Calendar
Canceled: 25 Years & Counting: Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Date: 02/10/2010Have you ever wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, but couldn't find a four-month stretch to do it? There's another way! On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, the Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club presents long-time Maine hiker Jeff Ryan for a talk and slideshow about his approach to "section-hiking" the Appalachian Trail (AT). For many years, Jeff had wanted to hike the AT non-stop start to finish, but couldn't get away from work. So he found another way to follow his dream. In the footsteps of other time-strapped hikers, he started hiking the trail in smaller, manageable chunks. Now, 25 years later, Jeff and his hiking partner are on track to finish the entire trail. Jeff will talk about the special considerations, logistics, and planning needed to section hike the AT and narrate a slide show featuring 25 years of trail highlights. This program is sponsored by the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and is free and open to the public. It will be in the Morrell Room of the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, in Brunswick, ME. Parking is available on the street and in the library lot off Union Street. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:00pm, followed by Jeff's presentation at 7:00pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and their own dinnerware (plate, utensils, etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will be available.
Activity Category: Meetings, Social EventsLocation: Morrell Room, Curtis memorial Library, Brunswick, Maine
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
AMC's Strategy: 66,000 Acres in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness
Date: 02/10/2010Bryan Wentzell, AMC's Maine Policy Manager, will talk about AMC's Maine Woods Initiative and plans for 66,000 acres of conservation lands in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness region. With the recent purchase of the 29,500-acre Roach Ponds Tract in late 2009, AMC has permanently protected 66,000 acres in central Maine - a 63-mile long corridor of conservation land stretching from AMC's Katahdin Iron Works property near Greenville north to Baxter State Park. These 66,000 acres of forests, mountains and trails are a part of the AMC's Maine Woods Initiative - the organization's largest investment in its 134-year history. Bryan Wentzell will explain the opportunities and challenges of balancing new backcountry recreation, timber harvesting, wilderness lodges, and traditional recreation activities. Wentzell will also touch upon the Plum Creek Timber Company's concept plan and what it means for development and conservation in the Moosehead region, plus the status and prospect of legal issues still surrounding the recent LURC decision. This program is sponsored by the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and is free and open to the public. It will be in the Morrell Room of the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, in Brunswick, ME. Parking is available on the street and in the library lot off Union Street. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:00pm followed by Bryan's presentation at 7:00pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and their own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will be available.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Maine
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
Beginner's Winter Hike in Midcoast Maine
Date: 02/13/2010Beginner snowshoe (or hike with spikes if not enough snow) from the Thornton Brook parking lot on Hope Street in Rockport, ME (just north of Route 17), up the west side of Ragged Mountain and down the ledge trail to the Barnestown Road parking lot in Camden, at the top of the hill past the Camden Snow Bowl. Beautiful wooded trails along a stream, and two ledge stop-offs with views, one to the west, the other to the east. Elevation change is 800' with a few steep sections. Through-hike distance is four miles. Meet at 8:00am at Thornton Brook parking lot. Estimated time for trip is 5-6 hours. Plenty of time to head to Camden apres-snowshoe for food, drink and good new stories to tell!
Activity Category: Snowshoeing, HikingLocation: Camden/Rockport
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Kit Pfeiffer 207-446-9768 (Before 9:00pm)
Co-Leader: Roger David 207-737-2933 (Before 9:00pm)
Trip Difficulty: Beginner
Beginner Winter Series - Caribou Mtn. in Evans Notch
Date: 02/20/2010For beginner and all others. 6.2 mi. RT hike over moderate grades to open summit of Caribou Mtn. with excellent views in all directions.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingRegion: Maine, Western
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Peter Broderick 207.778.0801, George Brown 207-585-2259
Advanced Winter Series - Mt. Jefferson
Date: 02/20/2010Better late than never, let's try for this 5,716-foot Presi peak the weekend after President's Day. We will ascend 2,900 vertical feet over 3.7 miles via the Jewell Trail ("the cog" will be just over our right shoulders to the south). We will intersect the Gulfside Trail (AT) and proceed north 1.4 miles to the summit, gaining another ~250 vertical feet. The last 2.5 miles to the summit has full exposure to prevailing winds, so weather will be a factor in our progress. We will descent via the same route. Snowshoes with cleats and full crampons required; self-arrest ice-axe recommended. Intended for experienced winter hikers.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingRegion: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Laura Flight 207-215-5306 (before 9PM)
Co-Leader: Bille Brooke
Trip Difficulty: Difficult
The Return of the Wolf
Date: 02/25/2010Wolves are as native to Maine as Katahdin, the Kennebec, moose and lobstah. Not long ago, they lived and roamed throughout the forests and mountains of Maine, the Northeast and much of North America. Many believe the land and nature of our region will not be healed until they return once again to stay. Others are opposed to their restoration and some are just not sure. How do you feel about the wolf? Come join us as we view the beautiful, science-based, and enlightening video "Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators", followed by a discussion and update on the wolf and its status in Maine and the Northeast. Sponsored by the AMC Maine chapter conservation committee. Event starts at 7:00pm.
