The Gansett Gazette
April-May Issue
2008

Thur May 1 Trail Maintenance: (new) Join us for some fresh air, exercise, and camaraderie while contributing towards improving our trails. Light work - brushing, and some blazing. Meeting place to be determined at 5:30 PM. L Jennie Crooks (401-734-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Sat May 3 Trail Project (new) Rain date May 4th. Need a few good people to help with some erosion control maintenance and installation of a few step stones on the beautiful Escoheag trail. Meet at 8:30. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com), L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Sat May 3 Tri Ponds Hike in South Kingstown. Start 10am, 4-5 miles using some of the bike path and hiking around 3 ponds with some tricky brook crossings. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374 call before Friday).

Sat May 3 Boston's Emerald Necklace Hike. (trip full) A long, but wonderful day. Discover the various parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, linked together in this fast-to-moderately paced walk, nearly 12 miles. We'll train in, eat out. L Sandy Dunn (333-6474 call before 8:30pm), CL Roy Loiselle (946-9181), CL Patty D'Ambra (949-3374).

Sat May 3 Trail Project Meet 8:30am. Need a few good people to help with some erosion control maintenance and installation of a few step stones on the beautiful Escoheag Trail. Rain date May 4th. L Maria Earley (789-8331 call 7-9pm or momearley@netzero.com), L Christopher Shafer (789-8331 call 7-9pm).

Sat May 3 Paddle 10 Mile River in Pawtucket. Part 2. It is time to reveal what is hidden on the upper half of the river. Smaller kayaks will work better. Start 9:30am. L Antoinette Breed (751-5086), CL Herrick Spencer (723-1974).

Sat May 3 Conservation Walk: Swamps, Marsh, Wetlands and Vernal Ponds: 10am-3pm. One of the most fascinating hands-on nature walks. These natural reservoirs may help us survive storms and rising waters; without them many species of birds and wildlife would perish. Naturalist Denise Poyer will explain how these wetlands absorb flood water and filter water supply as well as their crucial importance in feeding and sheltering wildlife. She will lead us to an example of each. Reserve early with L Roseann Evans (273-8255).

Sat May 3 Kingston, Shannock, Charlestown Bike Ride: easy-intermediate pace, 32 mile ride over rolling country roads. Lunch stop at the beach. Helmets req'd. L Dick Schaffner (781-6310). CL Jane Vieira (862-6031).

Sats May 3, 10, 17 Intermediate Rock Climbing Course. Course consists of three progressive Saturday classes. Climbers starting at this level will be asked to demonstrate basic climbing and safety techniques. The goal is produce climbers who can safely second a leader on a traditional-style multi-pitch climb and will include learning how to tie and use various climbing knots, belaying, rappelling, ascending, and seconding. Course Cost: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100. Student Discount--AMC Member $40, Non Member $80. L Brian Phillips (783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Sun May 4 Step-by-Step Hike Mt. Holyoke Range. Let’s start out with a 5-mile hike in MA and see if we can find the Horse Caves. Carpool from RI with stops for breakfast & dinner. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Dorothy Hitt.

Tues May 6 Ride East Bay Bike Path: start 6pm promptly from the Carousel. 22 mile ride through Colt State Park. Moderate pace, all welcome. Helmets req'd. L Sid Wax (849-2595 or sid_w@yahoo.com), CL Judy Nacci.

Wed May 7 Hike and Social at Goddard Park in E. Greenwich at 6pm. For information call Bob Cilette at (529-1611).

Thur May 8 Trails Committee Meeting at 6:30pm, contact Maria 789-8331 or Marge at 295-7101.

Wed May 7 Trail Maintenance: (note new date) Join us for some fresh air, exercise, and camaraderie while contributing towards improving our trails. Light work - brushing, and some blazing. Meeting place to be determined at 5:30 PM. L Jennie Crooks (401-734-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Thur May 8 and Sat. May 10: 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 bearings, orienting map & compass, declination, determining your location and planning your route. Practice skills in the woods on Saturday. $15 includes map and materials. Register with Ed Poyer, (783-6623 or edpoyer@gmail.com).

