The Gansett Gazette
October-November
2010

Get on your computers and see the new look for the www.outdoors.org website. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) announced the launch of its redesigned Outdoors.org website, the one-stop guide to the Northeast outdoors. Significant new features include "one-click" activity search for thousands of AMC activities, guided programs, and volunteer opportunities. The AMC's most popular content is also updated continually, allowing visitors to quickly find current trail conditions at the AMC's New Hampshire and Maine destinations, the latest AMC blog posts, and recent AMC news on outdoor recreation and conservation. "One-click" lodging search also makes it easy to check availability at AMC lodges and huts.

2010 AMC Fall Gathering
Fri-Sun., Oct. 15-17

The AMC Fall Gathering is hosted by the Worcester Chapter, and will be held on October 15-17 at the Prindle Pond Conference Center Hilltop, Charlton, MA. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing or just like to socialize with other AMC members (or non-members), October is a great time to explore central Massachusetts. Plus family-oriented activities will be offered, so bring your children and grandchildren! Top it all off with lively Saturday evening entertainment and bonfire. This will be an event you won't want to miss! For more information, check out their website at www.amcFallGathering2010.com

Reel Rock Film Tour 2010
Oct. 20, 7-9 pm

The Appalachian Mountain Club Narragansett Chapter, and REI Cranston, are co-sponsoring bringing the REEL ROCK Film Tour to Rhode Island. It will be held at the Cable Car Cinema on South Main Street in Providence from 7-9 pm on Wednesday October 20th. Admission is $10. Tickets can be purchased at REI until Monday October 18 and then only at the door. It is expected to sell-out quickly and there will be only one showing. Read more...

Chapter Weekend at the Cardigan Lodge
Fri-Sun,. Oct 22-24

An opportunity for our Chapter members to spend a Fall weekend in the north. Built by the AMC as one of New Hampshire's first ski lodges and newly renovated in 2005, Cardigan Lodge is set on a 1,200-acre reservation owned and managed by the AMC. We plan to have hiking, biking and paddling. There is a small wading pond, and family-friendly programs will be offered. Read more...

Chapter Annual Meeting
November 13, 2010

This year's annual meeting will be held at the Save the Bay campus in Providence (see registration form). Below is the slate of candidates for the Chapter's 2010/2011 Executive Committee. You will notice there are several open positions. If you are interested in volunteering for any one of these positions, please contact Tom Eagan, Chapter Chair.

Chapter Chair: Bonnie England
Vice Chair: Debbie Mitchell
Secretary: Jeannine Peterson
Treasurer: Tom Eagan
Membership Chair: Robin Kuznitz
Communications Chair: open
Activities Chair: Chris Shafer
Leadership Chair: open
Conservation Chair: Linda Pease
Trails Chairs: Elise Del Barone
Past Chair: Tom Eagan
Gazette Editor: open (non-executive position)

The program will consist of a short business meeting, a great catered dinner, and a presentation by Erika Bloom of Mt. Kilimanjaro and her Tanzania Safari. Register and attend this yearly event. A good time to catch up with fellow AMC members on what they have been doing this summer. We had a good attendance last year and hope that even more of the membership will attend this year. Spouses are most welcome.

Nominations Are Being Accepted

Now is the time to consider recommendations for recognition in the service of our chapter. Nominations are being accepted for “Appie of the Year Award”, the “John Clark Award” and the “Golden Appie Award” to be presented at the 2010 Annual Chapter Meeting on November 13. See the full page announcement for more information. Nominations and suggestions are needed as quickly as possible.

