The Gansett Gazette

February-March
2016

Chapter Leadership Roster

Fall Gathering 2016

Trip Leaders Talk Card

• Arrival and Signing the Waiver
• Introductions (Gather the Group Together)
• Personal Responsibility
• Ground Rules and Expectations for Group Trips

Hiking with Orange in State Forests

Winter Hiking Reminders

• Hiking Resources page
• Snow Resources page
• Local Hikes Committee page
• Northern Hiking committee page

AMC Clubwide Awards

Distinguished Service Award

Volunteer Leadership Award

Leader Profiles, where are you?

ACTIVITIES

Wed., Feb. 17. Hike and Social - Newport. 2-3 mile hike and the we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Walk thru Newport' s colonial Point section, and along the shore. Bring flashlight. Meet at Van Zandt pier at Washington St., 6 pm. L Thomas Freeman (401-338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Wed., Feb. 17. Fall Gathering Committee meeting, Cranston Library. Meeting to discuss continued planning for the 2016 Fall Gathering. Information contact is chairperson John Halloran, jfh0901@gmail.com.

Wed., Feb. 17. Young Members Pizza and Planning Social. Lets get together to talk about YM trips, plans for the year, and how to become more involved. New comers welcome! Come meet some fun loving adventure seeking people! L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com 161 Cushing St, Providence)

Sat., Feb. 20. Hike the Duval Trail. (full) According to the South Kingston Land Trust website, "The 2.4 mile DuVal Trail (5 miles round trip) crosses numerous parcels protected by SKLT and RIDEM. This trail features the hill and kettle topography of a terminal moraine left by the retreating glaciers of the last ice age. Visitors enjoy a sweeping view of the ocean and Block Island to the south from a scenic overlook. Polly's Rock Loop passes through dramatic hills and vales to the west of the original entry trail." Wear sturdy boots, layers of non-cotton clothing, and bring at least a liter of water and food (even if you ate breakfast). Meet at Post Road, Perryville at the foot of the Quaker Burial Ground. Link for directions. BRING some type of ice traction footing. See Snow Resources page. L Karen Paley (401-714-3569 before 7 p.m., ksurman1@cox.net) CL Liz Kroll (lizkroll@verizon.net)

Sat., Feb. 20-21. Ice Climbing, Smuggler's Notch, VT. 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)

Tue., Feb. 23. Sakonnet Greenway Trail Hike. (new) Enjoy 3-5 miles of flat to rolling terrain. Can be wet & windy; dress accordingly. Carry water & snack. Rain cancels. Go to www.ailt.org for map. L Jean Josephson (401-243-4417, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Wed., Feb. 24. Hike and Social, Narragansett. (rescheduled) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. We'll walk on the beach or around town, depending on conditions. We leave at 6:00 pm. L Susan Boland (401-788-3534, sboland3@verizon.net)

Fri., Feb. 26-28. Ski/Snowshoe NH Weekend. (Canceled) Stay and ski/snowshoe from 18th Century farmhouse. Hearty home cooked meals, cozy fires and views of Cardigan and Gunstock. Intermediate x-country skiing. Beginners welcome. Downhill ski at Ragged, optional. $110 includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. L Ann Piascik (401-603-9820, ap25776@yahoo.com)

Sat., Feb. 27. Dog Hike - Grills Preserve, Grills Preserve, Westerly. 3 to 4 miles on gentle winding trails, beautiful property. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Bonnie England, L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) CL Van Wyk, Judy CL Brian Hodess, Reg/w (bonniedune@aol.com)

Sun., Feb. 28. Tillinghast Pond Trail System hike. (new) 7 mile hike in this beautiful Nature Conservancy property with pond views and well marked woodland trails. We will hike the new Bates Loop and Flintlock Loop. Location: 100 Plain Road West Greenwich, RI. Meet at 9:15 am for a 9:30 am start. L Kim Pepas (860-383-6149 Before 9 pm, ppepas8@comcast.net)

Sun., Feb. 28. Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray hike, Tiverton. (new) Let's get out for a 4-5 mile hike through Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve. The beautiful trails will wind through the woods and RI history. We will explore the remains of a sawmill, stone dam and amazing arched bridge that we pass on the trail. We will also see a vernal pool, cedar swamp and the Pardon Gray cemetery. Depending on conditions may need traction. Bring along a snack, extra layers and water. Meet at the East Road Trailhead, Tiverton RI. Hike starts at 1:00pm. For Driving Directions: use www.exploreri.org. L Debra Huntington (ddhuntington@gmail.com)

