (13 mph). 10AM start. Helmets required, lunch, water. L Sid Wax ((401) 849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sun., Oct. 2. Great Swamp Fall Hike. We will see Fall emerging on this 4.3 mile hike on land and water. Nature prepares for what is coming next. Location is near URI on Rte. 138. Call to register. Start at 9:45 am. L Karen Stein ((401) 782-6589, karen_s@uri.edu), CL Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 5. Breakheart Trail hike, Arcadia. Hike is approx 6-8 miles in about 4 hours. Contact leader or co-leader for meeting place directions. Start 10:00 A. M. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538), CL Margaret Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 5. Hike and Social, Barrington. Meet 6pm, Barrington Middle School Tennis Courts, Middle Highway. L Gregg ((401) 473-8132, goh243@aol.com)

Thu., Oct. 6. Ski Committee Meeting. Members interested in leading and/or planning ski activities calendar, as well as new members who would like to meet like skiers are welcome to attend. Contact Sue Rollins for reservation at area restaurant. L Sue Rollins ((401) 521-7188 6 to 9 PM, swrollins@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 8-9. Rock Climbing, Gunks - NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.4 routes or better. Lodging is up to you. Dinner at an après restaurant. Contact the L to register and get specific trip information. May limit participation due to L to second ratio. L Sarah Rich (saeandpetzl@gmail.com), CL Alan Winsor (alanwinsor@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 8. Bear Mountain/Sages Ravine - Conservation Northern Foliage Day Hike. (canceled) More like VT than CT. Set your feet on the Appalachian Trail over CT's highest summit with a 3 state view, visit Sage's Ravine waterfalls. If you're happy hiking the Blue Hills, you'll be happy here. Approx 7 miles, 2000 vertical feet, at a VERY moderate pace. Early carpool/late return. L John Stevens ((401) 487-2629, stevens.john.m@cox.net), L Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease-amc@cox.net), CL Chris Turgeon (young members) (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Sun., Oct. 9. Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze, Thompson, CT. (canceled) FUN and educational experience where participants receive a game sheet and learn a conservation theme as they make their way through the maze. The farm also has picking patches and naturally raised cows. After completing the maze, enjoy their organic ice cream. Families and all others welcome! L Kristin Caproni ((401) 952-8698, kristincaproni1@gmail.com), CL Yvonne Federowicz ((401) 261-3368)

Sun., Oct. 9. Barn Island Paddle. (rescheduled from Oct 2) Sea kayaking in Little Narragansett Bay in Stonington, CT. Starting at Barn Island, to Napatree Point and back through the marsh lands. Relaxed paddle to enjoy the bay. Launch time 10:00 am. L Mike Krabach ((401) 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)

Mon., Oct. 10. Columbus Day, Explore Prudence Island. Historic Island, once owned by Roger Williams, Revolutionary War Battle ,Naval history, Victorian Cottages, former farms & produce economy, diverse habitat, current scientific studies, wildlife, turning leaves, salt ponds, light house, forests. 9:30 am to 4:30. pm Will take ferry from Bristol to island. L Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553 7-9pm, jschempp1@gmail.com), reg/w Jack Schrempp (47 Arbor Drive, Providence, RI 02908, )

Mon., Oct. 10. Family hike, Diamond Hill Park. (new) RI Families in nature hike at Diamond Hill Park Monday, October 10, 2011 10:30am Route 114, Cumberland. Once a former ski slope, Diamond Hill offers spectacular views and a fairly gradual climb to the summit for young ones and older kids to enjoy. We will take the wooded path from the paved road to get to the summit (easily identified by the old ski lift footings) for a total of about 1.5 miles. This is a moderately challenging hike for kids. We'll meet in the parking lot at 10:30 am and begin our hike promptly at 10:45 am. From Route 295 North, take exit 11 for Route 114 North. At the end of the exit ramp, make a left and follow Rte. 114N about 4 miles. The park will be on your right.This is a non-AMC event. L Debbie Mitchell ((401) 743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Tue., Oct. 11. Long Pond/Ell Pond hike. Visit the 3 ponds on this scenic hike of approx 4 hours. Some tough, steep sections . Steady rain cancels. Bring 200 sq. inches of orange to wear. Contact leader for directions for meeting place. Start at 10:00 A.M. L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net), CL Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538)

