The Gansett Gazette

October-November
2014

Chapter 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 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

Volunteers Needed

The chapter has several positions open for volunteers. A most immediate position to be filled is the Treasurer. Our current treasurer is moving to another volunteer position in the AMC and we need a replacement as soon as possible. If you have, or know of anyone who has, financial skills in book keeping, please contact Tom Eagan.

The chapter needs the position of vice-Chair to be filled for next year. This position has the possibility of being a two year position. Information on the duties are available here. If any member wishes to volunteer for this important leadership position, or need information on the position, please contact our Chair Debbie Mitchell or our current vice-Chair Bob Tessitore.

The webmaster has for several years been looking for a assistant. Several potential volunteers have stepped forward but other commitments have taken priority. If any member has, even limited technical skills, and wants to help please contact the webmaster.

We also have other volunteer positions open. Check out our volunteer page for something you might consider.

Narragansett Chapter Cardigan fall Weekend
Friday Oct 3 – Sunday Oct 5

A weekend of activities and fun for members, family, and guests. Hikes & walks (all levels), paddling, local tours, lawn games, and some unannounced activities too . Enjoy crisp autumn air and breathtaking mountain & lake views, all in the beautiful New Hampshire forest. Factor in the first-class full service accommodations of the renovated AMC Cardigan Lodge and you can easily see why this is THE must-attend chapter event of the year.

Update Sept. 9: 10 bunk spaces available.   More info and registration in the booking instructions. See the photo album of the 2012 weekend.



Registration Open for Fall Gathering 2014 in Maine
October 17-19

Gear up for some great AMC fun this October when AMCers from all Chapters will gather for three days of exciting outdoor activities and socializing along the Maine coast! The Maine Chapter has been working hard to organize this year’s Fall Gathering, which will be held in Jefferson, Maine October 17-19. Registration is now open—make sure you reserve a spot before it fills up! For more information or to register, visit www.amcmaine.org/fall/.

Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting
Save November 8th

Our Annual meeting will be held on Saturday November 8th at the Save the Bay facility, and is a nice opportunity to meet other members while enjoying great food and presentations. The Chapter's major awards, as described below, are presented as this time. For more information and registration click here.

1. The Appie of the Year award is presented annually to that person who, in an outstanding manner, exemplifies the mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The recipient of this award receives an individual engraved plaque as a permanent memento and is also presented with a plaque with their name engraved, along with the names of the previous Appies. This plaque is retained for one year before it is passed on to the next of the Year. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Narragansett Chapter membership and is confirmed by the Chapter Executive Board.

2. The John Clark Service Award is the Chapter's second highest honor. This award is given to the "unsung hero" of our chapter - someone who quietly goes about their business of contributing to the chapter.

3. Over the years, some members have given their time and talent to the AMC, and to our Chapter, for such a long time that other yearly awards do not express the appreciation the Chapter has for these members. To show our appreciation, the Chapter has inaugurated our Golden Appie Award. This award is not a yearly award but a lifetime achievement award for service to the Narragansett Chapter.

Please contact us if you have nominations for any of these awards. Debbie Mitchell (401)743-4192 Debra.Mitchell@marcumllp.com or Bob Tessitore at bobtess@gmail.com



Fri., Oct.2-5. Cardigan Fall Chapter Weekend. A weekend of activities and fun for members, family, and guests. Hikes & walks (all levels), paddling, local tours, lawn games, and some unannounced activities too . Enjoy crisp autumn air and breathtaking mountain & lake views, all in the beautiful New Hampshire forest. Factor in the first-class full service accommodations of the renovated AMC Cardigan Lodge and you can easily see why this is THE must-attend chapter event of the year. Update Sept. 9: Only 10 bunk spaces still available.   More info and registration in the booking instructions.

