The Gansett Gazette

October-November
2013

Narragansett Chapter AMC
Leadership Roster

Mailed Gazette to be Discontinued.

The Chapter Board has decided to discontinue mailing the Gazette newsletter. The last mailed issue will be Dec-Jan 2014. This issue will be the last in a 10 year run for this Gazette format. The same (pdf format) Gazette will still be available on the website if members wish to download and print a personal copy. The enhanced online Gazette will not change, and will still include trip changes and additions through the bi-monthly schedules.

For those who absolutely rely on the mailed version, they should contact the webmaster or any of the Board members. Arrangements will be made to get the Gazette to them. The upside is that the Chapter will save over $6,000 per year, which can be used to enhance activities and benefit our Chapter, members and volunteers. Since our Chapter has, and is, financially stable, various suggestions have been discussed. The Board would appreciate input from members. You may contact any of the Board members with your ideas.

Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting
Save November 9th

ACTIVITIES

Sat., Oct. 12-13. Rock Climbing - Gunks. Rock Climbing - Gunks. Climbers capable of 5.6 routes or better. Trip size may be limited due to leader to second ratio. L Sarah Rich (saeandpetzl@gmail.com)

Sat., Oct. 12. 5th annual Family Event on the Hill. (new) The Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy will host its 5th annual Family Event on the Hill Saturday, October 12, 2013, from noon to 3 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Oct. 13) The event is free and open to the public. Join AMC members to hear storytellers, enjoy face painting, children's games, pumpkin painting, a visit by members of the Providence Mounted Police, a Providence Fire Department truck and Sparky the fire dog - and a guided fall hike. The event will take place in the meadow at the summit of Neutaconkanut Hill, 88 acres of beautiful forest, located in Providence, on the Johnston line. Where: Neutaconkanut Hill Meadow (access from Legion Memorial Drive to the gate entrance. Attendants will assist.) Walkers/Hikers: Dress for walking forested trails. Sponsored by the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy and the Providence Parks Department. Questions? Call 946-6594 or 943-1219 or e-mail <susan@nhill.org> or <elli.neuthill@gmail.com> This is a Non-AMC event. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Mon., Oct. 14. RI Families in nature Family hike Diamond Hill State Park. (new) Family hike on Diamond Hill, Rte 114 Cumberland. Monday at 10:30am. Once a former ski slope, Diamond Hill offers spectacular views and a fairly gradual climb to the summit for young ones and older kids to enjoy. We will take the wooded path from the paved road to get to the summit (easily identified by the old ski lift footings) for a total of about 1.5miles. This is a moderately challenging hike for kids. We'll meet in the parking lot at 10:30am and begin our hike promptly at 10:45am. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water. This is a non-AMC event. For more information go to www.rifamiliesinnature.org. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)

Wed., Oct. 16. Long/Ell/Blue/Ashville Ponds hike. 6 mile hike to 4 ponds, Long, Ell, Ashville & Blue. Nice hike w/some steep sections, great overlooks, and a little bushwacking as well. Please bring sturdy boots, lots of water, snacks and lunch. 9:30 start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 16. Hike and Social, Wickford. 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., Oct. 18-20 AMC Fall Gathering 2013. (registration closed) This year's AMC Fall Gathering, hosted by the Delaware Valley Chapter, will be held at Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA in Dingmans Ferry in northeastern Pennsylvania, right at the edge of the spectacular Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Fall Gathering is a club-wide event of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and paddling, along with social hours, dinners, a Saturday night barn dance and campfires. There will be members from all twelve AMC chapters in attendance. Read more...

Sat., Oct. 19. 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 Patricia D'Ambra (401-949-3374)

Sat., Oct. 19. Bridge Rehab and trail erosion. (canceled, to be rescheduled) 6-8 strong volunteers needed to assist in bridge rehabilitation, Burlingame Management area, and other individuals to work on repairing and preventing trail erosion. Meet, 8:30 am in Burlingame camp entrance parking lot. L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7pm to 9pm, Christopher.Shafer@dem.ri.gov) CL David Cranmer (401-447-9848 before 9pm, dcranmer@neit.edu)

Sat., Oct. 19. Hike w/Dogs. (new) Join us for a fall hike with dogs at Tillinghast in West Greenwich. Registration is required. L Judy Van Wyk (401-419-7932, peacefulpeople@yahoo.com) CL Russ Miller CL Paul Wynn

Tue., Oct. 22. Norman Bird Sanctuary/Sachuest Pt. Refuge Hike. 7 miles in two distinctly different locations a short drive apart. See great wildlife, ocean views, craggy ridges, and woodlands. Then we'll visit Newport's own Purgatory Chasm. We'll do a potluck lunch to share. 10am start in Norman. L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net) L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net)

Wed., Oct. 23. Hike and Social, Lincoln Woods. 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Leave 6pm from beach parking lot. It's a treat to see the evening sunset reflecting off the pond. Bring flashlights. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 23. Local Hiking Meeting. (new) Planning meeting at 6:00-07:30 PM at Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer St. Pawtucket RI. Contact Christine or Mary Ann for information or and RSVP. Christine Galvin and MaryAnn Tropp.

