A Traditional Thanksgiving, NH - Nov 26 - 29, 2009

Hiking Mount Chocorua

Join us once again for another Thanksgiving at the Conway Hostel. Hike Mt. Chocorua or other nearby mountains. Possibly ski, depending on conditions. Come for Thanksgiving dinner and bring a passing dish or show up after your obligations. 3 nights, 2 dinners and 3 breakfasts.

The Thanksgiving dinner that we have is better than any restaurant can serve or even better than a family can have for Thanksgiving. There are always over 10 people on this trip, so that means, we have 10 different hors d'oeuvres, side dishes, breads, vegetables, deserts and deserts. Of course, we have a fabulous turkey with dressing and gravy. That is if I can find someone to help make the gravy. Although, mine is getting much better with the years of practice.

This trip takes place at the Conway Youth Hostel, which is a great location for a group event like this. We can take up the entire hostel and have room to socialize during meal time.

I would love it to snow over Thanksgiving so we can visit Bretton Woods, but chances are slim we get snow. So, we usually end up hiking trails on Mount Chocorua or Mount Kearsarge.

Remember, there are two Mount Kearsarge's in New Hampshire.

Lounging Around

For Mount Chocorua, we start on a day hike at the Piper Trail and go up as far as we can. Sometimes, the weather is too bad that we can't summit, but we still give it a try. The trail is a moderate level of difficulty, but bad weather makes it more of a challenge. Make sure you bring your hiking boots, fleece and a trail map! There is an EMS there, if you forget any outdoor equipment. If you want to relax, there is always the couch!

The trailhead for Mount Kearsarge begins at a small parking area located 1.5 miles east of NH Route 16/302 on the north side of Hurricane Mountain Road in Kearsarge. The trail is considered moderate and you definitely can do it in under four hours.

Books about Hiking in the area you may be interested in

                             

Best White Mountain Hiking Guide out there

Leaf Peeping in the White Mountains - Oct 16-18, 2009

If you haven't done any hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this is a good time to start. There will be hikes at an easier pace each day and there will be hikes that will get you moving.

Possibilities include something as exciting as Goodrich Rock, shown on the left or maybe Jennings Peak shown below to view the fall foliage in N.H. We might even have an easy walk like Greeley Ponds going also.

Crisp air, vibrant colors, delicious food and great company. Weather and trail conditions dictate the hikes which will be 5-7 miles.




Our accommodations are at Pembrook Lodge in North Woodstock, NH. 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, happy hour snacks and Saturday dinner.

White Mountain hikes in Lincoln-Woodstock N.H.

Come join us for a great weekend!

Canoe Potluck Dinner on the Charles - Sep 4, 2009

What a way to end the summer! Canoeing up, or down, the Charles River and stopping for a potluck dinner along the way.

Bring your favorite dish and share it with others while all boats are tied together. We will meet at 6 pm in Newton for paddling and eating. Sunset is at 7:13, so everyone must have a headlamp because we will be padding in the dusk to the sunset. Fee included canoe rental and eating plates and utensils.

September 4th is a Friday, so come join us for an evening of relaxation and a fabulous dinner!

Maps and Books on Canoeing the Charles

Map of the Charles River Lakes District of Waltham and Newton
The Charles River, Exploring Nature and History on Foot and by Canoe
Canoeing the Charles: Images and Field Notes from 1902-1912

Cape Cod Beach Weekend - Aug. 7 - 9, 2009

Another great weekend at a former U.S. Coast Guard station in Eastham, right on the Outer Beach. Adirondack Chairs line the porch.

Recommended Reading related to Cape Cod National Seashore

Self-Guiding Nature Tours

Birds at Cape Cod National Seashore

Beston, Henry, The Outermost House


Thoreau, Henry David, Cape Cod

Richarson, Wyman, The House on Nauset Marsh

Beaches of Interest

Marconi Beach - Wellfleet

Coast Guard Beach - Eastham

Nauset Light Beach - Eastham

Camping Nickerson State Park - Aug 15-17, 2009

Another great camping weekend at Nickerson State Park. This is for Saturday and Sunday nights.

We can arrive at the campsite after noon on Saturday and we have until Monday to enjoy the Cape Cod activities. Saturday night we'll have the lobster dinner around the campfire. The rest of the weekend will give us time to bike to Provincetown or just lounge around at one of the nearby beaches.
Saturday and Sunday breakfast, Saturday night lobster feast and Sunday campfire dinner.

RECOMMENDED READING

Brewster (MA) (Images of America)

Colorado Ranch Vacation - Swim & Hike the Rockies - July 17-24, 2009

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado, about two hours from Colorado Springs, lays one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado. This is Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument where we will spend a day of hiking. The fossils from lake deposits of the Florissant Formation date at 34.07 million years old, and it represents the latest Eocene Epoch of earth history.

Other days will include a hike to “Top of the World” and “A-Bluff” the two highest points on the ranch. A day at Fish Creek which is 6-7 miles long, where we will have a chance to see beaver ponds and golden eagles, red-tailed hawk and hopefully a herd of elk. Early morning birding trip to Lake George to see white pelicans, cormorants and other water birds will be available, along with amazing views and the headquarters of a cattle operation.

Cost is $1750 plus est. $450-$600 airfare. Cost covers cozy studio apartment lodging, six buffet style breakfasts, six sumptuous dinners, five sack lunches, Colorado ground transportation.

Feel free to look at the prospectus and itinerary.

