The Gansett Gazette
December-January
2012
From the Chair
The AMC mission statement is a big concept.It embraces all of the following: enjoyment and recreation, education and advocacy, and the protection and “stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters and trails of the Appalachian region”.
All this can only accomplished because of the dedicated engagement of hundreds of volunteers, whose passion impels them to using, supporting, appreciating, maintaining and conserving our mountains, forests and waters. We all truly love our natural world. And we have deep gratitude for ALL that ALL those volunteers do each week, all year, to support the work of the AMC.
Our own chapter also depends entirely on the work of volunteers, who give hundreds of hours a month here in Rhode Island, in various ways, to support the AMC mission. But we now need more help. Your Chapter’s Executive Committee is asking for volunteers who can “come in from the outdoors” for a little bit, and help us with the “behind the scenes” work that is essential to our chapter.
So here are your opportunities! We need the following right away:
Chapter Secretary – Duties include taking minutes, distributing agenda/minutes electronically for Executive Committee meetings and other chapter meetings. Assist with other Board communications occasionally. Must have own laptop and basic computer skills. Critical Executive Committee position. Requires attendance at monthly Executive Committee meetings, second Wednesday of each month for 1.5 hours.. Two year commitment desired but this can be discussed. Please contact Bonnie England at bonniedune@aol.com
Local Hike SubChair - (Carol Baldwin has volunteered for this position.) This is a dynamic “behind the scenes” position that approves and communicates local hikes activities to our membership. Opportunity to communicate and meet with all our wonderful Rhode Island local hikes leaders, and assist in training new local hikes leaders. Position requires interest in helping others, basic computer skills, and good communication skills. Current Sub-Chair Herrick Spencer will train you! Position available immediately. Contact Herrick Spencer at 401 723-1974.
There is fun to be had doing the “indoor” things also! Please help us by volunteering for one of these really important positions. I hope to hear from you soon!
Bonnie England, Chapter Chair
Narragansett Chapter AMC
Leadership Roster
Chapter Chair-Bonnie EnglandChapter Vice-Chair-Debbie Mitchell
Secretary-Volunteer needed.
Treasurer-Tom Eagan
Membership Chair-Robin Kuznitz
Activities Chair-Chris Shafer
Communications Co-Chairs-Mark Dennen and Shannon Kelley
Conservation Chair-Linda Pease
Leadership Chair-Ed Poyer
Trails Chair-Elise Del Barone
Backpacking & Northern Hikes Subchair-Ed Poyer
Biking Subchair-Marcie Madsen
Local Hikes Subchair-Carol Baldwin
Technical Climbing Co-Subchairs- Peter Barlow and Brian Phillips
Flatwater Paddling Subchair-Linda Pease
Sea Kayaking Subchair-Michael Krabach
Skiing Subchair-Sue Rollins
Young Members Subchair-Scott Disnard
Family Outings Co-Subchairs- Tom Eagan and Debbie Mitchell
Webmaster/Photographer-Mike Krabach
Photographer/Reporter-Shannon Kelley
Archivist-Volunteer needed.
In Memoriam- Bob Cillette 1927-2011
by Mark Dennen
In some lucky organizations, when someone asks for volunteers, there is one person who raises his hand and says “I'll do it! What is it?” Bob was such a person. This is why he received both the Appie of the Year in 1996, as well as the Golden Appie Award in 2009. If I listed all his contributions, we would need to add extra pages to this issue. In the days before we had computerized addressing, Bob got a group together at his house every month to stick on the labels to each Gazette. Back in the '90s, Bob wanted to see people who do different kinds of activities get together. Thus was born the Wednesday Night Bike/Hike/Paddling social trips. Bob was the organizer for every event. Evening bike/hike/socials continue to this day.Bob had an optimism and enthusiasm that could not be dampened. When I got engaged, Bob came up to me and said, “Life is wonderful, and marriage is a wonderful part of it.” On October 24, the world became a little less wonderful when Bob left it.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Blenheim-Newport Employee Fund, 303 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.
Think outside the box
by Matt Putnam
The Narragansett Chapter offers incredible slate of activities for our members and families. In fact, so does the rest of our club. Have you tried an event with another chapter? This month we want to highlight some of the great club wide opportunities for your family.The Boston chapter does a considerable amount of hiking in New Hampshire. If you are working on “the 4,000’er list” their chapter offers frequent trips to the White Mountains led by well trained, experienced, and personable leaders (okay, they aren’t our very own Ed and Denise Poyer but who is?).
