The Gansett Gazette October-November 2009
The Narragansett Chapter seeks Executive Committee Volunteers
The Executive Board is looking to fill three important positions:
- Chapter Vice-Chair,
- Young Members Sub-Chair
- Archivist
- The duties of each position are summarized below:
Vice Chair - voting member of the Executive Committee who is responsible for all family, young adult, educational and social events including the annual meeting and spring fling. The Vice Chair serves as Chapter Chair in his/her absence and typically assumes the role of Chapter Chair at the end of the Chair's term.
Young Adult Members Sub-Chair - responsible for planning and organizing activities that encouraging people in their 20s and 30s to get involved in the AMC and enjoy the outdoors.
Chapter Archivist - responsible for maintaining records and documents that relate to the history of the Chapter.
Anyone who is interested in any of these positions should contact Gene Mihaly at eugene@mihaly.org or Larry Rollins at rollinslf@excite.com
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 Tom Eagan at tce@psh.com by Monday, October 5, 2009.
AMC Fall Gathering Oct 16-18, 2009 Mark your calendar!
Save the date! The 2009 AMC Fall Gathering will be held in the beautiful Berkshires – October 16–18 – during peak foliage season! Hosted by the Berkshire Chapter, at Becket-Chimney Corners in Becket, Mass., the event will run from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, cliff/wall climbing, rope courses, workshops and presentations, Contra-dancing, campfires, socials – we’ll have it all! Bring the family – the program is “kid-friendly.” Read more at
www.amcberkshire.org/gathering, or contact mcfg2009@gmail.com.
ACTIVITIES
Sat., Sep. 19. Blue Hills Ridge Hike, MA. Hike ridge starting at ice rink, ending at visitors center. A tough, 9 mile hike includes car spot. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538), CL Steve Harrison , Reg with Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Sat., Sep. 19. Family Outings Hike at Simmons Mill Pond. Join us for a 2-3 hours of walking on this beautiful state management area full of great wildlife viewing. L Terry or Craig Gaspard (401 683-7828, gaspard782@aol.com)
Sun., Sep. 20. South County Bike Ride. 30-35 mile ride through South County. Beautiful scenic and idyllic back roads, with lots of rolling hills. Start/end leaders house. Helmets req'd. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Sep. 24, Reel Rock Film Tour. Mark your calendars... The Reel Rock Film Tour is coming to the Cable Car Cinema in Providence for an exclusive one night showing. The event at 7-9 pm is sponsored by AMC and REI. And if seeing great climbing films from all over the world isn't enough... your admission ticket will put you in a raffle for free gear courtesy of co-sponsor REI.
Fri., Sep. 25-27. Mount Mansfield Weekend. Join us for a weekend of challenging day hikes in scenic Vermont. Saturday we'll hike to summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, on the Hell Brook Trail which has been called the most difficult approach to Mansfield. We will then head south through the Subway and the Canyon, returning north on the scenic summit ridge along the Long Trail. Sunday - Leader's choice. For experienced, well-conditioned hikers. Approximate cost $150.00, includes 2 nights lodging in Stowe, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Ed Poyer
Fri., Sep. 25-27. Cape shores multi-event weekend. Sat/Sun AM naturalist walks, Bike path biking, bay kayaking. Explore National Seashore and Wellfleet Audubon refuge. Afternoons free. Possible evening walk. Audobon camping/hot showers. Arrive Fri. 2 pm to 8 pm. Families welcomed. Optional group dinners Fri & Sat. Cost $65. pp, food not incl. Mail check to J. Schempp, 47 Arbor Dr, Providence, 02908. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553), CL Mike Krabach (401-333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), Reg with Mike Krabach
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Sat., Sep. 26. Older Male Members Canoe/Kayak : Potowomut River. Open to all members with appropriate experience and proper equipment. See details at this link. L Gary Whitney (401-539-0922, garywhitney3@cox.net), CL Cherine Whitney , Reg with Gary Whitney
Wed., Sep. 30. Lincoln Woods/Blackstone Bike Path hike. Meet at Lincoln Woods/carpool 6:00 PM sharp. For info. call. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Fri., Oct. 2-4. Autumn Splendor at AMC's Cardigan Lodge. (canceled) Join us for day hikes in Mt. Cardigan Reservation during this beautiful hiking season. Moderate hiking with time to enjoy views and company; 6-10 mile hikes with 1500-2000' elevation gain. $145 fee includes 2 nights full service hut lodging, meals & social hour. L Jim Dunn (Jim.Dunn@jwu.edu), CL Tom Grasso , Reg with Tom Grasso (860-878-4099, thomas.grasso@pw.utc.com)
Sat. Oct. 3. Family Trails Event. (new) Join with other AMC families in an easy brushing project (removal of vegetative over growth) on the Shelter and JB Hudson trails in Arcadia Mgt. area (Exeter, RI). Children and teens encouraged to attend, accompanied by a parent. All tools provided. Meet 9 AM. Rain date Oct. 4. For details and to register, contact L. Chris Shafer (789-8331, 7–9 PM, or daytime (weekdays) at 222-2797, ext. 7511).
