Worcester Chapter A Appalachian Mountain Club NON-PROFIT “Tales From The Trails” M 5 Joy Street US POSTAGE (Under The Red Felt Crusher) C Boston, MA 02108 PAID By Chapter Chair, Barbara Dyer PERMIT NO. #420 Dear Members: WORCESTER, MA ur solstice is a changing and fall Ois in the air once again, the best season of all for hiking with the changing hues of our forests and parks and crisp autumn air. Now is the time to “Get Out There” to enjoy nature at its finest! Whether it is a walk in the park, a ride down a raging CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN - Barbara Dyer on Mt. Washington - river or bikeway through Lakes of the Clouds Hut. July, 2006 our rolling hills, you will find shapes, sizes and experi- MA. Visit the AMC’s that we are blessed with ence. They start off some- www.outdoors.org website the New England Charm times in their parent’s for more information on living in Worcester County. backpacks as my two chil- camps, lodges, and huts It is not necessary to climb dren did, then grow into 3- run by the organization. the world’s highest peaks 4 year old tyke hikers As an avid four-season or hike the AT or 4000 foot- where the children are hiker, I encourage you to

Mountain Partnership Con’t from page 2 ers of New Hampshire to equally amazed as adults start slow with the safety of Appalachian Mountain Club Fall 2006 Fall Club Mountain Appalachian Appalachian Mountain Club Fall 2006 Fall Club Mountain Appalachian enjoy hiking in our own at the beauty of nature. a group and build yourself Mike: Weather conditions are usually not a fac- Membership in a Bottle The back yard. Take some tor but we always keep an eye on the sky Starting children hiking at up to our highest New time to see what state an early age is the best England peaks such as Question: What’s next for you guys? Membership-In-A- Bottle is a specially designed 32-ounce parks are nearby, and time to get our future con- Mt. Greylock, Mt. Both together. Kilimanjaro is next Dec 23, Nalgene water bottle that contains an AMC membership, including what rivers you can canoe servationists in tune with Washington and Mt. 2006… Hopefully summit Jan 2, 2007… a one year subscription to AMC Outdoors magazine - filled with or join members of the nature. Hiking with family Katahdin. These moun- HAPPY NEW YEAR!! articles and activity listings to get people connected to the out- doors. Worcester chapter for a is an amazing journey! My tains offer exhilarating And so I as I continued to speak and get to • Discounts on AMC lodging, Outdoor Adventures and Workshops, hiking, paddling or bike son and I hiked most of the views but should only be

know Sharon and Mike a little more..It was very orcester Chapter Chapter orcester and books. Chapter orcester Massachusetts AT when done with the proper gear evident that this married AMC couple just really • A temporary ID card. he was just five years old. and experience. Our love to hike together, nothing to much gets in • A $10 gift certificate good toward In This Issue He began his AMC Hut chapter offers a variety of AMC lodging, Outdoor Adventures, there way of an enjoyable day and with their adventures in the White programs to educate you combined years of experience and planning they Workshops and books. PAGE • An AMC window decal. Mountains at Lonesome on wilderness safety such have accomplished their “Dating Goal”…. and Hiking Chairs...... 2 • For new members only Lake. Annually we visit the as WFA, Leadership have also enjoyed hiking outside of the New Mountain See our web page huts and have built up to Trainings, and the Outdoor England Area. to places such as Colorado, Partership...... 3 www.amcworcester.org Zealand Falls, Galehead Women programs. Please

Switzerland, Norway and Sharon in Nepal. Who’s Who EC...... 4 News from the W the from News News from the W the from News and Greenleaf. Lonesome join our chapter’s mem- Wapack Trail...... 5 Final Question: Sharon and Mike..Did you get When you join through the chapter you save money and help and Zealand are the per- bers on the trails or take married at the top of a mountain? finance your local chapter activities. 2006 Photos...... 6 What;s coming up...... 8 fect huts to introduce chil- this opportunity to give Both Laughing…and Sharon remembering what Join us every 3rd Wednesday of the Month for a Potluck Social Echo Lake Camp...... 9 dren to the backcountry back to the trails by doing her Mother said once their engagement was & New Member Orientation. 7 p.m. Northboro Historical Society, Dog Hike #2...... 