Wed., Oct. 12. Hike and Social, Narragansett. Meet 6pm Narragansett Towers. L Sue Boland ((401) 556-3926)

Sat., Oct. 15. Mt. Holyoke & 7 Sisters. Our annual eat, hike and enjoy the fall foliage. 7 miles of ups and downs with views. Carpool from RI with contribution to drivers. L Steve Harrison , CL Susan Warthman , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 15. Tillinghast Pond Management Hike (TPMA). Meet at 9:00am for a 6-7 mile hike to learn and explore this new pristine area with historical and geographical facts of the TPMA provided by preserve volunteer and hike CL Mike Parker. Ideal area to view the Fall tapestry of colors. Easy hike, ideal for new members. Rain will cancel the walk. L Maria Earley ((401) 789-8331 7:00pm - 9:00pm), CL Mike Parker (Mike.parker@cox.net)

Sun., Oct. 16. Narragansett Trail Hike. This is a 6 mile hike, with rocks an plenty of ups and downs. There are water falls and the journey thru the Ravine/Gorge is spectacular. Bring drinks, snacks, poles if you use them and hiking shoes, no sneakers. Rain cancels. Start 10:00am. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net), L Herrick Spencer

Tue., Oct. 18. Pachaug Trail hike. Hike is Approx 8 miles. Hopefully with colorfully foliage! The wearing of 200 square inches of Orange is required for this hike. Contact leader for directions. Start at 10:00 A.M. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538), CL Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 19. Hike and Social, Newport. (canceled) Meet 6pm at Van Zandt pier in Newport, corner Washington St and Van Zandt Ave. L Tom Freeman ((401) 338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 22. Fall Foliage Paddle on the Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on Pawtuxet River. From Pontiac Mills to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup afterward. L Bill Rush (401-941-4983, whr0316@msn.com), L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), CL Linda Pease, reg/w Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com)

Sat., Oct. 22. Blackstone Park Trails Improvement Project. (new) Trails & Conservation Committees invites you to help install erosion barriers, delineate trails, spread mulch on trails. Fun & gratifying project. Make new friends, light work. Start 9 am, finish early pm. Raindate, Oct 23. Bring water, lunch and work gloves (if no gloves, we will loan you a set). Contact leader for further details. L Chris Shafer, reg/w Chris Shafer ((401) 789-8331 evenings, 7-9 am, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sun., Oct. 23. Discover Melville Park. (new) Join the Conservation Committee and local historian, Jim Garman at 1:15 pm, on a 2 1/2 mile walk through Melville Park, in Portsmouth, RI. This 140-acre nature park was created on land that was excessed by the US Navy in 1979. Explore five nature trails that have been carved out of this woody area and the center of the park is a system of 8 ponds, which overflow downhill ultimately to Narragansett Bay. NEW MEMBERS AND FAMILIES WELCOME. L Terri Pinto ((401) 683-2713 7 -9 pm), CL Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net)

Sun., Oct. 23. Hike with dogs in Great Swamp. (new)Enjoy the beautiful autumn colors at the Historic Great Swamp. Easy 4 mile hike. Orange required for dogs and humans. Registration is required for dog and owner. L Bonnie England, CL Judy Van Wyk , CL Mercedes Rivero , reg/w Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Sun., Oct. 23. Lincoln Woods and Butterfly Farm hike. This is a moderate hike of 6-7 miles with many ups and downs. The foliage should be really good this time of year. We will meet at the entrance to Lincoln Woods State Park which is off Rte. 146. You don't have to call for this hike unless you need directions. Start at 10:00 AM. L Dick Sullivan ((401) 338-2880)

