The Gansett Gazette
December - January Issue
2006-2007

The AMC Fall Gathering a Wonderful Success

Congratulations to all Narragansett Chapter volunteers, leaders and members for making the AMC Fall Gathering a great success. With 170 attendees we set a record for the last three years of fall and spring gatherings. More importantly we have received nothing but praise for all aspects of the gathering; the activities, the food, the greeters and the dancing and the new friends. Again Little Rhody and the Narragansett Chapter showed what we can do to host and create a memorable event. And to think we will not have a chance to do it again for six years!Again, thank all of you who made this event a wonderful success.
Jerry Bernardini,
Chapter Chair

Huge Thanks to Fall Gathering Volunteers

There were about 30 Narragansett Chapter Volunteers who helped with parking, registration, preparing food for one coffee break and two happy hours, directions, stuffing envelopes and running errands. I was feeling guilty that there was so much work to do and some had volunteered just to volunteer without any intention to partake in any of the planned activities. I needn’t have worried. They made a party out of stuffing envelopes and manning the registration desk. The party continued on Saturday. Every time I came in from checking on parking or whatever, they were having a grand old time while taking care of business. Apparently, volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Old friends sat together at the desk and old school mates who didn’t initially recognize each other due to married names and a few decades held a mini reunion.

When the Contra Dance started on Saturday night, people who had no intention of dancing had new friends who dragged them onto the floor. One admitted, his two left feet weren’t so bad after all, and he did, in fact, enjoy it. Looking back on a very successful Fall Gathering hosted by our chapter this year, I think the people who had the most fun, and enjoyed it the most were the volunteers.

On behalf of Maria Earley, in charge of hospitality, Anne LeClerc, the Registrar, the other committee members, and myself we give you all a hearty thank you! We couldn't have done it without you.

Linda Pease
Volunteer Coordinator

Last Minute Ski Trips Notice

Skiers - Sign up for e-mail notification of last minute ski trips, which could take place at any time with little notice. (We are starting with a new list this year, so you will need to sign up again, even if you signed up last year.)
To receive automatic e-mail notification of these trips for the 2006-2007 season, sign up for our moderated e-mail list by sending an e-mail from the account that you want to receive the notices in to:
ski-subscribe@amcnarragansett.org.
You will be sent an e-mail to confirm your address. Simply hit "reply" and send the response e-mail and you will be signed up. If you do not have internet access or e-mail you can contact Dan Reardon (884-6931) to inquire about any potential last minute ski trips.

ACTIVITIES

Sun Nov 26 Easy Walk-off-the-Turkey Hike: a stroll in Westerly’s Napatree Point and a bit of Watch Hill, 3–5 miles, with a POT LUCK to follow after the hike. L Linda Pease (351-2234) CL Roberta Jacobs.

Wed Nov 29 Hike and Social, Location Leaders Choice: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sat Dec 2 Hike Mt. Tom Ledges: 5 mile hike with some hills and a ledge overlook in Arcadia. Hiking boots req’d, bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. L Katherine Mears (348 9413).

Wed Dec 6 Hike and Social in the Village of Wickford at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat Dec 9 Parker Woodlands Hike: 7 miles. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water, wear proper clothing in layers depending on the weather, possible very wet areas. Hiking boots req’d. If inclement weather, hike will be canceled. L Lou Jacobs (315-0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Wed Dec 13 Hike and Social in Bristol at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Thursday Dec 14 Winter Hiking Introductory Workshop: come learn the basics of winter mountain hiking. Designed for experienced three season hikers who want to advance into the winter season. We’ll teach the basics of safe winter travel & discuss clothing and gear options. Topics include: heat mgmt and clothing, footwear (boots/snowshoes and crampons), energy mgmt, physical conditioning, winter safety. Call Tom Grasso (860) 928-7017, 8-9:30 or leave message at 781-9007.

Sat Dec 16 Fort Nature Refuge Hike: nice and easy, in the northern part of Rhode Island. We will be visiting 3 ponds, bring water and snacks, hiking boots req’d. L John Ross (884-8458)

Sat Dec 16 Hike in the Arcadia Management Breakheart to Penny Hill, the cut off, and shelter trails. 8-10 miles hike at a moderate pace. Boots and Legal Orange req’d. Cancel if heavy rain. Register by Thursday with L Maria Earley (789-8331)

Sun Dec 17 New Member Walk at Simmons Mill Pond in beautiful Tiverton, RI. Easy walk of 2 ½ miles with great views of Simmons Mill Ponds. Just 40 minutes to get there from Providence. Walk begins at 10:30am. Hot chocolate/cider at finish. Heavy rain/snow cancels. Contact Susan Jones (shilojones@fctvplus.net) - register by Thursday 12/14

Wed Dec 20 Hike and Social in East Greenwich at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Wed Dec 27 Hike and Social - Leaders Choice at 6pm. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sat Dec 30 Walk off Christmas Dinner in Uxbridge, a 10 miler from the the Visitor's Center to Plummer's Landing, then across the Blackstone to Look Out Rock. L Linda Pease (351-2234).