The New Hampshire chapter offers many excellent family friendly events such as their Fall Festival at Cardigan Lodge. For those of you who enjoyed the fantastic Narragansett Fall Festival last year this is a way to continue the tradition in spite of the fact we were not able to arrange our own this year.The Connecticut Chapter frequently segment hikes the pieces of the Appalachian Trail that run through the western part of their state. Additionally, they run frequent hikes in central and eastern CT that are easily accessible to those coming from Rhode Island.
If you want to try a lodge type experience and are looking for an alternative to New Hampshire, the Berkshire, MA Chapter’s Noble View Outdoor Center is well worth visiting. This newly renovated facility offers events, classes, and family friendly lodging (Lodge or tentsite). nobleviewoutdoorcenter.org
In addition to the highlights above each of our chapters cycle, paddle, and stroll making them great wasy to get to places you may not otherwise experience.
Clearly, we have plenty to offer if you know where to look. Our theme this year has been simple: get out there and do it. We want to remind you about the AMCs wonderful Great Kids and the Great Outdoors web log. Written by Kristen Lane of NH and linked to via the AMC homepage or http://greatkids.outdoors.org it provides advice, observations, or suggestions for connecting kids with the outdoors. It is an easy and enjoyable place to find inspiration.
We look forward to seeing your family outdoors.
AMC's 136th Annual Business Meeting
Plus a Special Celebration Honoring Retiring President Andy Falender
The Appalachian Mountain Club's 136th Annual Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The day's activities will include AMC's 136th Annual Business Meeting, 
committee meetings, and clubwide volunteer awards.The 136th Business Meeting will start at 3:00 p.m. in the Ballroom at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Included in this meeting is: introduction of new board members, recognition of retiring chapter, camp, and club-wide committee chairs, and presentation of club-wide volunteer awards. All members are welcome to attend and there is no charge for attendance but pre-registration is required. Register now and join in the Gala celebrating Andy Falender.
Our new Meetup.com Web Site
The World is changing. The Internet is becoming a second interstate highway system.
People connect and socialize using the Internet and we can't be left behind. Especially if we want to keep the Chapter viable with new members. So a Meetup group has been formed to cater to the cyber world and introduce people to the AMC. All our trips (called events on Meetup) will be regular AMC lead activities. This will reach a wider audience and hopefully introduce more to the AMC. Check our web site for a link.The Chapter Web Site
While we are mentioning the Internet,
for those who live in a minimal cyber world, be sure and take a good look at our website. It contains more information about our Chapter than you probably suspect. Your mailed paper Gazette only lists the activities at the beginning of a two month cycle. But during that cycle, more trips are added and others are changed or rescheduled. Our website is the only way for you to keep track of such changes. Our calendar is the best. It gives a good view of an entire month, just like real wall calendars. The calendar and the online Gazette are the most view pages on our website. Last month we had 1800 unique visitors on our web site, viewing about 14,000 pages. So spend some time looking over our website and see if you missed anything.
Our Mobile Web Site
How many of you noticed the little green button at the upper left corner of our front web page to bring up our mobile web site? Now if you have an iPhone (or iPod touch) or a Blackberry you will be automatically redirected to the mobile web site when you go to our regular web site. Got a different type of smartphome? Would you like to view our web site on your mobile? Let the webmaster know and we will try to figure it out.ACTIVITIES
Thu., Dec. 1. Francis Carter Memorial Preserve Hike. 5 mile hike through this Nature Conservancy preserve on flat woodland trails. Traction devices may be needed. Need some orange because of bow hunting season. Lunch, late breakfast after. 10am start. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net)Sat., Dec. 3. Dog Hike at Weetamoo Woods, Tiverton. Dog hike Weetamoo Woods Tiverton. L Judy Van Wyk , L Mecedes Rivero , CL Paul Wynn , CL Bonnie England , reg/w Judy Van Wyk (Peacefulpeople@yahoo.com)
Sat., Dec. 3. Family hike Maxwell Mays. Ri Families in nature hike at Audubon's Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Saturday December 3, at 10:30, . 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry. Maxwell Mays, a folk artist best known for his paintings of historic Rhode Island, was also an environmental conservationist and philanthropist.