Sat. Oct. 3. Moonlight Paddle Hundred Acre Cove, Barrington. Join us for a paddle as the sun sets and the moon rises in the crisp fall sky. Bring water, snacks and bug spray. CG requires at least a flashlight onboard. Suitable for all size boats. L Gregg O'Brien 245-0677 goh243@aol.com, L Antoinette Breed 751-5086 scenicroute@verizon.net
Sat., Oct. 3. Easy Riders Tiverton/Little Compton Bike Ride. 23 scenic miles, easy paced on flat & quiet terrain. Bag lunch on beach and ice cream stop. Helmets req'd. L Steve Morra (401-231-5365), CL Roger Cole
Sat., Oct. 3. Mount Misery Hike. A 5.25 mile hike in nearby Connecticut. We will be visiting a rhododendron sanctuary on our way to this double topped hill with beautiful views of the surrounding area. L John Ross (401-884-8458)
Sun. Oct. 4. Foliage Conservation Walk, Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. (new) Swan Point has a remarkable selection of trees and shrubs in autumn colors. Patty D’Ambra, a noted expert, explains unique characteristics, answers questions will tell a story as you enjoy the morning stroll. Contact L Patty D’Ambra (949-3374).
Sun., Oct. 4. Haines Park Sea Kayaking. (canceled) Haines Park launch, paddle either up or down the coast. Intermediate open water paddle. Weather decides route. L Mike Krabach (401 333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net)
Sun., Oct. 4. Warwick Shores Bike Ride. (canceled) Intermediate 35 mile ride along Warwick Shores with lots of water views and lunch at the Narragansett Parkway. Helmets req'd. L Nancy Baker (401-737-3052), CL Dick Schaffner (401-791-6310)
Wed., Oct. 7. Hike and Social, Wakefield. 6:00 PM. A walk through some of Wakefield along The Saugatucket river and part of the bike path. Park at municipal parking lot in center of Wakefield, behind Phil's Diner. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Sat., Oct. 10-11. Rock Climbing, Gunks, NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.5 multi-pitch trad routes only. Attendance determined by the number of leaders to seconds. Register with leader to get specific trip information. L Dave Curry (401-739-2604, dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com), Reg with Dave Curry
Sat., Oct. 10. Pachaug Hike. Meet at 9:00AM. 8 mile loop moderate at moderate pace. Good views and nice breeze of Beach Pond. Ups and downs with a chimney-like descent, and glacial boulders. Legal orange and boots required. Call before Thur. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.net)
Sat., Oct. 10. Pawtucket/Seekonk/E.Prov. Bike Ride. 22 mile easy intermediate ride of new neighborhoods, local historical places and future bike path locations. Hybrid bikes welcome. Helmets req'd. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Wed., Oct. 14. East Greenwich Fall Hike and Social. At 6 p.m., 2 to 3 mile hike followed by lunch latter. Call for info. L John Ross (401-884-8458)
Thu. Oct. 15. Trails Committee Meeting (new) At 6:30 pm at 152 Fishing Cove Rd. in N.Kingstown. Everyone is welcome! For information and teleconferencing please contact Elise DelBarone (edelbarone@yahoo.com). For directions contact Marge Gaunt (295-7101).
Sat. Oct. 17. Bog Bridge Trails Project. (new) Help replace a worn-out bog bridgr on the Escoheag Trail in the Arcadia Management Area. All tools are provided. Meet at 9am. Rain date Oct 18. For details and to register, contact L Chris Shafer (789-8331, 7-9pm, or daytime (weekdays) at 222-2797 ext.7511).
Sat., Oct. 17. Mt. Holyoke & the Seven Sisters, South Hadley, MA. Come name the seven sisters with us and enjoy great views of the CT River Valley. Begin the day at Atkins farm with pastries and end the day with dinner. Suitable for intermediate hikers. Approximately 7.3 miles that you'll swear was 15 miles. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, HikerSteve@cox.net), CL Ed Poyer
Sat., Oct. 17. Hike and Social, Lincoln Woods. 10:00 AM. 4-5 mile moderate hike through part of the park and crossing over to Butterfly Farm. We Should have a lot of beautiful foliage to view this time of year. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Sat. Oct. 17. Slatersville Reservoir Fall Foliage Flatwater Paddle (new) Harrisville, Northern, RI. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L Janet Huntley (789-8842).
