The Gansett Gazette
December-January Issue
2007-2008

2008 will bring two big changes coming up:

Optional Paperless Gazette

One of the first will be the paperless gazette either as a electronic document or a link to a document. This in no way means that we are going to stop sending out the printed Gazette.

For those of you considering it, here are some possible reasons to do so:
  • Reduce waste - by not printing a gazette, we are reducing the largest waste stream. Even if you recycle (we hope you do) not generating waste is more efficient than recycling.
  • Save forests - The fewer forests that get made into trees, the more we can enjoy for hiking, snowshoeing and all the other wonderful activities.
  • Get more timely notice - by skipping the printing and mailing process, you will get your gazette sooner.
  • Save money for the club - it is like a donation to save us printing and mailing costs, allowing our chapter to spend more money on conservation and activities.
The Gazette document may take the form of MS Word doc, a html page, or a pdf document. At this stage we would like members who are interested, submit their email address so that we have a representative sample to work with. The members will be notified when we start and we encourage opinions on the project and the results as we progress. If you wish to help, submit your email address to the Communications Chair. You may also "Subscribe to online Gazette" which will be the means of electronic distribution. You will need the username and password from the mailed Gazette.

“I get too much e-mail as it is!”- Let me assure you that in addition to not giving out your email address, we will not send you any extra emails, just the gazette. However on that page, there are other options to sign up for Chapter Announcements, last minute trips and other activity specific email alerts. For some activities, like local cross country skiing, where we have to ski when the skiing is good, it is difficult to plan a ski 2 months ahead, so last minute trips are a good option.

For feedback or problems signing up please contact Mark Dennen at mdennen@cox.net or by phone at 401-726-2773.

Method of submitting Trip Listings
to be changed

The Chapter Executive Board at its meeting on May 9, 2007, again examined the question of on-line trip listings. The advantages of listing on the AMC's Online Trip Database, have become crystal clear, and now far outweighed any disadvantages. Thus, the Board passed the following resolution:

"It is the policy of the Chapter that by January 1, 2008, all trip listings will be entered through the website in a similar manner to the standard of AMC chapters…”

I should note parenthetically that this action will bring us into line with the rest of AMC. Narragansett is the last chapter to commit formally to use the on-line system. Please advise all leaders and survey who would like training.

Eugene Mihaly,
Chapter Chair

Eastern Mountain Sports Discount
Good news: all AMC members are able to get a 15% discount all year. Requires proof of membership.


ACTIVITIES

Sat Dec 1 Hike in Bluff Point State Park, CT: 5 mile walk, beautiful view of Long Island Sound. If lucky might even see a submarine. bring water and lunch or smack. If icy, bring stabilizers. Torrential rain or heavy snow cancels. L Katherine Mears (348-9413).

Wed Dec 5 Hike and Social Location: Newport at 6pm. Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Wed Dec 5 Winter Hiking Seminar: evening session to learn and discuss which clothing and gear will keep you warm and safe while winter hiking. Clothing, footwear, snowshoes, crampons and miscellaneous equipment will be demonstrated an explored. Session at a facility in Hopkinton, RI. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349).

Sat Dec 8 Fort Barton Hike in Tiverton: start 10 am, a short rugged hike of 2-3 miles and then we will have our lunch at the tower with a great view of the Sakonnet River and the Mt. Hope Bridge. We will proceed to Audubon’s Emilie Rueker Preserve for another walk of 2-3 miles of very pretty trails. Call L Dick Sullivan 294-9374 before Friday.

Sun Dec 9 NEW/PROSPECTIVE Member Walk at Goddard Park, E. Greenwich 10:30am. Easy level 3-4 mile walk. Bring a friend or family member! All members welcome. Reg/w L Susan Jones at shilojones@fctvplus.net.

Sun Dec 9 DuVal Trail Hike, S. Kingstown: a part of Land Trust property, 4-5 miles hike with some ups and downs at moderate pace. Good views of Block Island on a clear day. Bring water and snack. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley 789-8331 call 7-9pm.

Wed Dec 12 Hike and Social Location: Bristol at 6pm. Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Fri–Sun Dec 14–16 Leaders Winter Warmup: get the season off to a fun and pleasurable start…join us for a hike to the summit of East Osceola, with a possible trip to Mt Osceola. 6+ miles with 2,200 ft of elevation gain (more with Mt Osceola). Sunday leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Cost $105, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Jim Dunn, CL Joe Piotti (423-0091).

Sun Dec 16 Hike or Shop the nearby Blue Hills with a Christmas spirit, about 8 miles. L Steve Harrison (270-3363). CL Mike Martin.

Wed Dec 19 Hike and Social (new) Wakefield walk. Hot cider and a special gallery view, then walk to see Wakefield decked out for the holidays. We will meet at Hera Cooperative Art Gallery at 327 Main St.(The Gallery will be open specially for us from 5:30--6:10). A gallery member will give a very short talk at 6:00. We will spend a few minutes browing its current exhibit and then walk for about an hour, then dine at Casey's on Tower Hill Road.

The gallery is just past a traffic light at the intersection with the bike path. It is set back from the street, behind Phil's restaurant and next to the downtown parking lot. Directitons here. or use mapquest for a map.