Fri., Oct. 25. Trails Committee Meeting. The Trails Committee will meet Friday, October 25, at 6:30 pm at the home of Henry and Martha Cruciani, 81 Edmond Dr, Warwick (off Cowesett Ave). Contact Dav Cranmer if planning to attend. L David Cranmer (401-447-9848 before 9pm, dcranmer@neit.edu)

Fri., Oct. 25. Arcadia Trail hike. (new) 7 - 9 miles with many ups and downs at a moderate pace. Not a hike for beginners. Bring hiking boots, water, lunch and legal orange vest. Rain cancels this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com)

Sat., Oct. 26. Corn Maze Social. Join us for our first corn maize adventure. Come get lost at one of the biggest Corn Mazes in RI. The plan is to meet 3 pm at 255 Middle Rd. Portsmouth RI. Possible dinner after in the surrounding area. L Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Sat., Oct. 26. Arcadia Management Area hike. (new) This is a beautiful trail combining forest, a brook, and Breakheart Pond, which we will hike around adding another mile to the Ken Weber's hike # 34. There are also a cemetery, an old farmhouse foundation, and a fish ladder at the pond to view. Wear hiking boots and bring water, legal orange vest, bug spray if you use it. For more information and meeting time contact leader or co-leader. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) CL Karen Paley (ksurman1@cox.net)

Tue., Oct. 29. Narragansett Trail, Bullet/Hi Ledges CT Hike. 9 mile hike of Narragansett Trail in Eastern CT. includes Bullet and High Ledges. A long tough day of hiking. Sturdy boots/hiking shoes required, bring lots of water, lunch and snacks. MUST wear orange! 9:30 start for short car spot. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Oct. 30. Hike and Social, Newport. 2-3 mile hike and we go out to eat. Get off the couch and join us. Meet at CVS on Bellevue. We may walk on the Cliff Walk or take an alternate scenic route. Flashlights. Leave at 6 pm. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)

Sat., Nov. 2. Blackstone Park trails improvement event. Join with AMC members and Friends of Blackstone Park in efforts to prevent and control trail erosion. No prior experience needed. Start 9 AM. Bring water, lunch, work gloves (or we loan gloves, if needed) and wear hiking boots or similar with a good tread. All tools provided. Rain date, Nov. 3 at same starting time. Directions provided, upon registering for event. L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7 PM - 9 PM, Christopher.Shafer@dem.ri.gov)

Sat., Nov. 2. Parker Woodland hike, Coventry. (new) Enjoy the Fall weather. Approxomately 7-mile moderately paced hike. Bring water, snack/lunch. Boots recommended. 9:30 AM start. Parker is on Maple Valley Rd in Coventry. L Kerri Green (kegreslp@gmail.com) CL Karen Paley (Ksurman1@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 6. Tillinghast/Wickaboxet/Pratt Hike. 8+ mile hike on the Tillinghast Pond Management area and new connecting trails to Wickaboxet and Pratt Conservation areas. Must wear legal orange. Bring water, snacks, lunch. 10:00 am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) CL Bob Passano

Wed., Nov. 6. Hike and Social, Narragansett. Meet at the courtyard by the Narragansett Towers by the Coast Guard House. 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. Bring flashlight. L Susan Boland (401-556-3926, sboland2@cox.net)

Sat., Nov. 9. Annual Chapter Meeting. Register for this years Chapter Annual Meeting. From 5:30 to 9:15pm on Saturday November 9. Socialize, attend a short business meeting where we recognize members for their work with the Chapter. Then a catered dinner and a presentation by Bill Betty on Mountain Lions in New England. Read more and see the registration form.