Wed., Oct. 26. Hike and Social, Providence. Meet at 6:00 pm at the gazebo on South Water Street. We will explore India Point and Wickenden street neighborhood changes on this 2 mile east side walk. Rain cancels the hike. L Janet Harris ((401) 272-6772), CL Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 26. Ben Utter/Escoheag/Mt Tom Hike, Arcadia. (revised) 7 mile hike, really nice 4 hour hike with lunch on Mt Tom ledges. 10 minute car spot. 10:00 am start. 200 sq. in. ORANGE required. Heavy rain cancels. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net), CL Margie Parsons ((401)743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 29-30. Basic Trailwork Skills Workshop and Project. On 10/29, join with adult volunteers from AMC, REI, and other environmentally-conscious organizations in learning basic trailwork skills taught by AMC professional crew, assisted by chapter trail leaders. Includes initial morning classroom instruction, followed by outdoor demonstrations of skills taught on Arcadia Mgt. Area trail in Exeter, RI and lunch provided. On 10/30, workshop participants will perform a trail project in Arcadia Mgt. Area involving basic trailwork skills learned on 10/29, supervised by chapter trail leaders. To register, submit by Oct. 22 deadline, a $10 check, payable to AMC Narragansett chapter, to registrar, Maria Earley. For further information contact leader, Chris Shafer. L Chris Shafer ((401) 789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov), reg/w Maria Earley (PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880, )

Tue., Nov. 1. Burlingame hike, Vin Gormley Trail. Hike is about 7.5 miles. Contact leader for meeting place and directions. Start at 10:00 A.M. L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net), CL Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538)

Wed., Nov. 2. Hike and Social, Lincoln Woods. A Fall hike around Lincoln Woods on the pavement to view one of natures finest yearly displays. This is the last week we are on Daylight Saving Time. Meet at 6:00 pm. near Beach Parking Lot. Bring flashlights. L Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 5. Big River Fall foliage Hike. This area provide us fall views of ponds, forest and former settlements on a hike of 2-3 miles. Easy access to trail head by exit 6 on 95 coming from the south or north. Take two left turns after the exit fron the south. One left turn from the north. Meeting place is on your left a thousand feet down the road on Rte. 3. Go out to lunch after the hike. Start at 11:30 am. Bring water, a snack and study shoes. Area can be wet. Rain cancells. L Sandy Barber ((401) 467-7881, sandiclaws11@verizon.net), CL Carol Baldwin ((401) 300-9263, ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Sun., Nov. 6. Dog Hike at Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown, RI. 4-5 miles of rolling hills and trails. Interesting for dogs and humans alike. Contact leader for information and to register. Bring orange to wear for hunting season. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com), CL Paul Wynn

Sun., Nov. 6. AREA 51 Mystery. Hike starts on Blackstone Bike Path in Lincoln with two off-the-path excursions on unknown and unpaved trails. Do you know where Area 51 is or what it was? Come find out. Great opportunity for new members to meet established AMC members. Easy pace. L Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), CL Dave Natale (igb@att.net)

Sun., Nov. 6. North South Trail - Segment Hike 2. (new) Lets hike from Buck Hill to Washington Management Are, about 7 miles or so, southbound on the North South Trail. Meet at George Washington Management area at 10:30 to spot cars, then drive over to Parking on Buck hill road to access the NST. All participants must wear 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! For those of you who aren't familiar, the North South Trail is a 78 mile long trail from northern RI to the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. L Scott Disnard), reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Tue., Nov. 8. Winter Hiking Gear Seminar. This seminar is for three season hikers who are interested in getting into winter hiking. You will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss the clothing and gear you will need to stay warm and safe while hiking in winter. Clothing, footwear, snowshoes, crampons, and other equipment will be demonstrated and discussed. Co-hosted with REI Cranston. L Charlie Killam ((508) 252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Steve Harrison

