Volume 32, Number 1
Spring 2011
A View From
The Chair
Rock and ice climbing guidebooks are
notorious for their subjective descriptions
of how to follow – or, indeed, even how
to find - a given route up the side of a cliff.
Consequently it was no great surprise that
after bush-whacking uphill through knee-deep snow for an hour
and a half this past January, the four of us who were in search of an
elusive multi-pitch ice climb named Embargo finally admitted defeat.
After a brief rest, we shouldered our packs, each loaded with 30 plus
pounds of climbing gear and cold weather clothing, and retraced
our steps (more of a half-glissade, half-tumble, actually) back down
hill and proceeded to a “plan B” option – top-rope ice climbing in
an area called the Texaco Amphitheater.
The sort of “adventure” described above might be anathema to
individuals who are set on achieving specific objectives on specific
schedules on specific dates. But to those who enjoy the journey
as much as the summit, it’s all good. While it was somewhat
disappointing to have missed out on completing our intended
route, along the way to our “defeat” we enjoyed bluebird skies,
the beauty and solitude of a fresh snowfall along the Saco River,
spectacular views from high up a cliff side in Crawford Notch, and
the camaraderie of friends in pursuit of a cooperative objective. The
day might not have gone according to plan, but it was enjoyable all
the same.
Your chapter is busily completing plans for spring and summer
activities and education classes. Many of these are already entered
into the club-wide trip listing system and are searchable online.
Whether your interests are hiking, backpacking, paddling, bicycling,
rock climbing, trail work, or conservation initiatives, the chapter has
activities that may be of interest to you.
In particular, please consider joining the Trails Committee for
“Give-A-Day” on May 7th. This is our chapter’s signature workday
on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Connecticut. Many of the laborintensive projects needed to repair and maintain the section of the
AT that crosses through our state are scheduled for this day, and
we could use your help. And if you’re looking for a new outdoor
activity to become involved with, consider the introductory activity
classes that will be offered. Our Mountaineering and White water
Committees have programs that will help you learn basic rock
climbing and paddling skills.
At some point during the 2011 legislative session, our chapter’s
Conservation Committee will be soliciting your help to secure a
modification to Connecticut’s so-called “Recreational Use” statute
that would help protect access to open-space for a variety of
activities, such as hiking, climbing, and paddling. I’d like to thank the
members of the chapter who have been working with our friends and
Continued on page 7 . . .
partners at Connecticut Forest and Parks,
CT-AMC
Spring Dinner 2011
Saturday, April 16th • Cheshire Grange
Reservations $15 • Must RSVP by April 8th
~ presents author ~
Dan W. DeLuca
“In Search of The Old Leatherman”
DAN DELUCA is a genealogist, a Meriden,
CT historian, and a retired high school
teacher. He has been researching the
Leather Man for twenty years and is the
leading expert on the subject.
In 1883, wearing a sixtypound suit sewn from leather
boot-tops, a wanderer known
only as the Leather Man
began to walk a 365 mile loop
between the Connecticut and
Hudson Rivers that he would
complete every 34 days, for almost six
years. His circuit took him through at
least 41 towns in southwestern Connecticut and southeastern New York,
sleeping in caves, accepting food from townspeople, and speaking only in
grunts and gestures along the way.
When:
Saturday, April 16th
Where:
Cheshire Grange
Reservations:Mail $15 check payable to “AMC CT Chapter” to:
David Bellemare, 91 Kendall Circle, Waterbury, CT 06708
by Friday, April 8th
Program:Non-alcoholic social hour, 5 to 6 pm
Roast beef dinner, 6 pm
Evening presentation, 7:15 pm
Questions & Book Signing, 8:15 pm
Cost:
MC Members: $15, Non-members: $15,
A
Presentation only: $5
Directions:Cheshire Grange is near the center of Cheshire, CT. To
get there, turn east from Route 10 onto Wallingford
Road (by Town Hall). It’s one block south of Routes 10 &
68 intersection. Go one and a half blocks. The Grange is
on the left with parking on both sides of the building.
Questions:[email protected]
or call Dave Bellemare at 203-753-9126
UNCLE AMC WANTS YOU!
HIKE LEADERS - Like to be a Hike Leader? Contact David Roberts at:
[email protected].
Get involved! - Conservation Committee: www.ct-amc.org/Conservation
The Newsletter of the Connecticut Chapter Appalachian Mountain Club
Volume 32, Number 1, Spring 2011
Editors & Publishers: Darcy Witham, Maggie Grayson & Debra Rich
Please send future newsletter submissions and advertising to:
Editor: The AMC In CT, 71 Noble Street, Stamford, CT 06902
or [email protected]
Read online: www.ct-amc.org/News/pages/archives.htm
Please send all address and e-mail corrections to:
AMC, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108 or [email protected]
Get trained! - www.ct-amc.org/Education
Get Out, Get Going - www.ct-amc.org/www.trips.outdoors.org
For more information - About outings, meetings, education, training,
events and this year’s entertainment, review listings in AMC Outdoors
magazine and on the web at: www.ct-amc.org.