He donated 295 acres of land to Audubon as part of his life estate and, in October 2011, it opened as the Mawell Mays Wildlife Refuge.The Carr Pond trail is easy to follow and winds through an open meadow, forests, wetlands, streams, and an historic cemetery to Carr's Pond, a beautiful 11-acre pond which is home to river otters and beavers, as well as many types of fish and invertebrates. Length: 1.3 miles. Difficulty: easy for children. Dogs: to protect the fragile ecology of the refuge, please leave your dogs at home. This is a Non-AMC event. L Debbie Mitchell ((401) 743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)Sun., Dec. 4. Birchwold and Joe's Rock hike, Wrenthem, MA.
Explore Birchwold Conservation Area trails and enjoy the view from Joe's Rock (4-5 mi). Families and new members welcome. L Linda Pease ((401) 351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Dennis McCarthy ((401) 455-0866, dmccarthy12@cox.net)Sun., Dec. 4. North South Trail Segment 5 Carbuncle Pond to Step-Stone Falls. (new) Sponsored by Young Members. Meet at Step-stone falls parking area at 9:30AM to spot cars, then drive to Carbuncle pond and hike the North South Trail. All participants must wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! For those of you who aren't familiar, the North South Trail is a 78 mile long trail from northern RI to the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. This section will cover about 12 miles. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Tue., Dec. 6. J.B. Hudson/Breakheart Trails Hike. 7 mile hike in Arcadia. J.B. Hudson, loop around Breakheart Pond and back. Need to wear 200 sq. in. legal orange. Who knows, we may have snow, if so, traction devices may be needed. 10 am start. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net), L Margie Parsons ((401) 743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)
Wed., Dec. 7. Hike and Social, Providence. Meet at 6pm at the Gazebo, South Water Street. Bring Flashlights. Rain Cancels. L Janet Harris ((401) 272-6772)
Sat., Dec. 10. Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT. Approx 5 mile walk, 10:00 start. beautiful view of Long Island Sound, if lucky might even see a submarine. Bring water and lunch or snack. If icy, bring stabilicers. Torrential rain or heavy snow cancels. L Katherine Mears ((401) 348-9413 7:00 - 9:00 pm, medtho@cox.net)
Tue., Dec. 13. Blue Hills Skyline Trail Hike.
5-6 mile hike on Skyline Trail from Museum over Buck Hill. A tougher hike than you think. Could be icy so traction devices may be needed. Carpool from RI. Call for details. Rain/bad weather date hike 12/14. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net), L Margie Parsons ((401) 743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)Wed., Dec. 14. Hike and Social, Narragansett. Meet at 6pm at the Narragansett Towers. Bring flashlights. L Sue Boland ((401) 556-3926)
Sat., Dec. 17. Step by Step, Mt Wachusett. Time to begin learning winter skills. Short 4 mi hike with much time given to instruction, demonstration of gear and clothing as well as covering nutrition. Possible eat out after . L Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL mike martin, reg/w mike martin ((401) 437-0957 7-9 pm, seakayak@juno.com)
Sat., Dec. 17. Deep Pond Hike. Meet at 9:00 for this 8 - 9 miles hike at a moderate pace. We will do a loop consisting of Tipecansett North, Deep Pond, Hemlock Ledges, and Tipecansett south. Great views of Beach and Deep ponds. You will need: Hiking boots, lunch, water, and legal orange. Rain will cancel. L Maria Earley ((401) 789-8331 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, momearley@netzero.com)
Sun., Dec. 18. Mount Tom Trail hike,Exeter. We will climb rocky cliffs, that offer panoramic views. It is a 5 1/2 mile hike, but I want to add a little to make it closer to 7 miles. There is NO SHOTGUN HUNTING this weekend on State Lands, but I would still wear orange. Start at 10:00 am. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net), CL Mary Fasano ((401) 248-3391, marypatroy@hotmail.com)
Sun., Dec. 18. Rome Point, N. Kingston.