Sun. Oct. 18. Tri-pond hike in Woodstock, CT. Three fairly flat, beautiful waterside trails in Bigelow State Park. Great foliage and beaver engineering. L Pam Hill (401-269-1610, pjsh40@aol.com), L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com)
Sun., Oct. 18. Annual Fowl and Bird Migration Conservation Event The US Wildlife Refuge at Sachuest Point (Newport-Middletown) is one of the very best spots to observe the annual migration of birds and fowl. A U.S. Fish & Wildlife expert will name the flybys and comment on their key characteristics and destinations. The refuge, perched on a bluff, offers delightful views of the bay. Bring along your binoculars. This is a morning activity, email for time and reservations. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@msn.com)
Wed., Oct. 21. Hike Francis Carter Memorial Preserve, Charlestown. 5 mile hike thru this little gem which is Rhode Island's 2nd largest nature preserve. Easy walking on woodland trails. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Sat., Oct. 24. Hike New Nature Conservancy Trail-Borderlands. Hike new new Nature Conservancy trail within the deeps woods of Pawcatuck Borderlands, 5 mi. Discover secluded ponds. Oak & pine forests protect the headwaters of the Wood River on the RI/CT border. W/ naturalist. Contact Jack for details. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@msn.com)
Sat., Oct. 24. Fall Foliage Paddle on the Pawtuxet River. (canceled) Escape civilization on the Pawtuxet River From Pontiac Mill's to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup after. L Bill Rush (whr0316@msn.com), CL Linda Peace , Reg with Bill Rush
Sat. Oct. 24. Narragansett Trail Projects. (new) We will do preservative painting of existing bog bridging, re-blaze portions of this trail at Ell Pond area in Hopkinton, RI, and finish up previous brushing project there. All tools provided. Meet 9 AM. Rain date Oct. 25. For details and to register, contact L. Chris Shafer (789-8331, 7 –9 PM, or daytime (weekdays) at 222-2797, ext. 7511).
Sun., Oct. 25. Wolf's Den State Park Hike. A five mile hike in nearby Connecticut. We will be visiting Table Rock, Wolf's Den, and Indian Chair in our journey among numerous hills and bridges. L John Ross (401-884-8458)
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Wed., Oct. 28. Newport Hike and Dinner For Bob Cilette. Special Fun Hike and Honorary Dinner for and by Bob Cilete, rain or shine!There will be a short hike in Newport followed by a special dinner to honor long time leader Bob Cilette. Please call for info. and to reserve a spot for dinner. L Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677, goh243@aol.com), L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Thu., Oct. 29. Hike Trustom Pond, S. Kingstown. A nice peaceful 4 mi walk thru this nat'l wildlife refuge. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net)
Sat., Oct. 31. Long and Ell Pond Hike. Meet at 9:AM for 5 1/2 mile hike (short in distance but challenging terrain). Rain will cancel. Boots and legal orange required. Call by Thur. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM, momearley@netzero.net), CL Bonnie England
Sun., Nov. 1. Weetamoe Woods/Pardon Gray Preserve, Tiverton Fall Hike 10AM. A new/fun 5 mile fall hike with views of the Sakonnet River. Bring water, snacks, hiking boots, and warm attire in case it is cool. Something hot may be available after the hike. Ask about carpooling if coming from the West Bay. For info call. L Paul Wyman (401-644-8529 after 5 PM, paul.wynn@navy.mil), CL Gregg O'Brien (401-245-0677, goh243@aol.com)
Tue., Nov. 3. Local Hikes Meeting Stop&Shop. Meet at 6:30 PM. It seems all to soon for the next one. The. biking, hiking and conservation events are over and put away but hiking poles and boots are not. Join me for the third year doing the meetings. We will doing Feb/Mar and later April/May Everyone welcome, for info and directions, call. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Wed., Nov. 4. Hike and Social in Barrington. Meet at 6PM at Barrington Middle School tennis courts Middle Highway. Bring flashlights. For info call. L Gregg O'Brian (401-245-0677, goh243@aol.com)
Sat., Nov. 7. Rock Climbing Lead Workshop. Must be an experienced climber who has seconded on multi-pitch climbs. Participation is at the discretion of the leader based on experience and climbing ability. Contact the leader to register and get specific information. L Brian Phillips (401-783-0133, bphillips38@cox.net), CL Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com), Reg with Brian Phillips