Receive Your Newsletter Electronically
Opt-in to receive future CT-AMC chapter newsletters electronically. To sign
up online, visit www.ct-amc.org or www.outdoors.org/MemberCenter for
detailed instructions to update your newsletter delivery preference. ?
CT-AMC Is Looking For You!
We need membership committee volunteers! Their tasks would include:
Winter Fun at Zealand Falls Hut
~ by David Roberts
In mid January hike leaders Dale Geslien and Leo Kelly led a
group totaling ten hikers on a long weekend snow shoe trip to
Zealand Falls Hut in the White Mountains. With about 20 miles of
snowshoeing, plenty of snow, temperatures dipping well below
zero and a trip to the top of 4,000 footer Mt. Hale, the trip
included some serious exercise along with useful winter hiking
instruction. However, as participant David Roberts said “it was
- responding to questions about AMC membership
- sending out new member packets
- coordinating new member activities at the spring dinner
- coordinating “tabling” events at Banff, EMS club days and the like
- recognition of 25 and 50 year members at the Annual Gathering
Please contact Tim Linehan, Chapter Chair at [email protected]
SAVE THE DATES
August Camp: July 16th - August 13th, 2011. In the Magnificent Canadian
Rockies! Visit www.augustcamp.org for all the latest details.
Fall Gathering: October 14th - 16th, 2011. The dates could change, so
mark your calendar in pencil. More details to come on this.
FCG Keeps Moving Along ~ by David Roberts, FCG Co-Chair
In its 2010 / 2011 season, the Fairfield County Group has continued its
tradition of providing popular speaker meetings in Bethel and Westport, with
speakers covering topics ranging from Antarctica to Bolivia to the Brooks
Range in Alaska. In addition, FCG's Fall Hike and BBQ Picnic and December
Holiday Bash attracted appreciative crowds.
In Westport, FCG has been holding its popular speaker dinners at Saugatuck
Church this season, while its normal location at Holy Trinity Church undergoes
The group geared up and ready to leave Zealand Falls Hut.
also about fun. One of the great things about AMC trips whether
they are one day events, weekends or longer, is that they bring
together people with really different backgrounds but with a
common desire to spend time in the great outdoors with other
people and enjoy the experience.”
Dale and Leo have run similar winter weekend trips for a number
of years with a growing list of regular participants. All share
in carrying in food, cooking, washing up, enjoying ice cold
bunkrooms and thawing out at select watering holes afterwards.?
SOLO WFA ~ by John Crist, Education Chair
April 16th-17th, 2011. Wilderness First Aid Training. Two
full days of instruction from SOLO instructors. Topics include
patient assessment, shock, long-term patient care, soft tissue
injuries, environmental emergencies, fractures, dislocations, splint
improvisation and preparedness. $140 includes instruction, meals,
and lodging. Held at White Memorial Conservation Center,
Litchfield, CT. Visit www.ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm for
registration form, information on what to bring and more. ?
2-
Dancers in La Paz Bolivia.
major renovations. With work now well underway, FCG is planning to return
to Holy Trinity Church at the start of its 2011 / 2012 season in September. ?
2010 AMC Leadership Training Program ~ by Sheila Solari, 2010 AMC Leadership Training Participant
Have you ever thought about leading an AMC hike, bike ride, or kayak
outing? Would you like to learn the fundamentals of group leadership?
If you answered yes, I encourage you to
consider attending the AMC Leadership
Training School. I have just returned from
the weekend program and can honestly
say it was well worth my time. Learning
about group dynamics, trip planning, and
emergency management (among other
topics) with like-minded people in a beautiful
outdoor setting was really enjoyable.
sight of an awesome buck sauntering across the property! Other sessions
that day included leadership styles and Leave No Trace. The culmination
of Saturday’s activities was role playing.
During the role plays, we simulated an actual
hike, and each member of the group got
to perform various roles, including group
leader. This gave us a feel for leading and an
appreciation for all that goes into it. Saturday
night, after a delicious salmon dinner, many
of us went for a moonlight hike around the
grounds and on the boardwalk.
Upon arriving at the Carriage House in the
White Memorial Conservation Area around
5:30 on Friday night, I met the program organizers who invited me to
join them for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Litchfield Center. Later
that night, I socialized with many of the program participants during a
fun ice breaker activity. Afterwards we gathered together to learn more
about the mission and overall structure of the AMC.
