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The Gansett Gazette
April-May Issue
2007
Join your Membership Committee at Highland Center at Crawford Notch
For a "New Member Weekend" Join your Membership Committee at Highland Center at Crawford Notch for a "New Member Weekend". The Highland Center offers overnight accommodations and outdoor recreation activities that celebrate the natural world. We will be there August 3-5. This weekend is $98/person for the weekend. Enjoy two nights lodging in a shared room, complimentary day & evening programs with breakfast and dinner included. Private rooms or family rooms are available for an additional fee. Carpooling option. Advance reservations are required, call AMC Reservations Center at 603-466-2727. View the Highland Center. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Susan Jones shilojones@fctvplus.net or Tricia Bailey 401-662-1807 or triciabailey@mac.com
NOTICE FROM THE WEBMASTER
There are always last minute activity changes and additions between semi-monthly Gazette editions, which will ONLY be placed on the Chapter Web Site. Always check online regularly www.amcnarragansett.org.
Midday Bike Rides on Message Board
Be sure to monitor our website message board for midweek/midday bike rides. They will be posted a couple of days before the planned ride, listing the leader, contact information and general area of the ride, weather permitting. Please join a group of newly retired, part time workers for last minute bike rides in our lovely state!
Marcie Madsen Biking Co-Chair (marciemad18@yahoo.com)
PADDLER ADVISORY
Join the Blackstone Valley Paddlers for their 7th season and explore a different waterway every Tuesday night in the Blackstone River Valley. Improve your paddling skills, find the best paddling locations in the valley, learn about water quality, and enjoy a relaxing evening on the water. Meet at 6:15 PM each Tuesday night May through August. Kayak rentals available. You must be a member of RICKA to participate. Visit RICKA website at RICKA.org and click on BV Paddlers for details. Membership in RICKA is well worth it and membership is only $15.
Sat March 31-Trail Improvements to Barrington’s Veterans Memorial Park
Join with trails committee members in building some boardwalk bridging over a few wet areas and streams on trails in this scenic Town park that abuts Brickyard Pond. Some other tasks may include placing wood chips over an eroded portion of the trail and some minor brushing of a few sections of the trail. Contact L. Chris Shafer at 222-2797-ext. 7511 (daytime) or 789-8331 (evenings) to register and for starting time and directions to meeting point. CL’s Henry Cruciani and Susan Jones. If heavy rain forecasted, event will be postponed to Sunday, April 1.
Sat March 31 Arcadia Spring Traverse Hike: a beautiful 10 mile hike from the old Pine Top ski area via parts of the North South Trail following a stream, pick-up the Breakheart Trail, over Penny Hill, around Breakheart Pond to the J.B. Hudson Trail following the stream to Rt 165 parking lot. Start 9am, 5 hours, with lunch stop. Trail can be wet, good boots req’d. Call L Bob Holcombe (789-2574) for final instructions, spotting cars and meeting location.
Sunday April Fools Conservation Stroll. The joke is on us because we’ve never explored the over 200 acres of trails between Joe’s Rock and Birchwold Conservation Area in Wrentham, MA. Bring a sense of humor and stories to tell as we enjoy the view from Joe’s Rock. 4-5 easy paced miles. L Pease 351-2234.
Wed April 4 Hike and Social Colt State Park, Bristol at 6pm. For information please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Sat April 7 Prospective/New Member Walk at 10:30am. Join us for a Classic New England stroll around Beavertail Lighthouse and park. Learn more about the activities and programs AMC offers. Easy 2 mile walk, heavy rain cancels. Reg/with Susan Jones, Membership Vice Chair at (shilojones@fctvplus.net), or
L Linda Pease (351-2234).
Sat April 7 Hike Bluff Point Park, CT: 5 miles, beautiful view of Long Island Sound. If lucky we might see a submarine. Bring water, lunch or snack. Torrential rain cancels. L Katherine Mears (348-9413).
Sun April 8 Arcadia Trail Hike: 7.5 miles with some ups and downs and a very rocky area with boulders. Wear hiking boots, bring lunch and water. L Adele Holcombe (789-2574)
Tuesday April 10 Local Hikes Meeting at North Kingstown Stop & Shop meeting room at 6:30pm, all are welcome. L Herrick Spencer (723-1974 or spencer295@cox.net).
Wed April 11 Hike and Social in Providence at 6pm. L Janet Harris. For information please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Sat April 14 Hike Barn Island, CT: a nice easy hike on the Connecticut’s shore, only a few miles from Westerly. L’s Roberta and Lou Jacobs (315-0165).