Tue., Nov. 8. Local Hikes Meeting. Meeting at Cranston Central Library 140 Sockanosset Crass Road. Near REI and Garden city Mall. Everyone welcome. For more directions call. L Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 9. Hike and Social, Kingston. Meet 6pm at Train Station/Bike path. Bring flashlights. L Sid Wax ((401) 849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Thu., Nov. 10. Carolina Management Area hike. Hike is on the North and south trail area for 6-8 miles in this quiet corner of the state. Contact leader for directions and meeting place. Bring 200 sq. inches of orange for hike. Start at 10:00 A.M. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538), CL Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 12. Annual Chapter Meeting. The Narragansett Chapter annual meeting will be held at the Save the Bay campus in Providence . Non-members are welcome. Registration form here. L Bonnie England ((401) 374-2507, k)

Sat., Nov. 12. Blue Hills Hike of Choice. We will vote on which hike to do from two very different ones on our arrival in the Blue Hills. Both hikes are about 5 miles. Both offer great fall views. We can carpool from Rte 95 in Pawtucket. Call for more info. and choices from leader. Start at 9:45 AM. L Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 12. Family hike Trustom Pond. (Non-AMC event) (new) RI Families in Nature Tick Encounter Hike at Trustom Pond 1040 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, South Kingstown, Saturday, November 1210am. Rain date: Sunday, November 13. This exciting and educational hike is quite different from our other hikes because, on this hike, we will all become tick detectives! Dr. Tom Mather, the "tick guy" from URI's Tick Encounter Resource Center, will join us and help us learn how and where to find ticks, how to protect ourselves against them, and much more. This is a short, easy walk of about 1 mile with ample opportunity to extend your hike. Meet in the parking lot at 10 am. Please wear long, light colored pants and long socks. L Debbie Mitchell ((401) 743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Sun., Nov. 13. Wolf Hill/Mercier Lookout hike. (new) The view of Providence from Mercier Hill Lookout is just one highlight of this hike. But I find the view from atop the quarry to be far better. Also the climb to the top of the quarry is "fun" Come to see which is the better view. This is a about a total of 6 miles. Bring orange to wear. Start at 10:00 am. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net), CL Mary Fasano

Wed., Nov. 16. Hike and Social, Fort Adams. Meet 6pm at Fort Adams small parking lot to the right of main entrance near the bathrooms. Bring flashlights. L Tom Freeman ((401) 338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 16. George Washington Mgmt. Area hike. Hike is the Walkabout Trail approx 8 miles. Contact leader for directions and starting place. Bring 200 sq. inches of orange for hike. Start at 10:00 A. M. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538), CL Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 19. CODE BLUE Hike. You only have enough air in your tissues for 10 minutes. What do you do if rescue takes more than 10 minutes? Learn about new CPR vs. Standard CPR. Hike Wolf Hill and Mercer Lookout with views of Narragansett Bay from Smithfield. Not a hiker, come for the talk before the hike. L Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease-amc@cox.net), CL Bob Tessitore, AMC member & certified Red Cross CPR instructor (bobtess@gmail.com)

Sat., Nov. 19. North South Trail - Segment 3. (new) Northern Foster, Killingly, CT, Glocester - 13 miles. George Washington Campground (Route 44) to Shady Acres (Route 6). Meet at Shady acres on Route 6 at 9:30 to spot cars, then we will drive to the TH at George Washington Campground and hike the NST southbound. All participants must wear 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! For those of you who aren't familiar, the North South Trail is a 78 mile long trail from northern RI to the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Sat., Nov. 19. Annual Fall Walk Neutaconkanut Hill. (new) 50 foot tethered balloon rides weather permitting. Family Event sponsored by Providence Parks Dept. and Neutaconkanut hill Conservancy. Read more...

