The Gansett Gazette
October-November
2008

URGENT REQUEST FOR THE
APPIE OF THE YEAR NOMINATION
Every year at the Annual Meeting and Dinner an individual is awarded with the Chapter’s highest honor, Appie of the Year. This 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 engraved plaque as a permanent memento. The Appie of the Year is also presented with a plaque with his name engraved along with the names of the previous Appies. The plaque is retained for one year before it is passed on to the next Appie of the Year. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Narragansett Chapter membership and the Chapter Executive Board. Please send your Appie of the Year nominations to Eugene B. Mihaly, 4 Half Mile Rd., Barrington, RI 02806 or eugene@mihaly.org by Friday, October 3, 2008.

Annual Meeting and Dinner
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Our chapter's Annual Meeting and Dinner will be on Saturday evening, November 15th at the St. John's Episcopal Church Hall on N. Main St. in Providence. This is a great event, including fellowship with other members, summary of the previous year in the chapter, recognition of our leaders and volunteers, presentation of several major awards, including our highest, chapter award, the "Appie of the Year". The speaker for this year's meeting will be Roger Scholl, who will talk about his expedition to Mt. McKinley in Alaska. Click for the registration form.

2009 ADK Winter Mountaineering School
Want to learn new winter skills? Looking to expand your winter fun? ADK Winter Mountaineering School, based out of the ADK Loj, has been helping hikers expand their winter hiking and backpacking skills for over 50 snow and ice filled years. Come join the fun!

Weekend Day-Hiking Section: Jan 30 – Feb 2, Cost: $340.00
Weekend Backpacking Section: Jan 30 – Feb 2, Cost: $320.00
Combo Section (Day Hikes & 3 night backpack): Jan 30 – Feb 5, Cost: $390.00
For more information: www.winterschool.org or 518-523-3441

Sign up early for trips that involve an overnight stay.
Each of our outdoor activity committees that are involved with overnight trips may or may not have restrictions relative to signing up just prior to the trip. Also, each trip notice may include details concerning any advance registration requirements. As a general policy, it's important to sign up early for trips that involve an overnight stay. Leaders have to reserve spaces at motels or AMC facilities months ahead of time and put down cash deposits. They need to know how many people will be on the trip in time to cancel reservations if the trip does not fill. Therefore, it's recommended to communicate with the leader at least a month before an overnight trip, if possible. Quite often these trips cannot accept more people in the last 2 weeks because of the need for lodging reservations.

ACTIVITIES

Fri., Sep. 19-21. Camping/Paddling on Moon Island, Squam Lake, NH. Participants should be experienced, proper equipment for camping and kayaking, sea kayak is req'd with airtight bulkheads for keeping your gear dry, have to be self contained w/ minimal contact with the landlubbers stay on shore. Cost $ 35. L Bill Rush (401 941-4983 call 8-10pm weekdays)

Sat., Sep. 20. Mt. Tom Ledges Walk/Hike. Mount Tom Ledges: 5 mile walk with some hills and a ledge overlook in Arcadia. Rain cancels. L Pam Hill (401-269-1610 before 9 PM, pjsh40@aol.com), CL Katherine Mears (401-348-9413, medtho@cox.net)

Sat. Sep. 20 Westerly-Watch Hill Bike Ride: (rescheduled from Sep. 14) Intermediate 35 mile bike ride. Visit this beautiful area with ocean views, some back roads with rolling hills, visit a lighthouse and have lunch by the Watch Hill waterfront. Start/end in Westerly. Helmet's req'd. L. Marcie Madsen 364-6538. Call to register.

Wed., Sep. 24. Hike & Social. Location: Garden City. Time: 6:00 p.m. For information Phone Bob Cilette Leader Maryanne Heywood. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Thu. Sep. 25. Conservation Meeting at 7pm, all members welcome. Help us plan and lead about events in RI and out of state, hands on, or with naturalist, foresters, experts in energy, water, landscape, gardening, marine life and more. Join us and help develop stimulating new programs. Contact Jack Schempp 331-4553 or Linda Pease 351-2234 for location in Providence.