Mon Jan 1 Polar Bear Plunge Hike and Social in Newport: join the festivities at First Beach, followed by a 4 mile Cliff Walk hike and potluck. L Sid Wax 849-2595 (sid_w@yahoo.com), CL Bob Cillette (529-1611).

Wed Jan 3 Hike and Social at URI Campus in Kingston at 6pm, please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Sun Jan 5-7 Winter Skills Workshop: you want to do winter hiking? This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn and practice the basic skills needed for safe and comfortable winter hiking. Included in this workshop are an instructional hike Saturday and an introductory winter hike Sunday. Some rental gear is available. Lodging at local motel Fri and Sat nights. Cost $105 includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508 252-4349), CL Jim Dunn (294-2520)

Fri-Sun Jan 5-7 South and Middle Carter Backpack: summit South and Middle Carter. We will hike in a short distance, set up camp and then continue on. After a long day hike we will return to our winter wonderland and cozy bags. Sunday’s short exit hike will allow for a hot brunch at a local establishment. 12.9 mi., 3650 ft elev. gain. Friday lodging $30 day. L Dale Stefano, contact CL Tracy Sweeney at (clemintine5@yahoo.com)

Sun Jan 7 Hike the Vin Gormley Trail, long and flat. Discover this great trail and appreciate the hard work of our Trails Committee and Mr. Gormley's engineering feats. Hope for a winter wonderland and prep for winter hiking, proper boots req'd. L Linda Pease (351-2234), L John Stevens (295-4203)

Wed Jan 10 Hike and Social in Newport at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Friday Jan 12 Annual Tech Climbing Party, Middletown, RI at 7pm: slide shows of trips. L Linda Schroeder, (HealCoOp@aol.com or 845-6777). A variety of good food will be served. Please plan to BYOB and drinks and a $5 contribution to pay for the food kitty. Attendees must contact the leader by phone or email prior to January 7th to register and get directions.

Fri-Mon Jan 12–15 X-C Ski Heart of the Whites, Alpine: near many ski areas. Stay in warm and friendly ski club lodge in N. Conway, 2 - 4 per room, 3 breakfast, 2 dinners, 3 nights lodging, only $132. For proven intermediate skiers. Call to qualify L Jack Schempp (331-4553 )

Sat Jan 13 Walk Trustom Pond: delightful 3 mile walk, bring hiking boots, a snack and binoculars, if it snows, bring snowshoes. L’s Adele and Bob Holcombe (789-2574).

Wed Jan 17 Trails Committee Meeting Contact Anne at 823-1397 or Marge at 295-7101.

Wed Jan 17 Hike and Social in Providence at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611)

Fri-Sun Jan 19-21 Intermediate Winter Hike – Mt Cabot: Enjoy the trail less traveled. For fit, experienced winter hikers with proper gear. Moderately paced, 10.4 miles, 3200 ft elevation gain, 9 hours. Sunday’s hike is group choice. $150 fee includes 2 nights lodging at Pinkham, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L. Ed Poyer, Register with CL Sean Buckley (860 546-0635)after Dec. 21.

Sat Jan 20 Goddard Park, East Greenwich: a nice walk on the bridle path trails through the park. Wear proper clothing, bring water and snacks. L John Ross (884-8458)

Fri-Sat, Jan 19-20 Step by Step Winter Day Hike: Moderate day hike in the Crawford/ Franconia Notch area for recent Winter Workshop attendees or other winter hikers looking for a moderate winter hike. Approx. 6 mile hike at a moderate pace, with time allowed for new winter hikers to practice winter skills and learn how to enjoy the winter. Destination and route to be determined by conditions. Some rental gear available. Approximate cost $45.00, includes 1 night lodging and 1 breakfast. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349); CL Steve Harrison (401-270-3363)

Sun Jan 21 Great Swamp, S. Kingstown: 5 mile, easy hike arounf the swamp. Legal Orange and hiking boots req’d, possible snowshoe. L Lou Jacobs (315-0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Wed Jan 24 Hike and Social - Leaders Choice. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sun Jan 28 Walk About Trails in George Washington Management Area: 8 mile loop, if snow, bring snowshoes and stabilizers. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Sue Warthman.

Wed Jan 31 Hike and Social in Narragansett at 6pm, please bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri.-Sun., Feb. 2-4: X-C Ski Beginner and Intermediate Instructional Weekend : Ski at Boston Univ. Sargent Center in nearby Peterborough, N.H. $140 fee includes Fri & Sat bunk room lodging, Sat and Sun meals, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center and instruction in small groups. Ski rentals available. Leader has option to move event to Feb 16-18, by Jan. 29 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Call L Chris Shafer (789-8331 after 9pm or 222-2797, ext. 7511 weekdays) to determine if spaces still available. Send $140 check, payable to Chris Shafer, PO Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880.