ACTIVITIES

Wed., Oct. 1. Hike and Social - Newport. 2-3 mile hike and then we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Walk thru Newport' s colonial Point section, and along the shore. Meet at Van Zandt pier at Washington St., 6 pm. L Thomas Freeman (401-338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 4. Dog hike - Steere Hill. (new) A 2 to 3 mile walk through winding woods and fields. Wet areas. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L G. Russell Miller, reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)

Sun., Oct. 5. Hike Mt Tom/Escoheag/JB Hudson trails, Arcadia Manag. Exeter. (new) 8 mile fast paced hike in Arcadia Management Area. 9:30 start. Must wear 200 sq. in ORANGE. Please wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring lots of water, snacks and lunch. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net) L Katherine Mears (medtho@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 8. Hike and Social, Barrington Town Beach, RI. 2-3 mile hike on the beach and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Catch both the sunset and the full moon! Dress for the conditions. Thunder and lightning cancels. Meet at beach parking lot, intersection of Bay Rd and Chachapacasset Rd. 6pm. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Sun., Oct. 5. Hike Mt Tom/Escoheag/JB Hudson trails, Arcadia Manag. Exeter. (new) 8 mile fast paced hike in Arcadia Management Area. 9:30 start. Must wear 200 sq. in ORANGE. Please wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring lots of water, snacks and lunch. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net) L Katherine Mears (medtho@cox.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)

Sat., Oct. 11. Tillinghast Pond Management Hike (TPMA). Meet at 9:00 am for a 6-7 miles hike to learn and explore this new pristine area with historical and geographical facts of the TPMA provided by preserve volunteer and hike. Ideal area to view the Fall tapestry of colors. Moderate hike. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Mike Parker (Mike.Parker11@verizon.net)

Sat., Oct. 11. Norman Bird Sanctuary. A (canceled) 4.5 mile hike along some of the ten trails of Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island. We will get views of Second Beach, Nelson and/or Gardiner Ponds, the Gray Craig Mansion, and a stream walking on rocky ledges and through beautiful woods. Discounted per person admission is $3 if we are 8 or more people. 2.5-3 hours. 9:30 a.m. Bring money, sturdy hiking shoes, water, and snacks. L Karen Paley, CL Debra Huntington (401-368-6574, ddhuntington@gmail.com), reg/w Karen Paley (401-714-3569 5-7:30 pm, ksurman1@cox.net)

Mon., Oct. 13. 10 mile hike in Burlingame State Park. 10 miles hike to explore new trails combined with old trail. Very nice trails with rocks to hike over and around it, ups and downs, and roots. Not a beginner's hike. Hiking or good walking shoes recommended, lunch, snacks, water, and dress accordingly. Moderate pace approximately 2 miles per hour. Hike limited to a small group. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Sat., Oct. 18. Dog hike - Tillinghast. (new) A 3 to 4 mile hike with many ups and downs through Land Trust property. Wet areas. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L G. Russell Miller, reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)

Sat., Oct. 18. Fall Festival at Neutaconkanut Hill (Providence) (new) NON AMC event for families and hikers. Noon to 3 pm - John McNiff, National Park Service Ranger will present his colorful program on Roger Williams and Native Americans who lived on and near the Hill. Guided walks on very interesting woodland trails (sturdy footwear), music, family activities in the Meadow at the peak, more stories/history, roast marshmallows, see police horses prancing and firefighters will provided "tour the truck." Access from Legion Memorial Drive OR Park on 121 Killingly Street (the ball park) and take shuttle bus to the meadow. Questions? Contact susan@nhill.org or call 946-6594. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net)

Mon., Oct. 20. Burlingame State Park hike, Charlestown. 10 miles hike of a new Sam C. trail and Vin Gormley trail. Sam C. is somewhat of a challenge hike with many rocks to hike over and around, many ups and downs, and exposed roots. This is not a beginner's hike, and it is limited to a small group. Moderate pace app. 2 miles per hour. Need good hiking boots or hiking shoes, lunch, water, snacks, and dress accordingly. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Wed., Oct. 22. 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. Leave at 6:00 pm. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland2@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 25. George Washington Management Area hike. (new) This hike is eight miles at a moderate pace, not a beginner hike. We will hike by Bowdish Reservoir and Wilbur Pond, the foliage should be great. Our AMC trails team has added new bridges to make hiking at George Washington Management area easier. Contact leader for more information and registration. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking boots. Expect to be on the trail for five hours. Rain cancels this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) CL Maria Earley