Sat & Sun, April 14 & 15 – 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 be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO). Narragansett Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $60. 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).
Saturdays April 14, 21, 28 Beginner Rock Climbing Course: Register Now! Course fills-up early. Course consists of 3 progressive classes of instruction intended for beginning climbers and those gym climbers who want to make the transition to the outdoors. Classes are held at nearby crags in MA and CT. Must be 18-years old or 15 if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 3-day course: AMC member $60, Non-member $100. Student discount, AMC member $40, Non-member $80. Contact L’s Brian Phillips (783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), or Peter Barlow (860-675-3772).
Sat April 14 Start your Spring Cleaning at the Johnston Landfill. Get rid of old paint and other toxic materials at the ECO DEPOT. Special day for dumping your old PC, TV, other electronics. Learn about the landfill and how properly re-cycling electronics keeps our water clean. Then join us for a visit to Dame Farm and a ramble through Snake Den Preserve both also in Johnston. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Bob Sumner-Mack (793 3625)
Sat April 14 Ultimate Earth Day Clean Up – Colt State Park, Bristol: at 9:30am; join your friends in sprucing up the park. Contact L’s Jack Schempp (331-4553) or Barbara Flagg (487-4376)
Wed April 18 Hike and Social in Lincoln Woods at 6pm. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Thurs April 19 Trails Committee Meeting, contact Anne at 823-1397 or Marge at 295-7101.
Thur April 19 New Member and Prospective Member Potluck Social: (canceled, but the Membership Committee and Activity Leaders will be represented at the Spring Fling to discuss upcoming events and answer
any questions that new members may have) 6:30-9:30pm at Save the Bay, 100 Save the Bay Dr. Rrovidence. New, old and prospective members welcome. Meet, eat, socialize and learn what the AMC has planned for the upcoming season. Meet committee leaders and get a feel for what they have to offer. For info contact P.J. Bailey pj_bailey@mindspring.com
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Sat April 21 Trails & Conservation Earth Day Project: Help Restore a Great Park
Restoration of the long neglected Newtaconkanut Park, one of the largest in Providence, the highest elevation and formerly a grand estate, was initiated last year by a neighborhood organization. They have made impressive progress in cleaning it up. They asked AMC to use their trail building skills to construct a series of log and gravel steps to improve a major hiking trail and reduce erosion. The work is not strenuous and no technical skill is required. A few smaller projects have also been assigned to AMC. We need lots of hands to help us complete the project by early afternoon. Please join us. Refreshments will be provided.
This is an opportunity for individuals to team up and make a substantial Earth Day contribution to the revival of a beautiful park. Convenient location on Rte 14 west of Olneyville. Starts at 9:30 am. Bring gloves & water. Call L Chris Shafer 222- 2797 x 7511 or CL Jack Schempp 331-4553 for directions, reservations, questions.
Sat April 21 South Kingstown-Narragansett Ride: Early season 20 mile easy intermediate bike ride. Get those legs warmed up! Helmets req’d. L. Dick Schaffner 781-6310
Sat April 21 Flat Water Paddle - Central pond and ten mile river, Rumford to Slater Park. Kayak this body of water - a favorite of water fowl, maybe otters. Skirts & warm preparations req‚d; wet/dry suit preferred. L Antoinette Breed 751-5086, CL Herrick Spencer 723-1974.
Sun April 22 Step by Step Blue Hills Hike. Spring is here and it’s time for Step by Step again. Have you thought about Northern hiking but don't know what you need or don't think you have the necessary experience? This program is designed for you. Each hike will get progressively more difficult. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Sue Warthman.
Wed April 25 Hike and Social in Wickford at 6pm. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Sat April 28 Hike in Arcadia from Beach Pond to Deep Pond using the Tippecansett Trail, Deep Pond and Dye Hill Trails on the South side of Route 165, easy to moderate 9 mile loop. Start 9 am, bring boots (maybe wet), a lunch, snacks, lots of water, and binoculars as we will take our time and have a nice hike. L Bob Holcombe (789-2574).
Sat April 28 Beaver Pond Tour with Ken Weber: (trip filled) Ken Weber, Providence Journal Nature Columnist, will lead us to his favorite beaver colony in Coventry. His comments will include discussing the beavers astonishing capability to engineer and construct dams to transform valleys into swamps. Contact Leader Barbara Flagg 487-4376 for time and meeting place, CL Patty D'Ambra
Sun April 29 Pachaug Trail Hike in Exeter: 8 strenuous miles at a moderate pace among glacial boulders and sheer cliffs. Boots req’d, bring lunch and water. L Maria Earley (789-8331 call after 6pm).