10 without carrying all the trail work (no experience announced..”Don’t think that I am climbing any 50 Main St. (Rt.20. Bring dish to share. New members/visitors Views Wachusett Conservation...... 11 gear as meals and bunks needed). I am always mountain to come to your wedding”!…and so always welcome. Registration required for New Members are provided. Another rus- impressed when I see they compromised and hiked Mt Wachusett in the Orientation, not for potluck and presentation. Register with trip. This article is dedicat- tic place to bring families at people of all ages and abil- morning and held their wedding ceremony at the [email protected]; 508-735-3281. ed to all our hikers and trail a minimal cost is our chap- ities on the trails. What bottom in the evening!… maintainers. ter’s new investment in A true mountain partnership! Check www.http://www.amcworcester.org/ for up to date events Hikers come in all Noble View in Western, Continued on next page Meet the Worcester Chapter Hiking Chairs Volunteer recognized for efforts Beautiful Bigelow teve Ciras and Deb Herlihy are the Worcester Congratulations to Steve BY LAURA RUTH, HISTORIAN Chapter Hiking Chairs. Steve has been hiking Crowe on receiving the With the sense of American Severy since he could walk. 2006 New England Independence still in people’s hearts and “I had six brothers and lived in a small house. Volunteer Award from the doing good for the country, the American Hiking Society. Needless to say, I spent many hours outdoors. We Connecticut YM AMC group organized a Steve was given the would car camp and one of our favorite destinations conservation clean-up in Bigelow Hollow award by Heather Clish, State Park on July 8th, 2006. In the spirit was the White Mountains. The whole family loved the AMC Director of Trail White Mountains, in fact my youngest brother worked Stewardship at this years of inter-chapter activities and only being for three years on the Cog Railroad shoveling coal and National Trail’s Day event 40 minutes away, I joined the group as the eventually moved up to a Brakeman position.” at Wachusett Mountain sole Worcester AMC representative. After Steve’s love for the mountains has never waned. State Reservation. Steve finishing up a group lunch, we spent the “When I was about twelve, I found a trout pound on has been the trail adopter afternoon going around one of the park’s a White Mountain map in the middle of the wilderness for five miles of the lakes. One of the participants made a and asked my two older brothers if they were up for the Midstate Trail for several game of collecting cigarette butts ending with a total of 40. Other treasures includ- adventure. Well, the fishing was great and we lost years, and has led volun- ed gum wrappers, bottle caps, broken track of time and realized we were in trouble as we th teer crews since 2002 to OLD GLORY - Mt Field, September 11 , “Flags Over the Forty- glass, and fishing line. Part of the clean- watched the sun set over the pond. After several eight Hike” Steve in front. Deb first row, first from right. rehabilitate the heavily used Pine Hill Trail at up could be viewed as an archaeological hours, we did find our way out using tips our father had spent many hours sailing and just exploring the salt Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, involving over a hundred feet trip when we found beer pull-tabs – when drilled into our heads on how to determine direction marshes. My grandfather owned a fishing boat and I of rock steps so far. In New Hampshire, Steve has made several was the last time anyone saw one those and to survive in the woods. Although my father was would love to go meet him down at the docks and help annual trips over the last 15 years as the Adopter of the Nelson Crag ?! The ultimate highlight of the treasure upset, secretly I think he was proud of the way we did unload the catch. Needless to say, I ate a lot of Trail in the Presidential Range. Steve this year became the new hunt was a plastic, life-size model of a not panic and used his advice to find our way to safe- seafood.” Franconia - North Region Leader. In Vermont, Steve is in charge of deer rear-end. Looking at the remains of ty. Ever since then my love of the mountains, hiking Deb’s love for seafood must have transformed into volunteer work on seven miles of the Appalachian Trail in the Stratton the campfire ashes, we could only imag- skills and the natural environment intensified.” a love for cooking. The unofficial AMC master chef, Pond area for the Worcester