Sat May 10: Map & Compass Workshop and Off Trail Practice: details see above.

Sat May 10 Hemlock Ledges Hike in Exeter. Approximately 4 miles on Tippecansett and Pachaug trails near Beach Pond. L Katherine Mears (348-9413 call 6-9pm, medtho@cox.net). CL Pam Hill

Sat May 10 Conservation Presentation on Solar Installations at 10am by SolarWright operations chief, followed by easy hike around Audubon's Powder Mill Ledges Refuge with Eugenia Marks, Policy Director at Audubon. Contact L Bob Sumner-Mack 723 3625 for details.

Sat May 10 Trail Maintenance: (new) (canceled) Meet at 9:00 AM - Learn the art of blazing by our seasoned and expert teacher. We'll use our new skill on the trail, and also do some light brushing. We'll have a good time while enojoying the outdoors and contribute to improve our trails. Meeting place to be determined. L Jennie Crooks (401-734-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Sat May 10 Warwick Shores Ride: Easy intermediate 30-35 mile bike ride with lots of water views, lunch at the Narragansett Parkway. Helmets req’d. L Nancy Baker (737-3052), CL Dick Schaffner (781-6310).

Tues May 13 Bike Ride in S. Rehoboth: start 6pm promptly, 18 mile, scenic easy intermediate ride. Helmets req'd. L Carol Richards (434-8448 or carol_164@joimail.com).

Wed May 14 Hike and Social in Garden City, Cranston at 6pm. For information call Bob Cilette at (529-1611).

Thur May 15 Trail Maintenance (new) Join us for some fresh air, exercise, and camaraderie while contributing towards improving our trails. Light work - brushing, and some blazing. Meeting place to be determined at 5:30 PM. L Jennie Crooks (401-734-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Sat May 17 SPRING FLING at South Kingstown Land Trust Barn The chapter will sponsor a number of activities – all listed on the registration form - followed by a dinner and social event from 4 to 9pm. Please register by April 30.

Wed May 21 Hike and Social in Jamestown at 6pm. For information call Bob Cilette at (529-1611).

Wed May 21 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.

Thur May 22 East Greenwich, North Kingstown Bike Ride: start 6pm, 20 mile intermediate ride. Helmets req'd. L Dick Schaffner (781-6310). CL Jane Vieira.

Thur May 22 Trail Maintenance (rescheduled to June 12) Join us for some fresh air, exercise, and camaraderie while contributing towards improving our trails. Light work - brushing, and some blazing. Meeting place to be determined at 5:30 PM. L Jennie Crooks (401-734-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Sat May 24 Paddle Quonochontaug Pond: flatwater or sea kayaks can join. Participants should be experienced and have proper equipment for spring like conditions, wet/dry suit req’d. L Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com), CL Antoinette Breed (751-5086).

Sat-Mon May 24-26: High Peaks of the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountains, NH: Moderately strenuous overnighter to Galehead Hut. Sunday hike to South Twin, Guyot and the Bonds. Enjoy comraderie and hearty backcountry fare, for those in good condition with mountain hiking experience. Moderately paced, 9 miles, 3000 Ft elevation gain, up to 9 hours per day. Expect river fording, possibly some snow. $95 fee includes food and lodging. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com).

Sun May 25 Step-By-Step Hike in Pillsbury State Park, NH. Enjoy lakes, ponds and a chance to see moose while hiking 8.5 miles in Southern NH. Carpool from RI with an early start & possible eat out after. L Steve Harrison, register with CL Dorothy Hitt (323-7242).

Tues May 27 Bike Ride in Barrington. Leaves 6pm promptly. Helmets req'd. Contact for details L Carol Richards (434-8448 or carol_164@joimail.com).

Wed May 28 Hike and Social in Providence at 6pm. For information call Bob Cilette at (529-1611).

Thur May 29 Sea Kayaking at N. Kingstown Town Beach: (rescheduled to June 5) Launching at 4pm. Paddle around Fox Island and into Bissel Cove. We will stop for supper somewhere near Rome Point. L Anne Fusco (884-3205), CL Bob Holcombe (789 2574).

