MOUNTAIN PASSAGES Its Chair, and Serious Consideration Was Given to Dissolving the Chap- Volume 47, No

1921 2021

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS

AMC Covid-19 Update...... 1

Creation of the New Hampshire Chapter...... 1

Spring Leadership Training.....3

Coming of Spring; Some Ideas to Better Observe and Appreciate It...... 8 AMC Covid-19 Update Exploring the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge AMC and the New Hampshire Chapter 21. The remaining Huts will be closed during Greenway...... 9 are exploring ways to continue our activities. May. Following May, the status of the Huts Spring Ephemeral Despite Covid-19, our goal is to make opportu- will be determined two months in advance. So, Wildflowers...... 11 nities for outdoor activities and training available AMC plans to announce its plans for June on to our members and the public while maintain- April 1. Construction of Hi Cabin...... 12 ing the safety of all. It is a challenge, and our AMC expects that it will be able to accom- response will evolve based on the ever changing modate guests at some Huts during the coming Take Action Regarding status of the pandemic. hiking season. However, as with everything else, Conservation Make Your Opinion Count...... 12 That said, there is news to share. the experience will be different. The number of The status of the Huts is a continuing inter- guests will be limited, and reservations may be Earth Friendly Things You Can Do to Help the est to hikers, and on March 1, AMC issued the for specific bunkrooms. Meal service will likely Environment...... 12 latest update. AMC announced that the Huts be revised to keep groups separated while eating. will not be open for guests during May, but that For Huts that are opened either for guests Where In The Whites?...... 12 Lonesome Lake, Greenleaf, Zealand and Mizpah or on caretaker status, the Huts will function as Huts will be staffed by caretakers starting on May stewardship centers, recreation hubs, refuges of We Need Your Help...... 12 AMC COVID-19 UPDATE, TO PAGE 3

What’s in your first aid kit this spring?...... 12 Creation of the New Hampshire Chapter OUR MISSION The Appalachian Mountain Club is BY: BOB MCLAUGHLIN the nation’s oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization, and In the summer 2020 issue of Mountain promotes the protection, enjoyment, Passages we included an article on the The Rise and understanding of the moun- of Hiking Clubs in the White Mountains. In that tains, forests, waters and trails of the article, we briefly described the creation of the Appalachian region. AMC has more Appalachian Mountain Club. This time we than 100,000 members, 16,000 vol- will examine history even closer to home: the unteers, 450 full-time and seasonal creation of our New Hampshire Chapter. staff. The New Hampshire Chapter is the second largest of the 12 Chapters The Appalachian Mountain Club was within the Club. founded in 1876. About 30 years later the first “Chapter” was organized. In 1904, a group of VOLUME 47, NUMBER 1 Winter hikers climbing Mount Monadnock in AMC members in New York State formed the the 1920s. AMC Archives. SPRING 2021 New York Section which was officially recognized NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, TO PAGE 2 NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, FROM PAGE 1 an appetizing lunch eaten beside the brook. Monday forenoon short walks were taken. In the afternoon a by the Club in 1912. After that, additional Chapters were quickly soldier’s memorial was unveiled and dedicated . . . . The organized. In 1918, the Massachusetts Chapter was created, and then party then departed for home motoring as far as Goffstown in 1921 the Narragansett Chapter, the Connecticut Chapter and the and Manchester. Merrimack Valley in New Hampshire Chapter were formed. The trail up Joe English Hill is an easy trail with 500 feet The Merrimack Valley in New Hampshire Chapter ultimately elevation change in a 2 mile round trip. Definitely not a “high became our New Hampshire Chapter, but this took some time. peak,” but it does offer a pleasant outing and rewarding views. First, we have to consider when our Chapter was really created. There are three possible dates. On May 24, 1921, an organizational meeting was held in Boston that voted to create the Chapter and join it to the AMC. Three weeks later, on June 14, the AMC Council voted to accept the Chapter into the Appalachian Mountain Club. Finally, the first Annual Meeting of the Chapter was held on Tuesday, December 6, 1921 to complete the organization. While we could probably argue endlessly about which date is the actual date of creation of the Chapter, it is undoubtedly some date in 1921. So, this is our 100th anniversary! But what was the Chapter that was created in 1921? As initially conceived the Chapter included only Rockingham, Merrimack and Hillsborough Counties. AMC members in these counties were Some hikers in the 1920s preferred traveling in larger automatically members of the Chapter, and members in other parts of groups. No social distancing here! AMC Archives. New Hampshire could request membership in the Chapter. In 1941, Rockingham County withdrew from the Chapter, and NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, TO PAGE 4 then in 1954 Belknap and Sullivan Counties were added. 1956 was a year of crisis. The Merrimack Valley in New Hamp- shire Chapter could not find a candidate who was willing to serve as MOUNTAIN PASSAGES its chair, and serious consideration was given to dissolving the Chap- Volume 47, No. 1 ter. However, the members of the Chapter and the AMC decided Spring 2021 that the Chapter was needed and AMC urged another search for a Mountain Passages is published four times a year by the New Hampshire candidate for Chair. Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Fortunately, Florence W. Henderson stepped forward and ac- Submissions. Members may submit articles or photos (hi-res jpegs) to [email protected]. Articles may be edited at the discretion of the editor cepted the position as Chair. Following this “near death” experience, to meet space and style requirements. Publication is on a space-available the Chapter expanded its boundaries to include all of New Hampshire basis. While Mountain Passages does not pay for submissions; a byline or photo credit is given. Contact Mountain Passages for and changed its name to the New Hampshire Chapter. Our Chapter reprint permission. had taken on its current shape! Advertising. The AMC NH Chapter members enjoy the outdoors year-round Not surprisingly, from its start our Chapter focused on hiking. by hiking, paddling, skiing, backpacking, climbing and biking and more. The initial outing was on Memorial Day Weekend 1921 to New Bos- For information and the Ad Rate Sheet, send an email to ton, NH, to climb Joe English Hill and visit local attractions. You can [email protected]. We reserve the right to refuse any submission, photo or advertising that is still climb Joe English Hill and retrace the first Chapter hike. The trip not consistent with the mission of the AMC. report described the weekend’s activities as: Address Changes. Address changes or other changes to your membership Sunday, the 29th, most of the party climbed Joe English Hill must be made through AMC Member Services at 10 City Square. Boston, from which were had some very fine views. A strenuous descent MA 02129; 800-372-1758; outdoors.org/membercenter on the steep south slope to the meadow below was rewarded by Please note: Member address updates cannot be handled by AMC-NH officers, committee chairs, or the newsletter editor. Mountain Passages Online. If you’re receiving Mountain Passages Advertise Here to Reach Almost 15,000 through the mail, please consider signing up to get the electronic Environmentally Active Outdoor Enthusiasts version instead. You’ll get added resources not available to print subscribers: direct links to ISSUE DEADLINE AD SIZE PRICE (per issue) emails, forms and online information, color photos, online registration forms. Spring February 20 1/8 page 3.5”w x 2.5”h $100 1/4 page 3.5”w x 5”h $160 To sign up, go to www.outdoors.org/membercenter and set your AMC-NH Summer May 20 1/2 page 7.5”w x 5”h $250 Chapter newsletter preference to online. Fall August 20 20% Discount for advertising in six © 2021 by New Hampshire Chapter, Appalachian Mountain Club. Winter November 20 consecutive issues, with prepayment

