The Gansett Gazette
December-January
2015
Chapter Leadership Roster
Chapter Chair-Bob TessitoreChapter Vice-Chair-vacant
Secretary-Debra Huntington
Treasurer-Bill Rafferty
Membership Chair-Gregg O'Brien
Activities Chair-Chris Shafer
Communications Chair-Mike Krabach
Conservation Chair-Linda Pease
Leadership Chair-Ed Poyer
Trails Chair-Dav Cranmer
Backpacking & Northern Hikes Subchair-Ed Poyer
Biking Subchair-Marcie Madsen
Local Hikes Co-Subchairs-Kerri Green and Colleen Quattromani
Technical Climbing Subchair-Peter Barlow
Flatwater Paddling Subchair-Linda Pease
Sea Kayaking Subchair-Michael Krabach
Skiing Co-Subchairs-Ann Piascik and Steve Harrington
Young Members Subchair-Scott Disnard
Family Outings Subchair-Debbie Mitchell
Webmaster/Photographer-Mike Krabach
Publicist-Shannon Kelley
(New) The chapter is pleased to announce our newest volunteers for the positions of: Treasurer, Bill Rafferty; Membership Chair, Gregg O'Brien; and Local Hikes Co-Subchairs, Kerri Green and Colleen Quattromani. The chapter thanks them for stepping forward to help run the chapter.
Volunteer Positions Still Open
The chapter still needs the position of vice Chair to be filled for next year. This position has the possibility of being a two year position. Information on the duties are available here. If any member wishes to volunteer for this important leadership position, or need information on the position, please contact our Chair Bob Tessitore.The webmaster has for several years been looking for a assistant. Several potential volunteers have stepped forward but other commitments have taken priority. If any member has, even limited technical skills, and wants to help please contact the webmaster.
We also have other volunteer positions open. Check out our volunteer page for something you might consider.
Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting
Held on November 8th
Our Annual meeting was held on Saturday November 8th at the Save the Bay facility. The Chapter's major awards, as described below, were presented as this time.1. The Appie of the Year award is presented annually to that person who, in an outstanding manner, exemplifies the mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The recipient of this award receives an individual engraved plaque as a permanent memento and is also presented with a plaque with their name engraved, along with the names of the previous Appies. This plaque is retained for one year before it is passed on to the next Appie of the Year. The recipient of this award is Scott Disnard, our Young Members subchair.
2. The John Clark Service Award is the Chapter's second highest honor. This award is given to the "unsung hero" of our chapter, someone who quietly goes about their business of contributing to the chapter. This years award went to Sid Wax.
3. Over the years, some members have given their time and talent to the AMC, and to our Chapter, for such a long time that other yearly awards do not express the appreciation the Chapter has for these members. To show our appreciation, the Chapter has inaugurated our Golden Appie Award. This award was presented to Jack Schempp.ACTIVITIES
Wed., Dec. 3. Hike/social Newport: Cliff Walk in the moonlight. 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we will go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at CVS on Bellevue, to leave at 6:00. Not exactly a full moon, but it rises early, so if the sky is clear we will have a moon-lit water view. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)Wed., Dec. 3. Mashamoquet Brook St. Park Hike, Pomfret, CT.
6+ mile brisk paced hike in this very interesting state park includes a few nice climbs, and a historic wolf den. After Mashamoquet hike we will drive 10 minutes to hike another 3 miles in Old Furnace State Park in Killingly. Sturdy hiking boots, please. Bring water, snacks and lunch. MUST wear at least 200 sq. in of ORANGE. 9:30 start. call/email for location start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)Sat., Dec. 6. Dog hike - Rome Point. A 4 mile walk through woods to open beach areas, parts are rocky underfoot. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L Lesli Kelleter, reg/w Lesli Kelleter (ldkelleter@gmail.com)
Sat., Dec. 6. Du Vaul hike in South Kingstown. (new) DuVaul Trail and the other connected trails are part of South Kingstown Land Trust. It lies within the Charlestown Recessional Moraine which accounts for the hilly terrain. 5 1/2 - 7 miles hike with some elevation but good terrain. Water and snacks or lunch. We'll try to do all the sections of these woods for a nice workout. Orange vest recommended. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 07:00 - 09:00 PM, xswampy50@gmail.com)
Sun., Dec. 7. Mt Tom Ledges/Escoheag/JB Hudson trails hike. (new) 8 mile fast paced hike in Arcadia Management Area. MUST wear at least 200 sq. in of orange. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, please. Not for beginners. Bring water, snacks and lunch. registration required. 9:30 start. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net)
Tue., Dec. 9. Maxwell Mays Refuge/Parker Woodlands Hike, Coventry.