Sun., Nov. 10. Veterans Memorial walk. (new) Join us for a walk in honor of all Veterans at the veterans cemetery in Exeter at 10:00 AM. We will meet at the entrance on Rt 2. L Richard Sullivan (401-338-2880, grampydick2001@yahoo.com)

Mon., Nov. 11. Ice Skating. (new) Come join us for an Ice Skating social at the Boss Ice Arena in Kingston. No prior skating experience needed. Skate rentals are available at the Ice rink. L Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)

Wed., Nov. 13. Hike and Social, Providence. (leader change) 3 mile hike and we go to dinner. Get off the couch and join us. A brisk walk through the hills of the East Side and downcity. Meet at 6 pm at the Gazebo on South Water Street, by the river. Flashlights. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net

Thu., Nov. 14. Frances Carter Preserve Hike. 6 mile easy hike on woodland trails. This is the Nature Conservancy's 2nd largest nature preserve in Rhode Island. Bring water, snacks. Lunch/late breakfast at local diner afterward. Additional hike in Ninigret and Kettle Pond a possibility. 10am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (mpkayak@cox.net)

Fri., Nov. 15. Camp Yawgoog Hike. (new) 7 - 9 miles in Camp Yawgoog Boy Scout Reservation. This is a strenuous hike not for beginners. Bring hiking boots, water, lunch. Rain cancels this hike. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com)

Fri., Nov. 15. Brushing and blazing opportunity. (new) Join a small group to re-blaze and brush part of the Arcadia Trail. No experience needed. Tools and orange vest provided. L Jennie Crooks (401-739-5497, jbcrooks1@verizon.net)

Sat., Nov. 16. Hike w/Dogs. (new) Join us for a fall hike at Browning Woods Trail in South Kingstown. Registration is required. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com) CL Paul Wynn CL Judy Van Wyk

Nov. 16. Parker Woodland Hike. 7-8 miles hike. (new) Walk with history through woodlands once a farm site with some ruins and stone cairns. Terrain: there are rocks, many roots, some ups and downs at a moderate pace. Requirements: legal orange, boots, lunch, water, and dress accordingly. Rain will cancel the event. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00PM - 9:00PM) CL Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com)

Wed., Nov. 20. Green Falls Pond Hike. 7 mile hike starting in Yawgoog, circle around the pond in Pachaug State Forest through a really cool gorge and back. Moderate to strenuous sections. Must wear legal orange! Bring water, snacks, lunch and STURDY boots. 9:30 sharp start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

Wed., Nov. 20. Hike and Social, Warwick City Park. 2-3 mile hike and we go to dinner. A walk in the park. Get off the couch and join us 6 p.m. Warwick City Park on Asylum Rd, off Buttonwoods. Flashlights. Contact CL for info. L Sidney Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com) CL Ginny Calabrese (401-782-6518)

Fri., Nov. 22. Burlingame State Park hike. (new) 10 miles at a moderate pace. We'll start at Kettle Pond Visitor Center and hike Vin Gormley Trail. Bring sturdy boots, water, lunch. Rain cancels this hike. Will need an early start to spot cars. L Carol Baldwin (ctbaldwin36@yahoo.com) L Maria Earley (xswampy50@gmail.com)

Sat., Nov. 23. Tripyramids and E. Sleeper hike. (new) In conjunction with the YM Fall cabin weekend event, we will ascend the Tripyramids and make and out and back to East Sleeper. Long day, possible winter conditions. 14+ miles and 4k elevation gain. 2MPH Pace. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com) CL Tammy Daugherty , reg/w Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)

Sat., Nov. 23. Bridge Rehab and trail erosion. (rescheduled from Oct. 19) 6-8 strong volunteers needed to assist in bridge rehabilitation, Burlingame Management area, and other individuals to work on repairing and preventing trail erosion. Meet, 8:30 am in Burlingame camp entrance parking lot. L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7pm to 9pm, Christopher.Shafer@dem.ri.gov) CL David Cranmer (401-447-9848 before 9pm, dcranmer@neit.edu)

Sun., Nov. 24. Beach Pond South, Arcadia Mgmt Area Hike. (rescheduled from Sat.) 7 mile hike using Tippecansett, Dye Hill, Brushy Brook and Deep Pond trails. Great hike. Please bring lots of water, snacks and lunch. MUST wear at least 200 sq. in. of legal orange. 10am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Katherine Mears (401-348-9413, medtho@cox.net)

Tue., Nov. 26. Blue Hills Skyline Hike. 7+mile hike on Skyline Trail. Tough hike w/lots of ups and downs. Sturdy boots, water snacks, lunch. Early departure from RI. Call for meet time and location. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marciem18@verizon.net) L Margie Parsons (401-743-3405, mpkayak@cox.net)

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