Section of the Green Mountain Club. ine it being used and laughed. With close In addition to participating and providing instruction her cooking skills have drawn many an AMC member to 10 bags of trash, we all smiled for the on Wilderness First Aide and Leadership, Steve has to hikes and training courses that she has lead know- camera and ended the day. coached girls and boys ice hockey for over 15 years. ing that they will be treated to a great meal. Steve is also an avid ice hockey player and loves ice Deb’s father was also an artist who would frequently  fishing, skiing and anything that gets him outdoors. paint pictures of the mountains. “My dad loved the Trail Work Opportunities Steve has four children and two grandchildren, all of mountains but did not get too many opportunities to Sunday, September 17: Wachusett Mountain cident with as well as the various side-trails. This whom share his love for the outdoors. explore them. I guess his love of the outdoors rubbed State Reservation. 9-3. Meet at the Visitor will include basic trail maintenance with emphasis Deb is no stranger to the outdoors and the beauty of off on me and I feel like I am living many of his dreams. Center . Join Dwayne Ericson, Facility Supervisor on better defining the trail on Watatic. Meet at the the environment. Everyone should give it a try, you just might get at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, and parking lot on Route 119 in Ashburnham. Don “My dad maintained many of the grounds of the hooked.” other volunteers in providing maintenance to the Hoffses 508-869-0062 [email protected] mansions in Newport, RI. I would spend hours playing Deb has a daughter who is an artist living in San Mountain trails. Projects may consist of paint blaz- Sept 23, November 4 and 5, 2005 in the gardens and the seashore with some very Francisco and a son who is an explorer himself. ing, vegetation control, or basic upkeep and Reconstruction work Pine Hill Trail at famous kids. It didn’t matter who we were, we were repairs to damaged drainage structures. Some Wachusett Mountain. Join along in setting rock Keep your feet moving! just kids having fun. Being a beachcomber, I also experience preferred but all help is openly wel- steps, building rock structures for drainage and comed. Appropriate for ages 16 yrs and up. Tools Tales from the Trails (continued from page one) waterbars and setting scree walls for trail defini- supplied. Bring water bottle, packable snacks or tion. Join experienced leaders to learn the funda- better way to keep in shape, both mentally and physical- For more information about the hikes along the AT, lunch, work gloves, and wear sturdy footwear and mentals of safely moving rock, trail stabilization ly! Ask an Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hiker how they did visit www.appalachiantrail.org. clothing appropriate for work. For more details call and treadway protection. Learn the mechanical it and they will tell you just put one foot in front of the Happy Trails ! or email either Don Hoffses at 508-869-0062 other and keep going, but don’t forget to slow down to Barbara Dyer advantage of moving rocks with a griphoist and [email protected] or Dwayne Ericson at smell those crisp autumn leaves. I hope to take that jour- (Barbara lives in Southboro with her family and can highline system. Tremendous opportunity to be 978-464-2987 ney someday but for now enjoy taking time in our beau- be reached at (508)735-3281 or involved in a local project whose results will be Saturday, September 23: Mount Watatic, Route tiful New England states. I look forward to to seeing you [email protected] for all chapter related around for decades. Tools and training available, 119, Ashburnham, MA . We’ll be having a joint on the trails. inquiries) bring lunch, water, and work gloves. Meet at workday with the Wapack Trail group covering the Wachusett Mountain . Visitors Center , 8:30 to 4:00. Register section the Wapack that the Midstate Trail is coin- with Steve Crowe [email protected] (508-892-3042). amcworcester.org 2 amcworcester.org 11 MOUNTAIN PARTNERSHIP An interview with Sharon Foster and Mike Jones. SUMMERS DOG DAY HIKE #2 BY MARY MACDONALD, NEWSLETTER CHAIR by: Mary Newth, Membership Chair iking, “ A Time To Unwind and Disconnect From Technology” smiles Sharon Foster, the On July 8th we met at Hodges Village Dam Hone half of a married Worcester Chapter - Oxford’s US Army Corps of Engineers flood “Hiking Couple”. Sharon Foster (current Vice Chair) and Mike Jones (current Leadership Chair) and Mary control/recreation area - for a 2 fi hr ramble. MacDonald Co-editor newsletter, sat down one Introductions were made. With a few trepida- evening for coffee to discuss their completion of the tions hands were shaken, names were shared, 4,000 footers as a married couple. tails were wagged and bodies were sniffed. And here is what I found out!