Sat., Nov. 19. Narragansett Trail Project. (new) Perform erosion control on section of Narragansett trail near Ell Pond/Long Pond on Saturday morning. L Chris Shafer, reg/w Chris Shafer ((401) 789-8331, 7-9 pm, christoher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sun., Nov. 20. Family hike Wilcox Park (Non-AMC event). (new) RI Families in nature hike at Wilcox Park. Sunday, November 20, 2011, 1:00 pm 44 Broad Street, Westerly, 401-596-2877 ext. 334. Owned and maintained by the Memorial & Library Association of Westerly, this 14-acre park has an arboretum-quality collection of tree species, monuments, perennial gardens, paved paths, and more - all nestled in the heart of downtown Westerly. We will wander along the paved paths for a total of about 1 mile. This is a very easy hike for kids and the paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. We'll meet at the fountain next to the library at 1:00 pm and begin our hike promptly. L Debbie Mitchell ((401) 743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Wed., Nov. 23. Hike and Social, Wickford. Meet at 6pm at the municipal parking lot behind Wilsons. Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan ((401) 338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Fri., Nov. 25. North South Trail - Segment 1. (new) Join us for a short hike of up to 7 miles to find the Tri-State Marker, where RI meets MA and CT. Start at the Buck Hill Wildlife Management Area Parking Lot on Buck Hill Rd in Pascoag, RI. It is just over the border from East Thomson, CT and easily accessible from Massachusetts. This loop takes you: Along the CT-RI Border Trail, To the MA-CT-RI Tri-State Marker, Into the Douglas State Forest (MA), To the beginning of the RI North-South Trail and MA MidState Trails, To the MidState Bench (at the NS and MidState Trails), Back through the Buck Hill Wildlife Management Area (RI). Meet at 11:00 at the TH, bring boots or proper footwear for possibly cold weather or muddy trails and small creek crossings, and a leftover turkey sandwich! All participants must wear 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Sat., Nov. 26. Walk Off The Turkey At Napatree Point. Potluck social after hike. For a longer hike, register with Linda. For a shorter easy town/beach stroll, register with Roberta. Great event for new members to meet current members. L Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Roberta Jacobs ((401) 315-0165, acobs6@cox.net)

Sun., Nov. 27. Dog hike on the Ben Utter Trail, Exeter. (new) Walk of those leftovers! Easy 3.4 mile hike. Orange required for dogs and humans. Registration is required for dog and owner. L Judy Van Wyk ((401) 419-7932, peacefulpeople@yahoo.com), CL Bonnie England , CL Mercedes Rivero

Sun., Nov. 27. North South Trail Segment 4, Rt. 6 to Carbuncle Pond. Young Members sponsored. Meet at Carbuncle Pond in Coventry to spot cars at 9:30 am, then drive to Shady Acres on Rt. 6 and hike the NST south bound. All participants must wear 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! For those of you who aren't familiar, the North South Trail is a 78 mile long trail from northern RI to the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. This section will cover about 12 miles. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Wed., Nov. 30. Hike and Social, Bristol. Meet at 6pm in front of Leo's Restaurant, 365 Hope Street. Bring flashlights. L Gregg ((401) 473-8132, goh243@aol.com)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Fri., Jan. 27-29. Ski X-C, Alpine. Best Snow in Whites. Ski X-C or Alpine, best snow in Whites, Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, apres' ski famous Mt Washington Hotel. 2 breakfasts. 2 dinners, HH, for active intermediates. L Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553 7-9pm, jschempp1@gmail.com), reg/w Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553 7-9, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Fri., Feb. 10-12. Ski X-C, Alpine. Best Snow in Whites. Ski X-C or Alpine in the White Mts, Consistently Best Snow, Stay a upscale Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, HH., snow shoe equip. no charge, apres', ski at famous Mt Washington Hotel, for active intermediate skiers. L Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com)