Wed June 11 Sea Kayak Practice at URI Bay Campus at 5:30pm. Informal rescue practice for those wishing to review wet exits, self/group rescue and any other skills. Practice or just watch rescue skills needed for safe kayaking. L's Mike Krabach (333-5350), Bev Thomas (568-8166).

Thur June 12 Sea Kayaking at URI Bay Campus: Launching at 4 pm. Heading for Dollar/Plumb Point Lighthouse. Supper will be either on the mainland beach towards Rome Point or on Dutch Island. L Anne Fusco (884-3205).

Fri-Sun June 13-15 Paddle Maine in Knubble Bay and Western Rivers, Maine: Sea kayaking along the bays and rivers. Stay at AMC Knubble Bay Camp, a beautiful coastal post/ beam cabin in mid-coast Georgetown, Maine. The cabin is like a self-service bunk room, like the AMC hut. Cost $65, send payment to reserve by May 7 to Leader Bev Thomas, 16 Rocky Rd, Chepachet, RI 02814. For details contact Bev at 568-8166 or bevthomas2@cox.net.

Fri-Sun June 13-15 Cape Shores Weekend, Wellfleet, MA: 2 morning walks with Naturalist. Tour E. Cape & National Seashore via bike paths, walks, paddling. Camp at Wellfleet Audubon Bay Refuge. Arrive Fri. Noon to 8 pm. Naturalist walks 9am, Sat: Bay; Sun: Sea shore. Comment birds, ducks and tides, history, and all other. Afternoon activities optional: paddle, beach, or shore bike ride. Optional group dinners Fri and Sat. Cost $65 pp, food not included. Res/w CL Mike Krabach (401-333-5350) or L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553). Mail check to J. Schempp, 47 Arbor Dr, Providence, RI 02908.

Sat June 14 WPWA Source to the Sea #2: Put-in: behind Dow Little League field at the Hope Valley Fishing Access, Rt. 3, Hopkinton 9 am. Take-out: Alton Fishing Access, Hopkinton. 8 miles; three portages. First short stretch will be on a seldom paddled section that includes a portage around a horseshoe dam at historic Hope Valley Mill. Abundant Mountain Laurel blooms will line the banks. End at Alton Pond. Fee $5. L Linda Pease, Reg/w Denise Poyer (539-9017 or denise.poyer@wpwa.org)

Sat June 14 Step-by-Step Hike at Mt. Monadnock. It is time to add some elevation and rocks. Participants should have some previous step-by-step experience. Dinner and Ice Cream follows hike. L Steve Harrison, reg/w Dorothy Hitt (323-7242).

Tues June 17 Bike Ride at Quonset Point Area: start 6pm, intermediate pace 13 mph, very flat 23 miles. Ride goes down to Allen's Harbor winding through a golf course with some views of the bay and around bay side residential areas. L Barbara Flagg (bakayaker51@verizon.net)

Wed June 18 Easy Rider - Pasta Challenge in Rehoboth: different from last month, but still an easy to moderate paced bike ride. This 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.

Wed June 18 Sea Kayak Practice at URI Bay Campus at 5:30pm. Informal rescue practice for those wishing to review wet exits, self/group rescue and any other skills. Practice or just watch rescue skills needed for safe kayaking. L's Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com), Bev Thomas (568-8166).

Sat June 21 Long Pond, Ell Pond to Green Falls Pond Hike. Joint Narr/CT. Hike a beautiful section of the Narragansett Trail, beginning in RI and ending in CT. Strenuous in spots. Bring lunch, minimum 2 qts.water, (a must-may want 3 qts, or more). Hiking boots req’d. Meet at plaza with Town Pizza, on 165/138/49S in Voluntown, CT - park at east edge of lot. Wet footing cancels. L Sandy Dunn (333-6474 call before 8:30 pm), CL John Stevens (295-4203 call 7-9pm).