Sunday’s presentations included accident
scene management, liability issues, and
more role plays. I had a chance to brush up on some rusty map and
compass skills and learn how to respond to an emergency such as
hypothermia. Late Sunday afternoon, as I gathered my belongings
and loaded up the car for the trip home, I felt empowered with new
knowledge and hands-on experience to feel confident leading a hike.
I also felt fortunate to have shared this experience with great teachers
and attendees from CT, MA, NJ, and PA, all of whom have a passion for
the outdoors and a desire to share this passion with others.
Saturday morning, after breakfast and a welcome cup of coffee, we
headed to our classroom, a small building that was a short walk from the
Carriage House. Given the setting, it should have come as no surprise
when our morning session on group dynamics was interrupted by the
Preserving Our Natural Heritage
Utilizing a solid curriculum presented by engaging teachers, the AMC
Leadership Training School is a very effective and fun program. Why not
think about taking part in it yourself? ?
The 128th Annual Fall Hiking Week
~ by Steve Braciak, Fall Hiking Week Hiking Chair
~ by Timothy L. Grover,
CT-AMC Natural Heritage Coordinator
While many of us have hiked the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, I
wonder how many of us have thought about what a unique area the
trail and surrounding area truly are. While we easily see the hills and
their forests, rocky ledges and cliffs, and the Housatonic River, we don’t
typically see that the trail is dotted with unusual natural communities
that provide homes to rare plants and animals. The AT is an important
reservoir of natural diversity in Connecticut. What few people realize
is that rare, endangered and threatened plants and animals need
someone to look out for them. They don’t simply survive because they
are on public land. Rare plants especially have very specific needs and
require special habitats. But by saving these plants we also save the
larger habitats that they occupy. As a result we preserve the scenic
diversity we enjoy along the trail.
Part of the work of the Trails Committee is to monitor the natural
heritage along the trails and the adjoining park land. With 52 miles
of trail and 27 different sites to monitor, and the large property at
Bunker Hill there is a lot of work to do. As the new Natural Heritage
Coordinator, I am working to expand the number of volunteers
dedicated to this task. Perhaps you have not gotten involved in trails
work in the past because it appears to be physically demanding. Well
here is the perfect opportunity to get involved and give back to the
trail we all love. Natural history monitoring does not require a science
degree; it only requires curiosity and a desire on your part to protect the
environment. Monitoring does make use of your hiking skills and your
sense of adventure. Good observational skills are needed but they will
get better with experience. The typical time commitment is 8-12 hours
per year. We are busiest in the late spring and early summer but might
be out almost any time of the year. We’ll provide the rest of the resources
to get the job done. Please send me an e-mail at naturalheritagecoord@
ct-amc.org if you want to get involved or need more information. ?
The 128th Annual Fall Hiking Week, a CT-AMC sponsored club-wide
event, will be held this year at Purity Spring Resort, in East Madison,
NH, from September 23rd-30th. Join us for the weekend, a few days, or
the full week. Purity is a family-owned resort and home of the King Pine
ski area. East Madison is located on Route 153, about 8 miles south of
Conway. Please visit: www.purityspring.com.
This fall event typically draws a large group of avid hikers. Last year,
94 hikers attended, with several guided hikes each day, from easy to
challenging, in the White Mountains. All meals are included. The day
starts out with a buffet breakfast, a table fully stocked for trail lunch
preparation, and continues with 4 pm tea and cookies, 5 pm social hour
(punch, cheese, crackers) and concludes at the evening meal, with your
choice of meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetarian meals.
Amenities include a tennis court, 50-foot indoor pool, hot tub, fitness
center, and massage
therapy.
Weather
permitting, you may
want to enjoy a
swim in Purity's own
lake or explore the
lake with free use
of their kayaks and
canoes. Daily rates
per person (including
three meals a day,
taxes, and restaurant
gratuities) are $99
Dan Houde/Purity Spring photo library.
for 1-3 nights and
$90 for 4-7 nights double occupancy, and $115 for 1-3 nights and
$106 for 4-7 nights single occupancy. A few luxury rooms are available
for an additional charge. Evening entertainment is provided daily.
Registration deadline is August 15th. For details and a registration form,
please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the registrar: Marion
Grillon, 315 East Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247. Inquiries, call or
write: 413 663-8700, e-mail [email protected]. ?
-3
Photo of Dick Blake (on the left) with
Ann Sherwood and Congresswoman
Nancy Johnson at the dedication of the
Handicapped Accessible Trail.