For questions, or to submit ad: [email protected] Editors: Robert S. McLaughlin & Brett Billings Please send ads as color PDF or jpeg high-resolution files, at correct [email protected] size. Ads will appear in color in the on-line and print versions. Graphic Design: Jessica Clifford, Graphic Designer, We reserve the right to refuse ads that are not related to the mission of AMC. We Artist & Photographer. do not provide proofs and accept no liability for errors beyond the cost of the ad. [email protected]

2 AMC COVID-19 UPDATE, FROM PAGE 1 last resort, and in assisting with search and various activity committees have begun of- School. See the accompanying article for rescue. Water and restrooms will be avail- fering outings and training. While capacity more information. able for hikers in the huts that are open. is limited and precautions are implemented, Finally, some of our activities have Some food is also expected to be available, dedicated leaders have been able hold the transitioned to completely virtual events. but will be limited. activities while complying with the Co- For example, the Membership Committee In addition, the Highland Center and vid-19 protocols developed by the Club has been holding membership socials via Pinkham Notch facilities will be open and and the requirements and state and local Zoom with great success. Most recently, operating at reduced capacity. The AMC authorities. It is an evolving process, but we on February 17, a successful social was held also expects that the Hiker Shuttle will are moving forward. Check out the AMC which featured the Ski Committee. An- operate in 2021. activities list to find outings that are being other Zoom social is planned for the spring. Additional and updated information offered. While we all look forward to the day will be available on the AMC website at We all are too aware that the Chapter that we can get back to our normal activi- www.outdoors.org/articles/answers-to-your- had to cancel the Winter School. However, ties, our goal is to make the best of a less questions-related-to-the-2021-amc-huts- we are pleased to announce that we will be than perfect situation. Let’s make it work! season able to provide at least leadership training as With regard to Chapter activities, the a partial replacement for our regular Spring

Spring Leadership Training

After a lot of planning, the New the field day at Cardigan lodge non-member. Photocopies of maps, a lead- Hampshire Chapter is pleased to announce and forest on Sunday May 2 from ership hand book, and prepackaged snacks a special leadership training opportunity 8:00am-5:00 pm. on the full day at Cardigan will be provid- for spring 2021. These sessions will cover Note that there is a limit of 6 participants ed. You will need to bring a trail lunch. all the material we normally cover in leader in each group and the groups will be filled For further information contact Rick training. first come, first served. A waitlist will be Silverberg at 603-225-5921 (best time to To provide this training under established if the groups are full. call: 7:00 pm -10:30 pm) or by email Covid-19 guidelines we have set up a Registration is a multistep process due [email protected]. new sequence with online sessions to be to the AMC Covid-19 protocols. conducted 7:00-8:30 pm for three weeks • To register, you must log in to followed by a full day outdoors at Cardigan Outdoors.org. You will for field leadership experience. Sessions will find the registration pages cover: the roles of the leader, leadership style for the training in the and group dynamics, trip planning and lo- AMC activities list under gistics, participant screening, accident scene the “Adventures” tab in management, handling difficult behaviors, one of the two entries for and group and individual gear. The online “NH Chapter Leadership sessions will include just 2 instructors and Training” which are listed up to 6 participants who will be together for April 25 or May 2. through all sessions and the outdoor hike Click on “Register Now,” field practice day. complete the informa- The day at Cardigan will include a 6 tion, sign the waiver mile hike using map and compass and prac- and answer Covid-19 ticing leadership skills. Full three season questions. Click on hiking gear will be required. registration and payment In order to accommodate as many to finish registration for people as possible, we will offer two either Group A or sessions: Group B. • Group A will hold online sessions on • After you are registered, Monday April 5, 12 and 19 at 7:00 you will receive - 8:30 pm, and will hold the field confirmation and Zoom day at Cardigan lodge and forest on meeting links confirming Sunday April 25 from 8:00 am- your spot. 5:00 pm. The program is for adults • Group B will hold online sessions on only and costs $20 for a April 14, 21 and 28, and will hold member and $25 for a Photo by: Jessica Clifford. 3 NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, FROM PAGE 2

Initially, Chapter hikes tended to focus on local destinations in Southern New Hampshire where the trail heads could be reached by trains or trolleys. In the first few years, trip reports described trips to Ragged Mountain, Cardigan, the Uncanoonuc Mountains and the Pawtuckaway Hills. In addition, the Chapter sponsored “a series of afternoon walks on either Saturday or Sun- day of each week.” Most outings were scheduled over a weekend to accommodate the time consuming travel to the chosen destination. The parties stayed in local hos- tels, and ventured into the woods and to summits during the days. Not all hikers in the 1920s overdressed! AMC Archives. The trip reports describe spectacu- outings were scheduled visiting Devil’s Den by the Chapter. lar views and pleasant outings, but also near Lake Massabesic, the Belknaps, and With advent of more common include descriptions of hikes in the rain the area around Concord. In 1923, a 5 day automobile transportation, the Chapter and the fog. Some things never change! outing was held on Washington’s Birthday ventured further afield and day trips Not all of the trips were in the warmer at the The Cobb House in Canaan, NH, months. In 1923, a series of snowshoe with the first recorded trip to Mt Cardigan NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, TO PAGE 5

A group of hikers resting at a shelter near Jackson, NH, in 1921. AMC Archives. 4 Members of the Merrimack Valley in New Hampshire Chapter resting from building Hi Cabin. Unfortunately, we cannot identify the individuals in the photo, but any information will be appreciated. AMC Archives.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER, FROM PAGE 4 east side of Cardigan from Alexander, NH but ultimately decided the task was too to the summit. This trail, the Manning great, and then turned operation over to the became possible. Destinations became Trail, was cut in 1925, and named after AMC which continues to operate it as part more aggressive. Moosilauke, Kearsarge, the brothers Robert and Charles Manning, of Cardigan Lodge today. the Belknap Range and Cardigan appear in Chapter members, who were killed in a Our 100th Anniversary provides an the trip reports. However, Chapter outings train accident during a snow storm while opportunity to remember what has been seldom ventured into the Whites until later. hiking near Glencliff. Other trails followed achieved over the century and to look for- Just as now, the Chapter activities were including portions of the Appalachian Trail ward to what will await us in the future. It not all hiking. and the Monadnock-Sunapee Trail. Again, is time to celebrate what has been accom- In June 1930, the Chapter sponsored a trail work continues to be a major focus for plished and to look forward to what can canoe trip on the Contoocook River which Chapter members. be accomplished in to our Chapter’s next covered 15 miles in the course of the day In 1929, the Chapter took on a new century! with time for a picnic. More was to come, project building the cabin near the sum- Keep your eyes out for announcements but we all know this! mit of Cardigan. This cabin, now known of future trips and activities to commemo- The Chapter also worked on trail as the Hi Cabin, was completed in 1931 rate the Chapter’s Centenary. improvement and creation. In May 1924, and is just 400 feet below the summit. The the Chapter voted to cut a trail on the Chapter operated the Hi Cabin for 8 years,

THANK YOU All of the historical images in this edition of Mountain Passages have been provided by Rebecca Fullerton, the AMC Archivist. Thank you Becky!