We will meet for a moderate hike of 4-5 miles. Good views of the bay and chance to see the Harbor Seals. Call only if you need directions to the parking lot which is on Rte 1A, one mile north of "Park & Ride commuter lot" at the corner of 1A and Rte. 138 in North Kingstown. Meeting spot will be on your right. Start at 10:00 am. L Dick Sullivan ((401) 338-2880)Wed., Dec. 21. Hike and Social, Wickford. Meet at 6pm at the Municipal Parking Lot behind Wilson's. Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan ((401) 338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)
Wed., Dec. 28. Hike and Social, Jamestown. Meet at 6pm at the Town Docks. Bring Flashlights. L Sid Wax ((401) 849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Sat., Dec. 31. Hike with Dogs, Rome Point. (location change) Ring in the New Year with our trail dogs on the John Chafee Nature Preserve(aka Rome Point). Contact Judy for information and to register. L Judy Van Wyk (Peacefulpeople@yahoo.com), CL Paul Wynn , CL Bonnie England
Sun., Jan. 1. Newport Polar Bear Hike.
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. L Sid Wax ((401) 849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)Mon., Jan. 2. Rome Point hiking. (new) Start the New Year off right by hiking in those new boots "Santa" left for you. Hike 4 to 6 miles in North Kingstown on this easy trail. We might even see some seals resting on the rocks in the bay. Start time is 10:30. Bring water and snack and wear hiking boots--trail might be muddy. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net), CL Mary Fasano (marypatroy@hotmail.com)
Tue., Jan. 3. Arcadia Trail Hike. 7 mile moderate hike in Arcadia Management Area. May be icy so traction devices might be needed. 200 sq.in. legal orange. 10 am start. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net), L Margie Parsons ((401) 743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)
Wed., Jan. 4. Hike and Social, Providence-Plus. Meet at 6pm at the Gazebo on South Water Street. Possibility of ice skating afterwards. Bring flashlights. L Kristin Caproni ((401) 952-8698, kristincaproni1@gmail.com), CL Herrick Spencer ((401) 723-1974, Spencer295@cox.net)
Fri., Jan. 6-8. South & Middle Carter hiking Weekend. Day hike to South and Middle Carter, two of the NH 4,000'ers, traversing the Carter Moriah Trail. 10.9 miles with 3,450 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike, early start, late finish, for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at Pinkham Friday and Saturday nights. Approximate cost $140.00, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Closing date for sign up is Dec 21. L Charlie Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Bernardo Aumond , reg/w Bernardo Aumond (baumond@yahoo.com)
Sat., Jan. 7. Rome Point Seal viewing. Bring family and friends for a short hike (~2 miles RT) at Chafee Nature Preserve/Rome Point, North Kingstown. Marine biologist Dr. Kathy Vigness-Raposa will provide binoculars and a spotting scope for a close-up view of harbor seals, if we are lucky, along with family-friendly fun facts about seals in RI and the history behind Rome Point. L Debbie Mitchell ((401) 743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com), CL Kathy Raposa (kvigness@aol.com)
Sat., Jan. 7. Step by Step, Bigelow Hollow.
Hope for snow. Winter gear required. Time to begin using gear and practicing new skills. Approx 5 mile hike with some elevation gain. Eat out after. L Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL mike martin), reg/w mike martin ((401) 437-0957 7-9 pm, seakayak@juno.com) Tue., Jan. 10. Weetamoo Woods Hike, Tiverton. 5 mile hike. This beautiful Preserve and Land Trust area has lots of local history. Easy walking on woodland trails. 10 am start. L Margie Parsons ((401) 743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net), CL Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net)
Wed., Jan. 11. Hike and social, Haines Park. Meet at 6pm at Haines Park at the parking lot overlooking the Boat Ramp. Bring flashlights. L Steve Harrington ((401) 434-3409, sjhep1@hotmail.com)
Sat., Jan. 14. Du Vaul Hike. Meet at 9:00AM for a 5 1/2 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. Legal orange required, boots, water and snack. May need stabilicers. Rain will cancel. L Maria Earley ((401) 789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.com)
Sun., Jan. 15. Arcadia Management Area hike. Ben Utter & Escoheag Trails. Hike along the Falls River, as we journey to The Falls. Hike is 7 miles long and should take 3-4 hours. Wear Orange! 10:30 am start. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net)
Sun., Jan. 15. Hike with dogs, Duval trail. 