Fri-Sun Feb 2–4 Best X-C Skiing in the Whites. Celebrate Ground Hogs Day at contemporary AMC Highland Lodge (2 nights), select best snow Bretton Woods, Jackson, Bear Notch, Waterville. Après Ski at famous Mt. Washington Hotel , includes 2 breakfasts, 2 memorable dinners, only $130. For intermediate skiers. Contact L Jack Schempp (331 4553).

Sat. Feb 3 What Happens to Old Cars? Up to 80% of the car is recycled. Bill’s Auto Parts, Cumberland, shows us how they recycle 2400 cars/yr Reservations: L Bob Sumner Mack 333-2602

Weds Feb 14 “Inconvenient Truth”, Global Warming/ Climate Change Al Gore’s widely acclaimed presentation, narrated by Al Gore, will be shown at Save the Bay, Providence. Paul Beaudette, Dir., National Wildlife Federation, will facilitate discussion at close, Donation, Refreshments, 7 PM. For reservations call Environment Council 621-8048, leave message and your phone number, or email environmentcouncil@earthlink.net For directions see www.savebay.org . Sponsored by NWF, Environment CouncilRI, SavetheBay, AMC, Sierra

Fri-Sun Feb 16-18 Challenging Winter Hike – Mts Galehead and South Twin: expect an early start, a bit of bushwhacking, some steep sections, and a possible exit by headlamp. 14.2 miles, 3,888 ft elevation gain, 11 hours, for very fit, experienced winter hikers with full winter gear, except ice ax. Share lodging with moderate Hike group. $105 fee included 2 nights hotel lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer. Register with CL Sean Buckley (860 546-0635) after Dec. 21st.

Fri-Sun Feb 16-18 Moderate Winter Hike–Mt. Liberty: try a winter 4,000 footer at a moderate pace. Approx 8 miles, 2,600 ft elevation gain, 7 hours. Ideal for fit, first-year winter hikers with appropriate equipment, or experienced winter hikers wanting a less strenuous day. Some equipment for rent. Share lodging with Mt. Galehead group. $105 fee includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com), CL Fred Griffith

Fri-Sun Feb 23-25 Mt Washington Weekend: hike to the summit of Mt Washington by the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, with a possible side trip to Monroe. 8.4 miles with 4,100ft elevation gain (more with Monroe). Significant above treeline exposure, for well-conditioned winter hikers only. Sunday, leaders’ choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Cost $105, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Charlie Killam (508 252-4349), register with CL Joe Piotti (423-0091).

Sat Feb 24 Global Warming: Impact on RI Prof. John King, URI, shares his research, Wickford Library, Reservations: Judy Boss 295 7478

Fri-Sun March 2-4 X-C Skiing Classic, Craftsbury, VT, a scenic Vermont village known for reliable snow and miles of New England charm. Weekend includes delicious, hot, homemade meals : 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 per room, shared bath. Skiing – No charge. BYO Social Hour. For active, intermediate skiers. $186.pp. Phone to qualify L Jack Schempp (331 4553).

Sat. Mar 10 Apeiron House Tour, 70% Energy Reduction More that 50 systems, technologies, products that reduce energy consumption, Coventry, Donation. Reservations: Carol Richards 438-8448. Directions:www.apeiron.org

Fri-Sun March 16-18 Mt Moriah Weekend: day hike to Mt Moriah by the Stony Brook Trail. 10 miles with 3,200 ft elevation gain. Challenging, all day hike, early start, late finish, for experienced, well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders’ choice. Stay at Pinkham Friday and Saturday nights. Cost $145, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Sign up by February 12. L Charlie Killam (508 252-4349). CL Jim Dunn (294-2520).

Fri-Sun March 23-25 Post-Winter Hike–Webster-Jackson: enjoy this popular mountain in winter conditions without the crowds. Approx. 7 miles, 2500 ft elevation gain, 7 hours. For fit winter hikers with appropriate equipment, ideal for first year winter hikers, or those wanting a relaxed day. Limited number of showshoes & crampons for rent. $105 fee includes 2 nights hotel lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. L Ed Poyer. For details, email CL Denise Poyer (denisepoyer@gmail.com).

Sat Apr 14 Ultimate Earth Day Clean Up – Colt Park, Bristol Sparkling waves, gulls, salt air—Best site in RI Awarded to AMC. Join your friends in sprucing up the park. 9:30 Contact: Jack Schempp 331-4553 or Barbara Flagg 487 4376

Sat Apr 21 AMC Conservation & Trails Earth Day Project See April edition of Gazette for details