The Gansett Gazette
December-January
2009-2010

The New Member and Prospective Member Potluck Social will be at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral of St. John Episcopal, 271 N. Main St., Providence. New, current and prospective members are welcome.  Meet, eat, socialize and learn what activities the AMC has planned for the spring/summer season.  You'll have a chance to meet committee leaders and get a feel for what they have to offer. For information contact Mary Bonaventure, mlb448@yahoo.com.

ALL LEADERS - SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, March 20, 2010

At our last Local Hikes Meeting with Herrick Spencer we decided, we would like to do an "hike leaders only hike”. Location: Arcadia Management Area; and leading the hike would be Maria Earley and Dick Sullivan. Social will follow. All Leaders are welcome.

Winter Local Hikes Advisory

It’s the time of the year when local hikers need to think about ice on the trails. You can hike just about anywhere with proper winter foot gear. Get Micro-spikes (kahtoola.com) or Stabilizers (the ones with bolts over entire sole – EMS has them – go early while they have a good supply or find them on internet). If you’re not yet committed to winter hiking and want something less expensive, go to the hunting/fishing department of your local sporting goods store and buy slip on fishermen's cleats that will serve you well for several seasons. Yaktracks are not recommended for hiking. Read more...

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Nov. 14. Big River Hike, West Greenwich. Starts 10:30 am. This scenic area, located in central RI, has for some reason been forgotten. It will be a hike of 4 to 5 miles on level ground. There will be a stop for something hot after the hike. Orange clothing required. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974), R Sandi Barber (401-467-7881 evenings)

Wed., Nov. 18. Hike and Social, Providence. Meet 6:00 PM at the kiosk on Water Street. Tour the new Providence water front. Light lunch after the 2-3 mile hike, Rain cancels. For info call. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772)

Sun., Nov. 22. Great Swamp hike. Meet at 9:00AM for an easy 5 1/2 miles. Ideal for new members. Many holly trees. Lunch and a bit of history by Worden's pond. Legal orange required. Possible social to follow. Call by Thur. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.com), CL Matt Putnam

Sat., Nov. 28. Wickaboxet Management Area. Four-to-six miles of former woods roads through Rhode Island's first state forest. Rattlesnake Ledge and a cranberry bog among the unique features of the area. 9:00am start. Bring water and food. Legal orange required. Hiking boots recommended. L Pam Hill (401-269-1610 7:00-9:00pm, pjsh40@aol.com), CL Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)

Wed., Dec. 2. Hike and Social. Meet at Gateway Plaza in North Kingstown at 6pm. Plaza is on the Corner of Rte 1 and Newcomb Rd near the Quonset Pt Rd. Enter Plaza and go to far left and we will pick up bike path there. Bring flashlight. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Dec. 5. Goddard Park Hike. A 6 mile hike with views of both the cove and bay sides of this park. We will also be visiting the horse stables. L John Ross (401-884-8458)

Sat. Dec. 5. Hike the South Kingstown Bike Path. (new) Sponsored by Young Members committee, but all are invited. The hike is going to be about eight miles and bring a bagged lunch. Meet at the Kingston Train station on Route 138 at 10:00AM. Reg. req’d. L Chris Turgeon turgeon77@ymail.com. CL Dick Sullivan.

Wed., Dec. 9. Hike and Social in Bristol. (canceled)Meet at 6pm at Leo's Ristorante, 365 Hope St., Bristol. Bring flashlights. L Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677 Eves., goh243@aol.com)

Sun. Dec. 13. “Walk off the Turkey” at Napatree Point, Westerly. Meet at 1 pm. Pot luck/social after hikes. For longer beach hike reg/w L Linda Pease 351-2234; shorter easy town & beach walk reg/w CL Roberta Jacobs 315-0165 or jacobs6@cox.net).

Wed., Dec. 16. Hike and Social Blackstone Blvd.. At 6:00pm. Hike and Social. Bring flashlight. Call for info. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, Spencer295@cox.net), CL Janet Harris (401272-6772)

Wed., Dec. 16. Wed., Dec. 16. Hike Carter Preserve, Charlestown. Five-mile hike through this little gem which is Rhode Island's second-largest nature preserve. Easy walking on woodland trails. Contact leader, may require traction devices. 10:00am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)

Sat., Dec. 19. Arcadia Management Hike. Meet at 9:00AM for 8-10 miles loop (J.B.Hudson, Breakheart, Shelter trails). Possible lunch at Penny Hill. Moderate hike at a moderate pace. Boots and legal orange required. Call by Thur. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sat., Dec. 19. Pack Monadnock and North Pack Monadnock Winter Hike. Suitable for first-year winter hikers with proper winter gear. Approximately eight miles with some steep sections. Car pool from Rhode Island with eat out after. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , Reg with Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sun. Dec. 20. Trustom National Wildlife Refuge Hike (new) Start at 9:30 AM. An easy enjoyable 3 mile hike through this refuge with great water views and with wildlife that may still be seeking shelter as winter sets in. bad weather cancels. For Info call. L Adele Holcombe 401-284-3061.