Sun., Oct. 26. Fall Foliage Paddle - Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on Pawtuxet River. From Howard Conservation area launch to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup afterward. Launch site. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net) L William Luther (508-761-7961, prijon@juno.com)

Sun., Oct. 26. Dog hike - Duval. (new) A 3 to 4 mile hike through Land Trust property with many ups and downs. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time or registration. L Bonnie England, reg/w Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Mon., Oct. 27. Wolf Hill Land Trust hike. (new) Four or Five mile hike in Smithfield Land Trust area. The foliage should be great in this small but really pretty area. Register with leader. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking shoes. Rain will cancel this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) CL Maria Earley

Wed., Oct. 29. Hike and Social, Jamestown. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we go out to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Leave at 6 pm from town dock at the waterfront. Flashlights required. L Sidney Wax, reg/w Sidney Wax (401-849-2595,(sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Oct. 31. Arcadia Trail Hike. (new) 8 mile brisk paced hike in Arcadia Management Area. 10am start. Must wear 200 sq. in of legal orange. Sturdy boots, no jeans please. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Varied terrain so experienced hikers, please. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

Sat., Nov. 1. Pratt Preserve, Wickaboxet, Tilllinghast Hike. 10 miles hike in this beautiful area of W. G. RI. Moderate pace for active hikers, not a beginner hike. We'll hike through Pratt Preserve, Wickaboxet Man., and loop around Tillinghast Pond with many great views, and some ups and downs. Recommended hiking boots, or good hiking shoes, lunch, water, snacks, and dress accordingly. Hike limited to a small group. Legal orange required. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Sat., Nov. 1. CONSERVATION: The Forbidden Trails of the Scituate Reservoir. (new) Meet at 9 am sharp - Easy paced tour begins at route 102 and 14 and Ponaganset Road (1/2 mi south of 1453 Plainfield, Pike) Clayville, RI. 7 miles of exploring various portions of Providence Water's property in parts of Scituate and Foster with John Blodgett. This area is known for its attractive scenery, historic land uses. Visit the Westconnaug Reservoir, historic village of Clayville, former village of Rockland and former Joslin Estate. Learn about current land management issues including timber harvesting, deer hunting and more. There will be opportunities to bail out and enjoy a shorter walk. MUST WEAR BRIGHT ORANGE! Wear sturdy shoes/bring lunch and water. Rain date 11/8. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net) L Jack Schempp (jschempp1@gmail.com)

Wed., Nov. 5. Hike and Social - Wickford - Full moon hike. 2-3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us as we enjoy the full moon of November. Meet at the North Kingstown Senior Center, 44 Beach St, Wickford. 6 pm. Bring flashlight. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Wed., Nov. 5. Buck Hill to George Washington Management. (new) We will start our hike at Buck Hill and hike 8/9 miles to GWM area on the North South trail. Register with leader. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking boots. Rain will cancel. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) CL Maria Earley

Sat., Nov. 8. Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting and Dinner. The chapter Annual Meeting, Dinner and presentation. See the information and registration form for time, location and presentation speaker. Membership chair, Robin Kuznitz (RMD@PSH.com)

Sat., Nov. 8. Dog hike - Ben Utter. (new) A 3.5 mile hike criss crossing the Falls River to Stepstone Falls. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L Bonnie England, reg/w Bonnie Engand (bonniedune@aol.com)