Sat June 21 WPWA Source to the Sea #3: Put-in: Alton Fishing Access, Hopkinton 9 am. Take-out: Potter Hill Road, Ashaway. 14.5 miles; one portage. Lunch at Bradford Fishing Access. This is the longest stretch. We will be paddling into the Pawcatuck River, just below our put-in point. Then there is a small broken dam that is easy to run at moderately high water. After lunch we 'll portage around a functioning fish ladder and continue through scenic but increasingly settled landscape. Fee $5. L Denise Poyer (539-9017 or denise.poyer@wpwa.org).

Sat June 21 Rehoboth Ride: 30-35 mile bike ride, steady intermediate pace, scenic area mostly gently rolling hills. Helmets req’d. L Sue McMillan (call 831-8900, Mo-Th 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-1pm only or sgm@blishcavlaw.com)

Tues June 24 Jamestown Ride: at 6pm. 22 miles of scenic rolling terrain, with a few hills (shorter route possible). Helmets req’d. L Sid Wax (849-2595 or sid_w@yahoo.com).

Wed June 25 Sea Kayak Practice at URI Bay Campus at 5:30pm. Informal rescue practice for those wishing to review wet exits, self/group rescue and any other skills. Practice or just watch rescue skills needed for safe kayaking. L's Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com), Bev Thomas (568-8166).

Thur June 26 Cranston, Scituate bike ride: 6:00 PM start. 20 mile intermediate ride. Helmets req'd. L Dick Schaffner (781-6310).

Sat June 28 Narragansett Clam Cake Ride: easy, intermediate 32 mile social bike ride in Southern RI along our beautiful beaches to Pt. Judith Lighthouse. Stop for a famous clam cake lunch. Helmets req'd. L's Barbara Flagg (bakayaker51@verizon.net) and Bill Rush (941-4983).

Sat June 28 Easy Rider Clam Cake Ride, So. County bike path to Aunt Carries, and the beach for ice cream break! 20+ miles at 10-12 mph, easy paced. Helmets req’d. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com).

Sat June 28 WPWA Source to the Sea #4: Put-in: Laurel Street, Ashaway 9 am. Take-out: India Point, Westerly. Lunch will be pizzas, at a private residence in Westerly. 10 miles; no portage. This final leg still holds a few challenges and lots of interest. We will encounter two stretches of class-two rapids. These are usually fun to run, but, if preferred, may be portaged with some difficulty. The last stretch of this leg will be in tidal waters. Expect wind and waves. Certificate of completion presented at lunchtime. Fee $5. L Denise Poyer (539-9017 or denise.poyer@wpwa.org).

Sat June 28 Mt. Moosilauke Hike. Intermediate hikers and maybe some recent step-by-step hikers moving onto the 4,000 footers. 9.3 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. The views are fantastic and worth the effort. Reg/w Sue Warthman (270-3363), CL Steve Harrison.

Sat June 28 Trail Project in the George Washington Management Area, Glocester, RI. Meet at 9 am. Walk about and brush the "Walk About Trail". Rain date June 29th. L Barbara Kilcup (284-1800 or 569-1759 Friday pm)

Thur Sun July 3-6 Adirondacks High Peaks 3-Day Weekend, NY. Enjoy 3-days of day hikes in the Adirondacks High Peaks region. Hikes will be 10+ miles, 3000’+ elev. gain. For fit, experienced mountain hikers who enjoy being part of a group. $195 includes 3 nights lodging at Adirondack lodge, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Note, dinners will be prepared as a group. Space is limited, register early. Contact L Sean Buckley (sean.buckley1@mac.com or 860-546-0635) or CL Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com) for details.

Sat July 6 A Redhead and a Brunette Ninigret Flatwater Paddle (rescheduled to July 12) Late afternoon to avoid the mid-day sun. Meanders across Ninigret Pond rather than down the middle for a different perspective. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L Antoinette Breed (751-5086)

Tue July 8 Evening Concert and Sea Kayaking in Wickford: Paddle in Wickford Cove and perhaps out to the Town Beach. Have supper on the beach then paddle into downtown Wickford Park Boat Ramp at 4:30 and returning at dusk. L Anne Fusco (884-3205), CL Sandi Barber (467-7881)

Sat July 12 Sandwich Dome Hike. At 3,993 feet, Sandwich Dome doesn’t get the respect the 4,000 footers get. We’ll take a 9 mile hike with 2,600 feet of elevation gain. This will suitable for intermediate hikers and hopefully, some recent step-by-steppers. Reg/w L Sue Warthman (270-3363),CL Steve Harrison.