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Oct. 2. Fort Hill Farms and Corn Maze, Thompson, CT. Fun and educational experience where participants receive a game sheet and learn a conservation theme as they make their way through the maze. The farm also has picking patches and naturally raised cows. After completing the maze, enjoy their organic ice cream. Families and all others welcome! L Kristin Caproni (952-8698,kristincaproni1@gmail.com), L Jack Schempp (331-4553, jschempp1@live.com)

Sat., Oct. 2. Mount Welsh and Mount Dickey Hike. Foliage season, hopefully. Moderately-paced 4.4-mile hike with time for chocolate on the ledges. Carpool from RI with food afterward. L Steve Harrison , CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00pm - 9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 2-3. Arcadia Mgt. area trail project continuation. (new) Join us in our continuation of trail work on the Breakheart trail and Penny Hill cut-off trail in Arcadia Mgt. area. Work will include trail brushing, water bar clean out, and installation of a few steps and/or water bars. Bring water, lunch, work gloves if you have them (or we will loan you a pair). Meet 9 AM on Sat. Oct 2. Rain date Oct. 3. For further details, contact leader. L Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM to 9 PM, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov))

Sun., Oct. 3. West Warwick/Coventry Bike Ride. Intermediate rider pace for 35 miles, 13mph average. Rolling hills with two main road crossings. Start out on completed Washington County bike path through West Warwick into Coventry, East Greenwich, and back to Warwick. L Nancy Baker (401-737-3052 after 5:00pm, nancy_baker@brown.edu), CL Dick Schaffner (401-7816310 after 5:00pm)

Sun., Oct. 3. Riverbend Farm/Lookout Rock, Uxbridge, MA. Meet at McDonalds at Lincoln Mall, 9:00am. Route 146N to Route 116W to the mall. 4-5 mile easy to moderate hike on Blackstone Canal Path to Lookout Rock. Great for new members. Bring water, snacks, and hiking shoes. L Matt Putnam (401-862-2861 before 9:00pm)

Wed., Oct. 6. Hike and Social. 6:00 pm. Meet at the Towers Courtyard. Bring flashlights. L Sue Boland (401-556-3926, sboland2@cox.net)

Sat., Oct. 9-10. Rock Climbing, Gunks - NY. Climbers comfortable on 5.4 routes or better. Lodging is up to you. Dinner at an apres restaurant. Contact the L to register and get specific trip information. May limit participation due to L to second ratio. L Dave Curry (401-739-2604, dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Bill Baxter (mitziekramer@yahoo.com)

Sat., Oct. 9. Tillinghast Pond Management Hike (TPMA). Meet at 9:00 am for a 5-6 mile hike to learn and explore this new pristine area with historical and geographical facts of the TPMA provided by preserve volunteer and hike CL Mike Parker. Ideal area to view the Fall tapestry of colors. Easy hike, ideal for new members. Rain will cancel the walk. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00-9:00pm, momearley@netzero.com), CL Mike Parker (mike.parker@cox.net)

Sun., Oct. 10. Trustom National Wildlife Refuge Hike. Start at 9:30 am. 2-3 miles. Summer merges with fall in this refuge of ponds for wildlife with views of Moonstone Beach and a side trip. To be enjoyed by families and everyone else. L Adele Holcombe (401-284-3061)

Sun., Oct. 10. Family Global Work Party and Mother Nature Event. (new) From 2:00-4:30pm. Join in global-wide day of climate change discussion and activities to encourage all to cut our carbon footprint by 10% in 2010. Join in garden activities including fall planting. Special presentations by "Henry David Thoreau and Mother Nature" New Dawn Earth Center event. Donations accepted. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com), reg/w New Dawn Earth Center (75 Wrentham Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, 401-333-1341)

Mon., Oct. 11. Family Hike at Diamond Hill Park. (new) RI Families in Nature hike at Diamond Hill Park. Diamond Hill was once a ski slope, so it offers spectacular views just right for looking out on the valley during autumn. We will take a fairly gradual trail up the hill that young ones and older kids will enjoy. Meet in the parking lot at 10:45am to begin hike promptly at 11:00am. Pack a lunch and join us for a picnic afterward. Route 295 Exit 11 to Route 114. Take Route 114N for about 3-4 miles. Entrance to the park will be on the right across from the Ice Cream Machine. This is a RI Families in Nature hike. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Wed., Oct. 13. Hike and Social, Scarborough Beach and Black Point. Meet at 6:00pm, Aram's. Call for directions. Bring flashlights. L Aram Deradoorian (401-789-7811)