Wed., Mar. 2. Hike and Social, Narragansett. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. We'll walk on the beach or around town, depending on conditions. We leave at 6:00 pm. L Susan Boland (401-788-3534, sboland3@verizon.net)

Wed., Mar. 9. Hike and Social, East Greenwich. (new) 2-3 mile hike & a light supper out. Get off the couch and join us. 6 pm start from Harborside parking lot. Bring flashlights (last week of darkness). L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Fri., Mar. 11-13. Challenging above treeline hiking weekend. Enjoy spectacular views from the top of New England. For those with proven winter hiking fitness, winter experience and full winter gear. Required equipment includes waterproof, insulated winter boots, and full face protection. Some above tree line experience required: expect a full day. Likely goals include a Southern Presidential Traverse of Mts. Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower & Pierce (10.6 miles, 3,900' elevation gain, 7:20 hours book time), Mt. Clay or Mt. Madison (6.4 miles, 4,100' elevation gain, 6:20 hours booktime) Snowshoes, crampons, light traction and poles are available for rent. $125 cost includes 2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com) CL Tom Grasso

Sat., Mar. 12. Dog Hike - Sprague Farm, Chepachet. 3 to 4 miles, easy trails in historic area. Dogs and humans have a great time. L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) L Paul Wynn (wynnpw1@yahoo.com) CL Feibleman, Marcy

Sun., Mar. 13. George B. Parker Woodland Conservation hike. (new) 7 mile hike over a variety of terrain in a beautiful nature conservancy. We will meet in parking lot #1 at 9:30 am for a 9:45 am start. Plan on 3-3.5 hours. Bring water and snacks/lunch. L Kim Pepas (860-383-6149 Before 9 pm, ppepas8@comcast.net)

Tue., Mar. 15. Fall Gathering Committee meeting (new location) William Hall branch, Cranston Library at 1825 broad St. Cranston. Meeting to discuss continued planning for the 2016 Fall Gathering. Information contact is chairperson John Halloran, jfh0901@gmail.com.

Wed., Mar. 16. Hike and Social, Fort Adams. (new) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us, 6pm. See the sunset from Ft Adams. L Thomas Freeman (hotdealtom50@cox.net)

Sat., Mar. 19. Young Members Great Swamp Hike and Social. (new) Young members looking to get out for a short hike, then coffee social - come on out! We will be hiking Great Swamp Management area and then meeting for coffee afterwards at TLC Roasters. The hike will be at a moderate pace for all to enjoy. Distance is 4-5 miles (around 2 hours). The area contains forested freshwater wetlands. Paths are wide and the terrain is relatively flat. We may see birds of prey nesting. With the wet conditions, waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All Trails site. Trail description page. L Rebecca Swagger (rebeccaswagger@hotmail.com) CL Christopher Josephson

Sat., Mar. 19. Dog Park project. (new) Assist in establishing trail system in new Waterman Street dog park, in conjunction with Blackstone Park Conservancy. Contact Leader weekdays for more details. L Christopher Shafer, reg/w Chris Shafer (401-222-2797 x7511 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Christopher.Shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Wed., Mar. 23. Hike and Social, Wickford. (new) 2 1/2-3 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. L Sidney Wax, reg/w Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Mar. 26. Arcadia facility rebuild project. (new) Assist other Narragansett chapter members prepare a site off Ben Utter trail in Arcadia Mgt. Area for future rebuilding of a pavilion and its nearby bathroom facility. Contact leader for directions to meeting location and start time. L James Dowling (jimdowling42@cox.net)

Wed., Mar. 30. Hike and Social, Bristol. (new) 2-3 mile hike and we go out to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at Bristol end of East Bay Bike Path (Thames and Oliver Sts), and we will walk around Bristol. 6:00 pm (New route). L Jean Josephson (401-245-5523, kayakjmj@yahoo.com)

Wed., Mar. 30. Annual Bike Planning Meeting. (new) This is the yearly bike planning meeting. Leaders get together to plan the ride schedule for most of the cycling season. If you are interested in becoming qualified to lead or co-lead bike rides, please be sure to contact Marcie as SPACE IS LIMITED. Meeting at the Cranston Library 6:00 sharp. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sat., Apr. 9-10. Beginner Rock Climbing Course: Two Days. (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 crags in Farmington CT. 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. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Kenneth Hamel (401-965-2482, bikeskiboy@hotmail.com) CL Joe Vaglio (845-596-7717, jvvaglio@gmail.com)