… Henry, Ramey, Roman, Duke, Munson (5 large breed dogs) and little Rufus (along with their Question:. Do you both come from a Family perspective owners and friends) were off on History of outdoor adventurers? Sharon Foster and Mike Jones in Norway an adventure. Sharon: Started hiking in college with friends, and Submitted by: Sharon Foster The weather was lovely – blue skies with then joined the AMC in 1996. I am the only one in my fluffy clouds, warm but only slightly humid, with family who likes the outdoors. so not sure where I got Mike: Mike agrees but adds “Never say Never”… to a little breeze. The landscape was perfect for a Rufus iit. Winter Backpacking and finishing all the 4000 footers 6 dog ramble – woods, water, fields and mud. Photo by Mary Newth Mike: My family car camped and we enjoyed the out- in Winter.” The company was fine – friendly, furry com- doors. My brother and I were active in Boy Scouts. I panions and happy, loving owners. French River on the northern end of the park, really enjoyed it. My brother and I are both are Eagle Question. Do you keep a Trail Journal and Do You After a fair attempt at a group photo we set where the dogs were enticed to swim to get Scouts I joined the AMC in 1993 after moving to the Have Trail Names For Each Other? Worcester area from Northampton off on our walk. First up was a chance to swim the mud off. Sharon: I have a spreadsheet with all the dates and They got involved in the Executive Committee in in a clear, ever flowing river. Duke being an We returned by an abandoned railway road mountains recorded….No Trail Names…just “Hey 1999, started dating and were married in 2002. Mike”.. avid swimmer was in the water swimming his and investigated trails on the west side of the Congratulations! Four years on the New England trail! usual circles as soon as his leash was water. These trails (which are open to snow Mike: I do not keep a trail journal, just notes in my released. Two others joined him in the water to mobiles and quad runners) run through hard- mind, we don’t have trail names for each other… just Question: What was the first and last mountain “Hey Sharon.” enjoy a cool dip. Then with the 3 wet dogs wood forest comprised of Red and White Oak, completed? leashed up we went exploring side trails on Hickory and White Pine stands. We finished First mountain completed together was Hale…last Question: What are some advantages to hiking all the east side of the French River, which are up our day at the base of the main dam which one was Owls Head in 2005 4,000 ft together as a couple? forested by Red Maple, Alder, and Birch sur- is littered with broken sticks – just perfect for Mike was pretty close to completion and Sharon had Sharon: Always have someone to go with, who rounding a White Cedar swamp and several throwing to entice the dogs for one last swim done approximately half of them, when they started shares your common interests. ponds. before heading home. All in all it was a glori- dating, but they decided to wipe the slate clean and Mike: Ditto and Sharon is usually the trip planner, for I happily led our group on its merry way, ous, fun filled day for all involved (though we start all over together! the most part. I generally agree with the proposals not considering the boardwalk which crosses were considerably wet and dirty). and enjoy the trips. I usually do all the driving too. the edge of the swamp. Some of the dogs Dog Day 3 an intermediate level hike is Question:. Your most favorite 4,000 ft and why? balked at the board walk due to the size of the slated for August 19th in Pomfret, CT. Look for Sharon: BondCliff. …because it is really remote and Question: Have you ever run into adverse weath- you feel like you are really “out there”, and there are openings between the boards and chose to Dog Day 4 sometime in the fall. If you have a er conditions that stopped you from reaching the beautiful sunsets. walk through the swamp instead. This gave us well behaved dog that is up to several hours of summit? Mike: Lafayette, Lincoln, because they are all above wet dogs covered with swamp mud. Henry (a hiking, and you are OK with a little water and Sharon: Yes, we do hike in all conditions but there tree line and it’s a classic nice loop up the Falling have been a couple of times we had to turn around, yellow lab) was the most noticeable as he was mud, maybe you’d like to join us. Space is Waters Trail, across Franconia Ridge, and down the now dark brown up past his long legs. The always limited so register early. we turned around on Owl’s Head as it was too icy Greenleaf Trail. and we didn’t have traction, that’s how it ended up mud was quite odiferous, which the dogs last. Our original plan was for Cabot to be last as it found pleasant - the rest of us were less For more info on Hodges Village Dam’s 15 Question: Which season do you like the most for was one we both had not done. Cabot ended up impressed. miles of trail visit: hiking? being #47, I am goal-oriented but we do play it smart, By now we were ready to stop for a snack http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/hodvd.htm Sharon: I like the fall the best, cooler, fewer bugs, as the mountains will be there another day. and rest. We stopped at a bridge crossing the beautiful foliage. Winter is second but don’t think I will finish in all in winter, as I am not a winter backpacker Continued on page 12 amcworcester.org 10 amcworcester.org 3 REQUEST FOR THE APPIE OF THE Destination: AMC Echo Lake Camp YEAR NOMINATION At the annual meeting and dinner, an individ- Mount Desert Island, Maine Worcester Chapter 2006 Executive Board ual will be awarded with the Chapter’s high- est honor, Appie of the Year. This award is BY PAT LAMBERT played by Allen range from “When the group do “The Wave” to the people a Chapter Chair Barbara Dyer [email protected] presented to that person, who in an out- SOCIAL CHAIR Saints Come Marching In” to top Cadillac Mountain. We kept doing 508-735-3281 standing manner exemplifies the mission of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. It The Wave until the Cadillacers “got it” Vice Chair Sharon Foster [email protected] 978-562-4494 the AMC. The recipient of this award is cho- azy man’s camping” and was a wonderful experience to hear - some of them lined up and did The Treasurer Larry Bliss [email protected] sen by the Worcester Chapter membership the living is easy! Platform the music floating over the lake as I Wave back to us! 508-485-6155 and the Chapter Executive Board. Please “Ltents with bunks and bed- was heading down the trail from The nature walks range from 10 to Secretary Michele [email protected] send your Appie of the Year nominations to ding provided; 3 squares a day pre- Beech Mountain on an early morning 20 participants. These walks provide 508-756-3778 Simoneau Barbara Dyer 17 Breakneck Hill Rd. pared by the more than capable and hike. the opportunity to see different parts At Large Ken Pickren [email protected] beloved “Croo”; showers and toilets at Organized hikes and nature walks of the island, explore tidal pools, wit- 508-765-6022 Southboro, MA 01772 or email “The Ritz”, just toilets at “The Hilton”; commence on Sunday and continue ness various forms of wildlife in their Bicycling John Gau [email protected] [email protected] by October 15. 508-853-6254 the “Gold Coast”; game tournaments; through Friday. The beauty of hiking natural state, and see how the vege- Conservation Vacant SAVE THE DATE kayaks, canoes, row boats, and in Acadia National Park is that you can tation changes from the shore to the Families Ed & Pat [email protected] Annual Dinner and Meeting Sunfish sailboats provided gratis for smell the salt air and have views of inner parts of the island. Both children Fanjoy 508-842-2186 November 18th the campers; lobster bake at Seawall, the ocean from mountain tops. and adults enjoy these excursions as clam bake at Pretty Marsh; a talent A school bus serves the camp they provide an alternative experience Educational Bill Zahavi [email protected] Our chapter’s Annual Meeting and Dinner 508-335-8343 show with a plethora of talent, both Monday through Friday. Aubry, the from the “big hikes”. Programs will be on Saturday evening, November 18th Hiking Steve Ciras [email protected] young and old; and last, but certainly bus driver, is a long, lanky and spry The hikes and nature walks are at The Manor Banquet Hall in Boylston. This 508-769-9351 not least, the Banathalon. Welcome hiker. He drops the group off at the planned so as to allow everyone to Hiking Deborah [email protected] is always a great event, including fellowship to the AMC’s Echo Lake Camp! start point, parks the bus at the end return