Sat., Oct. 16. Help Restore Blackstone Park Providence. (new) Build split rail fence to preserve eroding hillside. Meet new friends, starts 9am 2-4 hrs.,bring gloves/water, interesting tasks for all, rain date Oct 17. L Chris Shafer (401-222-2797 day, Christoper.Shafer@dem.ri.gov), reg/w Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, 7-9 pm, jschempp1@gmail.com)

Sat., Oct. 16. Mount Holyoke and Seven Sisters Hike. Annual trip to see views and eat at Atkins Farm and Apollo Pizza (we are an eating club). 7.4 miles at a moderate pace. Carpool from RI. L Steve Harrison, CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00pm - 9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)

Sun., Oct. 17. Foliage Conservation Walk, Swan Point Cemetery. Swan Point will have remarkable varieties of trees and shrubs in autumn colors. Patty D'Ambra, noted expert and master gardener, explains unique characteristics, answers questions and will tell a story or two as you enjoy this morning stroll. L Patty D'Ambra (401-949-3374)

Sun., Oct. 17. Coastal Appreciation Paddle. George B. Salter Memorial Grove, Warwick, north to the Save the Bay office or further if weather is good. Salute to the bay will be made with ginger ale in recyclable stemware. This is a laid-back paddle; boats 12 feet or longer will be welcome. Dress for the water temperatures, wetsuits best. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Barbara Flagg (bakayaker51@verizon.net)

Wed., Oct. 20. Hike and Social, Wickford. Meet at the parking lot across from old Ryan's market in the center of Wickford, 6:00pm. Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Wed., Oct. 20. Reel Rock Film Festival (new) The fifth annual REEL ROCK Film Tour brings the best in climbing and adventure films to local audiences across the globe. REEL ROCK shows are events where climbers and outdoors lovers come together to celebrate and sample the ultimate in adventure filmmaking. The REEL ROCK Tour is the largest climbing event in the world. Read more...

Fri.-Sun.,Oct. 22-24. Cardigan Lodge Weekend. (Trip full) Harvest of activities and fun with Halloween celebrations and contra dancing hikes and walks for all levels, plus paddling, local tours, lawn games, and GPS on the trail. Enjoy crisp autumn air, mountain and lake views, and the forest at the renovated Cardigan Lodge. Includes Friday and Saturday dinners, BYO happy hour, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, and bag lunches. $115/pp. Special rate for kids under 12, $80/pp. Read more...

Sat., Oct. 23. Fall Foliage Paddle on the Pawtuxet River. Escape civilization on Pawtuxet River. From Pontiac Mills to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream or coffee/soup afterward. L Bill Rush (401-941-4983, whr0316@msn.com), L Linda Peace (401-351-2234), CL Gary Whitney (401-885-1506 garywhitney3@cox.net), reg/w Bill Rush.

Sat., Oct. 23. Twilight Event on the Hill. (new) Family event on Neutakonkanut Hill, 3:30 Saturday, Oct 23. There will be a story teller, pumpkin painting for the 'kids,' hot cider, donuts and a fire to roast marshmallows. Because no fires are allowed on the Hill without firemen, we will have a fire truck, for safety, and for the kids to 'explore.' This is a Neutakonkanut Hill Association event. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Sun., Oct. 24. Lincoln Woods hike. Start at 10:00am for 6-7 miles of moderate hiking through some park trails, then crossing over to do more in Chase and Butterfly Farm. Foliage at this time should be beautiful from many view points. Call for meeting place. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880), CL Kris Caproni (401-952-8698)

Sun., Oct. 24. Fall Hike Great Swamp. Start at 9:30am. Nature is preparing its departure from this wildlife refuge. Join us for the sights and sounds of Fall. L Adele Holcombe (401-284-3061), CL Jill Keating (401-862-6159, annjillian@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 27. Hike and Social, Jamestown. Meet at 6:00pm, Jamestown Town Dock. Bring flashlights. L Bob Richardson (401-225-4003)

