Appalachian Mountain Club – Maine Chapter

Out of all the outdoor pursuits in Maine, paddling is an example of an activity where’s there’s no such thing as a “simple” or “easy” day on the water. The inherent hazards of the ocean, rivers, and other waterways demand that a paddler take along all of the right gear, all the time, as the unlikely can occur anywhere and any time.

Here’s a good gear list for paddling day trips prepared by staff writer Dierdre Fleming of the Portland Press Herald.

A reminder that the April 2009 potluck event will include a presentation by AMC Maine Chapter leader Spencer Meyer on winter hiking in Baxter State Park. Please join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in Hampden, ME for this special event intended to be of interest to all members. This event is free and open to the public

Please click Baxter Winter to download a pdf flyer for this event.

Never been camping, but think it’s an activity you and your family would enjoy? You can register to win a FREE family camping weekend for first-time campers at a Maine State Park- equipment included! 32 families in all will win! The Take it Outside initiative is supported by Governor Baldacci to encourage Maine families to reconnect with nature and lead healthy, active lifestyles. The web site contains information on how to get started, Continue Reading »

Interested in those elusive alpine birds, or those rare and fragile flowers? Or how about air quality and visual impacts on our summit views? AMC’s “Mountain Watch Program” may be for you! This program turns the ordinary hiker, into a volunteer scientist to collect important data on trends in bird counts, alpine flowering dates, and visibility distances. All in an effort to protect the ecological health of the mountains we all enjoy. This year there is also an alpine plant photo contest, so keep your camera handy!

A proper gear list for a difficult day trip or an extended expedition can be an important part of its success, fun, and/or comfort level. On a day-to-day basis, however, It’s far more likely that you’ll participate in a more casual outdoor activity with little or no planning that could also benefit from short and basic collection of gear. A general gear pack that’s ready and handy for spontaneous adventures would be a good idea for any outdoor enthusiast.

Staff writer Dierdre Fleming put together a well thought-out list for a general gear pack in a recent article in the Portland Press Herald that would very useful to keep handy in the car, boat, or by the door on a daily basis.

LL Bean will be hosting a “Spring Expo” on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at their store in Freeport. There will be gear clinics and demonstrations to get you prepared for any type of spring adventure from hiking, to paddling, 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 think spring!

This summer, send your teen on an adventure to remember with the AMC. Teen Wilderness Adventures offer more than 30 exciting, rewarding outdoor adventures in the White Mountains and Lakes Regions of New Hampshire, as well as Acadia National Park and western Maine, for youth ages 12 to 18. Summer trips range in length from 5 to 23 days, and many of them combine different outdoor elements such as backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. New programs for 2009 include nature photography, 4,000-footer backpacking, conservation and service adventure, and introductory single and multi-sport adventures. See this webpage for more information.

More Hut overnights and teen options- AMC Family Adventure Camps are the perfect way to spend quality time with your family this summer. Visit the White Mountains, the Lakes Region, or the Maine Woods for a week of mountain hospitality and terrific activities tailored for each location and created especially for families with kids ages 5 and up. AMC’s expert staff will lead a full range of programs including hiking, paddling, fly fishing, hands-on nature studies, and much more. Camps are all-inclusive, offering families the best value while making planning easy. New for 2009 – kids ages 5 and up are welcome at all camps, plus more hut overnight and special teen options. Learn more on this website.

Now in its 51st year, MLS is a five-day wilderness leadership training program designed to help you lead groups with minimal impact in the backcountry. It’s perfect for new or experienced trip leaders looking to improve their skills. Participants will discover and develop their own leadership style and learn new techniques such as trip planning, map and compass, time management, group dynamics, Leave No Trace, and accident scene management. Mountain Leadership School 2009 now accepting registrations and the schedule is now available online. See the website, check out the flyer, or call 603-466-2727 to reserve your space at MLS. Scholarships are available for chapter trip leaders; contact your chapter outings chair for more information.

We need your input! We are asking members about their use of social networking sites like Facebook, and what types of social networking features you’d to see on AMC’s web site. Take the survey today!