Dick Blake,
CT-AMC Chapter
Dick Blake of Milford, CT, passed
away on January 23, 2011. Dick
was a long time member of the
Connecticut trails community, and most notable, was his involvement
with the AT in Connecticut. He had been involved with the AT since at
least 1982. He was a former Trails Chairman of the Connecticut Forest
& Park Association, and served as CT-AMC Trails Chairman from 19861988. It was during this period that trail acquisition efforts were at their
height. In May 1988, the longest and most controversial relocation,
which moved the AT entirely to the west side of the Housatonic River,
was opened, and Dick simultaneously opened the old AT route as the
Mohawk Trail, “the trail that was built in a day.” Until a few years ago,
Dick continued to actively serve on the CT Trails Committee as Overseer
of Lands. Dick was responsible for the concept, design, funding, and
construction of the “AT Accessible Trail” section in Falls Village, CT. Dick
was inspiring in his dedication to corridor monitoring and protection.
He is responsible for the creation of the CT monitoring and boundary
programs as they are today. Dick was a gentleman and a diplomat, and
will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have worked with him. ?
Connecticut AT “Inn-to-Inn” Hike
~ by Jay and Phyllis LoVetere, Southbury, CT
My wife and I are both in our mid-40's and have been hiking for years,
enjoying the time together while getting a real good workout. At the
same time, we are not big fans of the “sleep outside” experience. After
hearing that the CT section of the AT is actually one of the most scenic
parts of the trail, we went about formulating a trip that would not
only allow us to do some serious day hiking, but also check out inns
along the way, getting the comforts of a hot shower, bed, and in most
cases, a cooked meal without the hassle of pitching a tent, battling the
elements, or hunting for food (although trying to find anything to eat in
Falls Village on a Tuesday is a challenge!). Here's how we set out to do it.
Technically, the CT portion of the AT is roughly 52 miles, but when you
add in miles to get to the trail along with the walks to and from the inns
from the trail, count on 12-15 miles per day of hiking or about 70 miles
in five days. Northwestern CT is quite remote, so mapping out places
to stay and eat along the way was no picnic. After driving through the
area and looking online, we mapped out an itinerary heading south.
The CT AT “Inn-to-Inn” Hike, as I like to call it, is conveniently broken
into five sections of similar length:
Day 1 – R
ace Brook Falls in Sheffield MA to Salisbury CT, intersection
Routes 41 and 44 – 15 miles.
Day 2 – S alisbury through Falls Village to Lime Rock, Routes 7 and 112
intersection – 12 miles.
Day 3 – L ime Rock to Cornwall Bridge area + couple miles down Route
7 – 15 miles.
Day 4 – C
ornwall Bridge area along Housatonic River to Route 341 to
Kent – 15 miles.
Day 5 – K
ent to CT/NY border, Route 55 – 15 miles.
We both carried backpacks. Mine weighed 23 lbs., which included
eight lbs. of water, and my wife had a 12 lb. Camelbak with three liters
of built-in water capacity. We each had one set of lightweight pants
and a semi-decent shirt for dinner at the inns. We wore the same pair of
shorts each day (my wife had a pair of wind pants just in case), carried
three hiking shirts, a first-aid kit, a can of bear spray, a bag of snacks,
lightweight coats, and not much more.
4-
Birge Dayton, CT-AMC Chapter
Birge Dayton of Coventry, CT,
passed away on January 15,
2011. Birge was a faithful and
enthusiastic trails man. He
was an AMC White Mountain
Trails section leader as well as a
Section Maintainer on the AT in
Connecticut for many years. In
1989, Birge became the CT-AT
Open Space Coordinator. He
served as the AT liaison to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.
Birge was the CT-AMC Trails Committee Chairman from 1995-1997.
Following that commitment, Birge became the Committee’s Structures
Coordinator. In this role, although he preferred bridge design, he
designed and oversaw the construction of many moldering privies
which now are in service along the AT in Connecticut. He proudly was
our “Privy King.” Birge was also heavily involved in trail matters with
the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and the Joshua’s Tract Land
Trust in eastern Connecticut. Birge was a modest and humble man, and
will be dearly missed. ?
The trip starts at Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield, MA. The lodge is a
country, rustic setting with 25-30 units and a restaurant called the Stage
Coach Inn. The people at the inn make you feel right at home and the
owner, Dave, filled us in on the history of the area. A real favorite place
of my wife. The Race Brook Falls Trail connects to the lodge’s property,
making it an ideal spot to start the journey. After a two-mile hike up (and
I mean up as you ascend from about 750 to 2,400 feet) the Race Brook
Falls Trail, you arrive on the AT. Day 1 is the toughest hiking day. Once
you hit the AT you have to go over Mount Race down to Sages Ravine
where you cross in to CT and then up over Bear Mountain (slightly over
2,300 feet), past Lion's Head and down to the town of Salisbury. It’s a
glorious day with beautiful views along the way including a 360 view on
top of Mount Race as you go through the highest points in CT.