Wed., Dec. 23. Hike and Social, Newport. Meet at 6:00pm at CVS. Bring flashlights. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Wed., Dec. 30. Hike and Social, Jamestown. Hike and Social in Jamestown at 6:00pm. Meet at the Town docks. Bring flashlights. L Bob Richardson (401-364-7056)

Fri., Jan. 1. Newport Polar Bear Hike and Social. 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 four-mile Cliff Walk hike, and a potluck social. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jan. 2. Du Vaul Hike. Meet at 9:00AM for a 5 miles hike with nice ups and downs (good footing), Many mountain laurel and possible sightings of Block Island. Good hike for anyone who wants to do a short hike but a nice workout. Call by Thur. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sun. Jan. 3. Hike Ell Pond & Long Pond (new) We will be hiking the Ell Pond Long Pond Trail. It wil be about Five and a half miles long over very rough terrain. Bring a bagged lunch and legal orange. Meet at the park & ride in Richmond. Rain will Cancel. This hike setup with preference for younger AMC members. Reg with L Chris Turgeon turgeon77@ymail.com, CL Chris Shafer

Sun–Sun. Jan.3–Feb.28 Top-Rope Ice Climbing Series (new) Prerequisite-- Skill level- Previous Rock Climbing Experience, Belay Experience a must.- Must have your own ice gear- Top Rope Set-up- Interest in skill building - 5 Climbers max per day session Meet @ 7:00 am- till 4 pm at carpooling place TBD. Jan 3 - Auburn Ice Fall, MA; Jan 10 - Thomaston, CT; Jan 17- Auburn Ice Fall, MA; Jan 24 - Ross Pond, East Killingly, CT; Jan 31- Auburn Ice Fall, MA; Feb 13- Thomaston, CT; Feb 21- Auburn Ice Fall Feb 28- Ross Pond, Killingly, CT. Info at www.climbri.com. L Jen Reed lilleth@cox.net 401-465-9635.

Wed., Jan. 6. Hike and Social, Wickford. At 6pm. Meet behind Wilson's of Wickford and we will do a different walk than usual. Bring flashlight. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Jan. 9. Rome Pt. North Kingstown 10 AM. An easy hike of 4-5 miles with nice views of Narragansett Bay and a good chance to see the seals that visit the area this time of year. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Jan. 9. Sandwich Dome and Jennings Peak Hike. Suitable for first year winter hikers with proper winter gear. Hike 9mi., with a 2600' elevation gain. Carpool from RI. L Steve Harrison , CL Mike Martin , Reg with Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sun. Jan. 10. Hike Wolf Hill and Mercer Lookout. (new) 4-5 miles with nice views overlooking Providence. Meet at 9:45 am at 215 Pleasant View Dr, Smithfield, RI 02917, next to the Smithfield Police Dept. Bring snacks, lunch and drinks. Boots req’d, possibly need stabilizers or yak-tracks. For information on equipment contact CL John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net). Reg/w L Margaret Parsons (247-7760 or mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Jan. 13. Hike and Social, Narragansett. Meet at 6:00pm at the Towers. Bring a flashlight. L Sue Boland (401-783-7461)

Fri., Jan. 15-16. Quick Getaway to Mount Monroe. Above-treeline hike for those new to winter above-treeline travel. More experienced winter hikers welcomed as well, as is anyone who just wants to get away for a single night. Full winter gear required, including face protection. $55 for motel and breakfast. L Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Denise Poyer