First hike 3.5 miles in Maxwell Mays Refuge, then drive 10 minutes to Audubon's Parker Woodlands for another 7 mile hike. Two unique properties with enough ups and downs to satisfy everyone. 10:00 am start in Maxwell. L Marcie Madsen (marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)Wed., Dec. 10. Hike and Social, Providence. 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at 6 pm at the Gazebo on South Water Street. Wear visible clothing and bring a flashlight. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772, harris.janet90@gmail.com)
Wed., Dec. 17. Hike & social, East Greenwich. East Greenwich lights up big for holiday display come see & Join us for 1.25 hr. hike through town, then go for dinner. Directions-- from 95 N. or S. take Rt. 4 to Rt. 401 east to Main St., make a left turn on Main ST. drive over to King St. make a right turn. Staying to your right turn into Water St. and park in a parking lot on your right. Bring flash light. Start 6:00 PM. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974 anytime, spencer295@cox.net)
Sat., Dec. 27. Introduction to Cross Country Skiing. (canceled, lack of snow) Day trip to Great Brook Farm nordic ski center, about 1 hour northeast of Providence. Good for beginner to intermediate level skiers. Instruction provided by leaders if needed by any participants; will divide group according to ability, if necessary. Day pass obtained at center and ski rentals available on site. Dress in layers and bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet in morning for carpooling at Triboro Plaza entrance parking area in Attleboro Falls (take RT. 152 exit (exit 5) off I-95 north and proceed right off exit for short distance to plaza, on right, at 125 Robert Toner Blvd.). Contact leaders for meeting time and confirmation of trip (snow dependent). L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov) L Mark Dennen (401-354-9377, zenmartialartist@yahoo.com)
Mon., Dec. 29. Cliff Walk in Newport. Walk off the holidays calories at the Cliff Walk in Newport. Enjoy the recent repaired walk as well as the rugged rocks constantly bathed by the waves, we'll have sights of a few mansions. The plan is to carpool from N. K. parking ride. Water, lunch or snacks, and dress accordingly. Rain will cancel the walk. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)
Thu., 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. Please register with leader. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Sat., Jan. 3. Narragansett Trail and Yawgoog hike. (new) 7 - 9 miles hike through several trails. Challenge terrain with some rock scrambling, ups and downs, at a moderate pace. Not a beginners hike. Sturdy boots, lunch, snacks, water, legal orange required, and dress accordingly. Rain will cancel the hike. L Colleen Quattromani (cqkayaker@aol.com) CL Carol Baldwin
Wed., Jan. 7. Hike/social - South Kingstown - bike path. (canceled, resch. to 2-11) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner... Meet at Curtis Corner Middle School and we will walk on the bike path. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm. Bring a flashlight. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland3@verizon.net)
Sat., Jan. 10. Step-by-Step Winter Day Trip to North Pack-Monadnock, NH. Introductory hike to learn how to hike safely in winter. Great views from a smaller peak using a lesser used trail . Moderate paced 5.0 mi. hike . Snowshoes and micro-spikes available for rent. Early carpool from R.I. with probable eat out after. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Deb Huntington, reg/w Denise Poyer
Sat., Jan. 10. Annual Climbing Party. (new) Come catch up with friends old and new. Open to all climbers. Slide shows of trips. Gear swap. Pot Luck - Last name: A-L - appetizers, M-R - desserts; S-Z- entrees. L Sarah Rich (saeandpetzl@gmail.com), reg/w Brian Phillips
Wed., Jan. 14. Hike and Social - Jamestown. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Jamestown Dock, 6 pm. Will walk in the general area. Bring flashlight, warm clothes, etc. Rain/snow cancels. L Thomas Freeman (401-338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)
Sat., Jan. 17. Grills Preserve. (new) Grills Preserve, walk the Westerly and Hopkinton Land Trust properties. 5 to 7 miles weather/site conditions determining. Primarily flat terrain along the Pawcatuck River but with a few hills including the aptly named "Big Hill" with it's scenic views and a long steep climb on the Hopkinton Preserve. Bring water, snack and traction devices. Snow cancels. L Colleen Quattromani (cqkayaker@aol.com) CL Maria EArley
Sat., Jan. 17. Introduction to Cross Country Skiing. 