This hike on the beautiful DuVal Trail in South Kingstown. Register with Bonnie. L Bonnie England, (bonniedune@aol.com), CL Judy Van Wyk, (Peacefulpeople@yahoo.com)
Sun., Jan. 15. North South Trail Segment 6 - Stepstone Falls to Richmond Elementary. (new) Meet at 9AM at Richmond Elementary School on Kingston Road to spot cars. From there we will drive to Stepstone Falls and hike the NST southbound. For those of you who aren't familiar, the North South Trail is a 78 mile long trail from northern RI to the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. This section will cover about 10 miles.All participants must wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange clothing! L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Wed., Jan. 18. Hike and Social, Wakefield. Meet at 6pm in the Benny's parking lot closest to the bowling alley. Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan ((401) 338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)
Thu., Jan. 19. Francis Carter Preserve Hike, Charlestown. 5 mile hike. Easy walking on woodland trails in the Nature Conservancy's largest nature preserve in RI. Lunch/late lunch after. 10 am start. L Marcie Madsen ((401) 364-6538, marcie18@att.net)
Fri., Jan. 20-22. Webster/Jackson day hike weekend. (new) Bag two peaks in one day! 6.5 mi., 2450' of elevation gain. Moderate winter hike with good opportunity to practice winter hiking skills and learn how to enjoy winter in the Whites'. Great follow up hike for Step by Step graduates. Full winter gear required. Sundays hike leaders choice. Cost $125, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. Register with co-leader. L Ed Poyer ((401) 783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Scott Sprague, reg/w Scott Sprague ((401) 934-3103, dadders1954@hotmail.com)
Sat., Jan. 21. XC Skiing at Great Brook Ski Touring Center. 
(canceled) Great Brook Ski Touring Center, located in quiet and scenic Carlisle, MA. Entrance cost $12.00, rentals available. Limit 12 participants. L Larry Rollins (RollinsLF@excite.com), CL Chris Turgeon, reg/w Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)
Sun., Jan. 22. J. B. Hudson Trail hike. (new) The Hudson Trail in Arcadia is named for one of Rhode Island's hiking pioneers and is one of the oldest in the State Trail System. While the trail is only 3 1/2 miles long, I will be adding to it. So plan on hiking around 6 miles. Start time is 10:30. Blaze orange vest or hat required. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net)
Tue., Jan. 24. Providence Ice Skating Social!. (new date) Young Members Sponsored. Lets go Ice Skating! Adults $6.00 / Rentals 4.00$ Meet at 5:45 for some ice skating, and after lets all check out Bar Louie for some 1$ burgers and drinks! Bring some friends! L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Wed., Jan. 25. Hike and Social, Newport. Meet at 6pm at CVS on Bellevue. Bring flashlights. L Sid Wax ((401) 849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Fri., Jan. 27-29. Ski X-C, Alpine. Best Snow in Whites. Ski X-C or Alpine, best snow in Whites, Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, apres' ski famous Mt Washington Hotel. 2 breakfasts. 2 dinners, HH, for active intermediates. L Jack Schempp), reg/w Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553 7-9, jschempp1@gmail.com)
Fri., Jan. 27-29. Franconia Notch NH Day Hiking Weekend. 
Franconia Notch NH Day Hiking Weekend, Friday night Jan 27 to Sunday Jan 29. Hike to Mt. Lafayette via the Skookumchuck trail and Garfield Ridge trail, 10.2 mi, 3550 feet elev. gain, 7.5 + hrs., 1.6 mi above treeline. Sunday hike tbd. For fit, experienced mountain winter hikers. 2 nights lodging and 2 breakfasts at Kinsman Lodge B&B. Cost $141.00 payable by January 10th. L Tom Grasso (thomas.grasso@pw.utc.com), CL Beth Sutton ((401) 781-9007), reg/w Beth Sutton ((401) 781-9007)
Sat., Jan. 28. Step by Step, Belnap Range. Leaders choice of route. Approx. 5 mile hike with 1000 ft elev gain. Winter gear required. eat out after. VIEWS !! L Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL mike martin , reg/w mike martin ((401) 437-0957 7-9 pm, seakayak@juno.com)
Sat., Jan. 28. AMC Annual Meeting, U. Mass. Boston. The Appalachian Mountain Club's 136th Annual Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The day's activities will include AMC's 136th Annual Business Meeting, committee meetings, and club wide volunteer awards. All members are welcome to attend and there is no charge for attendance but pre-registration is required.