Fri., Sep. 26-28. Mt. Mansfield Weekend. Join us for a weekend of challenging day hikes in scenic Vermont. Saturday we'll hike to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, on the challenging Hell Brook Trail. We will then head south through the Subway and the Canyon, returning north on the scenic summit ridge along the Long Trail. On Sunday we'll bag Camels Hump, another NE 4000'er. For experienced, well-conditioned hikers. Approximate cost $145.00, includes 2 nights lodging in Stowe, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com)

Fri., Sep. 26-28. Squam Lake Weekend(NH). (NAR NH) Hike, Paddle, Bike, Yoga. Celebrate the last rays of summer on a superb lake. Chose one of 4 Intermed. activities each day: two hikes/day 5 -8 mi; one bike ride 25-40 mi, one paddle (canoes & kayaks available) Happy Hr & Campfire. Cabins w/ plumbing. Rms for couples. incl. 2 breakfasts, 2 trail lunches, 2 dinners, lodging $135. p/p. Phone to qualify, then mail check w/SASE to J. Schempp, 47 Arbor Dr, Providence, RI 02908. Include your phone number/email address. L J. Schempp (401-331-4553), L Herb Kingsbury (207 439-6449), CL Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Mike Krabach (401-333-5350)

Sat., Sep. 27. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. An easier morning hike no more than 5 miles. An ideal hike for new members. This Audubon area is exceptionally scenic. Bring water and snacks. Call for start time and if you would like, about carpooling. L Vinny Bucci (401-886-5251, vnt228@yahoo.com), CL Dick Sullivan

Sat., Sep. 27. Thru hike Sky Line Trail in the Blue Hills. Fit hikers only. Sturdy hiking boots required. Hiking poles if desired. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Inquire about possible carpooling if desired. L Mike Martin (401-437-0957, seakayak@juno.com)

Wed., Oct. 1. Hike and Social. Location: Bristol. Time: 6:00 p.m. Please bring flash lights. For information Please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Fri., Oct. 3-5. Autumn Splendor at AMC's Cardigan Lodge. Join us for day hikes in Mt. Cardigan Reservation during this beautiful hiking season. A moderate and a challenging hike will be offered, with time to enjoy views and company; 6-10 mile hikes with 1500-2000' elevation gain. L Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com)

Sat., Oct. 4. Glacier Park + Woody Hill Hike 10:00 AM. Two very seldom hiked trs. in Westerly. Glacier Park has some wonderful views of the terminal marine before the glacier receded. Total miles for both hikes 5-6 of easy hiking. Car pooling from North Kingstown provided. L Dick Sullivan (401-294-9374 by Thursday), CL Katherine Mears

Sat., Oct. 4. Easy Riders Tiverton/Little Compton Bike Ride. 25 scenic miles, at easy pace, mostly flat/quiet terrain. Bag lunch break on the beach. Helmets req'd. L Steve Morra (401 231-5365), CL Roger Cole

Sat. Oct. 4. Paddle 100 Acre Cove in Barrington. Catch some early foliage on this scenic flat water paddle. We're planning an afternoon paddle. L Gregg O'Brien 245-0677, L Linda Pease 351-2234.

Sat. Oct. 4. Conservation Event: Duck/Bird Migration –Water fowl and sea birds at Sachuest Pt. in Newport, one of the best viewing spots in RI with commentary by US fish & wildlife naturalist. Coffee plus prior to the winged parade, families welcome. Contact L Jack Schempp 331-4553 for time and reservation.

Sun., Oct. 5. Mount Misery Hike. At 10:00 a.m. A relative easy hike in Eastern Connecticut. We will visit a rhododendron sanctuary on our way to this doubled tiered hill with beautiful views of the surrounding area. L John Ross (401-884-8458)

Wed., Oct. 8. Hike and Social. Location: Narraganset, Time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information phone leader. L Sue Boland (401-783-7461)

Sat., Oct. 11. Lincoln Woods Hike10:00AM. 6-8 miles of moderate hiking in a State Park with some great trails and we will also be crossing over to Butterfly farm to view some great foliage. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374) by Thursday)

Sat., Oct. 11. Mts. Welch & Dickey. - This annual foliage hike is 4.4 miles at a very relaxed pace and includes chocolate on the ledges. Possible eat out after hike. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363), CL Sue Warthman

Sat., Oct. 11-12. Rock Climbing, Gunks, NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.4 routes or better. Lodging is up to you. Dinner at an après restaurant. Contact the leader to register and get specific trip information. May limit participation due to leader to second ratio. L Dave Curry (401-739-2604, dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com)

Sun. Oct. 12. West Thompson Lake Hike: join us for an easy paced, scenic lakeside foliage tour. Hiking boots req’d. L John Feather (764-0438 or jfeather67@cox.net), L Pease (351-2234).