(rescheduled to Feb. 14) Day trip to Great Brook Farm Nordic ski center, about 1 hour northeast of Providence. Good for beginners to intermediate level skiers. Instruction provided by leaders, if needed by any participants; will divide group according to ability, if necessary. Day pass obtained at ski center and ski rentals available on site. Dress in layers and bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet in morning for carpooling at Triboro Plaza entrance parking area in Attleboro Falls (take Rt. 152 exit (exit 5) off I-95 north and proceed right off exit for short distance to plaza on right, at 125 Robert Toner Blvd). Contact leaders for meeting time and confirmation of trip (snow dependent). L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov) L Mark Dennen (401-354-9377, zenmartialartist@yahoo.com)
Fri., Jan. 16-19. MLK w/e XC ski trip, N. Conway, NH. 
Stay in private ski club in North Conway. Close access to town. 4 cross country areas within a 10 to 25 minute drive or choose downhill skiing (3 areas within a 20 minute drive, one a mile away). Hiking is also an option! Pinkham Notch, and Crawford Notch and all they offer are within a 25 minute drive as well. Stay in a unique 30 room, 140 year old Victorian, which was an Inn for 100 years. Lodging 2-4 to a room, bunk bed style. 2 nights, 2 bkfasts, dinner $75. 3 nights $105. Limited to 12. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) CL Christine Satterwhite
Fri., Jan. 16-19. Alpine Day Hikes on Martin Luther King Weekend. 
Enjoy spectacular views from Mt. Adams. Second hike to be determined. For those in good condition with winter experience prepared to hike above treeline. Full winter gear required. L Ed Poyer (EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Tom Grasso
Mon., Jan. 19. Pratt Preserve, Wickaboxet, Tilllinghast Hike. (new) 8-10 miles hike in this beautiful area of W. G. RI. fast paced (to stay warm) for active hikers, not a beginner hike. We'll hike through Pratt Preserve, Wickaboxet Man., and loop around Tillinghast Pond with many good views, with some ups and downs. Hiking boots, foot traction, lunch, water, snacks, and dress in layers (no cotton). Hike limited to a small group. Legal orange required. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)
Tue., Jan. 20. Winter Gear Workshop. This workshop is for three season hikers who are interested in getting into winter hiking. You will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss the clothing and gear you will need to stay warm and safe on winter hiking outings. Clothing, footwear, snowshoes, crampons, and other equipment will be demonstrated and discussed. Co-hosted with REI Cranston. Register at www.rei.com/cranston. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com)
Wed., Jan. 21. Hike and Social - Wickford. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the municipal lot behind Rite Aid. 6 pm. Bring flashlight. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)
Fri., Jan. 23-25. Willey Range Traverse. 
Join us traversing the Willey Range, Mt's Willey, Field and Tom. 8.5 miles with up to 3,450 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Approximate cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Scott, reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Fri., Jan. 23. Arcadia Management Area 7 mile hike. (new) 7 mile brisk paced hike in Arcadia Management using a plethora of trails. 9:30 sharp start. Meeting at the JB Hudson trailhead. Bring water, snacks, lunch and hikers MUST wear at least 200 sq in of legal ORANGE. Not red, not yellow. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)
Sat., Jan. 24. Dog hike - Tillinghast. A 3 to 4 mile hike with many ups and downs through Land Trust property. Wet areas. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L G. Russell Miller, reg/w Russ Miller (grmiller01@msn.com)
Sat., Jan. 24. AMC Annual Summit – Norwood, MA. The AMC Annual Summit is a fun day of exciting trainings, meaningful meetings, and fun conversations with volunteers and staff from every level and area of the club. There will be a great selection of useful and interesting courses this year. See this link for more information and for registration.