After an overnight at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury (which was a fancy
spot by all measures and had a nice tap room), the AT crosses Rand’s View
over Prospect Mountain down to the falls in Falls Village and on to Lime
Rock. We stayed at Lime Rock’s White Hollow Inn (B & B with four rooms
and a kitchen which we used to make some pasta as eating options are
limited in this area). The inn was a few miles past the town of Falls Village,
which had very little open during the week. Day 3 goes from White
Hollow Inn over Mount Easter and Sharon Mountain, past Pine Knob and
Breadloaf Mountain, and ending at the Cornwall Bridge where Baird’s
Store serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a solid 12-13 mile stretch
to the bridge and another 2.5 miles down Route 7 to the Cornwall Inn.
Day 4 takes you from the Cornwall Bridge, along the Housatonic River,
over St. John’s Ledge and Caleb’s Peak to Route 341 and walk in to Kent.
Another 15 plus miles by the time you walk the roads and arrive at the
Fife 'n Drum Inn and Restaurant (where the owner plays the piano for
dinner guests) in downtown Kent. The final day of hiking takes you over
Mount Algo, Schaghticoke Mountain, past Bulls Bridge to the NY/CT
border off Hoyt Road/Route 55. Unfortunately a sprained knee kept me
from pushing on this day (reminder to myself to invest in some hiking
poles for hikes like this with a backpack heavier than my normal load).
Although we could not complete the trip as originally planned, we
hiked over 50 miles, had a great time seeing new things, and enjoyed
the inns along the way. We plan to head back this fall and complete it
uninterrupted. By the way, you will need a ride to and from the start
and end points and we could only find one taxi service in northwestern
CT, so make sure you bring the taxi phone number if plans go awry.
Nothing ever goes according to plan, which makes the journey much
more enjoyable than the prize! P.S. I would tell you I saw a bear but that
may scare you off from trying the inn-to-inn experience. ?
Save the Date - AT “Give-A-Day” 2011
~ by Dave Boone, Trails Chair
Saturday, May 7th, 2011. Come out
with the CT-AMC Trails Committee
for AT Give-A-Day and
assist in improvements to
the Connecticut portion
of the Appalachian Trail.
The day ends with the
raucous “social,” at
which volunteers get the
mud off and brag about
their achievements of
The day begins with
project
descriptions;
select one that appeals
the most to you! There will be something for all interests
and abilities. Anticipated projects include basic trail
maintenance, erosion control, boundary maintenance,
rock-step construction, and water bars and check dams.
“AT Day” 2010
the day! None of this is to be missed!
For more information, contact Dave
Boone at [email protected]. ?
Photos courtesy of Donald Bellemare.
Family Activities ~ by Debra Rich, Family Activities, Co-Chair
~ by David Roberts,
FCG Co-Chair
With
beautiful
fall
weather, the CT chapter
held its fourth annual “AT
Day” day on Saturday,
October 23rd with 10
hikes covering the whole
of the CT section of the Photograph shows Eric Stones leading a family hike
Appalachian Trail and in Macedonia State Park.
nearby, a bicycle ride, a trail work party, a flat-water paddle, and a learn
to climb session, all followed by a Grand BBQ at Macedonia Brook State
Park, near Kent. The event was a great success with over 110 people
joining the hikes, over 70 participating in other activities and almost
130 attending the Grand BBQ. With well over 200 people participating
in some way AT Day 2010 was the chapter's biggest event of 2010 and
probably the biggest for many years. ?
Connecticut’s Art Trail
~ by Janet Ainsworth, Family Activities, Co-Chair
When you think of an AMC hike, you think of mountains and woods.
This past summer, AMC hike leader Bea Holt offered a slightly different
twist on the traditional woodsy sojourn. She led four Connecticut Art
Trail hikes at various locations throughout the state. Given the heat and
humidity, the trips were a welcome relief and were very well attended.
Family Activities organized a group hike to Cobble Mountain at last year's AT Day on
October 23rd. The event was very well-attended, attracting hikers of all ages and abilities.
The youngest hiker was 18 months! All three committee chairs were present (Eric Stones,
Janet Ainsworth, and Debra Rich), and Jim Scheef was also among those who decided
to join our hike. While most headed back after seeing the glorious view from atop Cobble
Mountain (where the group photo was taken), Janet led a small group of adventurers
on a longer hike covering some other nearby trails. Many joined the group back at the
Macedonia Brook State Park for the chapter's Grand BBQ. All in all, a great late October
day, and a great outdoor event for families! ~ Photo submitted by Debra Rich.
New England Trail
~ by Janet Ainsworth, Member, Trail Stewardship Council
“Nearly 2 million people live within 10 miles of the newly-designated
New England National Scenic Trail (NET),” notes the 2010 trail
accomplishments report. Created from the 220-mile MetacometMonadnock-Mattabesett (MMM) trail system in Connecticut and
Massachusetts, the NET is maintained by volunteers affiliated with the
Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) in Connecticut and AMC’s
Berkshire Chapter in Massachusetts.