5 Coming of Spring; Some Ideas to Better Observe and Appreciate It

After you have made a number of BY: BOB MCLAUGHLIN ability. There are so many alternatives to observations, you will notice the progres- explore Spring has arrived! At least, astronom- sion of the location of sunrise and sunset. Transformation of the Landscape. ical spring has arrived. While meteorologi- If you continue your observations until the This activity is the first in three that exam- cal and biological spring arrive later in New summer solstice (June 20 in 2021) you will ine the coming of biological spring. This Hampshire, they surely are on the way. see the sun’s march north. If you continue alternative focuses on the more artistic This year, unlike prior years, we are your observations, you will see the sun’s aspects of the change. still dealing with a pandemic that restricts march south until the winter solstice. If First, you should select a view from our activities and may still be limiting you continue for the full year, you will have your home or in a nearby park that in- the time our children are able to spend in recorded the sun’s annual progression along cludes open area and a variety of trees and school classrooms. While there are many the horizon and have developed a better ap- bushes. Then, take a photo of the view. drawbacks to this situation, some parents preciation of the astronomical factors that You can use your smart phone or a camera, have learned the pleasure of developing self- shape our seasons. either will work fine provided they record directed curricula for home education based Change of Temperature. This activ- the date of the photo. The critical part is on their own passions. There is no reason ity focuses on the arrival of meteorological you should mark exactly where you took to abandon this approach as the pandemic spring. You can measure the temperature the photo and identify critical landmarks. wanes. yourself or rely on temperature reports If you have a camera or cell phone with We have developed a selection of sci- available on the internet. Each has its telephoto functions make sure you record ence and nature study projects related to advantages and drawbacks. the focal length so you can use it in subse- the change of seasons to enhance children’s If you rely on temperature reports on quent photos. appreciation of the world around them. the internet, you should make sure you are Then, return to the location and While we developed this list with children using data collected at the same location. take duplicate photos. Ideally, try to take in mind, adults might find them of interest Most websites provide this information. photos at about the same time of the day. also. The big advantage of using an internet If you start in March, you might only take With this introduction, we offer these source of data is you should be able to one photo each week at first, but as the alternative approaches to gaining deeper easily learn the high and low temperature changes start coming faster later in the sea- understanding of the magic of spring. collected on each day. son start taking a photo every day. If you Progression of the Sun. This activ- If you measure the temperature your- are conscious of sticking to this schedule, ity gives you a chance to observe the self, you need to confirm the temperature you will be amazed anew by the explosion progression that occurs with the onset of is representative of the location. Generally, of life that spring represents in our area. astronomical spring. As most of us know, you will want to locate your thermometer You can turn the photos into a slide the location of the sunrise and sunset and on the shady side of your house away from show on your computer that will take the arc of the sun in the sky change as the vents, condensers and surfaces that may your breath away. Just make sure that seasons change. We may have noticed that radiate heat. Unless you have a recording the photos show the same scene with the one side of our house is in shade in the thermometer, you should set one or more only variable being the date the photo was winter and is sunny in the summer. In this times to record the temperature each day. taken! suggested activity, you can carefully observe The advantage of this alternative is that you Bird Migration. Another activity to and document this movement. generate your own data which reflect the monitor the coming of biological spring First, you should choose a location conditions at your home. is recording the birds you see in your from which you can see the horizon where Whichever data collection approach neighborhood or backyard. There are the sun either rises or sets, or if possible you take, the fun comes with playing with many approaches to take on this activity. I does both. Mark this spot and take a pho- the data after it is collected. You can record participate in Cornell University’s “Project tograph of the horizon. Print the photo or the data in tables and you can plot on Feederwatch” which allows you to record if you prefer use it to create a line drawing graphs. If you have the software, recording the birds observed at your feeder on what- of the horizon noting prominent land- the data in a spreadsheet will allow endless ever schedule you prefer. I have been using marks. alternatives for manipulation. it for four seasons and the diversity of the Second, choose an observation day. The beauty of this alternative is you species observed definitely increases as Generally, one day a week will work best. and your children will develop a better spring advances. Except for robins, I have If the day is cloudy and the sunrise and appreciation of how temperature changes not identified migratory species, likely sunset are obscured, you can postpone the as the season advances and at the same time because the feeders come down in April observation until the sky is clear. When develop mathematical skills to better un- to avoid attracting bears. However, I have you make your observation, you should derstand the data you collect. For example, noted how year round species move into mark the location of the sunrise or sunset you can plot the data in a scatter plot graph new territory with warming temperatures on the horizon photo or drawing you cre- and then use the resulting graph to plot a ated and write the date of the observation. smooth line plot that eliminates the vari- COMING OF SPRING, TO PAGE 7 6 COMING OF SPRING, FROM PAGE 6 and attract mates. This gives us a great op- wildflowers in New Hampshire that appears portunity to isolate and identify their songs in this edition of Mountain Passages. Many and longer days. and calls. Generally, as spring progresses good books and smart phone apps are also You might want to move further the number of species singing increases. available. If you want to use wildflowers to afield and try to spot the migrants. Wet- So, if you start early in the spring, you will follow the change of the season, the impor- lands, lakes and seashores are prime loca- have fewer species to identify at first and tant thing is to keep a record and visit the tions as are mountain tops and ridgelines. be better prepared when more species add same location repeatedly. You might want to check on the web or their voices to the chorus. with local birders you know to find the In any case, the object is to try to These suggestions**** are intended to help best place to observe. observe how birds and bird behavior change you better appreciate the miracle that is Another great activity for spring bird with the changing season. spring in New Hampshire. If they don’t watching is learning or improving your Wildflower Progression. Finally, appeal to you, that is fine. It is just great to bird identification skill by listening to their another activity to observe the onset of bio- lie back in sun and enjoy the warmth and songs. As we have all observed, birds sing logical spring is to track the appearance and the sounds of reawakening life around you. much more loudly and persistently in the disappearance of wild flowers in your area. Whatever your choice, enjoy the com- spring as they seek to stake out their turf Debbie Marcus has a great article about ing of spring! Exploring the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway local snowmobile clubs, and private owner- monthly newsletter that a friend had left BY: STEPHEN L. PRIEST ship. In other words, the SKRG Greenway on their coffee table, and noticed listings What is the SRKG? is a group project of those committed to every Tuesday for either a hike or a paddle The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge-Gre- the maintenance and enjoyment of this area – all within 50-miles of New London. enway (SKRG Greenway) Trail is a hidden of New Hampshire. My wife and I began hiking and gem of New Hampshire. The SRKG The general color map accompany- paddling with the group. On one of the Greenway is 75-miles of trail in Merrimack ing this article puts the SRKG trails into ORFS hikes, I noticed a trapezoid trail County divided into fourteen-day hik- perspective. maker with a circle identifying it as the ing sections surrounding Lake Sunapee, I was introduced to the SRKG through SRKG. My first complete SRKG hike was crossing Sunapee, Ragged, and Kearsarge a group called Outdoor Recreation for Se- when a fellow ORFS asked me to join him mountains. The SRKG trails are main- niors (ORFS) which is based at the Chapin to hike SRKG Trail 7- NH 4A to Wilmot tained and supported by volunteers, local Senior Center in New London, NH. It Center, or as he calls it, the Bog Mountain towns, land conservation organizations, all started when I picked up the Chapin Trail. Little did I know that two years later, I would complete the SRKG fourteen trail loop. How Long to Hike all Fourteen Trails? The SRKG is a majestic 75-mile loop of fourteen trails across the lakes region. Individual trails can be hiked in one day or over multiple days. I completed Trails 4 and 7 on separate day hikes, followed by a two-year hiatus, and then finished the last twelve trails in five months. Some individual trails can be divided and completed over days, such as when I hiked the 7.3-mile Trail 3 Sunapee Town Hall to Deer Hill Road over three separate days and the 8.4-mile Trail 5 Springfield/ New London Road to Great Brook Bridge in two days. Consider that all the trails are one way hikes. So, if you want to hike an entire trail segment in a day, you