Heavy snow or rain cancels. Leader Karen Stein. Call Bob Cillette for further details. Or call Karen at the Hera Gallery, 789-1488 between 5:30 and 6:00 on Dec. 19.

Sun Dec 23 Walk Rome Point, North Kingstown at 10am. Tired of all the Shopping? Join me for a 3 mile walk at Rome Pt. You can bark at the seals and vent your frustration and then come to my house for cider and donuts. Don't know where Rome Pt is - call me. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374)

Sat Dec 29 Walk off Christmas on Wolf Hill and Mercer Lookout Trails, over 6 miles. Last year’s participants were amazed to see Narragansett Bay from Smithfield! Legal Orange and hiking boots req'd. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234) and John Feather jfeather67@cox.net or (764-0438).

Tues Jan 1 Polar Bear Plunge Hike and Social in Newport: Join the festivities at First Beach (join the hoards of plungers if you like... we will be there to support you) followed by a 4 mile Cliff Walk hike and potluck. L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com or (849-2595). CL Bob Cillette.

Wed Jan 2 Hike and Social in Wickford at 6pm. Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri–Sun Jan 4–6 Winter Skills Workshop: learn and practice the basic skills needed for safe and comfortable winter hiking. Instructional hike Saturday and an introductory winter hike Sunday. Some rental gear is available. Motel lodging Fri and Sat nights. Cost $105 includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Denise Poyer (783-6623), CL Tom Grasso.

Wed Jan 9 Hike and Social in Providence at 6pm. Hike L Janet Harris. Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sat Jan 12 Trustom Pond Walk, S. Kingstown: 3 easy miles. All kinds of water birds should be there waiting out the winter. To car pool call leaders. L Karen Stein 782-6589 call evenings, CL Herrick Spencer Spencer295@cox.net or (723-1974).

Sat Jan 12 Hike in the Carter Preserve in Charlestown, a 5 mile hike in this Nature Conservancy property. Easy hike with some very pretty areas. Start 10am. Call L Dick Sullivan for details and directions (294-9374 call before Friday).

Sun Jan 13 NEW/PROSPECTIVE Member Walk, the Cliff Walk in Newport at 10:30 am, 4 miles. Enjoy the fabulous Cliff Walk with no crowds. Bring your earmuffs! Heavy snow cancels. Contact L Susan Jones at shilojones@fctvplus.net for details.

Sun Jan 13 Walk off New Years - Annual 10 miler in Uxbridge from Riverbend Visitor Center to Plummer’s Landing, then across the Blackstone for great views from Look Out Rock. Legal Orange and hiking boots req'd. L’s Linda Pease 351-2234 and John Feather jfeather67@cox.net or (764-0438).

Sun Jan 13 Mt. Wachusett Hike, MA: (full) We will hopefully need snowshoes or stabilizers. 6 + miles depending on leaders' choice of trails. L Steve Harrison (270-3363). CL Fred Griffith.

Wed Jan 16 Hike and Social. Location: Leaders Choice. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri–Sun Jan 18–20 Mt. Garfield Winter Hiking Weekend: expect an early start and a long day, with a bit of bushwhacking, some steep sections, and an exit by headlamp. 12.4 miles, 3,000 ft elevation gain, 11 hours. For very fit, experienced winter hikers with full winter gear, except ice ax. Cost $105 includes 2 nights hotel lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (783-6623), CL Sean Buckley.

Sat Jan 19 Great Swamp Hike, S. Kingstown: see wild life and share the winter season with us. Bring water, snack, warm clothing, hiking boots and Legal Orange is req'd. Rain cancels. L Herrick Spencer spencer295@cox.net or (723-1974).

Sat Jan 19 Conservation-See a Live Hawk: A Rhode Island Native. An expert from Audubon will talk about the two clever birds. Hawks and Owls. Discover their fascinating techniques for hunting. Hawks, notable for their smooth circling glides and spectacular dives are commonly seen around RI forests and meadows. Owls are rarely seen. They hunt at night using a sophisticated night vision system, quite unlike a hawk. Other birds of prey may also be discussed. Bring the family, children and friends to the Audubon Bristol Education Center. Possible walk after the program or lunch at a local restaurant. Suggested donation $2, children free. Contact Jack Schempp (331-4553) or Yvonne Federowicz (354-5524) for details.

Wed Jan 23 Hike and Social at URI Campus at 6pm. Please bring flashlights. Hike L John Ross. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri-Sun Jan 25-27 Winter Backpack to Mt. Isolation. L Joe Piotti (423-0091).

Sat Jan 26 Winter Wapack Hike I : beautiful views and moderate winter hiking along the ridge from Mount Watatic to the Pack Monadnocks. We will do the whole trail in 3 hikes. Beginners welcome. Snowshoes or stabilizers/crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Carpool from RI with early start. L’s Gwen Jones hiker.gwen@gmail.com, Steve Harrison (270-3363).

Sun Jan 27 Parker Woodlands Hike: about 7 miles. See winter views. Bring water, lunch and hiking boots. Heavy snow or rain cancels. L Herrick Spencer (spencer295@cox.net or (723-1974) call evenings).