Wed May 2 Hike and Social in Jamestown at 6pm. L’s Richard and Donna Chellis. For information please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Sat May 5 Walk Boston’s Emerald Necklace. Discover the various parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, linked together in this fast paced walk near 12 miles. We’ll train in, eat out. L Sandy Dunn (333-6474) call 7-9pm, CL Patty D’Ambra (949-3374).
Saturdays May 5, 12, 19 Intermediate Rock Climbing Course. Course consists of 3 progressive classes of instruction intended for intermediate level climbers. Preference is given to members of the Beginner course. Climbers starting at this level will be asked to demonstrate some basic climbing and safety techniques before acceptance into the course. The goal of the course is produce climbers who can safely second an experienced leader on a traditional-style multi-pitch climb. Graduates of this course are invited on the AMC climbing trips scheduled each month. Classes are held at nearby crags in CT. Course participants must be 18-years old or 15 if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 3-day course: AMC Member $60, Non-member $100. Student discount, AMC Member $40, Non-member $80. Contact: Brian Phillips, 783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net, or Peter Barlow, 860-675-3772.
Sat May 5 Kingston-Shannock-Charlestown Ride: Easy intermediate 32 mile bike ride, rolling terrain and country roads, moderate pace.Lunch at the beach! Helmets req’d. L. Dick Schaffner 781-6310.
Sun May 6 Conservation Flower Meander in Lincoln Woods. Betty Allen will identify and provide information on the flowers we find along the trails she knows will have the most flowers. 3-4 easy paced miles. L Linda Pease 351-2234.
Tuesday May 8 East Bay Bike Path Ride (from the Carousel). 22 mile ride on the bike path and through Colt SP. Moderate pace, all welcome. Leaves at 6 pm promptly. Helmets req’d. L. Sid Wax 849-2595 (sid_w@yahoo.com), CL Judy Nacci.
Wed May 9 Hike and Social at Goddard Park, E. Greenwich at 6pm. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Wed. evening May 9 (revised date) and Sat. May 12: Map & Compass
Workshop and Off Trail Practice: Learn to find your way in the back
country. Topics include reading map symbols & contour lines, matching
the terrain to the map, taking & using compass & map bearings, orienting
map & compass, declination, determining your location and route
planning. Practice skills in the woods on Saturday. $15 includes map
and materials. Register with Linda Pease at 351-2234.
Saturday May 12 SPRING FLING
at the South Kingstown Land Trust Barn in Charlestown, RI.
Please register by April 30, 2007.
Sun May 13 Warwick Shores Ride: Easy intermediate 30-35 mile bike ride along Warwick Shores. Lots of water views, lunch at the Narragansett Parkway. Helmets req’d. L. Nancy Baker 737-3052, CL Dick Schaffner 781-6310.
Tuesday May 15 So. Rehoboth Ride: 18 mile, scenic easy intermediate ride, leaves 6pm promptly. Helmets req'd. L Carol Richards (434-8448 or carol_164@joimail.com).
Wed May 16 Hike and Social in Garden City, Cranston at 6pm. L Maryanne Heywood. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Thurs May 17 Trails Committee Meeting, contact Anne at 823-1397 or Marge at 295-7101.
Sat May 19 Buffumville Lake and Dam Hike in Oxford, MA, (revised) a 7 mile moderate hike through the woods, crossing a few streams and parts of the trail might be wet. Hiking boots req’d, and bring snacks and plenty of water. For details contact L Dick Sullivan (294-9374 call before Thursday)
Sat May 19 Pawtuxet River Flat Water Paddle, one of RI’s major scenic rivers with abundant wildlife. Annual spring paddle from Pontiac Mills, Warwick to Rhodes-On-The-Pawtuxet. L Linda Pease 351-2234, CL Antoinette Breed 751-5086. Call Steve Morra for rental 231-5365
Sat May 19 Quonochontaug Pond: Sea Kayaking. Participants should be experienced and have proper equipment in spring like conditions, wet/dry suit req’d. L Mike Krabach (333-5350), CL Barbara Flagg (487-4376).
