Appalachian Mountain Club - Maine Chapter

Mark you calendars for Saturday, February 7, 2009. This is the date of the 133rd Annual Meeting of the Appalachian Mountain Club which will be held at the Sheraton Ferncroft Resort in Danvers, Massachusetts. There will be workshops and committee meetings during the day, and then a dinner, business meeting, and presentation in the evening. This year’s guest speaker is Greg Mortenson, author of the New York Times Best Seller “Three Cups of Tea”. Registration is filling up quickly, especially for Saturday evening activities, so register soon!

Want to reduce your carbon footprint and get rewarded? Carpool with 3 or more people on your next visit to an AMC facility before Dec. 31, 2008 and receive a $25 coupon toward your next stay at an AMC facility. This offer can be redeemed at AMC facilities in Maine and New Hampshire including Highland Center, Joe Dodge Lodge, Cardigan Lodge, Medawisla Wilderness Camps, and Little Lyford Pond Camps through May 31, 2009. Check out AMC’s RideShare bulletin board for possible carpoolers or gather your friends together for your next outing. Then make sure you notify AMC staff that you carpooled to receive the coupon!

Happy Winter Solstice! Winter officially arrives at 0704 AM on Dec. 21. What adventures do you have up your sleeve this year? Ready for some cross-country skiing? Try AMC’s Camp-To-Camp adventures in northern Maine. Or, how about some downhill or cross country skiing in New Hampshire’s White Mountains? Try one of AMC’s Ski and Stay packages. Or, looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Check out the Winter Family Weekend Series. Or, looking to get a jump on your New Year’s Resolution diet? AMC has a new Health and Wellness Series that may be just what you are looking for. There are always too many activities to choose from, but the important thing is to get out and enjoy the season!

So, you think you know alot about the AT? Check out 10 fun facts about the Appalachian Trail by clicking here for a recent article in the USA Weekend magazine.

The Maine Chapter’s December 2008 Potluck Event included a presentation by Steve Taylor, Organizing Director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, on the risks of Bisphenol A (a.k.a. BPA) which is found in some #7 plastic bottles. This recent article in Time magazine provides five alternatives to using #7 plastic bottles for outdoor recreation. Maybe some of these would make good Christmas gifts for those special adventurers in your life!

Come join us at the South Portland Library on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, for a presentation on the Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail by two local young adults. After attending an AMC presentation on the AT last January, Portland residents Beth Lowry and Kevin Kirby took time out from school and undertook their own Thru-Hike from Georgia to Maine in 2008. Beth and Kevin will share their journeys of over 2,100 miles through photos and great stories and discuss the clothing, gear, and trail knowledge necessary to go that distance. This event will be of interest to anyone who enjoys great stories of the outdoors and also those interested in Thru or Section-Hiking the AT. This event is free and open to the public.

The location is at the South Portland Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME: parking is available off Highland Avenue. Dinner at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and their own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available. Come join us!

Click AT Thru Hike to download a pdf flyer for this event.

A reminder to come join us at the Winter Hiking Skills Workshop on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the South Portland Library. This event is will discuss the clothing, gear, and other essential knowledge necessary for winter hiking.

This event is free and open to the public.

Please check out the Calendar link or click here for more information.

Or click on the link below for a pdf flyer on this event:

Dec. 10, 2008: Winter Hiking Workshop

LL Bean will be hosting a “Winter Expo” on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 at their store in Freeport. There will be gear clinics and demonstrations to get you prepared for any type of winter adventure from nordic skiing, to snowshoeing, to camping. There will also be information from local organizations and clubs who have knowledge in these activities, such as the Maine Chapter of the AMC! The event is free and open to the public, so be sure and mark your calendars and get prepared for winter!