EXPLORING THE SUNAPEE-RAGGED-KEARSARGE, Map of the entire SRKG Trail. www.srkg.com TO PAGE 8 7 EXPLORING THE SRK Greenway Trail Guide hike was extra special because family and SUNAPEE-RAGGED-KEARSARGE, TheSRK Greenway Trail Guide 3rd friends accompanied me. FROM PAGE 7 Edition, published and sold on the SRKG Starting at 7 am at the northern either have to spot a car at the destination web site (www.srkg.com) and in local book- trailhead at New Canada Road, Wilmot, trailhead or hike the trail both ways. No stores, was invaluable. I carried the Trail NH, we hiked up, over, and around Ragged camping is allowed on the SRKG. So, Guide with me on all fourteen hikes. Mountain for 5.5-hours before finishing overnights are not an option. The Guide describes each trail in a clock- the 6.5-mile trail at its southern trailhead at Along the way, I discovered four ele- wise fashion. I mainly followed the Guide’s Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. We found ments that have brought the SRKG to life hike direction. Still, I did one hike in the trail very well marked. for me: a counterclockwise direction (5.4-Mile The weather was clear and 72 degrees 1) The SRKG Trapezoid Blaze/Trail Trail 1 Newbury Trail to Old Province with wet and slippery trail conditions from Marker; Trail, Goshen) because I noticed the Old the previous night’s rain. Our first two 2) The SRK Greenway Trail Guide’s Province trailhead was at a higher elevation hours climb was up the woods of Ragged narrative for each trail; than the Newbury trailhead, and thought it Mountain with an unexpected talus rock 3) Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Green- would be an easier hike going downhill. As field, climbing up for nearly three miles. way Trail Summary on the SRKG an aside, this was a mistake; the rockbound Finally, we reached the clearing at the ski website; and one plus hour downhill hike severely tested summit of the Mountain. We enjoyed our 4) The SRKG Maps for each of the 14 my quads. lunch on the hut deck with a scenic view of Trails. Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Newfound Lake and surrounding Greenway Trail Summary countryside. TheSRKG trails are for day hiking only. After lunch we continued our hike to Overnight camping is not permitted. An the Proctor Academy Trailhead. The view excellent resource for locating the SRKG at the ledge on West Peak at 4.1 miles was trailheads and parking areas is the SRKG particularly impressive. Stretched in front website: http://www.srkg.com/trails-guide- of us were the ski slopes of Mt Sunapee, the summary/ Ragged Mountain tower we had just left, Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge and a clear view of Kearsarge Mountain. Greenway Maps And to top this off, we were able to discern Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway a section of Lake Sunapee. Wow! For a publishes an excellent map entitled the simple outdoor enthusiast, this point of SRK Greenway Trail Guide. The map is view was remarkable! Check out the 12x18 inches that folds to 3x4 inches and is printed on Tyvek so it can hold up to water EXPLORING THE and hard use. The map is linked to the SUNAPEE-RAGGED-KEARSARGE, Trail Guide, and together are TO PAGE 9 indispensable. In addition, you might find it useful to consult other available maps for more detail or a better idea of the surrounding area. Trail 9 Canada Road via Ragged Mountain to Proctor Academy All of this background is great, but will never give you The SRKG Trapezoid Blaze. Photo by: a good idea what hiking the Steve Priest. www.srkg.com. Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge The SRKG Blaze/Trail Marker Greenway is really like. The unique SRKG trail marker, some While I cannot take you may call it a trail blaze, is often referred on all fourteen trails of the to as the “trapezoid” because of its unique SRKG hikes, let me share design. This “trapezoid” marker has kept the 6.1-mile Trail 9 New me on the trail for all 75 miles. If the Canada Road to Proctor trapezoid was not within sight, it was time Academy, Andover. I selected for me to stop, look around, and maybe this trail as it was the last of backtrack until I located it. It was my the fourteen trails I needed safety net, “I was on the trail.” to complete the Sunapee- Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway My Final Hike to Complete the SRKG Trail. Photo by: (SRKG) 75-mile loop. The Steve Priest. 8 The Panoramic View from the ledge on West Peak. Photo by: Steve Priest. EXPLORING THE cell phone GPS said 6.64 miles! and to locate recommended spur trails for SUNAPEE-RAGGED-KEARSARGE, Overall a very well signed trail. The additional enjoyment and education. One FROM PAGE 8 SRKG Trail Guide lists this trail as “Dif- spur trail is the Trail 9 Overlook on West ficult.” I would agree, but it is not over- Peak described above. picture with the three red circles identify- whelming. If you are interested, you can find ing each of the three mountain peaks. Trail 9 section is used by the SRKG my book on Amazon at Sunapee-Ragged- There in front of us is the entire SRK and maintained by the Ragged Mountain Kearsarge Greenway Trail: 75-Miles on a Greenway 75-mile loop! Fish and Game Club and Proctor Academy. Fourteen Trail Loop by Stephen L. Priest As in all my prior SRKG hikes, I Well done to all caretakers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ carried the SRKG Trail Guide. As we My recent book, Hiking New Hamp- B08MDN1S16 It is free for Kindle Un- passed six-miles, we were getting tired and shire’s Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway limited readers. looking for the end of the trail. The Guide Trail, supplements the SRKG Trail Guide I also maintain a website that can be listed 6.1 miles – meaning one-tenth of with an introduction and video for each reached by http://tiny.cc/mjh6tz. the mile until we celebrate my 14th hike of the fourteen trail hikes. The videos give Finally, I would like to thank the on the SRKG. This “one-tenth of a mile” you a “what it feels like” to hike the SRKG, Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Co- was a steep loose gravel downhill through while the Guide remains the continual ref- alition that has graciously given full permis- woods and went on for what seemed like erence with maps and content for locating sion to use pictures, text, and maps from forever. When we finally emerged into the a trailhead, when to turn, and where you the SRK Greenway Trail Guide 3rd Edition. Proctor Academy parking lot, the southern exit the trail. I used this Guide to stay on As noted above, they maintain an excellent trailhead sign read “6.4-mile trail” and my the path when turns were not readily visible website at www.srkg.com. Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail Summary

Trail Name Distance & SRKG Est. Time Assigned Level of Difficulty 1 Newbury Harbor via Mt Sunapee to Old Province Road, Goshen 5.4 mi. Moderate 4.5 hrs. 2 Old Province Road, Goshen to Sunapee Town Office 7.3 mi Moderate 4 hrs. 3 Sunapee Town Office to Deer Hill Road, Springfield 7.3 mi Moderate 3 hrs. 4 Deer Hill Road to Springfield-New London Road (NH 114) 4.1 mi Easy 2.5 hrs. 5 Springfield-New London Road (NH 114) to Great Brook Bridge 8.4 mi Difficult 6 hrs. 6 Great Brook Bridge to NH 4A in Wilmot 3.2 mi Easy 2 hrs. 7 NH 4A in Wilmot via Bog Mountain to Wilmot Center 4.4 mi Moderate 3 hrs. 8 Wilmot Center via Eagle Pond to New Canada Road 4.1 mi Easy 2.4 hrs. 3.5 hrs. 9 New Canada Road via Ragged Mountain to 6.1 mi Difficult Proctor Academy, Andover 10 Proctor Academy to Winslow State Park, Wilmot 6.0 mi Moderate 3.5 hrs.