Activity Category: Conservation, ConservationLocation: Curtis Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Bob Goldman 207-831-5929
Beginner Winter Series Beginner - Cranberry Peak
Date: 02/27/2010Intermediate winter hike over Cranberry Peak near Bigelow Range. Competent and fit snowshoe hikers will find this trip has something for them to love - Great views, lovely woods and Cranberry Pond right beside the trail. We finish by hiking for 3 miles on the Appalachian Trail near Stratton.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingLocation: Stratton
Region: Maine, Western
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Peter Roderick 207-293-2704 (Before 9PM)
Co-Leader: David Littig
Trip Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Advanced Winter Series - Mount Monroe
Date: 02/27/2010Mt Monroe 5372'. About 7 miles, roughly 2800' elevation gain, moderate pace. Full winter gear required.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingRegion: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Lew Dow 207-890-8512 (Before 9PM)
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
Camden Hills snowshoe
Date: 02/27/2010Sat., Feb. 27. Camden Hills snowshoe to Maiden Cliff, Mt. Megunticook and Mt.Battie. 5.7 mile ridge walk over moderate grades and open ledges with magnificent views to surrounding hills and ocean. Short car spot required.
Activity Category: Snowshoeing, HikingLocation: Camden
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Debby Kantor 207-854-3431 (before 9pm) , Sonny Martineau 207-490-1305
Trip Difficulty: moderate
Round Top Mt. hike or snowshoe - Beginner level
Date: 02/28/2010The winding trail ascends to 1,133 feet with an elevation gain of about 650 feet to the top of Round Top Mountain meandering through hardwood and conifer forests before opening up to views of Long Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village and Great Pond. Plan on hiking or snowshoeing based on conditions. Great small mountain hike for beginners who want to move up from level hikes and new members to meet fellow AMC members. Total length about 4 miles, 2-3 hours with stops.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingLocation: Rome
Region: Maine, Western
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Michelle Moody 207-319-7355 (before 10pm) , Peter Roderick 207-293-2704 (before 9pm)
Trip Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Ultralight Backpacking Gear vs. Traditional Backpacking Gear
Date: 03/04/2010When Bill Bryson (author of "A Walk in the Woods") and his friend Steve Katz set out to hike the Appalachian Trail, they brought two very different packing styles to the trailhead. This presentation will examine the differences between "regular" backpacking and "ultralight" backpacking, asking the question "Was Katz really right?" Proponents of each style will display gear and argue the merits of each. Join us on Thursday 3/4/10 as the Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club presents a talk and demonstration by gearheads Charlie Ek and Mark Courtenay, comparing traditional backpacking to ultralight backpacking. They will empty their respective packs, compare the weight and functionality of each item, and let you decide which approach will work best. If you like to hike or backpack, if you are in the market for gear, intrigued by some of the new gear you see in shops, or starting to feel the pounds a bit more, then this evening is for you. Free and open to the public. It will be in the meeting room of the South Portland Library at 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME. Parking is available in the library lot off Highland Avenue. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:00pm, followed by the presentation at 7:00pm. Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plates, utensils, etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will be available. For more information, email John Mullens at education@amcmaine.org.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: South Portland Public Library
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
Advanced Winter Series - Katahdin
Date: 03/06/2010Few hikers get the chance to touch the Katahdin summit sign in winter! Join us for a single day 16 mile round trip to Baxter Peak via the Abol Slide Trail. This trip includes a 4 mile ski/snowshoe to Abol Slide Campground, a 1.5 mile snowshoe to the base of Abol Slide, 2.5 miles in crampons or snowshoes to the summit, and returning by the same route. Full winter gear is necessary and required equipment includes snowshoes with cleats, full crampons, self-arrest ice-axe, and climbing helmet. This hike is very challenging due to terrain, weather, snow conditions, and duration: a day trip to the Katahdin summit may last between 12 and 15 hours. It is intended for very experienced winter hikers with a high level of fitness who can demonstrate proficiency for Baxter State Park permitting requirements. Hikers should be prepared to have flexible schedules: this trip will have a primary weekend of March 6 and 7, 2010 with a summit attempt on either day as weather permits. If weather does not cooperate on the primary weekend, a secondary weekend of March 13 and 14, 2010 will also be planned, with a summit attempt on either day as weather permits. Night before Millinocket accommodations will be arranged.