Sat., Oct. 30. Beginner/intermediate Worden's Pond Foliage Paddle. (new) Meet at Worden's Pond "put in" on Worden's pond Road (Turn west off Rt 110) at 10AM. Bring Warm clothing (& extra clothes), wetsuit/skirt if you have them, Lunch, Snacks, Water, Rentals available for $8. L Mike Krabach (401-333-5350, mkrabach@cox.net), CL Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Wed., Nov. 3. Hike and Social, Newport Cliff Walk. Meet at CVS on Bellevue Avenue, 6:00pm. Bring flashlight. L Sid Wax (401-849-2495, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Tue., Nov. 9. Local Hikes Meeting. Meet at the Stop & Shop in North Kingstown, 6:30 pm. Committee is doing two meetings/year now-put this one high on your list to attend! Discuss where we've been and what we've done this year, plus what we could do for the winter months and next year. Everyone is welcome. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 10. Hike and Social, Blackstone Boulevard. Start at 6:00pm. While hiking the Boulevard, we'll check out the area that set off a storm of controversy over the cutting of trees. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974 anytime, spencer295@cox.net), CL Janet Harris

Fri., Nov. 12-14. Blue Hills Fall Cabin weekend. (new) Young Members are going to be having our first cabin weekend trip, filled with day hikes, food, and games. Lodging will be at AMC Ponkapoag cabin. Cost is 12 dollars to cover reservation and food. We have about 15 bunks available. L Chris Turgeòn, L Scott Disnard, sdizzy@gmail.com), reg/w Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Sat., Nov, 13 Chapter Annual Meeting. The program will consist of a short business meeting, a great catered dinner, and a presentation by Erika Bloom of Mt. Kilimanjaro and her Tanzania Safari. Register and attend this yearly event.

Sat., Nov. 13. Big River Hike, West Greenwich. Start at 11:00 am. Thanks to Sandi Barber, we discovered what an enjoyable 3.5 mile hike this was last spring-now for a fall hike. Easy meeting spot just off I-95S Exit 6. Bring hiking shoes, water and lunch, or stop for lunch with us afterward. L Sandi Barber (401-4677881 evenings), CL Kris Caproni (401-952-8698)

Sun., Nov. 14. Rome Point hike, North Kingstown. Start at 10:00am. 4-5 miles of easy walking with a chance to see the returning seals. Call for directions if needed. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sun., Nov. 14. Wolf Hill/Mercer Lookout Hike. Hike 4-5 miles, starting at 8:45am. Meet at 215 Pleasant View Drive in Smithfield, next to the Smithfield Police Station off Route 116. Scenic fall view of Providence. Bring water and snacks. L John Feather (jfeather67@cox.net), CL Matt Putnam (401-862-2861 before 9:00pm)

Wed., Nov. 17. Hike and Social, Wakefield. Meet at the municipal parking lot behind Phil's Diner on Main Street, 6:00pm. Bring flashlight. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)

Sat., Nov. 20. Hike With Dogs at Browning Woods Farm Trail. Start at 9:00am. Easy 3-mile loop perfect for beginner hikers and dogs. Hiking boots required. No expandable leashes; we recommend harness/leash instead of collar/leash. Bring water, snacks and pickup bags. Orange Red. L Bonnie England (401-374-2507, bonniedune@aol.com), CL Paul Wynn

Sat., Nov. 20. Area 51 Hike. Hike starts on the Blackstone Bike Path in Lincoln with two off-the-path excursions on unknown and unpaved trails. Do you know where Area 51 is or what it was? Come find out. Great opportunity for new members to meet established AMC members. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Dave Natale (igb@att.net)

Sun., Nov. 21. Parker Woodland Hike. 6-8 miles. Hike through Rhode Island history. Bring water, lunch and hiking boots. L Pam Hill (401-269-1610, pjsh40@aol.com)

Sat., Nov. 27. Walk off the Turkey at Napatree Point. Potluck social after hike. For a longer hike, register with Linda Pease at 401-351-2234. For a shorter easy town/beach stroll, register with Roberta Jacobs. Great event for new members to meet current members. L Roberta Jacobs (401-315-0165, jacobs6@cox.net)