11 Winslow State Park, Wilmot via Mt Kearsarge and Lincoln Trail to Kearsarge 5.8 mi Difficult 4.5 hrs. Valley Road 12 Kearsarge Valley Road, Sutton to Wadleigh State Park, Sutton 3.9 mi Easy 2.5 hrs. 13 Wadleigh State Park, Sutton to Chalk Pond Road, Newbury 5.4 mi Moderate 3.5 hrs. 14 Chalk Pond Road, Newbury to Newbury Harbor 4.4 mi Moderate 2.5 hrs.

9 Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers

protective leaf litter of the deciduous forest floor to shelter their perennial organs - corms, tubers, or rhizomes - during their “Hypogeous” growth period. In the fall and winter the plant’s storage organ sends down roots and sends up shoots into the leaf litter, taking in nutrients and water in the dead of winter under the snow. Those shoots give these wildflowers a head start when conditions are just right in the spring. We are fortunate indeed to have spring ephemerals in our northern forests. These wildflowers are found only in North America, Japan, and Russia. They flourish in the calcium-rich soils of New England’s woodlands. We are doubly lucky to see these wildflower gems in NH and VT. The landscape of our northern forests was significantly changed as forests were cut for timber, plowed for agriculture, and grazed by sheep. Writer Ned Swanberg recalls that by the time the Merino sheep farm- ing craze of the early 1800’s died down, roughly ¾ of NH and VT forests had been cleared for grazing and agriculture. By the mid to late 1800’s much of this cleared land slowly began to revert back to pine Trout Lily. Photo by: Paul Hopkins. to the sun and bloom. Once the canopy and hardwood forest. The spring ephem- of leaves is deployed, spring ephemerals eral wildflowers are still working on their BY: DEBBIE MARCUS set their seeds and their leaves die back return to impacted areas. and disappear from the forest floor. These It takes a long, long time for spring In a few short weeks the winter snow wildflowers then spend the other 10 or so ephemerals to re-colonize woodlands. It will be gone from the forest floor. All months of the year hidden underground. can take more than six years for a seedling it takes is a few sunny days and the soil But, oh, do they put on a beautiful to grow into a mature flowering plant. warms beneath the leaf litter, especially on show in early spring! Hepatica, Spring Seeds are not dispersed by the usual means: south facing slopes of deciduous forests. Beauty, Dutchman’s Britches or Squirrel birds, animals, or the wind. The seeds of Quickly, before the trees leaf out, spring Corn, Red Trillium, Trout Lilly, Blood- most spring ephemeral wildflowers are ephemeral wildflowers must push through root, and Sessel-leaved Bellwort carpet the ground in late April and early May on the forested slopes of NH and VT. Northern New England’s forests, fields, bogs, and even alpine summits abound with spectacular wild flowers, each adapted to their own habitat. Some like partial shade; some like the rocky alpine zone. Spring ephemerals crave the sun after their long dormancy. Their high rate of photosynthesis spurs them to rapidly produce shoots, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Writer Micki Colbeck describes this as their “Epigeous” growth period. These wildflowers also need the Red Trillium. Photo by: Paul Hopkins. Spring Beauty. Photo by: Debbie Marcus 10 spread by ants in a process called “Myrme- cochory”. Swanberg explains: “To spread successfully in the forest, the plants create tiny eliasomes - oily packets containing their seeds - as enticements for ants. The ants collect these to nourish their larvae and sub- sequently deposit the seeds in their colony compost piles.” The seeds are carried such a short distance, perhaps only up to two meters from the parent plant. With such a short distance of dispersal, any disturbance of the forest is a threat to spring ephemerals. Once they are gone, they rarely return. On the ¼ of our NH and VT woodlands not cleared, grazed, farmed, or developed from the 19th century to the present, here’s where you look for spring ephemeral wildflowers to put on a show. Most hiking trails in NH and VT pass through deciduous woodlands at the lower elevations. Look for the great nodding heads of Red Trilliums, and take a moment to search the forest floor for Spring Beauties, Bloodroots, Hepatica, and more. But don’t wait too long. Blink, and they’re gone for another year! For more information, I strongly recommend the following resources: • Wildflowers of the White Mountains: A Bloodroot. Photo by: Debbie Marcus Field Guide to New Hampshire’s Wild- flowers, from Valley to Summit. John Hession & Valerie Michaud, Hunting- ton Graphics, 2003. • Doubly Ephemeral Wildflowers, Ned Swanberg, Northern Woodlands Maga- zine, May 19, 2008 Hepatica. Photo by: Debbie Marcus • Spring Ephemerals...here but a moment, Micki Colbeck, Valley News, May 11, 2019

Dutchmen’s Britches. Photo by: Debbie Bloodroot shoot unfurling. Marcus Photo by: Debbie Marcus 11 Construction of Hi Cabin

Mary, the mule, hauling supplies to build Hi Cabin. A tractor was also used, but it kept breaking down. AMC Archives.

An early Chapter member and of ledge a few rods south of the spring as complete as a mountaineer could Chair, Wilbert F. Gilman, is credited on the Clark Trail, just where it leaves wish, and great credit must be given to with conceiving Hi Cabin as a place the woods for the ledges.” Construc- the designers and builders for carrying where members could spend the tion of the Hi Cabin started in June through the project so thoroughly.” night comfortably near the summit of and by October, Hi Cabin was ready for Mt Cardigan. The site selected was occupancy. As an article in Appalachia described as “a comparatively level shelf stated: “Altogether the installation is

AMC NH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chapter Chair...... [email protected] Mountaineering...... [email protected] Past Chapter Chair...... [email protected] Rick Silverberg Tom Sintros & Amanda Knight Frank Miller Vice Chair...... [email protected] Paddling...... [email protected] Regional Dir. NH/ME...... [email protected] Valerio Viti Roscoe Diamond, Robin Diamond & Paul Berry John Mullens Treasurer...... [email protected] Programs...... [email protected] AMC NH Chapter...... website: www.amcnh.org Ron Janowitz Susan Zielinski Secretary...... [email protected] Skiing...... [email protected] Address changes and membership renewals: Debbie Marcus Paul Pinkham, Valerio Viti & Thor Smith AMC Member Services Biking...... [email protected] Trails...... [email protected] 10 City Square, Boston MA 02129 Hiel Lindquist & Felice Janelle Richie Holstein & Bill Foster 617-523-0636 or Conservation & [email protected] Communications...... [email protected] www.outdoors.org/membercenter Paul Hopkins & Lisa Kent Jennifer Kimball & Robert S. McLaughlin Excursions...... [email protected] Web Committee...... [email protected] Larry Yetter & Dan Heon Paul Berry Membership...... [email protected] Young Members...... [email protected] Jamie Gillon Jamie Cullinane

12 August 7, 1931: Construction has started laying the foundation and the beams for the floor. AMC Archives.

September 11, 1931: Things are beginning to take shape. The floor is in and the walls are going up. AMC Archives.