Activity Category: Climbing/Mountaineering, HikingLocation: Baxter State Park
Region: Maine, Inland
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Jeff Aceto 207-650-5674 (Before 9 pm)
Co-Leader: Guy Merrill 207-240-4014 (Before 9 pm)
Trip Difficulty: Very Difficult
Advanced Winter Series - Saddleback Mtn. Backpack
Date: 03/06/2010 - 03/07/2010One of ME most best summit with far-flung views in all directions. Will BP in, drop gear then summit Saddleback and the Horn. RT 15 mile, long days, some steep section with unusually long exposure. Participants should have winter backpacking experience & physically fit.
Activity Category: Climbing/Mountaineering, SnowshoeingRegion: Maine, Western
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Peter Broderick 207-778-0801
Co-Leader: Brian Strothmann
Maine Chapter Executive Committee Meeting
Date: 03/11/2010The Maine Chapter Executive Committee meets every odd month (January, March, May, July, September, and November) on the second Thursday. Come voice your opinion on the direction of the Maine Chapter on important conservation topics, outdoor outing activities, & more. Open to all Maine Chapter members. The meetings are held in the upstairs meeting room of the Freeport McDonald's from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: Freeport
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Carrie Walia
Advanced Winter Series - Mount Washington
Date: 03/13/2010Mt. Washington 6288'. 8.6 miles, 4270 elevation gain. A stren. hike at a moderate pace. Full winter gear required.
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingRegion: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Lew Dow 207-890-8512 (Before 9PM)
Co-Leader: Guy Merrill
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
Maine Chapter Outings Committee Meeting
Date: 03/18/2010Join the Maine Chapter Outings Committee for a meeting on the Outings Plan for 2010. Discussion will include planning for trips, leadership training and workshops. Maine leaders and any interested persons are welcome to join us at the Freeport McDonald's, second floor conference room at 6:30pm.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: Freeport
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Jeff Aceto
Beginner Winter Series - Sabbathday Pond Backpack
Date: 03/20/2010 - 03/21/2010Spend a night on the Appalachian Trail near Sabbathday Pond and welcome spring under the stars. This trip is offered with the new winter hiker who is looking to step up to a backpack after success with day hiking in mind. Lots of tips and information about winter backpacking will be offered before and during the trip. Participants should have 3-season backpacking experience.
Activity Category: Backpacking, SnowshoeingRegion: Maine, Western
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Peter Roderick 207-293-2704 (Before 9PM)
Co-Leader: Jason Toner , Sarah Toner
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Conservation and Recreation in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness
Date: 03/24/2010Bryan Wentzell, AMC's Maine Policy Manager, will talk about AMC's Maine Woods Initiative and plans for 66,000 acres of conservation lands in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness region. AMC has permanently protected a 63-mile-long corridor of conservation land - the organization's largest investment in its 134-year history. Bryan will talk about balancing new backcountry recreation, timber harvesting, wilderness lodges and traditional recreation activities, and will also touch upon the Plum Creek Timber Company's concept plan and what it means for development and conservation in the Moosehead region. The program is free and open to the public. It will be in the second floor Lecture Hall of the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME. Parking is available on the street and also in the Harlow Street lot. A potluck dinner will begin at 5:30pm, followed by Bryan's presentation at 6:30pm. Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils, etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will be available.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: Bangor Public Library
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
Hiking Canada's Sentiers Frontaliers
Date: 03/30/2010Maine AMCer Carey Kish joined thirty hearty French Canadian walkers last August for a week-long hike on the the Sentiers Frontaliers, or Border Trail, that meanders along the international border between Canada and the United States. The Expedition de Randonneurs Braves (Brave Hiker Expedition) started from the customs station at Chartierville, QC (just north of Pittsburg, NH) and proceeded east roughly following the international boundary. During the 55-mile, six-day trek through the wild, rugged, and unpopulated border region, the hikers passed over a series of 3,000-foot peaks, including Mont d'Urban, Mont Marble, Mont Saddle and Mont Gosford. Carey learned that although his high school French left much to be desired, plenty of big smiles, hugs and handshakes made communication and camaraderie easy, and lifelong friendships were cemented during the long days of walking. For information and map, visit www.sentiersfrontaliers.qc.ca. Carey will also briefly show some images of a week-long solo adventure last October on the Freezeout Trail through the far northern reaches of Baxter State Park. This program, sponsored jointly by Maine Audubon and the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, is free and open to the public. It will be at Gilsland Farm, Maine Audubon headquarters in Falmouth, ME, five minutes north of Portland. Parking is plentiful and free. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:00pm followed by Carey's presentation at 7:00pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and their own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will be available.