Sat May 19 Hike and Social at Colt State Park, Bristol: meet at 11am. L Janet Harris. For information please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Sat May 19 Westerly-Watch Hill Ride: 25 mile ‘tweener’ bike ride (not too fast, not too slow), mostly along the ocean. Enjoy this area before tourist season. Lunch at lighthouse. Helmets req’d. L Marcie Madsen 364-6538.
Sun May 20 Step-By-Step Day Hike to North Pack Monadnock. Enjoy a little known trail that follows a lovely brook with waterfalls, and then traverses ledges with beautiful views. Carpool from RI with early start. Leader: Gwen Jones hiker.gwen@gmail.com, Register with co-leader: Steve Harrison, 270-3363
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Wed May 23 Hike and Social at Scarborough Beach, Narragansett at 6pm.
L Aram Deradorian. For information please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)
Wed May 23 Easy Riders -Pasta Challenge in Rehoboth: Easy to moderate paced bike ride. The challenge is how to design your sauce and eat as much as you can after the ride. Bill Rush (L for moderate riders), Linda Pease (L for easy riders) 351-2234 call for time and directions.
Thursday May 24 Midweek E.Greenwich/N.Kingstown Ride: 20 mile intermediate bike ride, 6pm start! Helmets req’d. L Dick Schaffner 781-6310.
Fri-Mon May 25-28: High Peaks of the Pemigewasset Wilderness: Twinway Traverse – Inter-Chapter trip: Enjoy view from North & South Twin, Buyot, Zealand, Hale and possibly Mt. Bond. Challenging trip (some bushwhacking, high water: possibly some snow) via North Twin, Twinway, & Mt. Hale, for those in good condition with recent mountain hiking experience. Moderately paced, 9 miles, 3000 Ft elevation gain, 9 hours per day. $125 fee includes hostel, 2 nights at Huts (caretaker basis), 3 breakfasts & 2 dinners. L Ed Poyer, For details, contact CL Denise Poyer ph. 783-6623.
Sat May 26 Easy Riders Tiverton/Little Compton: 25 scenic mile bike ride, easy pace, flat/quiet. Escape holiday crowds, enjoy cool, tree-lined streets. Lunch on beach, ice cream at Gray's. Helmets req'd. L’s Linda Pease 351-2234, Steve Morra 231-5365.
Wed May 30 East Bay Bike Path Ride: 28 mile bike ride around the Bay! Leaves 6pm promptly. Helmets req'd. L Carol Richards (434-8448 or carol_164@joimail.com)
Wed May 30 Hike and Social at Veterans Cemetery at 6pm. For information phone Bob Cilette at (529-1611)
Thur May 31 Sea Kayaking at N. Kingstown Town Beach: Launching at 4pm. Paddle around Fox Island and into Bissel Cove. We will stop for supper perhaps somewhere near Rome Point.
Rain date June 1st. L Anne Fusco (884-3205), CL Bob Holcombe.
ADVANCED NOTICES
Sat June 2 Pawcatuck Source to Sea Paddle. Put-in: Taylor’s Landing, Rt. 138, South Kingstown. Take-out: Biscuit City Landing, S. Kingstown. 10 miles; no portage. We recommend only experienced paddlers attempt this section. $5 donation. Bring lunch, drinks, PFD, boat. Registration with WPWA req’d 539-9017 or info@wpwa.org.
Sat June 2 West Cranston/Scituate Ride: 30 miles of tough hills around the Scituate reservoir. Strong intermediate riders welcome. L Dick Schaffner 781-6310.
Sat June 2 National Trails Day project: To be determined.
Sun June 3 Hike at Pachaug State Forest: interesting 8-9 mile hike with a nice lunch spot. Climb up and down some ledges, and cross some nearly virgin land/ forest. You can jump into Beach Pond at the end or just soak your feet after a 9am start and 4 -5 hours of hiking. L Bob Holcombe (789-2574).
Fri–Sun June 8-10 Bike Maine Shores (Narr.-NH). Enjoy charming villages, beautiful shores in scenic salty Maine, Biddeford Pool to York–including Kennebunkport. Stay at deluxe motel in Ogunquit–2 per room w/breakfast, 2 nights. Happy Hour (BYOB), dinner out. Driving time from Providence about 3 hrs. $85 pp. Intermediate Riders, 50 miles/day, rolling hills. Review qualifications with CL Herb Kingsbury (207 439- 6449), L Jack Schempp (331-4553)
Sat June 9 Arcadia Management Area Hike in Exeter: 8–10 mile hike at a moderate pace. – We’ll do something different, but it will be leader’s choice. Boots req’d, bring lunch, water, and bug spray may be needed. L Maria Earley (789-8331 call 7:30–9:30pm).