(The entire art trail includes 15 museums and historic sites.) The group
explored the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven on August 17th.
Following the museum visit, they strolled through the Yale University
Campus, stopping at Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Rare
Book and Manuscript Library. The tour was followed by lunch in the Elm
City. This is an activity that could substitute for snow and ice-covered
trails in mid-winter as well. So, whenever the weather is not conducive
to traditional hiking, consider the Connecticut Art Trail. Visit www.
arttrail.org for further information. ?
In 2010, much work was done by these volunteers. 2.5 miles of new
enhanced trail and 1.5 miles of new connector trails were created.
Two hundred twenty-five volunteers cared for the trail, logging 9,124
hours of time valued at $184,761. Community partnerships yielded
$361,175 for support of trail land protection and maintenance. Sixteen
new trailhead kiosks were designed, cut, painted and roofed to greet
trail users.
On June 4th and 5th, 2011, National Trails Day, the NET will again
feature hikes in both states, including two events in Connecticut
designed especially for families and young people, and an interpretive
walk at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.
To see the entire report, which also includes 2011 goals, please go to
the New England Trail web site at: www.newenglandtrail.org. ?
-5
Mountaineering For All Seasons
CT-AMC Chapter Turns 90
~ by Art Morenz, Mountaineering Co-Chair
It is mid January as I
write this newsletter
for the spring and I just
got back from North
Conway, NH where we
had our beginners ice
climbing class. 8 CT rock
climbers experienced not
only climbing ice, but
climbing with ambient
temperatures in the single
numbers. Knowing how to Beginners Rock Climbing Class, Spring 2010.
deal with the cold is an
important skill to ice climbers because your body goes through huge
temperature swings. You expend a lot of energy when ice climbing
and even get too warm in the coldest conditions. Then you belay your
partner while he or she climbs; you cool down quickly and are anchored
to your belay station so you cannot move around to warm up. In
addition to the 8 students, 13 other CT ice climbers came up to NH to
climb some of the classic ice floes. With spring around the corner I am
sure a lot of climbers are looking forward to getting back outside for
rock climbing. After a season of ice climbing, a chalk bag will replace
mittens and chemical hand warmers, ultra light climbing shoes will
replace 4 pound mountaineering boots, a sweat shirt will replace my
puffy belay jacket and ice screws will be replaced by TCUs, tricams and
stoppers. In May we will run our beginners rock climbing class and
launch a new mentoring program this year; an idea from my son and
co-chair Jesse Morenz. The problem with classes
in general is that you get information overload
and you cannot retain all the knowledge that
was presented in the class. This year the CT
Mountaineering Committee is going to have
a mentoring program that matches beginner
rock climbers with experienced rock climbers.
It will be a type of apprentice program where
the student will learn the skills of climbing by
climbing with someone with years of experience.
In past years only a very small percent of the
beginner rock climbing students come back to
climb with the CT Mountaineering Committee.
~ byDavid Bellemare, Programs Chair
How, When and Where it all started
There was a general sentiment among Connecticut Appalachians that
there should be a formation of a CT chapter. So a letter was sent out
to all AMC members in CT in late May 1921 inviting them to a meeting
held on June 11th. An assembly was held at the pavilion near the main
entrance of Hubbard Park at 2:15 pm. People were to pack supper and
a cup. From the pavilion there was a 4 to 5 mile hike to the piazza of
the Danaher Cottage on the summit of West Peak. The meeting began
at 6:45 pm, June 11, 1921. Henry Jewett Greene of Worcester stated
the purpose of the meeting was to organize a chapter of the AMC. All
present voted that there would be a new chapter of the AMC called
the Connecticut Chapter, and the terms of the chapter's organization
be as offered by the parent organization. The report of a Nominating
Committee was accepted and the following were elected: Chairman,
Dr. Augustin A. Crane of Waterbury; Secretary, Frederick W. Kilbourne
of Meriden; Treasurer, Rev. George T. Linsley of Hartford; Trails and
Camps, Prof. Karl P. Harrington of Middletown; Entertainment, Judge
Arthur F. Ells of Waterbury; Membership, Dr. Herbert Thoms of New
Haven; Walks, Robert A. Squire of Meriden. And so, the Connecticut
Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club was born! Now, in its 90th
year, the CT-AMC continues to bring people of all ages together with a
common interest in preserving, enjoying, sharing, and celebrating the
great outdoors and our Appalachian Trail. ?