Sat July 12 Newport Ride: 30-35 miles of scenic, gently rolling terrain, with a few short but challenging hills. Moderate, comfortable pace. Ocean Drive, beaches, through the Portsmouth countryside. Helmets req’d. L Sid Wax (849-2595 or sid_w@yahoo.com).

Sun July 20 Leader Paddle Training: (non leaders welcome so you can learn what we’re practicing). We’ll be practicing various rescue scenarios, including towing, which non-participants can easily learn. Please donate to the Newport Boys/Girls Club to use Grosvenor Camp. L Linda Pease (351-2234). No kayak? Rent ours-cost $8. Call Steve Morra (231-5365).

Tue July 22 Evening Concert and Sea Kayaking in Wickford: Paddle in Wickford Cove and perhaps out to the Town Beach. Have supper on the beach then paddle into downtown Wickford Park Boat Ramp at 4:30 and returning at dusk. L Anne Fusco (884-3205), CL Sandi Barber (467-7881)

Tues Jul 22 URI to Exeter Bike Ride: 25 miles, through the South Kingstown hills, to the Veterans' Cemetery. Helmets req'd. L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com (849-2595.

Sat Aug 2 Tiverton-Little Compton-Westport Bike Ride: 35 miles along the shore and through the countryside Scenic ride. Moderate intermediate pace, somewhat rolling terrain with one hill. Helmets req'd. L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com (849-2595).

Sat Aug 9 Black Tie Flat and Sea Kayak Paddle on Narrow River: Join us with time to spend on the beach and dining in style, bring plastic stemware. Flat water starting from Grovenor Camp, sea kayaking starting at Middletown Bridge. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Antoinetta Breed (751-5086), Bill Rush (941-4983 call 8-10pm weekdays), CL Bob Holcombe (789-2574); call Steve Morra for rentals (231-5365).

Mon Aug 11 Victory Day, Sea Kayaking: exploring and picnic lunch on Hope Island. L Anne Fusco (884-3205) CL Mary Cocorochio

Tues Aug 19 Narragansett-Great Island Bike Ride: 18 mi ride along Narragansett shore. All welcome. Helmets required. L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com 401 849-2595.

Thur Aug 21 Trails Committee Meeting. 6:30 Join us to plan, and discuss current projects and future projects. Other issues pertaining to trails and the committee will be discussed. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, momearley@netzero.com), L Marge Gaunt (401-295-7101)

Sat Aug 23 Jamestown Bike Ride: 28 miles of rolling terrain, with a few hills. Easy intermediate ride, moderate pace. Scenic ocean views and sea breezes. Helmets req'd. . L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com (849-2595).

Sun Sept 7 Sea Kayak off Barn Island, CT. Paddle to the beaches at Napatree Point, and Ice Cream stop after. L Mike Krabach (333-5350 or mkrabach@efortress.com), CL Bill Rush (call 8-10pm weekdays 941-4983)

Fri-Sun Sept 19-21 Camping/Paddling on Moon Island, Squam Lake, NH: participants should be experienced, proper equipment for camping and kayaking, sea kayak is req’d with airtight bulkheads for keeping your gear dry, have to be self contained w/ minimal contact with the landlubbers stay on shore. Cost $ 35. L Bill Rush ( 941-4983, call 8-10pm weekdays).

Fri- Sun Oct 3-5 Autumn Splendor at AMC's Cardigan Lodge:, White Mountains, NH. Join us for day hikes in Mt. Cardigan Reservation during this beautiful hiking season. A moderate and a challenging hike will be offered; 6-10 mile hikes with 1500-2000' elevation gain. $140 fee includes 2 nights full service hut lodging, meals & social hour. L Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com)

Sat Oct 25 Fall Foliage Paddle: Escape civilization on the Pawtuxet River from Pontiac Mill to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup after. L Bill Rush (941-4983, call 8-10 pm weekdays), CL Linda Pease (351-2234).