Appalachian Mountain Club – Maine Chapter

When 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 styles of packing to the trailhead. This presentation will examine the differences between “regular” backpacking and “ultralight” backpacking and ask the question, “Was Katz really right?” Proponents of each style will display gear and argue the merits of each. Join us on Thursday, March 4, 2010, as the Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club presents gearheads Charlie Ek and Mark Courtenay for a talk and demonstration comparing traditional hiking and packing gear to ultralight gear. They will Continue Reading »

Wolves are as native to Maine as Katahdin, the Kennebec, moose and lobstah. Not long ago, they lived and roamed free 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 and complete until they return once again, while others are opposed to their restoration or are not so sure. What do you think and feel about the wolf? Come join us on Thursday, February 25 as we together watch the beautifully done, science-based and enlightening one hour 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. The event will be Thursday February 25, 2010, at the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick beginning at 7PM. Please contact Bob Goldman(207-831-5929) for more information.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is coming to the South Portland Auditorium on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. The film festival will feature 2 hours of magnificent cinematography of skiing, climbing, kayaking, mountain culture, the environment, and more and is produced by some of the world’s best outdoor cinematographers. The show starts at 7:00PM. Visit the webpage for ticket information.

Please join us on Wednesday February 10 for a presentation by Bryan Wentzell, AMC’s Maine Policy Manager, to 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 Wentzell 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 Morrell Room of the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, in Brunswick, Maine. Come early for the potluck dinner at 6 pm followed by the presentation at 7 pm. Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available. Please contact John Mullens (207-361-1210) for more information, visit our calendar page, or download a flyer (PDF).

Be sure to join the Maine Chapter for an alpine Ski Day at Mt. Abram on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Meet Leader Carolyn Welch in the Mount Abram lodge at 9:00 am and bring your AMC membership card to get a lift ticket for a $39 corporate rate.

Contact Carolyn at cwel...@gmail.com to sign up and to receive carpooling info.

Take advantage of AMC’s corporate rate at Mt Abram ski area all season long. But, there’s a special trip planned for AMCers on Sunday February 7, 2010! Ski all day for $39, with time to spare for watching the Super Bowl that evening. So, wax up those ‘boards’, gather up some fellow Appies, and get out to enjoy the 44 trails Mt. Abram has to offer! Contact Carolyn Welch for more information.

Jon Tierney, Owner and Head Guide of Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School, will talk about ice climbing, equipment, safety, local routes, and the joy of spending winter on snow and ice in a safe and invigorating environment. Jon spends most of his winter days outdoors helping novices enjoy ice, snow, and spectacular scenery. This talk is intended for people who are comfortable being outdoors in winter, who are fascinated by climbing gear, and also for those who simply wonder why anyone would choose to play on icefalls in winter.

Jon is a registered Maine Guide, the Founding Director of the University of Maine outdoor education program, the Founding Director of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA), PCIA Educational Director, and past member of the Board of Directors, Friends of Baxter State Park.

The event will be January 27, 2010, at the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME, 04401. Come early for the potluck dinner at 5:30 pm followed by the presentation at 6:30 pm Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available. This is the first AMC event in the Bangor area in a long time and we encourage people to attend. Please contact John Mullens(207-361-1210) for more information.

Please download a Jon Tierney in Bangor event flyer.

Don’t let winter freeze your activities- get out and embrace it at the 17th Annual Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival from February 5-7 in North Conway, New Hampshire. This 3-day event brings together climbers of all abilities to celebrate the adventure, the fun, and the comradery of ice climbing and will feature gear demonstrations, evening entertainment, as well as a skills clinic. There are also a ton of great sponsors. For more information, check out the -->

Join us on Tuesday, January 19, to hear Jon Tierney, Owner and Head Guide of Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School, talk about ice climbing, equipment, safety, local routes, and the joy of spending winter on snow and ice in a safe and invigorating environment. Jon is a registered Maine Guide, the Founding Director of the University of Maine outdoor education program, the Founding Director of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA), PCIA Educational Director, and past member of the Board of Directors, Friends of Baxter State Park. The event 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 pm followed by the presentation at 7 pm Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available. For more information, please contact John Mullens(207-361-1210), visit our calendar page, or download a flyer (PDF).

Experience the Maine Woods for only $79 per person, and it includes a private cabin, dinner, and breakfast! AMC is offering an early season discount at its Maine Wilderness Lodges throughout the month of January. Get out now and enjoy the two feet of snow and 15 miles of open ski trails around Medawisla and Little Lyford! Private cabin rates include dinner and breakfast and start at $79 per person for members – 20% off already discounted member rates. Check out the current ski conditions. And, don’t miss out- check availability here or call 603-466-2727.