This year's plan for a mentoring program will hopefully encourage
new rock climbers to stay with the Mountaineering Committee and
improve their climbing skills. The beginners
rock climbing class will be held in May and
will be followed by a climbing self rescue
class. The Mountaineering Committee is also
planning day climbing trips to the Gunks
in New York, and weekend climbing trips
to the White Mountains. Every Thursday
evening we have climbing at local craigs and
a multitude of day trips to various climbing
areas in New England. Keep an eye on the
CT-AMC Mountaineering web site: www.
ct-amc.org/mountain for up-to-the-minute
trip announcements. ?
Awards Presented at Annual Gathering 2010
The Lifetime Service Award and the Appie of the Year Award were presented at the Annual Gathering on November 20, 2010. The Appie of
the Year Award is presented to a member for outstanding work over a time frame of five years or so. The Lifetime Service Award is for those
members who have been active even longer, ten years or more.
2010 Lifetime Service Award:
The Lifetime Service Award was presented to Dave Cronin. He has been an active chapter hike leader for 20 years. Dave often leads Thursday
hikes. As a member of the Excursions Committee, he is responsible for approving hikes and entering them into the Online Trip Listings
database. He has prepared a CD containing many Connecticut hike descriptions complete with accompanying maps. These are given to
participants in the Leadership Training program. Dave is also an active member of the Fairfield County Group. He prepares promotional
electronic posters of featured speakers at that group’s dinners.
The Appie of the Year Award:
The Appie of the Year Award was presented to Carol Hassett. For five years, Carol has done admirable work as chapter secretary. Not only
has Carol recorded the Executive Committee meeting minutes and compiled committee reports effectively and dependably, she has prepared
the annual report, compiled the Volunteer Stewardship Awards, and extended Annual Gathering invitations to past chapter chairs and other
guests. Carol is also a member of the Excursions Committee, the East of the River Committee, an active hike leader, and annual organizer
and volunteer to the “AT Day” activities and Grand BBQ.
6-
CCB’s Chris German educates the public ~ by Jean Trapani
Capt. Chris German, Executive Director/Founder of Connecticut
Community Boating (CCB), gave a presentation of his work to provide
every child with an opportunity to learn about Connecticut's greatest
natural water resource, Long Island Sound. CCB provides kayaking,
sailing, boating, marine education and recreation to every manner of
disadvantaged Connecticut youth, including kids at risk and special
needs children, as well as kids who might otherwise miss out on the
many benefits a lifetime of learning about Long Island Sound may offer.
Capt. German raised our awareness immediately by showing slides
which documented multiple areas of miles-wide swirling garbage
masses on the water's surface which are growing in size annually and
contributing to the deaths of many marine animals. A plastic spoon
washed into the rivers will make its way to one of five Texas-sized islands of trash now floating in the
ocean. CCB believes all of Connecticut needs to mobilize to raise awareness of this issue and work to
remediate the flow of pollution. In the four years CCB has been educating children and families, they
have provided more than 3,000 people with their first access to the waters of Long Island Sound and
picked up nearly five tons of jetsam on the shores of the Bridgeport, CT area.
...continued from page 1
the Sierra Club,
Rivers Alliance, Bike Walk Connecticut,
and many other organizations. These
folks have done the heavy lifting to get
the effort moving. Once a final bill has
been produced, Conservation will be
sending out a CAN (Conservation Action
Network) notice to alert our chapter
members to lobby their representatives
in support of the bill. If you have not
yet signed up for CAN announcements,
this would be a good opportunity to do
so (you can always unsubscribe in the
future). Please send an e-mail message
to: [email protected] for more
information.
Hope to see you out there ~ Tim Linehan
If you have a sit-on-top kayak you no longer need, CCB will put it to good use. Contact Capt. German
at [email protected] or 203-382-3661 to donate it to CCB, a 501c3 organization, which
makes your contribution fully tax deductible. ?