Sat June 9 WPWA’s Pawcatuck Source to Sea Paddle. Put-in: Biscuit City Landing, Kenyon School Road, South Kingstown. Take-out: Richmond Fishing Access, Rt. 91, Richmond 8 miles; three portages, one section of class II rapids. $5 donation, Bring lunch, drinks, PFD, boat. Registration with WPWA req’d 539-9017 or info@wpwa.org.
Sat June 9 Block Island Bike Ride. 25 mile leisurely ride, before the tourists arrive. Beautiful scenery, beaches, lighthouses, gently rolling hills, some dirt roads. We'll make a day of it. Helmets req'd. L. Sid Wax (849-2595 or sid_w@yahoo.com). NOTE: RAIN DATE SUNDAY JUNE 10
Fri-Sun June 15-17 Cape Shores Weekend and Beach Tour with Naturalist. (reservations filled, wait list open) Tour E.Cape and National Seashore via bike paths, hiking, paddling. Camp at quiet Wellfleet Audubon Bay Refuge Facility w/flush toilets, showers, and tables. Arrive Friday noon to 8 pm. Organized paddle option. Saturday possible dinner out. Sunday am fascinating tour of 1200 acre Audubon beach and tidal flat with naturalist, commenting on birds, ducks, tides, and history. Questions welcomed. Check out by noon, $60 pp, food not included. Reg/w CL Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com), L. Jack Schempp (331-4553)
Fri-Sun June 22-24 Paddle Maine in Knubble Bay and Western Rivers: Sea kayaking along the bays and rivers. Stay at AMC Knubble Bay Camp, a beautiful coastal post and beam cabin in mid-coast (Georgetown) Maine. The cabin is like a self service bunk rooms like the AMC hut. Cost $65, due by May 20, payment req’d to reserve. L Bill Rush (call 8-10pm weekdays 941-4983 whr0316@msn.com)
Fri-Sat June 22–30 Spectacular Day Hikes: Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks. The Grand Tetons pack a stunning presence, 12000 ft snow covered granite peaks studded with lakes, streams, and meadows. Two days in Yellowstone, intermediate day hikes, 8–12 miles, elev. gains to 3000 ft. Dine out evenings. For strong hikers with recent mountain experience, moderate speed. $1450 plus airfare, it includes lodging, most meals, van, park fees. Phone to qualify/w L Jack Schempp (331-4553) or CL Jerry Bernardini (886–4735).
Fri-Mon June 29-July 2 Adirondacks High Peaks 3-Day Weekend. Enjoy 3 days of day hikes in the Adirondacks High Peaks region. 2 levels of hikes offered each day: moderate (6-8 miles, 2000’+ elev gain), and challenging (10+ miles, 3500’+ elev gain). For fit, experienced mountain hikers who enjoy being part of a group. $195 includes 3 nights lodging at cozy and inviting Adirondack lodge, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Space is limited, register early. For more details contact
L Sean Buckley (sean.buckley1@mac.com or 860-546-0635), CL Ed Poyer, CL Tom Grasso
Sat June 30 Start the Summer off with a Visit to the Ecotarium in Worcester. What’s that? It’s an indoor museum, an outdoor campus with trails, a zoo with rehabilitated animals, including a polar bear. Put a helmet and harness on and take a walk on the wild side on the treetop canopy walkway and learn about life in the treetops. Check it all out at www.ecotarium.org. There’s enough to do to spend the whole day. Great place for kids and grandkids. L Linda Pease 351-2234
Sun-Mon July 8–16 Best Day Hikes in the Magnificent Canadian Rockies Wilderness. (Trip Reservations Filled) A National Geographic , one of 10 “must see wilderness”, famous for countless peaks, huge glaciers, waterfalls, flowering meadows, and wildlife. Breathtaking! Intermediate day hikes, 8–13 miles, with gains to 3000 ft. hostels, dinner out, fun! For strong hikers w/ Mt. experience, moderate speed. $1350 plus airfare, it includes lodging, most meals, van, park fees. Phone to qualify/w L Jack Schempp (331-4553) or CL Jerry Bernardini (886-4735).
Sun July 15 Kayak Training Class for Participants - Everything you need to know to paddle safely. Hold the Date & Register now $8. Call Linda Pease (351-2234)
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