to camp in time for a quick Herlihy 508-751-6764 with chapter members, recognition of our “Echo” was one of the AMC’s first point, and doubles back to catch up swim prior to lunch. Meals are served Historian Laura Ruth [email protected] leaders and volunteers, including the “Appie “August Camps”. Some of the partic- with the group. Typically, he carries a family style. Other than the first meal 508-755-8490 of the Year” award. We will have a buffet din- Leadership Mike Jones [email protected] ipants in the Echo August Camp loved bottle of water and that’s it. Last year of the week, during which the 978-562-4494 ner followed by live music ”The Insiders” as the experience so much that they was the first year I actually witnessed campers introduce themselves pub- Membership/Vacant Mary Newth [email protected] our entertainment. The reduced cost for coordinated the efforts to make Echo Aubry carrying a pack, albeit a small licly, I rarely sit with my children as 508-756-7385 members partially subsidized by dues is $25 a permanent AMC destination camp. one. Even my children observed this they adopt other families. This gives Newsletter Mary [email protected] and $30 for non-members. An invitation will And so the tradition began…. with surprise. Their comment was me the opportunity to table hop from 508 966-0075 MacDonald follow or see our web site for downloadable Arrive Saturday after 1:00 PM. The “Aubry never carries a pack!” meal to meal to chat with other Newsletter Lori Nozzolillo [email protected] form. 508-832-8134 m Croo serves as your sherpas and take The “big hikes” last year ranged campers. It is always interesting to your gear to your tent. Have your from 25 to 65 (yikes!) participants. share stories to find out what people Nominations and Bruce Blais [email protected] EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OPENINGS bathing suit at the ready as the lake The first hike of the week always pro- enjoy, from where they hail and what Endowments 508-949-6520 All members are welcome to join the will beckon to you after the 6+ hour vides for the largest number of partic- brings them to Echo either for the first Paddling/Vacant Tim Bradbury [email protected] Worcester Chapter board for the following drive from the Metrowest / Worcester ipants as it is always close by (no bus time or for the 50th. 978-549-2685 one year volunteer positions: Ski Chair, [email protected] area. First time campers are made service on Sunday) with a shorter and At the end of breakfast on the sec- Past Chapter Chair Jim Walsh Conservation Chair and Committee 978-345-3538 right at home by both the camp man- a longer option available. The count ond Saturday, those campers who are Publicity/Vacant Lisa Spinney [email protected] Members, Young Members Chair and Vice- agers, Ned and Mary Mitchell, who drops considerably when we get to staying for the following week give 978-423-4136 Chair, Social Chair, Public Relations Chair, have managed the camp for over 25 the split point at which the group opt- those of us who are, sadly, departing Skiing Vacant Membership Chair, and Paddling Chair. years, and the returning campers, ing for the shorter hike loops back to a song of farewell. It is bittersweet to Social Pat Lambert [email protected] Contact Jim Walsh, some of whom have returned annual- the start and the group opting for the leave but we hope we’ll be back next 508-366-6164 Events/Vacant [email protected], (978)724-6615. ly for over 50 years. Fourth genera- longer hike continues to the second year! Technical Climbing John Grote [email protected] Please consider joining our dynamic team. As a tion campers do exist. trailhead. For information on Echo Lake 508-756-3778 volunteer, there are some perks for free travel [email protected] The day starts at 7:00 AM when a On our final hike for the week, we Camp and the application process Third Wednesday Fred Mezynski and conferences, but most importantly you would 508-853-6098 Croo member plays Reveille on the hiked up Dorr Mountain and then see: Tuesday Night Bike be giving back to the community who shares the Third Wednesday John Nieman [email protected] mission of conservation, education and recre- trumpet. This is the signal the Croo is climbed to the summit of Cadillac http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/cam 508-835-3352 fixin’ to get ready to serve breakfast at Mountain. On the summit of Dorr, our ps/camps-echo.cfm and Trails Don Hoffses [email protected] ation. The time commitment is one meeting per 508-869-0062 month in addition to your duties as activity chair- 7:30. My children and I have had the hike leader ostensibly lined us up http://www.amcecholakecamp.org/ Young Arin Vasil [email protected] person – a few hours a month in total. Training pleasure, all 3 years we have gone, of across the top of the summit to take a Note: April 1 is a key date so if you Members/Vacant 774-200-3316 can be provided. Passion is a must. the trumpet call being followed by the panoramic picture of the group (I want to go to Echo the summer of Webmaster Jack Downing [email protected] Some positions may be pending at press time. sweet sounds of another camper who believe the count was 42 that day). 