Wed., Oct. 15. Hike and Social. Location: Wickford. Time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Thu., Oct. 16. Trails Committee Meeting. 6:30 PM Join us to discuss and plan future trail projects,review and update status of old projects. Other issues pertaining to trails or the committee will be discussed. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, momearley@netzero.com), L Marge Gaunt (401-295-7101)

Sat., Oct. 18. Mt. Holyoke and the Seven Sisters. (full, wait list open) - This foliage hike has beautiful views of the CT river. 7 miles with numerous ups & downs. Carpool from RI with breakfast at Atkins farm and dinner after hike. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363), CL Sue Warthman

Sat., Oct. 18. Hike Arcadia Manangement. Meet at 9:00 for an 8-10 miles one way hike at a moderate pace. Will do Escoheag, Ben Utter, Step Stone Falls, and we will climb Mt Tom. There are ups, downs and rocks to go over and around. Boots required, lunch, and water. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 - (:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sat. Oct. 18. Conservation Foliage Walk. Tip toe through the Foliage & Tombstones at Swan Point Cemetery with locally famous tree & shrub expert Patty D'Ambra and see a galaxy of trees in color. Meet at the cemetery at 10:30am, go through the main gate, then turn left and pull into the parking lot. Bring a friend. Contact L Patty for more information (949-3374), CL Dennis McCarthy.

Sat. Oct. 25. Save Blackstone Park in Providence: Help Wanted. Start 9am. The Trails & Conservation Committees invite you to help battle the erosion in this neglected park overlooking the Seekong River. The simple remedy is to erect basic fences and visual barriers to route walkers away deteriorating trails and landscapes. We have been assisting a neighborhood group in restoring the Park for several years. The tasks are moderate: erect light fencing and create barriers. Make new friends, enjoy team work and learn new skills. Work 2-4 hours, refreshments provided. Bring gloves and water, rain date Oct.26. Contact L Chris Shafer (222-2729 x 7511 days, or 789-8331 eve) or L Jack Schempp (331-4553) for more details.

Sun., Oct. 19. Green Falls Pond Hike. Approx. 5 mile loop with a waterfall and a gorge near Green Falls Pond in Pachaug State Forest CT near RI line. Mid morning start. Heavy rain cancels. L Katherine Mears (401-348-9413 6pm to 9 pm, medtho@cox.net), CL Barbara Beckerman (203-245-6731)

Sun., Oct. 19. New/Prospective Member Walk. 10:30 a.m. 3+ miles at Lincoln Woods-Lincoln RI. All are welcome - come share your AMC experiences with new members. Contact leader (email preferred) to register and get details. L Susan Jones (401-474-0515, shilojones@fctvplus.net)

Sun., Oct. 19. Masmamoquet Brook State Park Hike. See a wolf's den and Indian chair among the rolling hill and numerous bridges in nearby Connecticut. Bring water, food, hiking boots and appropriate clothing for fall weather conditions. L John Ross (401-884-8458)

Wed., Oct. 22. Hike and Social. Location: providence. Time: 6:00 p.m. Please bring flash lights. For information call Janet. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772)

Fri., Oct. 24. Trail Work Appreciation Gathering. Appreciation Gathering for 2008 Trail Projects Volunteers: If you participated doing trail work in 2008 this evening is for you. Food, Camaraderie, and other surprises. (No Work). For details contact Maria. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com), CL Chris Shafer (789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 pm)

Sat., Oct. 25. Fall Foliage Paddle Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on the Pawtuxet River from Pontiac Mill to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup after. L Bill Rush (401 941-4983 call 8-10 pm weekdays), CL Linda Pease (401-351-2234)

Sun., Oct. 26. Potluck brunch and fall foliage hike. Morning potluck brunch at 10 at the home of Karen Stein followed by a hike on the bike path. We expect to see the seasonal fall foliage on the way to the house and on the path. The peak seasonal time now due to global warming. L Karen Stein (401-782-6589, karen.whd@gmail.com)

Wed., Oct. 29. Hike and Social. (updated) Barrington, 6:00 pm. Please bring flash lights. For information please phone L Gregg O'Brien 245-0677 or cell 473-8132.