Sat., Nov. 8. Norman Bird Sanctuary, Rhode Island. (new) A 4.5 mile hike along some of the ten trails of Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island. We will get views of Second Beach, Nelson and/or Gardiner Ponds, the Gray Craig Mansion, and a stream walking on rocky ledges and through beautiful woods. Discounted per person admission is $3 if we are 8 or more people. 2.5-3 hours. 9:30 a.m. Bring money, sturdy hiking shoes, water, and snacks. STEADY RAIN CANCELS. This is not for beginners. L Karen Paley, CL Debra Huntington (), reg/w Karen Paley (401-714-3569 5-7:30 pm, ksurman1@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 8. Green Fall Pond Hike, Pachaug St. Forest, CT. (new) 7 mile brisk paced hike starting in Yawgoog Scout Reservation. We'll hike into CT, circle around the pond in Pachaug, hike through a really cool gorge and back. Moderate to strenuous sections, so please wear proper sturdy hiking boots. Not for beginner hikers, please. Bring water, lunch and snacks. MUST wear at least 200 sq. in of ORANGE. 10:00 am start. Meet in Hope Valley off Rte 95 for carpooling. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

Sun., Nov. 9. RI Veterans Cemetery Walk. (new) RI Veterans Cemetery Walk; please join us for our annual Verterans Cemetray walk. Walk begins at 10:00 AM. Contact Leader Dick Sullivan for meeting location and additional information. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Tue., Nov. 11. Escoheag, Ben Utter Trails. (new) We will hike around 8 miles with a few hills to climb. The Ben Utter Trail runs along the Falls River and to Stepstone Falls, where we will relax and enjoy the scenery and have lunch. Register with leader. Rain will cancel this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Tue., Nov. 11. Francis Memorial Carter Preserve Hike, Charlestown. (new) 5 mile quick paced hike in this lovely Nature Conservancy Preserve. Easy walking on woodland trails with a couple of small hills. Early start leaves you the rest of the day to enjoy other interests. Possible late breakfast stop at small local diner after. Bring water, please and wear some orange. Meeting at the OLD MILL RD entrance as there is more parking. 9:30 start. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

Wed., Nov. 12. Hike and Social - East Bay Bike Path, RI. 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we get together for dinner... Get off the couch and join us. Park 230 Washington Rd, corner of Bradford St, by the church. Nice water views as we walk on the bike path. Dress accordingly. Reflective vests advised. Flashlights optional. Weather permitting. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Wed., Nov. 12. Sprague Farm/Steere Hill Farm Hike, Gloucester. (new) 7-8 mile easy hike in two charming Gloucester Land Trust properties. First hike 4 miles in Steere Hill Farm off Rte 44 then a short drive to Sprague Farm for another 4 miles. Beautiful woodland trails with interesting and historical features. Meet 10:00 Must wear at least 200 sq in of LEGAL orange. RAIN DATE Thurs. 11/13. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

Sat., Nov. 15. Long Pond, Ell Pond and Camp Yawgoog. (new) Hike 9 miles starting with some scrambling up, down and around boulders and end with a pleasant hike around Yawgoog Pond. Because of the distance and steep sections this isn't a hike for beginners Contact leader for registration and details. We will meet at Camp Yawgoog and spot a car to the Narragansett Trail. Rain will cancel this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) CL Kerri Green

Wed., Nov. 19. Hike and Social, Narragansett, Rhode Island. (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. Leave at 6:00 pm. Flashlights. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland2@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 19. Blue Hills Skyline Trail Hike, Canton, MA. (new) 7 + mile hike on Skyline Trail in Blue Hills Reservation. Tough hike with strenuous sections, plenty of ups and downs for everyone with great views as well! Sturdy boots a must. Not for beginners, please. Early departure from RI. Call for meet time and location. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Tue., Nov. 25. Beach Pond South Hike, Arcadia Mgmt Area, Exeter. (new) 7+ mile hike using Tippecansett, Dye Hill, Brushy Brook and Deep Pond trails. Great hike! Lots of terrain changes and historical features. Please bring lots of water, snacks and lunch. Must wear at least 200 sq. in of LEGAL orange. 10:00 am start. Meeting across the street from the Beach Pond parking area. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 29. Tipecansett/Green Falls Hike. (new) Approx. 7 miles hike encompass parts of Tipecansett trail, loop the Green Falls pond and hike through the "Gorge". Join us for this unique experience. This trail is rugged with some rock scrambling and some steep sections. Legal Orange required, hiking boots, or sturdy walking shoes, lunch, water, and dress in layers. Any precipitation will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331)