Activity Category: Meetings, Social EventsLocation: Gilsland Farm, Maine Audubon headquarters in Falmouth, ME
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
Nature and Renewal: The Wild River Valley and Beyond
Date: 03/31/2010Dean Bennett, UMaine professor, life-long conservationist and author, will take us on a century's tour of the Wild River Valley, along the Maine/New Hampshire border. This magical valley was heavily logged in the 1890s and suffered all manner of environmental calamity, as did the people who once lived there. Professor Bennett's presentation takes us from wilderness to destruction and back to wilderness again. This is a story full of woe, heedless exploitation, and desolation, followed by a gradual, miraculous healing and inspiration. Come join us for this special event and be inspired by the resilience of our natural world and witness the enlightened humanity that helps make such restoration possible. Starts at 7:00pm.
Activity Category: Conservation, ConservationLocation: Curtis Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Bob Goldman 207-831-5929
Tuckerman Ravine Inferno race
Date: 04/17/2010Hike up to Hermit Lake Shelter and conditions permitting into the Bowl of Tuckermans to Lunch Rocks to view the spectacular scenery of the Ravine and watch skiers descend the steep and challenging routes. Moderate grades on a total trip length of 6.2 miles, full winter gear required. This is not a ski trip
Activity Category: Hiking, SnowshoeingRegion: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Peter Broderick 207-778-0801
Co-Leader: George Brown 207-585-2259
FMI: http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/2010-inferno.htm
25 Years and Counting: Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Date: 04/21/2010Have you ever wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, but couldn't find a four-month stretch to do it? There is another way! On Wednesday, April 21, 2010, the Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club presents long-time Maine hiker Jeff Ryan for a talk and slideshow about his approach to "section hiking" the Appalachian Trail (AT). For many years, Jeff had wanted to hike the AT non-stop start to finish, but couldn't get away from work. So he found another way to follow his dream. In the footsteps of other time-strapped hikers, he started hiking the trail in smaller, manageable chunks. Now, 25 years later, Jeff and his hiking partner are on track to finish the entire trail. Jeff will talk about the special considerations, logistics, and planning needed to section hike the AT and narrate a slide show featuring 25 years of trail highlights. This program is sponsored by the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and is free and open to the public. It will be at the South Portland Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME. Parking is available off Highland Avenue. Come early for the potluck dinner at 6:00pm, followed by the presentation at 7:00pm. Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plasticware will also be available.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: South Portland
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: John Mullens
Maine Chapter Executive Committee Meeting
Date: 05/13/2010The Maine Chapter Executive Committee meets every odd month (January, March, May, July, September, and November) on the second Thursday. Come voice your opinion on the direction of the Maine Chapter on important conservation topics, outdoor outing activities, & more. Open to all Maine Chapter members. The meetings are held in the upstairs meeting room of the Freeport McDonald's from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Activity Category: Meetings, MeetingsLocation: Freeport
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
State: ME
Country: USA
Leader: Carrie Walia
Pond of Safety
Date: 05/15/2010Four Soldiers & Underhill Paths along with Pasture and Carlton Notch Trails over Crescent Ridge in the Randolph area. Discover recently constructed trails commemorating Revolutionary War soldiers (unjustly accused of desertion who sought refuge at the Pond of Safety) and Miriam Underhill, a woman mountaineer. Good views of Northern Presidentials. Moderate pace, 9 miles with 1800' elevation gain.
Activity Category: HikingLocation: Randolph, NH
Region: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Jane Gibbons 207 647-3987
Co-Leader: Peter Hope 603-863-6456 (7-9 p.m)
Trip Difficulty: moderate
Sugarloaf Mountain, Stratford, NH (3710')
Date: 06/09/2010A no-nonsense hike; we'll climb to the bare rock summit in the Nash Stream/Mount Percy area. Total distance is 4.2 miles with a 2200' elevation gain. Part of the trail is an old road leading to the remains of a fire warden's cabin and the site of a former fire tower. The summit has sweeping views of the Nash Stream Valley and surroundings north of Groveton, NH. Possible car pooling from western Maine. Contact L.
Activity Category: Hiking, HikingLocation: Stratford
Region: New Hampshire, North Country
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Jane Gibbons 207-647-3987, Peter Hope 603-863-6456 (7:00-9:00pm)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
300' Cascades and Three Ponds
Date: 06/30/2010If Millbrook Road is open, the hike will be shortened by 2.2 miles. We will proceed up Austin Brook Trail, then take a left on the Dryad Falls Trail to visit cascades falling 300'. We will pass Dream Lake, Moss Pond and Gentian Pond on the Mahoosuc Trail. Expect some boggy areas and stream crossings. We descend on the Austin Brook Trai1 1200' for 2.4 or 3.5 miles. 7.5 or 9.7 total miles with 1850' or 2100' elevation gain. Moderate pace. Near Shelburne, New Hampshire.
Activity Category: Hiking, HikingLocation: Shelburne
Region: New Hampshire, White Mountains
State: NH
Country: USA
Leader: Jane Gibbons 207 647-3987, Herb Kingsbury 207 439-6449 (7:00-9:00pm)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