October 11, 1931: Work is done and September 30, 1941: Almost complete! The crew enjoys the first meal in Hi Cabin. it is time to dedicate Hi Cabin. AMC AMC Archives. Archives.

13 Take Action Regarding Conservation Make Your Opinion Count Regardless, all messages are noted and BY: PAUL HOPKINS counted. 3. Supporting Maine's Climate We can discuss conservation issues Ideally, you can develop and send your Action Plan. among ourselves and even reach a reason- own message to your representatives. If this Maine has a comprehensive action able conclusion. But that by itself won't seems too difficult, the AMC has made it plan and our Maine residents should make anything happen to implement easy to send a message to your elected rep- support it. that conclusion. If we want to have an resentatives about several selected conserva- 4. Fund Land for Maine's Future. impact, we must inform decision makers tion issues. The AMC website contains a Maine residents have supported of our opinion about important conserva- suggested message and a link to your elected funding for land conservation and tion issues. These decision makers include officials. recreation. our elected representatives, such as your The NH Chapter has created a Take You can accept the suggested mes- Congressional Representative, Senators, or Action web page (https://amcnh.org/ sage on the website, but it will be better if Governor. conservation/take-action-contact-elected- revise the message to add your individual This article is about making your voice representatives) where you'll find a brief de- concerns and perspective. If you add some count to influence the decision making scription of the current Club Conservation of your own text, the message will have process. action items, links to reference documents, greater impact than simply sending the You may think that you have no influ- Google search terms, and a direct link to Club message. Adding some of your own ence, but that is not so. This was explained the corresponding Club message page. If text to the standard message is easy, just left to me by a member of my retirement group, you prefer, the AMC web site, www.out- click in front of the top line and hit "Enter" Gene Porter, who is the spouse of former doors.org, has a more extensive list of issues twice. You'll be above the standard text and Congresswoman Carol Shay-Porter. He under the "Conservation tab"; select "Take you can just type away. Alternatively, you liked to talk about how things got done in Action" from the drop down menu, and can compose a more complex message with Washington. One of the things he stressed choose any of the conservation items listed. your word processing program, just be sure is that the legislators want to hear from There are currently four action items to copy and paste it as plain unformatted their constituents. They want to know how listed on the Chapter website that have text into the message window. you feel about items that are important to prepared comments: No matter how you do it, it is impor- you. If enough constituents send a message 1. Solutions for Clean tant to let your legislators know how you about a particular issue, it will receive atten- Transportation. feel about conservation issues, or any other tion. Transportation is almost totally issue of importance. Legislators have many He pointed out that the best messages dependent on fossil fuels. We need items competing for their time, attention, are original messages about how you feel, to find a way to reduce our carbon and resources. The more messages that are or how you are impacted. The next best footprint related to transportation. sent regarding an issue, the greater the like- are standard group messages that you have 2. Support Climate Actions in lihood it will receive significant attention. modified by adding a personal statement. Your State. The least effective are standard group A general climate action statement. message without any additional text.