Wed Jan 30 Hike and Social in Wakefield at 6pm. Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

ADVANCE NOTICES

Fri-Sun Feb 1-3 Mt. Adams Weekend: hike to the summit of Mt Adams, with a possible side trip to Madison. 9+ miles with 4,500 ft of elevation gain (more with Madison). Above treeline exposure for well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Cost $105 includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349), CL Ed Poyer.

Fri-Sun Feb 1-3 X-C Ski Beginner and Intermediate Instructional Weekend : Ski at Boston Univ. Sargent Center in nearby Peterborough, N.H. $140 fee includes Fri & Sat bunk room lodging, Sat and Sun meals, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center and instruction in small groups. Ski rentals available. Leader has option to move event to Feb 15-17, by Jan. 28 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Non-refundable $50 deposit and SASE due by December 28, payable to Chris Shafer, PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880. L Chris Shafer (789-8331 after 9pm or (222-2797), ext. 7511 weekdays).

Sun Feb 3 Conservation-Visit the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket, then an easy paced hike at nearby Birchwold & Joe’s Rock. History buffs and kids, who like hiking are welcome. Legal Orange and hiking boots req’d. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Rosanne Evans.

Fri-Sun Feb 8–10 Ski Best X-C in the Whites: (40plus) enjoy AMC Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, ski best snow, Bretton Woods, Jackson, Bear Notch, others, possible Après Ski at Mt Washington Hotel, incl. 2 major breakfasts and 2 sumptuous dinners. For active intermediate skiers, $155. Contact Jack Schempp (331-4553).

Tues Feb 12 Conservation Meeting - New Members Welcomed at 7:30pm. Help us plan and lead about 20 events/year, in RI and out of state, hands on or with naturalist, foresters, experts in energy, water, landscape, gardening, marine life and more. We work at communicating new, interesting and useful information about RI and world issues. In 2007 we also traveled to MA, NH and the Cape in search of stimulating activities. Join us and help develop new programs. Contact Jack Schempp 331-4553 or Linda Pease (351-2234) for details.

Fri–Sun Feb 15–17 Mt. Waumbek Winter Day Hiking Weekend. Mt. Waumbek is an excellent moderate day hike for those new to winter hiking or those interested in a lower peak. Ideal weekend for recent Winter Workshop attendees or other winter hikers looking for a moderate hikes; 6-8 miles at a moderate pace, with time to practice winter skills and enjoy the winter woods. Snowshoes and crampons available for rent (extra charge). Cost $105 includes 2 nights lodging and 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (783-6623), CL Denise Poyer.

Fri–Sun Feb 15–17 Mt. Washington Weekend Hike to the summit of Mt Washington by the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, with a possible side trip to Monroe; 8.4 miles with 4,100 ft of elevation gain (more with Monroe). Significant above-tree-line exposure for well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Cost $105 includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Reg/with CL Joe Piotti (423-0091), L Charlie Killam.

Sat Feb 16 Winter Wapack Hike II: beautiful views and moderate winter hiking along the ridge from Mount Watatic to the Pack Monadnocks. We will do the whole trail in 3 hikes. Beginners welcome. Snowshoes or stabilizers/crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Carpool from RI with early start. L’s Gwen Jones (hiker.gwen@gmail.com), Steve Harrison (270-3363)

Fri-Sun March 7-9 X-C Skiing Classic, Craftsbury, VT: Scenic Vermont village known for reliable snow and miles of New England charm. Weekend includes delicious, hot, homemade meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. 2 per room, shared bath. Skiing – NO CHARGE. BYO Social Hour. For active intermediate skiers. $195.pp. Phone to qualify. L Jack Schempp (331 4553).

Fri-Sun March 7-9 Intermediate Winter Hike–Mt Cabot: via Bunnell Notch. For fit, experienced winter hikers with proper gear. Steady pace, 10.4 miles, 3200 ft elevation gain, 9 hours. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $95 fee includes 2 nights lodging. L Ed Poyer (783-6623), CL Jim Dunn.

Sat March 8 Winter Wapack Hike III: beautiful views and moderate winter hiking along the ridge from Mount Watatic to the Pack Monadnocks. We will do the whole trail in 3 hikes. Beginners welcome. Snowshoes or stabilizers/crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Carpool from RI with early start. L’s Gwen Jones (hiker.gwen@gmail.com), Steve Harrison (270-3363).

Fri-Sun March 28-30 Overnighter to Mt. Adams: Backpack to rustic, (i.e.unheated) Randolph Mountain Club cabin at treeline on Mt. Adams. Full winter gear and winter hiking experience required. Cost $70 includes motel, breakfast, & cabin. L Ed Poyer (783-6623), CL Joe Piotti

Sat March 29 Conservation event-Water for RI - Future Availability? Water use is increasing while supply is constant. This situation could create serious problems in the not to distant future. Take a river walk with environmental scientist and RI water expert Meg Kerr and learn more about how and why our rivers are threatened by water withdrawals and wasteful water use. Find out what we can to insure an adequate future supply. Contact L Bob Sumner-Mack (723 3625) for time and location.