Old Calendar - Please refer to our new calendar for updated listings

Special Notices

Major Excursion in March 2007- Hut to Hut backcountry ski in the Hardangervidda National Park in Norway. Five days of skiing average of 20 km per day above tree line on rolling mountain plateau from 3000'-5000'. Stay in mountain cabins ranging from self cooking of stocked food to full service. Supplied food and comforters reduce pack loads to about 30 pounds. Pre and post ski tour we stay in an Oslo tourist hotel with nearby restaurants, museums and Frogner Park, famous for it's statuary. Good physical condition and recent backcountry ski experience carrying a pack required. Trip size limited to 12 including leaders. Approximate cost $2100 including all meals plus air. Leaders will coordinate air, current estimate is add'l $700-850. Trip includes; lodging, ground transport, food on ski tour. Meals in Oslo at own expense, but cost included in total estimate above. For information, contact Mike Barry [[email protected] or 617.257.2251]. Other L, Phil Mecagni

Winter 2007 Potlucks and Presentations Check out www.amcmaine.org for more information.

January 24, 2007 Wayne Newton will present on his recent adventures thru-hiking the AT. Wayne's stories and outdoor tips will be of interest to hikers of all abilities. Dinner at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME. Drinks and paper/plastic ware will be provided: attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish of your choice.

February 28, 2007 David Greenberg will present on his experiences traveling in New Zealand. Dave is a Development Associate in the AMC Boston office. Come learn about the climate and culture of this facinating country. Dinner at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. South Portland Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME. Drinks and paper/plastic ware will be provided: attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish of your choice.

March 2007 Mark Robie, Maine Guide, will present on his experiences in the Maine outdoors for over 30 years as a guide, instructor, and trainer. Mark guides trekking, fishing, and paddling in the summer and coaches skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Come join us for stories will both entertain and educate. Farmington, ME area.

Winter Skills Series

Thur., Dec. 21. Winter skills workshop. To be held at the South Portland Public Library. Focus will be on what separates winter hiking from three season trips. This workshop is intended for experienced three season hikers who want to extend the hiking season into winter. Follow up hike weekend tentatively scheduled for the weekend of January 27. L: Bryan Courtois (282-3977 or [email protected]).

Sun., Jan 27. Winter hike. Old Speck. 4180' and the third highest mountain in Maine. Possible mixed snowshoe and crampon conditions. L: Bryan Courtois ([email protected] or 282-3977).

Sat., Jan. 28. Winter skills hike. Paced and geared for properly equipped participants who want to gain more experience with winter conditions. Depending on conditions we will be using snow shoes and possibly crampons and ice axes. Destination will be Baldpate in Grafton Notch. This peak has a good variety of terrain and should offer a good learning environment. Attendance at the Dec. 21 work shop is not mandatory. Potential heated cabin for overnight accommodations. Ls: Bryan Courtois ([email protected] or 282-3977) and Mickey Splaine.

Trips

Sat., Jan. 6. Mts Jefferson & Adams. Via Lowe's Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Randolph Path, & Grey Knob Spur trails. Approx. 11 miles at a moderate pace. Winter gear & experience required. If its a below-treeline weather day we'll move the hike to Sunday or hike the Carters. L: Dave Langley ( 207-221-2728 ).

Wednesday, January 24, 2007: Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME. Potluck at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. Wayne Newton recently completed a thru-hike of the AT and will present on his experiences along the way. His stories and outdoor tips will be of interest to hikers of all abilities. Drinks and paper/plasticware will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish of their choice.

Sat., Jan. 27. Snowshoe on conservation property in Center Ossipee, NH. Three hours, moderate terrain. Come back for hot soup and conversation at our winter place in Center Ossipee. CLs: Alix and Bob Pratt, 207-233-9249 or [email protected].

Fri.-Sun., Jan. 19-21. XC ski Acadia (will hike if no snow) weekend in B & B. Partcipants should be able to xc ski 15 + miles of hilly terrain per day. $50 per person for two nights and two breakfasts. Register with L Don Parker, PO Box 239, Steep Falls ME 04085; (207)642-4198; [email protected]; CL Jim Burnell

Fri. - Sun., Jan. 19 - 21. Wildcat Weekend. Tent space at the base of the mountain, fish chowder Saturday night dinner and 2 full day lift tickets is what you get for under $90. Arguably the best skiing in the east. Certainly the nicest setting. L: James Tierney for reservations and wait list [email protected] (Put Wildcat Week End on the subject line). CL: Katherine Fiori, 207 795-7855.