Sun., Apr. 10. Paddle Planning Meeting. (new) Spring planning for the Flatwater and Sea Kayaking Committees. Contact either committee sub-chair about info or directions. linda.pease@cox.net or mkrabach@cox.net

Sun., Apr. 10. Norman Bird Sanctuary - In Spring. (new) Let's explore Norman Bird Sanctuary this spring. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles with a few ups/downs and a little scrambling. (Very little.) If we have the energy and desire we'll head over to Sachuest Pt and hike one of their loop trails. There are lots of signs of spring at Norman and the swans have conveniently nested in full view. PLEASE NOTE: There is a $3 admissions fee at Norman, unless you are a member and then it's free. L Debra Huntington, reg/w Debra Huntington, 401-368-6574, ddhuntington@gmail.com)

Wed., Apr. 13. Hike and Social, Blackstone Blvd., Providence. (new) 2 1/2 - 3 mile hike on and around Blackstone Blvd on the East Side of Providence, then we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Meet on Blackstone Blvd by Swan Point Cemetery. Leave 6:00. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772, harris.janet90@gmail.com)

Sat., Apr. 16-17. Wilderness First Aid Training, Camp Hoffman, West Kingston, RI. Red Cross first aid training is certainly helpful, but when you are in a backwoods situation, you need more. This course will provide the knowledge you will need to deal with medical emergencies when you are more than one hour from medical care. In addition to patient assessment, this course will teach you how to treat immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia and other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more. This is a two day course and will be taught at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI. The course will once again be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO). Cost for AMC Narragansett Chapter trip leaders is $25. Cost for Narragansett Chapter members is $95 and $165 for non-chapter members. The fee covers all instruction and materials and morning snacks, but does not include lodging or meals. For registration information, call Linda Pease (401-351-2234). L Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com), reg/w Linda Pease (401-351-2234)

Wed., Apr. 20. Hike and Social Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge, S. Kingstown. (new) Hike 3 nice miles and go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. BRISK hike through the flat trails of Trustom Pond National Wildlife Preserve, in S. Kingstown. Meet in the Trustom Pond parking lot on Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, to leave promptly at 6:00. Please contact leader if you are planning to come and if you will be joining us for dinner, as space is a bit limited. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Sat., Apr. 23. Spring Hiking Warmup - Pack Monadnocks. Let's hike the Pack Monadnocks by way of the Wapack Trail. Intended route is 7.6 miles RT and 2150 ft of gain. Gear is going to depend on conditions, but light traction and warm clothing a must. We may require winter gear should winter persist. Moderate pace. We are out to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. Carpool from northern RI. Late Afternoon return. Possible dine out after. L John Stevens (401-487-2629 7-9pm weeknights, jstevens184@gmail.com) L Kerri Green (kegreslp@gmail.com)

Wed., Apr. 27. Hike and Social - Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge. (new) 2.5 miles hike along the shore and then we'll go out to dinner. Meet at Sachuest Point Parking lot to leave at 6:00. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Apr. 30. Dog Hike - JB Hudson, Breakheart Trails, Exeter. 4+ miles, many ups and downs, option to extend to 7 miles. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Mary Hodess (mlhodess@cox.net) L Paul Wynn (wynnpw1@yahoo.com) CL Brian Hodess

Sat., Apr. 30. Intermediate Rock Climbing Course: Day 1 of 2. (new) This is the first day (2nd on May 7) of two progressive classes 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. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Kenneth Hamel (401-965-2482, bikeskiboy@hotmail.com) CL Joe Vaglio (845-596-7717, jvvaglio@gmail.com)

Thu., May 5. Map & Compass Workshop and Off Trail Practice. (new) Do you like to get out and explore, but worry about your skills to find your way back? Join WPWA and the Narragansett Chapter of the AMC for a two-part course (Thursday evening for 3 hours and Saturday day for 6 hours) that will teach you how to read and understand maps and use a compass correctly. At the end of this course participants should feel more comfortable with their abilities to plan routes and come out safely. This first part is a three hour indoor class held at the WPWA Campus. Topics include reading map symbols and contour lines, matching the terrain to the map, taking and using bearings, orienting map and compass, declination, determining your location and planning your route. Saturday's section will be conducted at Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. The morning session will allow participants to practice their new skills and learn other details about taking and using compass bearings. After lunch they will plan and then execute a bushwhack route through the woods. Location is at the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association Campus. Instructors include experienced Northern Hikes Leaders from AMC. Participants should bring a declinated compass and plan to attend both dates. Register at http://wpwa.org/ L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com))