2010 Chapter Volunteer Stewardship Awards
Janet Ainsworth
Bob Andrews
Doug Atwell
Denise Badger
Tom Baker
Sandy Bartell
Barbara Beckerman
Dave Bellemare
Don Bellemare
Ken Benjamin
Len Berton
Tim Bleasdale
Terry Bludeau
Dave Boone
Judy Borrmann
Steve Braciak
Hugh Broughel
Merrie Buchsbaum
Tim Burke
Don Button
Rich Cady
Gary Carlson
Jo-Ann Carlson
Barbara Carruthers
Tom Carruthers
Mike Ceruzzi
Russ Charest
Cory Clark
Joyce Clark
Hugh Cobrain
Mike Cohen
Peter Colonis
Ted Cowles
Maureen
Sylvestre-Craig
John Crist
Dave Crockett
Dave Cronin
Lorraine Cronson
Dave Cullen
Nola Currie
Walt Daniels
Dot Davis
John DeAngelis
Chris DeGraaf
Mary Ellen Delaney
Denise Dieli
Martin Dinep
Carmen Donofrio
Jo Ann Durdock
Tom Ebersold
Henry Edmonds
Finlay Ferguson
Mary Ferguson
Wayne Fogg
Robert Forster
Merri Fox
Skip Frey
Paul Garbarino
Jan Gatzuras
Dale Geslien
Barry Gorfain
Susan Grant
Gene Grayson
Maggie Grayson
Jim Grecni
Ruth Griffin
Marion Grillon
Ben Hager
Carol Hassett
Nancy Hatfield
Daryl Hawk
Larry Hayden
Tom Heisler
Ray Helie
Mark Henebry
Jo Ann Hewett
John Hicks
Joy Himmelfarb
Jeff Hogan
Ed Holowenko
Bea Holt
Bob Iannucci
Paul Ives
Sue Ives
Jeri Jaminet
Harlan Jessup
Leo Kelly
Ana Ketch
Mark Kiley
Don Klein
Mary Ann Kouyoumjian
Gini Kramer
Don Kress
Judy Kunkel
Carol Langley
Bruce Laroche
Marilyn Lassow
Jamie Lee
Deborah Lewis
Timothy Linehan
Jim Liptack
Jean McCarthy
Bill McCarthy
Dennis McGlynn
Tom McGrath
Erik Madsen
Al Mahan
Nancy Mann
Tom Mann
Bobby Mathoda
Andrew May
Christine Melson
Rick Merritt
Dave Mihalek
Geri Mihalek
Art Morenz
David Morris
Fiona Nicholson
Bob Nickels
Bill Novoa
Carolyn Olsen
Terri Pappagallo
Rod Parlee
Nick Pasquariello
Peg Peterson
Jeff Phelon
Robin Pleshaw
Bob Poitras
Al Puches
Mark Puglisi
Chris Rees
Lynn Reid
Barry Resnick
Debra Rich
Ed Richardson
Walt Rinehart
David Roberts
Betty Robinson
Dick Roethlein
Connie Rokicki
Richard Rouse
Dick Ruddock
Zellene Sandler
Eleanor Sasso
Mark Schappert
Jim Scheef
George Schott
Ann Sherwood
Jo Shields
David Shoup
Beth Siegelman
Polly Silva
Pete Sofman
Mark Sondeen
Jack Schemp
Keith Spaar
Sue Spring
Gabor Stein
Lori Stethers
Eric Stones
Paula Sweeley
Ray Taskar
Debbie Tedford
Paul Thoma
Jean Trapani
Wayne Tursi, Sr.
Patti Vaughn
David Waldburger
Russ Waldie
Susan Wallen
Dana Warner
Bill Wheeler
Robert S. White
Martin Whittman
Dennis Wigg
Phil Wilsey
Darcy Witham
Wilda Wyse
Bob Youle
Judy Zanotta
TRAILS AWARDS
AMC STEWARDSHIP
AWARDS-ANNUAL
Pychowska Award
(96 Hours Trails
Stewardship)
Bob Poitras
Walt Rinehart
Sue Spring
Hart Award
(224 Hours Trails
Stewardship)
Dave Boone
Walt Daniels
Henry Edmonds
Russ Waldie
Bob Youle
-7
Spring 2011
Appalachian Mountain Club
Connecticut Chapter
71 Noble Street
Stamford, CT 06902
Inside this Issue:
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Preserving Our Natural Heritage
2010 AMC Leadership Training Program
Connecticut AT “Inn-to-Inn” Hike
Awards Presented at Annual Gathering 2010
The New England Trail
Connecticut Community Boating (CCB)
Connecticut’s Art Trail
Saturday, March 26th
The East-of-the-River Group
presents
AMC Horse Trek in Mongolia
Presented by Anne Bailey,
former CT-AMC Chapter Chair
Event begins at 5:30 pm with hors d’oeuvres
Dinner at 6:00 pm
In Memoriam: Dick Blake and Birge Dayton
Program at 7:15 pm
Winter Fun at Zealand Falls Hut
Cost: $6 per person
The 128th Annual Fall Hiking Week
Coming Events:
April 12th
- FCG Speaker Dinner, Bethel
April 16th
- CT-AMC Spring Dinner
April 16th - 17th - SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training
May 7th
- AT Give-A-Day 2011
May 11th
- FCG Speaker Dinner, Westport
June 4th
- National Trails Day
June 14th
- FCG Speaker Dinner, Bethel
8-
EOR Spring
Ethnic Potluck & Program
At the Columbia Congregational Church, #325 on
Route 87, near the Route 66 junction.
Join us in “Going Green” and bring your own
place setting.
For reservations call Marilyn Lassow at 860-646-2291.
Questions, e-mail [email protected].
Please RSVP by March 22nd.