Sat., Jan. 24. Mt. Wachusett Day Hike. (new) Traction devices required. Snowshoes and other equipment depending on conditions. Morning Carpool from Northern RI. Late afternoon return. L John Stevens (401-487-2629 7-9pm, jstevens184@gmail.com) CL Kerri Green, reg/w Kerri Green (kegreslp@gmail.com)
Sat., Jan. 24-25. Ice Climbing NH, White Mountains Region. (new) Designed for experienced ice climbers and rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, boots and crampons but can share ice tools. Cost share lodging. Register with Leader. L Peter Barlow (401-871-0552, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Steve Paolantonio (stevep780@aol.com)
Fri., Jan. 30-31. Step-by-Step Winter Day Hike to Mts. Piper, Belknap and Gunstock, NH. (full) Introductory hike to learn how to hike safely in winter. 6.0 mi. hike using winter gear. Snowshoes and micro-spikes available for rent. Drive up Friday night, drive home Saturday after hike. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Steve Harrison , reg/w Denise Poyer
Sat., Jan. 31. Tillinghast Pond Snowshoe. (new) Join us for a beautiful 5-6 mile snowshoe along several of the Nature Conservancy's Tillinghast Pond trails. Snowshoes required. The pace will be moderate and we will switch leaders when blazing new trails. NOT for beginners. Bring 1 liter of water and snacks even if you ate breakfast. NO jeans. Dress in layers. The morning will be cold but warm as we move forward. Start at 9:30 am. L Karen Paley (401-714-3569, ksurman1@cox.net) L Kerri Green (kegreslp@gmail.com) CL Kerri Green
ADVANCE NOTICES
Wed., Feb. 4. Hike and Social - East Bay Bike Path - full moon. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we get together for dinner... Get off the couch and join us. Park 230 Washington Rd, corner of Bradford St, by the church. Nice water views should be nicer in the moonlight. Dress accordingly. Reflective vests advised (there are a few crazy bikers out there). Flashlights optional. Consider traction devices and poles if snowy. Weather permitting. L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)Fri., Feb. 6-8. Mt Madison - Intro to treeline hiking.
Challenging day hike for winter hikers with some experience looking for an introduction to above treeline hiking. Hike to the summit of Mt Madison by the Valley Way Tr. 8.4 miles, 4,100 ft of elevation gain. Sunday, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Debra Huntington, reg/w Debra Huntington (ddhuntington@gmail.com)Fri., Feb. 6-8. Cross Country Ski Weekend. (new) Enjoy the charm of a post and beam farm house built in 1796 on the side of Mt. Cardigan, NH. Views of the Gunstock range. Sleeps 14. Ski from the front door if there's snow. If XC conditions aren't good - there's hiking and nearby downhill skiing. 2 nights, 2 hearty breakfasts, 1 full dinner. Bread/PB & J for lunch - you supplement. $100. Register with Linda. Contact Ann for information. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net) L Ann Piascik (ap25776@yahoo.com)
Wed., Feb. 11. Hike/social - South Kingstown - bike path. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner... Meet at Curtis Corner Middle School and we will walk on the bike path. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm. Bring a flashlight. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland3@verizon.net)
Sat., Feb. 14. Introduction to Cross Country Skiing. (rescheduled from Jan. 17) Day trip to Great Brook Farm nordic ski center, about 1 hour northeast of Providence. Good for beginner to intermediate level skiers. Instruction provided by leaders if needed by any participants; will divide group according to ability, if necessary. Day pass obtained at center and ski rentals available on site. Dress in layers and bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet in morning for carpooling at Triboro Plaza entrance parking area in Attleboro Falls (take RT. 152 exit (exit 5) off I-95 north and proceed right off exit for short distance to plaza, on right, at 125 Robert Toner Blvd.). Contact leaders for meeting time and confirmation of trip (snow dependent). L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov) L Mark Dennen (401-354-9377, zenmartialartist@yahoo.com)