2007. 508-294-3406 plays the trombone. The tunes After he took his shot, he had the amcworcester.org 4 amcworcester.org 9 WHAT’S COMING UP? A FOOT IN CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND This History of the Wapack Trail COME OUT AND JOIN THE FUN WITH Originally written by John Flanders in the Appalachia June, 1992 OTHER AMC MEMBERS Condensed and submitted by Barbara Dyer The Wapack range has captivat- Laura and Guy Waterman, who reverted to an overgrown and wild ed hikers, naturalists, and solitude- have written extensively about the state that made it difficult to follow. seekers for more than a century. history of hiking in the northeast U.S. For the first time, the Wapack trail From Henry David Thoreau in the contend that from 1910-1920 the was on the brink of oblivion, threat- Sat.- Sun., October 21-22. SOLO Wilderness First Aid. Learn how to manage an emergency in the 1850’s to Benton MacKaye, father of increasing popularity of the automo- ened by the opposing but equally bile was partially responsible for relentless forces of reforestation and backcountry from qualified Solo instructors. This comprehensive two day course at Camp Harrington the Appalachian Trail in the 1920’s, to weekend hikers in the 1990’s, thou- opening the wider possibility of long development. The late 1960’s and in Boylston, MA covers standard emergency care with an emphasis on backcountry long-term care sands have come to savor the distance trails. At the same time, early 1970’s saw a great revival in and evacuation. Fees include course instruction and meals. Leader: Debora Herlihy, debora_herli- Wapack wilderness. there was a growing awareness of hiking and backpacking. People [email protected]; 508-751-6764 (best time to call: Between; 7-9PM). For information on Solo: The history of the Wapack is the recreational potential of the rediscovered the Wapack. The con- http://www.soloschools.com/wfa.html. Directions to Harrington Camp: one of shifting land use, from 18th mountains and the need for wilder- dition of the trail became critical by ness was an essential part of the 1980. Heavily used sections were http://www.ymcach.org/camp.html century hill farm to 20th century forest and subdivision. The trail is a prod- human experience. badly eroded and development pres- uct also of the wilderness and trail The Watermans also reveal how sure threatened to break the continu- Sat.- Sun., November 11-12. SOLO ADVANCED Wilderness First Aid. More hands on practice! building movements of the first quar- the new interest in long distance trails ity of the footpath. Learn how to manage an emergency in the backcountry from qualified Solo instructors. This compre- ter of this century, whose eager disci- fired the imagination of Allen A group of trail supports were hensive, more in-depth, two day course at Camp Harrington in Boylston, MA covers standard emer- ples became the legions of volunteer Chamberlain, an influential Boston concerned with the state of affairs. newspaperman, author, and avid out- The group chose the name Friends of gency care with an emphasis on backcountry long-term care and evacuation. Fees incl., course trailblazers. The creators of the Wapack Trails were in the forefront of doorsman, who later became the the Wapack and eventually adopted a instruction and meals. Leader: Debora Herlihy, [email protected]; 508-751-6764 (best time the movements. When the trail president of the AMC. By 1921, goal to maintain the trail. The to call: Between; 7-9PM). For information on Solo: http://www.soloschools.com/wfa.html. Directions to opened in the fall of 1922, it was the enthusiasm for long-distance trail Friends assumed responsibility to Harrington Camp: http://www.ymcach.org/camp.html first interstate footpath in the building had reached a high level. In maintain the trail from the AMC Northeast and one of the first