14 Earth Friendly Things You Can Do to Help the Environment

By switching to these products which can be more effectively removed in wastewater treatment you can reduce your impact on groundwater and surface water environ- ments. - Bathroom Cleaners: Bathrooms may be the location where many of us use the most unnecessary chemicals. There are disinfectant sprays, foaming cleaning products and products to turn our toilet water blue. Many or possibly all of these are unnecessary and only increase the dam- age we do to the environment. While we all want to keep our bathrooms clean and pleasant smelling, do we really need all of these chemicals to do it? ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CHOICES FOR YARD WORK AND LANDSCAPING The choices we make in caring for the land around our houses directly impacts our small part of the environment and can have effects well beyond our property. In some cases, your options might be limited by homeowner covenants, but there are likely some environmentally friendly changes you can make. - Landscape Design: If you look around your property are there changes you can make to enhance it as a refuge for wildlife? An expansive neatly trimmed It has almost become a cliché, but it is true; We only have one home in the cosmos, lawn has its appeal, but it is essentially a and we need to care for it!. Photo by: NASA. biological desert. Can you replace part of your lawn with attractive native plants? Consider the following issues and alterna- BY: JOHN WILLIAMS Creative landscaping with native plants tives that you can adopt to reduce your can be very attractive and provide habitat The winter issue of Mountain Passages impact and maybe even improve your for birds and beneficial insects. You don’t contained an article on “Human Impacts environment. have to launch a big redesign project, but to the Environment.” The article described - Household Cleaners: How many if you make a plan and then implement it some of the negative ecological impacts household cleaners do you use? Do you in small steps, you can make big changes caused by human activity. Many people really need all of them? Many household in the land around your home. want to help, and ask what they can do as cleaning products contain harsh chemicals; If you are lucky enough to live by a individuals to reduce and mitigate environ- read the labels. Look for bio-degradable waterbody, whether it is a stream, a lake mental decline. Every person has a global cleaners which can work as well. Also, or a wetland, you can take steps to protect warming footprint and environmental think whether you need to use a cleaner it. Adding buffers of native bushes and impact on our environment. This article instead of just a towel and water and a little grasses will isolate the waterbody from follows up and provides a list of things we bit of organic soap. lawn chemical runoff. Try to reduce your can do which will reduce our individual - Laundry Products: Many of us rou- yard chemical use. Many lawn chemicals, negative impact on our local and global tinely reach for detergents when we do our particularly pesticides, are toxic to aquatic environment. laundry. However, do you know that many life. Fertilizer runoff promotes growth and ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY CHOICES detergents are difficult or impossible to blooms of algae and other aquatic plants FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING totally remove in typical wastewater treat- which overload the aquatic environment Each of us makes many choices in our ment systems? If detergents enter the rivers reducing water quality and depleting daily lives that can affect the harm we do to or lakes, they can hurt aquatic organisms. the environment in our everyday activities. Biodegradable detergents are available on EARTH FRIENDLY THINGS, the market as are laundry soap products. TO PAGE 16 15 EARTH FRIENDLY THINGS, FROM PAGE 15 Consider mosquito and tick repellents and ing some windows during the day to keep control methods to avoid bites. the hot air outside. oxygen. Fish kills and injury to water Finally, if you are looking for a product - Close the shades when it is very hot birds can result. for a pesticidal use, you should verify that or cold outside. Windows are the most - Fertilizer: Too many of us there is a statement of registration on its significant loss of energy for well insulated have developed the routine of applying label such as “EPA Reg. No.” followed by a homes, because the R-values (insulation fertilizer on a regular schedule whether number. The absence of an EPA registra- rating) for most windows are only R3 com- fertilizer is needed or not. This routine is tion is a red flag regarding product safety. pared to R20 for modern walls and R49 encouraged by the manufacturers of com- - Garden/Lawn Tools: Choice of tools for attic ceilings. Higher R-values provide mercial fertilizer products and lawn care for gardening and lawn care can also affect more insulation. Windows shades when companies as essential to maintain a big the environment. Push mowers can be a down reduce heat loss during winter and green healthy lawn. But is it really neces- great workout, but if you require a powered reduce heat gain during summer. sary? lawn mower consider battery or electric Other things you can do to reduce Most lawns are over fertilized and lawn mowers, rather than gas powered your energy use are: most of the fertilizer that is applied washes mowers, to reduce noise, waste heat and - Turn off unused lights and appli- away in the first good rain. If instead of fossil fuel use. When you rake leaves, con- ances. Some homes are filled with parasitic following a routine schedule, you apply sider using an old-fashioned pole and tine electric users, such as TVs, entertainment fertilizer only when your lawn shows signs rake to get healthy exercise and avoid the centers, cable boxes, and computers draw- of nutrient shortage your fertilizer use will loud noise of fossil fuel burning or electric ing power all day and night when not being be greatly reduced. You can further reduce blower. Similarly, consider removing snow used. fertilizer use if you mulch the grass and with a shovel instead of a snow blower. - Install LED bulbs, especially for the leaves on your lawn by chopping them up ENERGY USE, LOWER YOUR lights which are on for the most hours. as you mow. Mulching grass and leaves in HUMAN CARBON FOOTPRINT - Buy Energy Star appliances. Modern place will provide natural organic nutrition Energy use is the greatest cause of refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumid- to soil, help retain moisture to keep your global warming, through the release of ifiers are much more energy efficient than lawn healthy, and reduce the work of fall greenhouse gases and direct environment old units, and operate better at lower cost. leaf clean up. warming. We can reduce our individual - Use the microwave which provides You can follow similar steps in your energy use when we think about our actions energy efficient cooking and adds minimal garden. If you mulch your leaves in place and make small changes. Every reduction heat to the kitchen, which is very helpful in and plant shade trees, your garden will can add up even if the individual reductions the summer. Grill outside in hot weather be much easier to maintain and will not are small in themselves. to reduce air conditioner use inside. require frequent applications of fertil- The largest changes we can make are - Dry your clothes on a clothes line izer. In addition, you can make your own related to heating and cooling our homes, outside for that fresh air smell which is fertilizer by composting your vegetable and reduced fuel use on the road. Things energy free. scraps and coffee grounds. You can then you can do are: - Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, drive use composted material to side dress your - Increase the insulation in your home fewer miles, car pool, and combine your garden plants. Finally, when you do need and buildings. Do you have adequate errands to reduce miles driven. to buy fertilizer, you can look for organic insulation in your attic, walls, and base- - Shop and buy local, to reduce high fertilizers and use them sparingly. ment? Can you install new energy efficient transportation energy use for produce and - Pesticide Usage: Pesticides include windows or cover drafty windows with goods. products intended for preventing, destroy- plastic sheeting? Any enhancement of - Live local to your job, ride a bike to ing, repelling and mitigating any “pest.” insulation will help reduce global warming work. Car pool when you can. Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides by reducing energy use and will save you Finally, on a personal level consider (weed killers), repellents and growth money year after year. reducing meat consumption, especially regulators. Ask yourself whether you re- -Insulate your hot water heater and hot beef. The energy use to produce beef has ally need to use a pesticide or whether a water pipes, run electric water heaters on a the highest negative impact on the envi- manual solution such as weeding or a less timer, 1 or 2x/day ronment when compared with other food toxic alternative will work. While pesti- - Reduce heating, turn the thermostat production. Consume foods lower on the cides are probably less toxic now, consider down when you are not home and while food chain for a healthier Earth by lowering the story of DDT insecticide which nearly sleeping. It is an old myth that keeping the total energy for food production. exterminated the eagles and hawks in the the thermostat at one setting all of the time WASTE REDUCTION AND U.S. reduces the heating load. Put a sweater on. WASTE MANAGEMENT Strive to use less insecticide and weed - Reduce air conditioner use, adjust the The March-April 2019 issue of Moun- killer, and only target active problem areas thermostat higher and save money. tain Passages contained an excellent article in your house and garden. Insecticides are - Plant and maintain shade trees by Janis & Arianna Stokes, Waste Not, on poison to insects, and can also poison the around your house to reduce air condition- how to evaluate and reduce our house hold birds and animals who feed on the insects er use and reduce energy use. waste stream. It is worth a reread! or who are otherwise exposed to the pes- - In warm months, open windows at ticide product. Pesticides are not all bad. EARTH FRIENDLY THINGS, night to cool your home, and consider clos- TO PAGE 17 16 EARTH FRIENDLY THINGS, FROM PAGE 16 million tons of plastic waste are dumped OUTDOORS AND HUMAN PRACTICES annually. What can you do? When you are out on the trail or on It is important to properly dispose of - Glass, aluminum and steel contain- the water, there are things you can do to hazardous materials that are present in our ers recycle economically. Containers are lessen your impact on the environment. homes. Some of these hazardous materi- melted and the material is re-used. Con- - Learn and follow the Leave No Trace als are in smoke detectors (radioactive sider glass and metal containers rather than principles; leave only your footprints and material and lead), thermostats (mercury plastic. carry out trash. and lead), fluorescent light bulbs (mer- - STOP buying water in disposable - Support local land protections and cury), and electronics (lead, mercury and plastic bottles. conservation efforts which secure and pro- heavy metals). Other hazardous materials - Decline disposable plastic straws. tect wild life habitats. are paints, solvents and other home and - Avoid using plastic grocery bags. - Do not crowd or harass wildlife, do Purchase and reuse cloth grocery bags. not feed wildlife. We know the - Avoid plastic cutlery, decline plastic AMC’S GREEN PROMISE, symbol, we know cutlery if getting take-out food. OUR COMMITMENT what it means. - Avoid products with excessive pack- The AMC has a long-standing com- Do it! aging, especially plastic. mitment to use its huts, lodges and sporting - Avoid disposable coffee cups, camps as models for sustainable operations garden chemicals. Old appliances, such as K-cups, and single use plastic and environmental stewardship. These air conditioners, refrigerators and washing containers. policies are designed to both reduce our machines contain hazardous materials. - Avoid daily yogurt cups and favor environmental impact and provide an Buy only what you will use, take large containers. opportunity for guests to learn how to prac- the time to dispose of unused products - Avoid juice boxes and other food sold tice conservation at home. In some cases, properly. Most communities have periodic in small disposable containers. AMC is upgrading its facilities to make drop off days for hazardous materials. Consider reusable products instead them more energy-efficient. In the case of Many also offer to properly dispose of haz- of “one and done” alternatives. Some to the Highland Center, AMC built a lodge ardous materials for free or a modest fee. consider are and education center from the ground up While it may cost a little bit to properly - Using rechargeable batteries (NiMH/ to utilize the latest in green design and dispose of these hazardous materials, it is nickel metal hydride) in place of dispos- technology. a reasonable price to pay to protect the able AA and AAA batteries. While these All AMC New Hampshire huts and environment. rechargeable batteries do not hold their lodges have been awarded “Environmental REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE charge as long as some disposable bat- Champion” status by the New Hampshire Look around you, we are all sur- teries, they can be recharged and reused Lodging and Restaurant Association’s Sus- rounded by our “things.” Some are made many times. Because rechargeable batteries tainable Lodging and Restaurant Program. to last while others are intended to be used slowly lose their charge over time, they are AMC is committed to continuing to once and then disposed. By consciously generally not good for low draw uses, such find new ways to reduce energy use, with a choosing which to buy and use, each of us as smoke detectors, or for items that are goal of reducing its total carbon footprint has the opportunity to reduce the waste held in reserve, such as emergency use flash by 80% by 2050. burden we place on the environment. lights. For more information, reference: - Using cloth dish rags and sponges to https://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camp- Plastic Products: Plastic products are reduce use of paper towel and disposable ing/green-promise everywhere, and many are great products cleaners and wipes. FINAL THOUGHTS and have long useful lives. Most plastics For larger items, think of how you can This article presents a variety of steps do not biodegrade and some plastic types avoid disposing of them. Consider: each of us can take to reduce our envi- are estimated to take thousands of years - Repairing items before you buy ronmental footprint. Taken together the to decompose in the landfills. Single use replacements. recommendations can seem overwhelming. plastics are very bad for the environment, - Offering unwanted items to family, However, if you pick one, or two or a few, because billions of items are disposed into and friends, or to a donation site for re-use. and implement them in your life, you will landfills worldwide annually, and many are This is better than filling the landfills. be moving forward. Once they become simply discarded in the environment. We - Reducing purchases. Think before part of the routine, you can add more. have all seen discarded plastic items along you buy. Buy used items, or borrow tools Every step is progress and will benefit our trails and on beaches, and we have all seen and occasional use items from a friend or environment. the photos of mats of plastic floating on neighbor or from a hardware store or other The important part is staying conscious the oceans. outlet. of the possibilities and staying focused on In previous years, plastics were - Buying less clothing. Again, think improvement. Reversing the problems we sent to China for recycling. China has before you buy. face, and protecting the environment is a stopped accepting waste plastic from the - Reusing and recycling packaging big task. But, we can do it if we all work world, because there is minimal economic materials, boxes, and foam filler. together. benefit to recycling plastic, with a few rare Finally, recycle at home and away. exceptions. It is estimated that about 300 17 Where In The Whites?