Fri., Jan. 15-18. Ski Sunday River/ XC Bethel Four Areas. Martin Luther Weekend-Stay at fine AAA rated Maine Inn near Sunday River ski area and Bethel XC touring center trails. Cozy rooms, one queen or two double beds for for two w/ shower, TV, VCR, net hook up, hot tub. 3 Old ME breakfasts, one happy hour, dinner Saturday night. Ski tickets not included. Only $448 for two people. $150 deposit holds your reservation. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Sat., Jan. 16. Ponkapoag Pond Conservation Hike, Blue Hills. Conservation hike around Ponkapoag Pond in Blue Hills. If there's recent snow, the boardwalk will be magically beautiful, if not ... it's just beautiful. Check out Ponkapoag Camp and get some Blue Hills history. About six miles. Great for new members and families. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL John Stevens (stevens.john.m@cox.net)

Sat. Jan. 16. Tech Climbing Annual Holiday Party (new) Celebrate another season of climbing! Catch up with old friends and meet some new climbers! RSVP by January 8th. Dinner will be pot luck. A-L dessert, M-R main course, S-Z salad/appetizers. BYOB. Reg. req’d. L Brian Phillips.

Sat. Jan. 16. Explore Beautiful Battleship Cove (revised date) Explore the historic Battleship cove in Fall River Mass. We will be exploring four ships including the museum. Sponsored by the Young Members group. The entrance fee to Battleship Cove is $15. Reg. req’d. L Chris Turgeon turgeon77@ymail.com.

Wed., Jan. 20. Day Hike Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown. Five-mile hike through this little South County gem. Easy walking on woodland trails. Contact leader as may need snowshoes or traction devices. 10:00am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)

Wed., Jan. 20. Hike and Social, East Greenwich. Meet at 6:00pm at the Harborside Parking lot. Bring flashlights. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Thur. Jan. 21. Trails Committee Meeting Meet 6:30pm North Kingston at Marge Gaunt’s home. Call 295-7101 for locaton and directions. Teleconference also available. Call Elise 508-922-2570 to set up.

Fri., Jan. 22-24. Step by Step - No Kinsman. Moderate day hike to the summit of North Kinsman by the Mount Kinsman Trail for new winter hikers and other winter hikers looking for a moderate day hike. Eight miles at a moderate pace, with time allowed for instruction and for new winter hikers to learn and practice winter skills. Sunday, Leader's choice. Some rental gear available. Approximate cost $110.00, includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts and one dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Jim Dunn

Sat., Jan. 23. Presentation/Discussion on Unwelcomed Wildlife in Your Yard. Afternoon program at the North Kingstown Library. Fox, fishers, coyotes, Canadian geese, wild turkey and deer populations are expanding. RIDEM wildlife expert Charlie Brown will comment on the increases; suggest tactics for banishing wildlife from residential areas. Questions welcomed. Refreshments. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Sat-Sun. Jan. 23-24. Ice Climbing, North Conway, NH (new) Climbers with no ice but rock climbing experience allowed. Attendance determined by the number of leaders to seconds. Register with leader to get specific trip information. Info at www.climbri.com. L Brian Phillips bphillips38@cox.net 401-783-0133.

Fri-Sun Jan. 22-24. W. Bond Backpack from the North. Join us on this adventurous backpack in the heart of the White Mountains Pemigewasset Wilderness. Early start 10+ miles with up to 4000 ft of elevation gain. Challenging backpack for experienced, well-conditioned winter backpackers with full winter gear. Lodging may be available. L Peter Broderick (207-778-0801), CL Joe Piotti (423-0091).

Wed., Jan. 27. Hike and Social in Newport. 6:00pm. Meet in the parking lot near the CVS store on Bellevue Avenue. CL will lead hike. Call for more information. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772), L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974), CL Mary Alice Smith

Fri., Jan. 29-31. Ski Best XC in the White Mountains. Enjoy AMC Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, ski best snow, Bretton Woods, Jackson, or others. Possible Après ski at Mt. Washington Hotel. Includes 2 major breakfasts & 2 sumptuous dinners. For active intermediate skiers, $169. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553 7-9 p.m., jschempp1@gmail.com)

Sat., Jan. 30. Hike Bigelow Hollow/Nipmuck State Forest, CT. Discover this gem in northeast CT. Scenic seven miles loop hike includes a ridgewalk, hopefully using snowshoes or traction devices. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538), CL Steve Harrison

Fri., Feb. 5-7. Mt. Jefferson Weekend. Day hike to Mt Jefferson by the Jewell Tr. 11 miles with 4,400 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike, early start, late finish, for well-conditioned winter hikers with above treeline experience. Sunday, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $110.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Ed Poyer