Sat., Nov. 1-2. Trails/hiking weekend in Blue Hills Reservation. Choice of three options: Help out on a trail improvement project in the Blue Hills Reservation on Sat. or participate in a hike there on Sunday or join us for both the trails and hiking events and stay over at AMC cabins or tent sites at Ponkaqaug pond. For further details, contact Chris Shafer at 222-2797 ext. 7511. L Chris Shafer (401-222-2797 daytime), L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 evenings)

Sat., Nov. 1. Rock Climbing Lead Workshop. Must be an experienced climber who has seconded on multi-pitch climbs. Contact the leaders to register and get specific information. L Brian Phillips (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), CL Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)

Wed., Nov. 5. Hike and Social. Location: East Greenwich. Time 6:00 p.m. please bring flash lights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Thu., Nov. 6. Local Hikes Meeting. Join us at Stop&Shop in North Kingstown to provide for fresh air with hikes for Feb/Mar and Apr/May Gazettes call L.Herrick Spencer at 723-1974 for directions, all are welcome. Meet at 6:30 p.m. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 8. Veterans Cemetary + Queen River Preserve 10:00 AM. We will be walking trs.created by URI Master Gardners and stopping at a few of the more prominent Memorials to our vets. We will also cross over and walk the trails of the Preserve with two nice views of the river. 6-7 miles of easy walking. L Dick Sullivan (401-294-9374 By Thursday)

Sun., Nov. 9. Snake Den Hike. Hoping for left over foliage on this easy paced, conservation hike. Discover unexpected trails and views in Johnston! Hiking boots Reqd. L John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net), L Gail Trapp (401-333-1371)

Wed., Nov. 12. Hike and Social. Location: Newport time 6:00 p.m. please bring flash lights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Nov. 15. Hike Fisherville Brook Wild Life Refuge. Meet at 9:00 for a 5 miles easy 2 loops trail in the Fisherville Wild Life Refuge. Beautiful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors and migrating birds. Bring water, and snacks. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sat., Nov. 15. Annual Meeting and Dinner See notice at top of Gazette. Find out more.

Sun., Nov. 16. New/Prospective Member Walk. 10:30 a.m. 3+ miles at Colt State Park - Bristol RI. Bring a friend or family member! Open to all AMC members. Contact Leader (email preferred) to register and get details. L Susan Jones (401-474-0515, shilojones@fctvplus.net)

Wed., Nov. 19. Hike & Social. Location: Garden City time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Nov. 22. Rome Point Hike 10:00 AM. 4-5 miles easy hike at Rome Point in North Kingstown. Many great views of the bay and also a very good chance to see a lot of seals. We will do this hike a much different way than usual using some new trs. L Dick Sullivan (401-294-9374 by Thursday)

Nov. 22. Rhode Island boardwalk building trails project: (new) Join in with the Narragansett chapter trails committee in building boardwalks to span a wet area on the Ben Utter trail in Arcadia Management area in Exeter, RI. Bring water, lunch, work gloves if you have them (if not we will loan a pair), wear layered clothing due to potential cold weather, and wear hiking boots or equivalent. Meet 9:45 AM at nearby site and then car caravan to work site. For further details contact L Chris Shafer, 401-789-8331 evenings or 401-222-2797, ext. 7511 weekdays. CL Henry Cruciani

Wed., Nov. 26. Hike and Social. Location: Jamestown. Time 6:00 p.m. Please bring flashlights. For information please phone Bob Cilette. L Bob Cilette (401-529-1611)

Sat., Nov. 29. Walk off the turkey stroll at Napatree Point. Easy pace with potluck lunch afterward. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), L Roberta Jacobs (401-315-0165)

ADVANCE NOTICES


Thur., Dec. 4. Conservation Meeting (new) At 7:00, All members Welcomed Help us plan and lead events in RI and out of state, hands on or with naturalist, foresters, experts in energy, water, landscape, gardening, marine life and more. Share your own “natural interest”. We work at communicating new, interesting and useful information about improving the RI and national environments. Join us and help develop stimulating new programs for 2009. Contact Jack Schempp 331-4553 or Linda Pease 351-2234 for location in Providence.

Sat., Dec. 6. Hike Great Swamp. Meet at 9:30 for a 5-6 miles loop in the Great Swamp (site of the Great Swamp battle). Fairly flat terrain with views of the Worden's Pond, possible wild life and many holly trees. Legal orange required. Boots, water, and snacks. Rain will cancel the hike. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com)

Sun., Dec. 7. Bluff Point Walk. Approx 5 mile walk, 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 before 9 p.m., medtho@cox.net)

Sun., Dec. 21. Wolf Hill & Mercer Lookout conservation hike. On a clear day you can see Jamestown/Newpoort bridges from Mercer Lookout in Smithfield. Easy paced, hiking boots required. L John Feather (401-754-0438, jfeather67@cox.net), L Linda Pease (401-351-2234)

Sat., Jan. 3. Walk Off New Years Conservation Hike. We will hike up to Joe's Rock and into Birchwold Conservation areas in Wrentham, MA. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), L John Stevens (401-295-4203)