Sat., Nov. 29. Fisherville Audubon Wildlife Refuge Hike, Exeter. (new) Start our 5 mile hike in Fisherville, then drive 5 minutes for a 2.5 mile hike in Nature Conservancy's Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve.Easy walking on woodland trails. May be a little icy, though so sturdy shoes, please. Also some orange for Cuttyhunk Brook. 9:30 start registration required, please. Bring water, snacks. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

Sun., Nov. 30. Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown Hike. (new) 5.5 mile hike on fairly easy woodland trails with a few small hills. Wear some orange as archery season is in full swing. Bring water & snacks. Sturdy hiking shoes. 9:30 start. Registration required please. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Wed., Dec. 3. Hike/social Newport: Cliff Walk in the moonlight. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we will go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at CVS on Bellevue, to leave at 6:00. Not exactly a full moon, but it rises early, so if the sky is clear we will have a moon-lit water view. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Wed., Dec. 3. Mashamoquet Brook St. Park Hike, Pomfret, CT. (new) 6+ mile brisk paced hike in this very interesting state park includes a few nice climbs, and a historic wolf den. After Mashamoquet hike we will drive 10 minutes to hike another 3 miles in Old Furnace State Park in Killingly. Sturdy hiking boots, please. Bring water, snacks and lunch. MUST wear at least 200 sq. in of ORANGE. 9:30 start. call/email for location start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Dec. 6. Dog hike - Rome Point. (new) A 4 mile walk through woods to open beach areas, parts are rocky underfoot. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L Lesli Kelleter, reg/w Lesli Kelleter (ldkelleter@gmail.com)

Tue., Dec. 9. Maxwell Mays Refuge/Parker Woodlands Hike, Coventry. (new) First hike 3.5 miles in Maxwell Mays Refuge, then drive 10 minutes to Audubon's Parker Woodlands for another 7 mile hike. Two unique properties with enough ups and downs to satisfy everyone. 10:00 am start in Maxwell. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Dec. 10. 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. Wear visible clothing and bring a flashlight. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772, harris.janet90@gmail.com)

Wed., Dec. 17. Hike & social, East Greenwich. (new) East Greenwich lights up big for holiday display come see & Join us for 1.25 hr. hike through town, then go for dinner. Directions-- from 95 N. or S. take Rt. 4 to Rt. 401 east to Main St., make a left turn on Main ST. drive over to King St. make a right turn. Staying to your right turn into Water St. and park in a parking lot on your right. Bring flash light. Start 6:00 PM. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974 anytime, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Dec. 27. Introduction to Cross Country Skiing. (new) 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 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov) L Mark Dennen (401-354-9377, zenmartialartist@yahoo.com)

Mon., Dec. 29. Cliff Walk in Newport. (new) Walk off the holidays calories at the Cliff Walk in Newport. Enjoy the recent repaired walk as well as the rugged rocks constantly bathed by the waves, we'll have sights of a few mansions. The plan is to carpool from N. K. parking ride. Water, lunch or snacks, and dress accordingly. Rain will cancel the walk. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Thu., Jan. 1. Newport Polar Bear Hike. (new) Take the Polar Bear Plunge, a bracing way to start the year (or watch with the rest of us, it's quite a sight!). Join the festivities at the beach, followed by a 4-mile 'Cliff Walk' hike and potluck social. Please register with leader. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jan. 10. Step-by-Step Winter Day Trip to North Pack-Monadnock, NH. (new) Introductory hike to learn how to hike safely in winter. Great views from a smaller peak using a lesser used trail . Moderate paced 5.0 mi. hike . Snowshoes and micro-spikes available for rent. Early carpool from R.I. with probable eat out after. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Deb Huntington, reg/w Denise Poyer