What are the mountains in the photo and where was it taken? Be as specific as possible!

This issue's mystery photo: Identify the mountains and where the photographer was when the picture was taken. Photo by: Bob McLaughlin. In the Spring 2020 Edition of Moun- Wilderness taken from the outlet of Black For this month’s photo, identifying tain Passages we introduced a new photo Pond. We received five correct answers the mountains that are the subject will be identification contest, Where in the Whites?. from: incredibly easy, but where was the photog- We asked readers to guess where the photo • Tom & Jennifer Lazott; rapher when he took the picture? Again, was taken and what mountains were in the • Donna Dearborn; please identify the mountains in the photo photo. We promised to print the names • Ian Ayer; and where it was taken. Be as specific as of the first 10 respondents with the correct • Liz (Wyman) Medford; and possible! Take a guess and submit your answer. • John Williams. answers to [email protected]. Last month’s photo is reprinted here. It Congratulations! You know your We look forward to seeing your sub- is a view of Owl’s Head in the Pemigewasset White Mountain Views! missions.

The answer to last issue's question is Owl's Head from the outlet of Black Pond in the Pemmigawasset Wilderness. Photo by: Bob McLaughlin. 18 We Need Your Help

Mountain Passages has been published for 47 years. Unfortunately, our collection of the back issues is missing issues from the first 12 years. We recognize that finding issues dating from 1974 to 1986 is not easy. But, we are hoping someone has them in a box or a binder or a pile in the attic or the basement. If you or your parents or grandparents have been long time members of the AMC and the New Hampshire Chapter, and kept back issues of Mountain Passages, we would love to see them. If you can help, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you!

What’s in your first aid kit this spring?

and hydrogen peroxide), ultimately, systems so that what I do bring in my BY BRETT BILLINGS managing our reactions to the environ- pack is relatively little devoted solely to Outdoor enthusiasts may relish the ment (cold, rain, sun, etc) will likely be first aid. Whereas, if I’m traveling for a rediscovered access with the onset of more important in a first aid situation couple days, perhaps with friends, then warmer weather and longer days, but than having three sizes of gauze pad, our needs, and the chance of something with the thawing of the trails and water- tweezers, and scissors in a pouch. going wrong increase and I diversify the ways comes an increase in activity-based FISH-IN-FERN is an acronym items within each system. This would injuries. that helps outdoor folks remember to then mean bringing more items devoted A question I struggle with, regard- pack the Ten Essentials – those items solely to first aid. less of the season, but especially this that are most important to a safe and Let’s start small, with some items time of year is, how much first aid healthy (and fun!) outing. Each letter I’m usually bound to always have on equipment should I bring? For me, stands for a different “system” to pack, hand in my bag. the answer is a systems-based approach and the benefit to this approach is the First, you should always include to packing for an outing that tries to flexibility to expand or contract equip- safety pins, duct tape, and a couple doz- reduce and repurpose items across ment as excursions change rather than en feet of durable string – like paracord. “packing systems.” The tendency for relying on a static list of items that may Each of these items takes up little space beginning trekkers is: More must be or may not be relevant to an outing. A (duct tape can be unrolled and then better. But this approach can mistake basic first aid kit could easily contain re-wrapped around the base of a sturdy quantity for quality. a hundred items! So my goal here is water bottle), and each applies to the While some basic materials are to introduce the idea that it’s not so Repair system in the FISH IN FERN required in everyone’s first aid kit, such much “what” you bring for first aid, but acronym. Second, you need a pocket- as a selection of bandages, some gauze “how” you plan to use it. knife (or other means to cut tape, cloth, and adhesive tape, and antiseptic and For example, when I’m travel- or cord). Next an emergency blanket wound cleaning materials (e.g., betadine ing solo on a day hike, I might greatly (the space-age looking, lightweight, reduce and combine items across and shiny wraps that runners might be SPRING FIRST AID KIT, TO PAGE 20

19 Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Manchester NH Permit No. 417 Appalachian Mountain Club NH Chapter PO Box 1348 Lincoln, NH 03251

‘Mountain Passages’ is only the beginning… From hiking to biking, AMC’s New Hampshire chapter has it all. Visit our website at amcnh.org and read more about us and our many year-round events.

SPRING FIRST AID KIT, FROM PAGE 19 given after long races) is useful for first understand “how” to make decisions aid but also applies to the Insulation, around packing and first aid is to seek Sun/Weather, and Repair systems. And some training. With each level of lastly, athletic tape and a few 4-6” gauze certification comes a greater ability to pads are helpful since they might be make decisions and confront new or harder (but not impossible!) to replicate challenging scenarios. Wilderness First in the field when needed for first aid. Aid (WFA) is typically a one- or two-day But what about larger scenarios? course and is the “on-ramp” for many If an outing will last a night or more, folks toward a better understanding of include multiple people, feature higher- “how” to prepare and confront injuries hazard sports, or perhaps take place in and illnesses in the outdoors. an extreme environment, well then, a F – FIRE SOME INDISPENSABLE ITEMS: larger first aid kit with more targeted items is in order. My purpose here isn’t I – INSULATION • SAFETY PINS to list the hundreds of items that compa- S – SUN/WEATHER • ATHLETIC TAPE nies and organizations recommend, but H – HYDRATION • DUCT TAPE rather, to suggest it’s not so much “what” you bring, but “how” you plan to use it. I – ILLUMINATION • CORD For example, 25mg of diphenhydramine N – NUTRITION • POCKET KNIFE or a new SAM splint aren’t beneficial F – FIRST AID • GAUZE without at least some understanding of how to use them. E – EMERGENCY • EMERGENCY BLANKET So in closing, the best way to R – REPAIR N – NAVIGATION