Sat., Nov. 7. Glacier Park and Kettle Pond walk. 10:00 AM. We will first do a short walk through Kettle Pond and then car pool down to Glacier Park for another short hike (total 5 miles) Views at Park are very nice and with fall colors. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Sun., Nov. 8. Snake Den Hike, Johnston. Hoping for late foliage on this easy paced hike. Discover unexpected trails and views in Johnston. Meet at 9:30 at the Apple Valley Mall on Rt.44 in Greenville, RI. in front of the CVS. The hike is just down the ST. from there. We'll start around 10 AM. for this 3 hour hike. Hiking boots req'd Orange also req'd. bring water/snacks. Rain cancels. L John Feather (401-764-0438, jfeather67@cox.net)
Wed., Nov. 11. Hike and Social, Wickford. 6:00 PM. Short walk through Wilson Park and then part of town. Meet at Wilson Park. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Sat., Nov. 14. Big River Hike, West Greenwich. (new) Starts 10:30am. This scenic area, located in central RI, has for some reason been forgotten. Orange clothing required. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974), Reg with 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)
Sat. Nov. 21. ANNUAL DINNER - Arrange your calendar to attend this event. Good food, presentations and a slide show of climbing Mt. Everest by Dr. Tim Warren of Rhode Island. See registration form.
Sun., Nov. 22. Great Swamp hike. Meet at 9:00 AM 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.net), CL Matt Putnam
Sat. Nov. 28. Wickaboxet Management Area (new) 4-6 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 am start.Bring water and food. Legal orange required. Hiking boots recommended. Reg. req’d. L Pam Hill pjsh40@aol.com 401-269-1610 7-9 pm. CL Bonnie England bonniedune@aol.com.
ADVANCE NOTICES
Wed. Dec. 2. Hike and Social (new) 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. Reg. req’d. 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)
Wed. Dec. 9. Hike and Social (new) Hike and Social in Bristol. Meet at 6pm at Leo's Ristorante, 365 Hope St., Bristol. Bring flashlights. Reg. req’d. L Gregg O'Brien goh243@aol.com 401-245-0677 Eves.
Sun. Dec. 13. Walk on Napatree Point Westerly (new) Meet at 1:00 PM. Pot luck social after. Shorter Easier walk - register with Roberta Jacobs jacobs6@cox.net 401-315-0165. Longer Beach Hike - Register with Linda Pease 401-351-2234.
Wed. Dec. 16. Hike and Social Blackstone Blvd. (updated) At 6:00pm. Hike and Social. Bring flashlight. Call for info. L Herrick Spencer Spencer295@cox.net 401-723-1974. CL Janet Harris 401272-6772.
Sat., Dec. 19. Arcadia Management Hike. Meet at 9:00AM for 8-10 miles loop (J.B.Hudson, Breaheart, 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.net)
Sat., Jan. 2. Du Vaul Hike, Charleston 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.net)
Wed. Jan. 6. Hike and Social (new) Wickford at 6pm. Meet behind Wilson's of Wickford and we will do a different walk than usual. Bring flashlight. Reg. req’d. L Dick Sullivan 401-338-2880.
Sat. Jan. 9. Rome Pt. North Kingstown (new) 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. Reg. req’d. L Dick Sullivan 401-338-2880.
Fri., Jan. 15-18. Ski Sunday River/ XC Bethel Four Areas. Stay at AAA rated Maine Inn near Sunday River ski area and Bethel XC touring center. Queen or 2 double beds for 2 w/ shower, TV, VCR, Net hook up, hot tub. 3 b'fasts, one happy hour, dinner Sat. night. Ski tickets not included. $448 for two people. $150 deposit holds your reservation. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@msn.com)
Fri–Sun Jan. 22–24. Step by Step - North Kinsman (new) 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. 8 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 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
Reg. req’d. L Charlie Killam. CL Jim Dunn.
Fri., Jan. 29-31. Ski Best XC in the Whites. Enjoy Highlands Center. We search for best skiing in the Highlands at Crawford Notch area. One of the best things about skiing there is that you can ski to Bretton Woods on a fine, groomed trail that is one of the best at Bretton Woods. If another touring center offers better conditions, we may go there. Après ski at Mt. Washington Hotel. Incl. 2 nights, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners. For active intermediate skiers, $169. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@msn.com)
Fri., Feb. 5-7. Ski Best XC in the Whites. Lodging at AMC Highlands 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 (401-331-4553, jschempp1@msn.com)
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