Sat., May 7. Map & Compass Workshop and Off Trail Practice. (new) This date is a continuaton of class work on Thursday. Saturday's section will be conducted at Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. The morning session will allow participants to practice their new skills and learn other details about taking and using compass bearings. After lunch they will plan and then execute a bushwhack route through the woods. Instructors include experienced Northern Hikes Leaders from AMC. Participants should bring a declinated compass and plan to attend both dates. Register at http://wpwa.org/ L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623 before 9 PM, EdPoyer@gmail.com)

Sat., May. 7. Intermediate Rock Climbing Course: Day 2 of 2. (new) This is the second day (1st day on Apr. 30) of two progressive classes 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 Kenneth Hamel (401-965-2482, bikeskiboy@hotmail.com) CL Joe Vaglio (845-596-7717, jvvaglio@gmail.com)

Wed., May. 11. Hike and Social, Goddard Park. (rescheduled to June 9) 2 1/2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Nice wooded trails and shoreline. Meet at beach, 6:00 pm start. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sun., May. 15. Dog Hike - Carolina North, Carolina Mgmt Area. 4 1/2 miles, ups and downs. Dogs and humans have a great time. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) L Paul Wynn (wynnpw1@yahoo.com) CL Brian Hodess

Sat., May 22. Annual Spring Picnic. (new) Our annual spring event for current members, new members and prospective members to be held at the Bristol Town beach as a potluck event with outdoor activities. Local walks, biking and paddling along with an introduction from all our committee leaders. More information will be posted.

Sun., May. 29. Veteran's Cemetery Walk. (new) Meet 10 AM at entrance area for this annual guided walk, which includes discussion of the various memorials in the cemetery. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Fri., Jun. 3-5. Alpine Flower hut hiking weekend. (full) (new) Enjoy the miniature beauty of the alpine blossoms and spectacular views along the Presidential Ridge. One night at Shapleigh bunkhouse, one night at Lakes of the Clouds Hut. For experienced mountain hikers with proper equipment. Twelve miles round trip. , 6-7 hours per day, 2800' elevation gain at a moderate steady pace. Should be comfortable scrambling rocks with a full pack. Fee $215 Includes bed and breakfast in Crawford Notch and dinner and bed and breakfast at Lakes of the Clouds Hut. L Margie Parsons, CL Elise Hedglen (401-595-8385), reg/w Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Sat., Jun. 4. Dog Hike - Pascoag Forest Trails. 3 to 4 miles, trails to be determined closer to hike date. L Paul Wynn (wynnpw1@yahoo.com) L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) CL Marcy Feibleman

Sat., Jun. 4-5. Rock Climbing - Gunks, NY. (new) Climbers capable of 5.6 routes or better. Trip size may be limited due to leader to second ratio. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Greta Cottrell (401-829-3662, Gretawyoming@aol.com) CL Frank Sokolo (fsokolow@yahoo.com)

Sat., Jun. 18. Dog Hike - Ben Utter Trail, Arcadia. Beautiful 3 to 4 mile hike with ups and downs along the Falls. Dogs and humans have a great time. L G. Russell Miller (grmiller01@msn.com) L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) CL Marcy Feibleman

Sat., Jul. 9-10. Rock Climbing - Cannon, NH. (new) Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, camping is at a private campground we have arranged. Dinner is catered. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Joseph Vaglio (845-596-7717, jvvaglio@gmail.com)

Sat., Aug. 6-7. Rock Climbing - Rumney, NH. (new) Climbers comfortable on 5.8 routes or better, stay at local hostel. Dinner at an après climb restaurant or cost share BBQ. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Brian Phillips (401-218-3475, risouthcounty@gmail.com) CL Chris Tate (chrisri001@gmail.com)

Sat., Sep. 17-18. Rock Climbing, Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, NH. (new) Climbers comfortable on 5.7 routes or better. Participation determined by the number of leaders to seconds, stay at ski club, dinner Saturday cost-share pizza. Reg/w leader to get specific trip information. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Kevin Sweeney (203-520-9546, sween8704@yahoo.com) CL Ashley Stoehr (ashley.stoehr@gmail.com)

Sat., Oct. 8-9. Rock Climbing - Gunks, NY. (new) Climbers capable of 5.6 routes or better. Trip size may be limited due to leader to second ratio. Additional info: www.climbri.org L Kenneth Hamel (401-965-2482, bikeskiboy@hotmail.com) CL Jeannine Peterson (surnurse@yahoo.com)

Fri., Oct., 14-16. Fall Gathering, W. Alton Jones Campus. Only trips/events related to the gathering will be posted for this weekend.