Wed., Feb. 18. Hike/social - Garden City, Cranston. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm at Whole Foods on Sockanosset Cross Road. Route will be dependent on snow conditions. Bring a flashlight, and dress for conditions and visibility. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Sat., Feb. 21. Mt. Holyoke and the Seven Sisters hike. (new) Let's see what Mt. Holyoke and the Seven Sisters are like without fall colors! Numerous ups and downs to tackle. Must be in good physical condition and an experienced winter hiker with full winter gear. About a 6.5 mile hike requiring a car spot. Location: Mt. Holyoke Range site and map. L Rebecca Swagger, L Stephen Harrison (hikersteve@cox.net), reg/w Rebecca Swagger (rebeccaswagger@hotmail.com)
Sat., Feb. 21-22. Ice Climbing -- Smuggler's Notch, VT. (new) Designed for experienced ice and rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Must register with leader. L Peter Barlow (401-871-0552, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Steve Paolantonio (stevep780@aol.com)
Fri., Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Step-by-Step Winter Day hiking Weekend. Enjoy excellent views of the Presidential Range from a modest peak. For those in good condition wishing to gain winter below tree line experience. Limited supply of snowshoes, crampons and micro-spikes available for rent. Share lodging and meals with Mt. Washington hikers. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com) CL Margie Parsons , reg/w Denise Poyer
Fri., Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Mt. Washington Day hiking Weekend.
Enjoy spectacular views from the top of New England. For those in good condition with winter experience and full winter gear. Long day possible. Alternate hikes based on conditions. Share lodging and meals with moderate day hikers. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, edpoyer@gmail.com) CL Mike McGuigan Sat., Feb. 28. Dog hike - Browning. A 3 mile easy walk through the woods on Land Trust property in South Kingstown. Registration required. Hike specifics provided at time of registration. L Bonnie England, reg/w Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)
Fri., Mar. 6-8. Mt Passaconaway Weekend. Day hike to Mt Passaconoaway by the Oliverian Brook Trail. 10.2 miles with 2,800 ft of elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $90.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Elise Hedglen, reg/w Elise Hedglen (ehedglen@yahoo.com)
Fri., Mar. 20-22. East Osceola Weekend.
Moderate day hike to the summit of East Osceola (and maybe Osceola) for new winter hikers and other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. 6 mile hike at a moderate pace, with time allowed for new winter hikers to learn and practice winter skills and learn how to enjoy the winter. Sunday, Leader's choice. Some rental gear available. Approximate cost $120.00, includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charles Killam (Charlie.Killam@gmail.com) CL Bob Janus, reg/w Bob Janus (janus68@cox.net)Sat., Apr. 11. Beginner Rock Climbing Course: April 11, 18. (new) Course consists of two progressive classes of instruction and is intended for beginning climbers and gym climbers who want to make the transition to the outdoors. Classes are held at nearby CT crags. Course participants must be 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 2-day course: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100. Student Discount, AMC Member $40, Non Member $80. Register early as these classes fill quickly. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Brian Phillips (risouthcounty@gmail.com)
Sat., May. 2. Intermediate Rock Climbing Course: Sat - May 2 & May 9. (new) Course consists of two progressive classes (May 2 & May 9) of instruction and is intended for intermediate climbers or those who took the beginner class. Classes are held at nearby CT crags. Course participants must be 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fee for 2-day course: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100. College Student Discount, AMC Member $40, Non Member $80. Register early as these classes fill quickly. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com) CL Brian Phillips (risouthcounty@gmail.com)
Fri., Jun. 5-7. Alpine Flowers Hike. (new) Enjoy the miniature beauty of alpine blossoms and spectacular views along the Presidential Ridge. One night Highland Center, one night Lakes of the Clouds Hut. For experienced mountain hiker with proper equipment.Twelve miles r.t., 6-7 hours per day, 2800 feet of elevation gain at a moderate steady pace. Should be comfortable scrambling rocks with a full backpack. $225 includes Highland Center and hut lodging, one dinner and 2 breakfasts. L Margie Parsons, CL Debra Huntington (401-368-6574 evenings, ddhuntington@gmail.com), reg/w Margie Parsons 401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)