Sun,.Jan. 29. Buck Hill Wildlife Management Area hike. This is a 6 mile hike featuring a little bit of everything, plus you get to stand where R.I., Mass., and Conn. All join. This Hike is subject to change pending on the weather and snow fall conditions. Many people may not realize that winter often is one of the best times to go hiking and can provide spectacular landscape views. Start at 11:00 am. L Dave Natale ((401) 739-9606, igb@att.net)
Sun., Jan. 29. XC Skiing at Windblown Ski Area. (new) X-country skiing at Windblown ski area. Southern New Hampshire's premier ski area. Trail pass $17. Rentals available. L Larry Rollins (RollinsLF@excite.com), CL Ann Piascik , reg/w Ann Piascik (ap25776@yahoo.com)
ADVANCE NOTICES
Fri., Feb. 3-5. Cross-Country Skiing Beginner/Intermediate Instructional Weekend.
$150 fee includes Fri & Sat lodging at Sargent Center, 3 Sat meals and 2 Sun meals, happy hour, and ski instruction in small groups. Estimated $30 additional cost for Sat. & Sun. skiing at Windblown ski touring center . Ski rentals available at Windblown. Send $150 fee payable to Chris Shafer. Trip already partially filled so limited remaining spaces available; check with registrar first before sending payment. L Chris Shafer, reg/w Chris Shafer (PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880, (401) 789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)Fri., Feb. 3-5. South & Middle Moat hikes. (new) Stay at ski lodge in Conway . $100 includes 2 nights lodging , 2 breakfast and 1 dinner . Hike is 5.8 mile round trip with 2300 ft elev. gain with much exposure and great views . Full winter gear required . L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363 5-8 PM, hikersteve@cox.net)
Fri., Feb. 10-12. Mt. Eisenhower Day Hiking Weekend. (new) Join us for a weekend of winter hiking, camaraderie, beautiful views and vigorous exercise. We will attempt to summit Mount Eisenhower via the Crawford path. This NH 4000 footer offers long views and a challenging above tree line experience. Full winter gear, prior winter hiking experience and good physical conditioning are required. Cost of trip is $125 for lodging and communal meals (2 breakfasts +1 dinner). L Ed Poyer ((401) 783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Bernardo Aumond, reg/w Bernardo Aumond (bdaumond@yahoo.com)
Fri., Feb. 10-12. Ski X-C, Alpine. Best Snow in Whites.
Ski X-C or Alpine in the White Mts, Consistently Best Snow, Stay a upscale Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, HH., snow shoe equip. no charge, apres', ski at famous Mt Washington Hotel, for active intermediate skiers. L Jack Schempp ((401) 331-4553 7-9 pm, jschempp1@gmail.com)Sat., Feb. 18. Step by Step Mt Roberts hike. (new) Lakes Region of N.H. Prior step by step required . Approx. 5 mi with great views . Early carpool from R.I. with probable eat out after . L Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL Mike Martin, reg/w Mike Martin ((401) 437-0957 7-9 PM, seakayak@juno.com)
Fri., Feb. 24-26. Franconia Ridge Traverse.
Challenging, rewarding hike with spectacular views along the ridge from Lafayette to Lincoln. Exposed hiking above-treeline for well-conditioned, experienced winter hikers. 10 miles with 4000' elevation gain, all-day hike. Sunday, L's choice. For well-conditioned, experienced winter hikers. Approximately $120 includes two nights lodging, one dinner, and two breakfasts. L Charlie Killam ((508) 252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Scott Sprague, reg/w Scott Sprague (dadders1954@hotmail.com)Fri., Mar. 2-4. Wildcat A hike. (new) Stay at ski lodge in Conway . $100 includes 2 nights lodging , 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner . Hike is 8.6 mile round trip with approx 3000 ft elev gain . Experienced winter hikers with full gear . L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison ((401) 270-3363 5-8 PM, hikersteve@cox.net)
Fri., Mar. 9-11. Mt. Madison Day Hiking Weekend. (new) Join us on a favorite alpine summit. For those with some above treeline winter experience. Excellent follow up to Mt. Eisenhower hike. Full winter gear required. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $125 for 2 nights' motel, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer ((401) 783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Mike McGuigan, reg/w Mike McGuigan (mikemcguig@gmail.com)