long that year, Harvard University profes- Worcester Chapter in 1983 and by distance skyline trails in the U.S. sor and landscape architect Benton the fall of 1984 the entire trail had Fri-Sun., October 13-15. AMC'S Fall Gathering Leader: Steve Ciras, [email protected], Thoreau saw a landscape MacKaye proposed a 2100 mile been cleared, signed and reblazed. Appalachian Trail as an experiment in The Friends of the Wapack still con- 2006. Come join the Narragansett Chapter in beauti- 508-769-9351; Leader: Debora Herlihy, laid bare by successive episodes of logging, forest fires, and hurricanes regional planning and as a “footpath tinue to focus on volunteer recruit- ful "Little Rhody" for a fantastic autumn weekend. The [email protected], 508-380-1193. throughout the 18th and early 19th in the wilderness”. ment and trailway protection and can Environment Education Center of the Alton Campus centuries. There was no Wapack The Wapack range is a sky- be reached at of the University of Rhode Island features more than Trail. There were few hiking trails line trail from Mt. Watatic in http://www.wapack.org/. 2300 acres of forests, trails, farmlands, and lakes. Fri-Sun., January 5-7., Cardigan Lodge and anywhere in the country; mountains Ashburnham, MA to North Pack Accommodations range from cabins to tenting facili- High Cabin Winter Weekend. Status: Open. were just beginning to be thought of Monadnock in Greenfield, NH, a dis- There will be a trail work opportunity at tance of 21 miles. The trail was com- Mt. Watatic on ties. In addition to clubwide meetings and fun coastal Sponsored by the WR and NH Chapter. Visit the in leisure terms. Ranges like Wapack activities, look for workshops on Recreational were working mountains: sources of pleted by the spring of 1923. By Sept 23. Contact Don Hoffses, newly renovated Cardigan Lodge in the Lakes region [email protected] Kayaking and Introduction to GPS and a Newport Cliff timber and ranges for sheep and cat- 1924, the Wapack began attracting of NH. Stay Fri. at the lodge and Sat. at the High many hikers and skiers that the Walk and Mansion Tour. Information available at tle driven to pasture on high rocky Cabin, a rustic bunkhouse with wood stove. Full win- Wapack Lodge was built to fill a FROM THE EDITORS http://www.amcnarragansett.org. land unsuited for cultivation or settle- ter gear, crampons and snowshoes required. Cost is ment. The grazing and trampling of pressing need for food and shelter Dear Members: approx. $50 for self service facilities which will incl. farm animals ensured that no forest along the trail. The lodge was com- We reserve the right to edit for length Fri-Sun., November 24-26., Annual one breakfast. Lmt. to 12 fit and fun participants. More could return. Views were open in pleted in 1925 and quickly prospered. and content. All contributions are wel- The 1930’s saw steady increases in come. Please contact the co-editors, Thanksgiving Hut Hike. Status: Open. information. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer@hot- every direction and cattle farming Mary MacDonald at mmacdona@com- (Intermediate) Join us for our annual Thanksgiving mail.com, 508-735-3281; Co-leader: Roger Scholl, remained profitable until the 1920’s. hiker and lodge traffic. The 1938 hur- cast.net or Lori Nozzolillo at back pack to the 3rd AMC hut built in 1914, Carter [email protected]. Then economic forces shifted the ricane hit the lodge and toppled the [email protected] dairy industry elsewhere, and the Mt. Watatic firetower. Notch Hut (3.8mi). Enjoy Thanksgiving feast on Sat., Please check the website for the most up to date We are always looking for “NEWS”, land reverted to forest. Today, only During the 1950’s, trail usage after an optional day of hiking to surrounding peaks. please submit your suggestions, views, listings. http://www.amcworcester.org vestiges of the vast open pastures dwindled and the great years of the $85 /incl., 2 brkfts and dinners. Winter gear required. interests, photos etc to us....Thank you remain along the highest points of the Wapack came to a gradual close and December issue will be “Winter In New No refunds after Oct 20th. Ltd. 10 More information. trail. the lodge closed in 1958. Trail usage England” continued to decline and the Wapack amcworcester.org 8 amcworcester.org 5 2006! PEOPLE, PLACES & PICNICS!! WHERE HAVE WE BEEN ...

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Photos submitted by: B.Dyer, E.Cibelli,B Jenson,Website.

WHERE ARE WE GOING... amcworcester.org 6 amcworcester.org 7