Fri. Feb. 5-7. Best XC Ski in the Whites. Lodging at AMC Highland Center. Bretton Woods has the best snow. We can ski there or at other locations such as Jackson or Great Gorge. Happy hour at Highland, or at the Mt. Washington Hotel. We have 4 two person bunkrooms reserved. Suggest immediate contact if you would like to join us. L Jack Schempp (331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Fri., Feb. 5-7. X-C Ski Beginner & Intermediate Instructional Weekend. Cross-country ski at Sargent Center in southern New Hampshire near Peterborough. $150 fee includes Fri & Sat bunk room lodging, three Sat. meals and two Sun. meals, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center and instruction in small groups. Ski rentals available. Leader has option to move event to Feb 19-21 weekend, by Feb 1 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Non-refundable $50 deposit due by December 23, payable to Chris Shafer. Full payment due in early January. L Chris Shafer, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov), Reg with Chris Shafer (PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880, 401-789-8331 7 PM - 9PM)

Sun. Feb. 14. Trustom National Wildlife Refuge Hike (new) Start at 9:30 AM. This will be a mid winter St. Valentines day hike. 3 miles. Check with the leader about weather and ground conditions. Reg. req’d. L Adele Holcombe 401-284-3061.

Fri., Feb. 12-14. Mount Passaconaway Hike. Sunday hike leaders' choice. Stay at ski lodge in Conway. $100 includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts and one dinner. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net), CL Mike Martin , Reg with Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Feb. 27. Mounts Percival and Morgan Winter Hikes. Views! Suitable for first year winter hikers with some experience and proper winter gear. Carpool from RI. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , Reg with Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Feb. 27. Windblown X-C Ski Day Trip. Join us for intermediate level cross-country skiing at Windblown ski center. Twenty-five miles of well-groomed trails, including views of Mount Monadnock. Rental skis currently not available. Carpooling planned. For details and to register, contact leaders. L Dan Reardon (401-884-6931), CL Bunny Reardon, bunnycello@yahoo.com), Reg with Bunny Reardon (401-884-6931, bunnycello@yahoo.com)

Sat–Sun. Feb. 27-28. Ice Climbing, Smuggler's Notch, VT (new) Designed for experienced rock climber's who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Info at www.climbri.com. L Peter Barlow freeeclimb@aol.com 860-675-3772.

Sun. Mar. 7. Great Swamp Hike (new) Start at 9:30 am. Winter makes it's last two weeks stay before spring and day light saving time arrives. View this passing season with a moderate hike of 5 miles. Stop afterwards for hot drinks to warm up with. Orange required for this hike. For info call. Reg. req’d. L Adele Holcombe 401-284-3061.

Fri., Mar. 12-14. Mount Madison Winter Hike. Join us on a true alpine summit. For those with some above-treeline winter experience. Excellent follow-up to Mount Monroe hike. Willey Range if too windy for Madison. Full winter gear required, including face protection. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $112 for two nights motel, two breakfasts and one dinner. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Peter Broderick

Fri. Mar. 19. New Member and Prospective Member Potluck Social. 6:30-9:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. John Episcopal, 271 N. Main St., Providence. New, current and prospective members are welcome.  Meet, eat, socialize and learn what activities the AMC has planned for the spring/summer season.  You'll have a chance to meet committee leaders and get a feel for what they have to offer. Those whose last names begin with A to L should bring a substantial appetizer to feed 8; M-Z - bring dessert.  For information contact Mary Bonaventure, mlb448@yahoo.com; for church directions go to www.episcopalri.org.

Fri., Mar. 19-21. Mt. Mansfield Weekend. Join us for a weekend of day hikes in scenic Vermont. Saturday we'll hike to summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. Sunday - Leader's choice. For experienced, well-conditioned hikers. Approximate cost $160.00, includes 2 nights lodging in Stowe, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Joe Piotti

Sat., Mar. 20. Spring Seal Walk. Enjoy Springs' first seal walk. URI Professor Bob Kenney will lead us on a beach combing expedition, checking for migrating birds/ducks and culminating with a seal watch. Last trip, we spotted 94. A light spring lunch will be provided. Limited enrollment. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Fri-Sun March 26-28 Cabin Backpack to Mt. Adams. Backpack to rustic, (i.e.unheated, unlit) Randolph Mountain Club Crag Camp cabin at treeline on Mt. Adams. Great way to practice skills for winter backpacking. Full winter gear and winter hiking experience req’d. Cost $63 fee includes motel & cabin. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com), CL Tom Grasso.