Sat., Jan. 20. Hedgehog Mountain (2530 ft.). Rescheduled from January 6. An easy to moderate snowshoe with an elevation gain of 1,282 and 4.8 miles. Appropriate winter gear required for the conditions of the day. L: Joleen Rice (892-2685) and Wanda Rice (978-374-0363). Please call before 9:00 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 20: Georges Highland Trail-it's near Rockport- hike or snowshoe depending on trail conditions. Up to 10 miles with climbs to 1300'. Good views of the Camden Hills, ocean and lakes. L Wayne Newton (897-3072) CL Taru Soilikki (236-8899)

Sat., Jan. 27. Caribou Mtn. in Evans Notch. 6.2 mi. RT hike over moderate grades to open summit of Caribou Mtn. with excellent views in all directions. L George Brown (585-2259 or [email protected]) CL Peter Broderick (778-0801 or [email protected]).

Tues. Jan. 30: XC ski hike depending on snow conditions. 6 miles along Ducktrap River in Lincolnville. Easy to Mod. grade. L Taru Soilikki (236-8899) CL Wayne Newton (897-3072)

Sat., Feb. 3. Ski-and-hike: Bondcliff, Bond, W. Bond. Approx. 22 miles at a moderate pace. Winter gear & experience required. If its a below-treeline weather day we'll move this hike to Sunday or hike the Hancocks. L: Dave Langley ( 207-221-2728 ).

Sun. Feb. 4. Downhill skiing at Mt. Abram It's SuperBowl Sunday. No crowds! And we will have plenty of time to get home before the kick-off. We will have the corporate rate $29 tickets for AMC members (such a deal!). For carpooling and getting together plans for skiing and lunch, call L.Carolyn Welch (725-8178, or [email protected])

Sat., Feb. 10. Mt Starr King and Mt Waumbec. Joint Me./N.H. hike, 7.2 mi.RT with 2,500 elevation gain. A great winter hike over moderate terrain at a relaxed pace. Excellent views from Starr King and conditions permitting on to 4000 ftr. Waumbec. L: George Brown(585-2259 or [email protected]), Nancy Seavy (603-586-7727).

Sat., Feb. 24. Lowell and Anderson. Two NH 100 highest. From Rt. 302, option to x-c ski along Sawyer River Rd, then snowshoe trails to Carrigain Notch. From there we'll bushwhack up between the two peaks. Plan for a vigorous workout. Bring headlamps. Ls: Sonny Martineau, 207-490-1305, [email protected], and Dennis Crispo, 978-858-0394, [email protected].

Wednesday, February 28, 2007: South Portland Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME. Potluck at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. Dave Greenberg, a Development Associate with the AMC office in Boston, will be presenting on his travels in New Zealand. Please join us for an evening about the people, culture, and terrain of this fascinating country. Drinks and paper/plasticware will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish of their choice.

Fri.-Sun., Mar 2-4. Mt Moosilauke by the Glencliff Trail: Join us for a section of the AT to hike to a classic NH 4000 footer. 8 miles with 3,300 ft elevation gain with moderate to steep terrain, some above treeline travel. For well-conditioned hikers with some winter experience. Sunday hike, leaders' choice. Approximate cost $128.00, including lodging Fri. & Sat. nights at Kinsman Lodge B & B, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. L Sean Buckley (860) 546-0635 or [email protected], CL Peter Broderick 778-0801. Register after 12/22.

Sat. Mar. 3. Katahdin: Baxter & Hamlin Peaks via Abol Trail. Bad-weather backup dates are the 10th or 17th; weather will determine which date is the go-date. Plan on a long, strenuous day of winter mountain travel. Significant experience and comfort with steep terrain is a must. Registration deadline: Feb. 15. Millinocket lodging will be arranged as needed. L's: Dave Langley (221-2728) & Spencer Meyer (862-5675 or [email protected])

Sat.-Sun., Mar. 10-11 Hike to Mt. Madison (5366') via Great Gulf and Osgood Trail: Enjoy the Great Gulf Wilderness in this 5.1 miles hike to the summit. Total distance is 10.2 mi. max. at a gradual pace. Sunday's half-day hike will be the group's option. Sat. night lodging at Kinsman Lodge B&B, Franconia (optional). Call Leaders: Gerry Barnicle (207) 797-4627 or Peter Broderick (207) 778-0801 before 9:00 pm. Only 6 spots available.

Sat., Mar. 17. Franconia Ridge. Last weekend of winter! Ascend via Falling Waters and descend Bridle Path. Approx. 8.8 miles at a moderate pace with ~2.5 miles above treeline. L: Spencer Meyer ([email protected] or 862-5675); CL: Laura Flight([email protected] or 215-5306).

Advanced Notices:

March, 2007: Mark Robie, Maine Guide, has offered to share his stories from decades of guiding hiking, paddling, and fishing in Maine. Look for additional information in the next edition of Wilderness Matters.