Fri., Jan. 16-19. MLK w/e XC ski trip, N. Conway, NH. (new) Stay in private ski club in North Conway. Close access to town. 4 cross country areas within a 10 to 25 minute drive or choose downhill skiing (3 areas within a 20 minute drive, one a mile away). Hiking is also an option! Pinkham Notch, and Crawford Notch and all they offer are within a 25 minute drive as well. Stay in a unique 30 room, 140 year old Victorian, which was an Inn for 100 years. Lodging 2-4 to a room, bunk bed style. 2 nights, 2 bkfasts, dinner $75. 3 nights $105. Limited to 12. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) CL Christine Satterwhite

Fri., Jan. 16-19. Alpine Day Hikes on Martin Luther King Weekend. (new) Enjoy spectacular views from Mt. Adams. Second hike to be determined. For those in good condition with winter experience prepared to hike above treeline. Full winter gear required. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Tom Grasso

Tue., Jan. 20. Winter Gear Workshop. (new) This workshop 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 on winter hiking outings. Clothing, footwear, snowshoes, crampons, and other equipment will be demonstrated and discussed. Co-hosted with REI Cranston. Register at www.rei.com/cranston. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com)

Fri., Jan. 23-25. Willey Range Traverse. (new) Join us traversing the Willey Range, Mt's Willey, Field and Tom. 8.5 miles with up to 3,450 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Approximate cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Scott, reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Sat., Jan. 24. Dog hike - Tillinghast. (new) A 3 to 4 mile hike with many ups and downs through Land Trust property. Wet areas. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L G. Russell Miller, reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)

Fri., Jan. 30-31. Step-by-Step Winter Day Hike to Mts. Piper, Belknap and Gunstock, NH. (new) Introductory hike to learn how to hike safely in winter. 6.0 mi. hike using winter gear. Snowshoes and micro-spikes available for rent. Drive up Friday night, drive home Saturday after hike. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Steve Harrison , reg/w Denise Poyer

Fri., Feb. 6-8. Mt Madison - Intro to treeline hiking. (new) Challenging day hike for winter hikers with some experience looking for an introduction to above treeline hiking. Hike to the summit of Mt Madison by the Valley Way Tr. 8.4 miles, 4,100 ft of elevation gain. Sunday, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Debra Huntington, reg/w Debra Huntington (ddhuntington@gmail.com)

Fri., Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Step-by-Step Winter Day hiking Weekend. (new) Enjoy excellent views of the Presidential Range from a modest peak. For those in good condition wishing to gain winter below tree line experience. Limited supply of snowshoes, crampons and micro-spikes available for rent. Share lodging and meals with Mt. Washington hikers. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Margie Parsons , reg/w Denise Poyer

Fri., Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Mt. Washington Day hiking Weekend. (new) 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. Share lodging and meals with moderate day hikers. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, edpoyer@gmail.com) CL Mike McGuigan

Sat., Feb. 28. Dog hike - Browning. (new) A 3 mile easy walk through the woods on Land Trust property in South Kingstown. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L Bonnie England, reg/w Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Fri., Mar. 6-8. Mt Passaconaway Weekend. (new) Day hike to Mt Passaconoaway by the Oliverian Brook Trail. 10.2 miles with 2,800 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $90.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Elise Hedglen, reg/w Elise Hedglen (ehedglen@yahoo.com)

Fri., Mar. 20-22. East Osceola Weekend. (new) Moderate day hike to the summit of East Osceola (and maybe Osceola) for new winter hikers and other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. 6 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 $120.00, 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)