Camping July 4th Weekend at Mohawk Trail State Forest - July 2 - 5

It's that time of year, ready for another camping trip over the 4th of July weekend! This time it's in Western Massachusetts, where we can bike the moderately hilly area, hike Mount Greylock, water tube the Deerfield River, watch the extreme kayakers or hang out at the campfire, which is indeed a sport!

I don't believe any of us will be this crazy to kayak after they let the dam out, but we may watch them. We may even water tube with the rest of the people out there, but we will definitely hike Mount Greylock and enjoy the fun at the campfire.


Off the Beaten Path, by Readers Digest Association, Susan Byrne

Hiking Southern New England, by Rhonda Ostertag

Casual Biking on Nantucket - June 11 - 14, 2009

The island of Nantucket, 30 miles out to sea off the coast of Cape Cod, is a magical place to visit. Join us as we bike around the island, exploring beautiful stretches of beach, bogs and the natural beauty of its moors. Other options include visiting a whaling museum, movies, shopping or just reading at book.

We will bike to Great Point Lighthouse while riding through the Nantucket Hydrangeas, as we visit numerous beaches.


Stay at the hostel, which is within walking distance of the beach. 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 1 happy hour. Since we won't have any cars on the island, the leaders will taxi the food from the grocery store to the hostel.

RECOMMENDED READING

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu & Santa Fe, New Mexico May 15-26, 2009

This is the Land of Georgia O'Keeffe! This is a hiking and site seeing trip.

We will hike canyons and mountains in northern New Mexico, explore ancient archeological sites and museums in Santa Fe viewing the spectacular scenery, and stay a full week at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu and Santa Fe. Yes, you will need hiking boots and fleece.

The trip includes field trips to ancient pueblos along te Rio Chama and Rio Ojo Caliente, petroglyph areas and a pit house village highlight this week. The itineary includes a trip to the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs where we can soak in hot springs sacred to Native Americans. We will hike up to seven miles per day at an elevation of 8000' on some days. Ghost Ranch is situated 6500' above sea level. While hiking, there will be stops for discussion on various Native American histories, traditions, life styles, as well as, flora and fauna. If you like to hike at a fast pace without stops, this may not be the trip for you.  

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Some outdoor clothing and outdoor equipment that you will need are hiking boots, bathing suit, polypropylene socks, and waterproof jacket and pants. All this because we are never sure of the weather.

Hikes in Abiquiu include:
Chimney Rock, Box Canyon and Kitchen Mesa at Ghost Ranch
Red Dot Trail in the town of White Rock

Hikes in Santa Fe included:
Atalya Mountain
Dale Ball Trail

Hikes on the Turquoise Trail include:
Cerrillos Hills Historic Park

RECOMMENDED READING

Tuckerman Ravine and Joe Dodge - May 1-3, 2009

Hike Tuckerman Ravine and stay at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, NH. Saturday morning, we'll start by hiking up Tuckerman Ravine, a glacial cirque sloping eastward on the southeast face of Mt. Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is here we will watch Extreme Backcountry Skiing. Up to lunch Rocks for lunch, if time and weather permits. Second day of hiking in the area. We'll probably hike the Glen Boulder Trail which is right at Pinkham Notch. Because there is a good chance snow will still be on the higher end of that trail, we may or may not get to the top. In order to hike in the snow, we will need Stabilizers or Crampons. 2 nights lodging at Joe Dodge Lodge, double occupancy, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners.

RECOMMENDED READING ON TUCKERMAN RAVINE

Thoreau, Henry David and William L. Howarth, Walking with Thoreau

Tips for Spring Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine

Appalachian Mountain Club, The A.M.C. White Mountain Guide





LOOK!

Up One, Down Three ------------>

Newport R.I. for Easter - April 11-12, 2009

The Breakers

We'll start by walking the Cliff Walk in beautiful Newport, RI, where we will walk on the walking trail along the Newport shoreline and the mansions of Newport. Then enjoy a fun tour and a little wine tasting at a nearby vineyard. Dinner at a wonderful local Italian restaurant.

Easter Brunch will also be at a local restaurant where we can have a spectacular meal. After brunch, we'll visit one of Newport's spectacular bird sanctuaries with scenic overlooks of the ocean and surrounding area. One night lodging, Saturday dinner and Easter Sunday brunch. Accommodations are two to a room at the Howard Johnson in Middleton. Please register by March 1. All religions welcome!

Walking shoes with a hard sole will be needed, along with waterproof pants and jacket, hat and gloves or mittens just in case the weather is on the colder side.


Newport Cliffwalk
Newport Vineyards
Norman Bird Sanctuary

RECOMMENDED READING

X-C Intermediate Ski Day Trip to NH - Mar. 7, 2009

X-C Intermediate Ski Day Trip to NH, Waterville Valley, NH. Join us in NH for intermediate cross-country skiing. Final location depends on snow conditions (Waterville or Windblown). Trail fees for the day are $16 -$18, depending on the location selected. Optional group dinner after skiing.



This is an AMC, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trip.

President's Day Weekend - Littleton N.H. - Feb. 13-15, 2009

If you like x-country/downhill skiing in Bretton Woods, ice skating at Mountain View Grand, sleeping in Littleton, NH and having a great time, this trip is for you. Accommodations are at the Eastgate Lodge in Littleton, double occupancy. 2 nights, 1 dinner and 2 continental breakfasts.

Some necessary outdoor equipment to bring are waterproof jacket and pants, hat, skis, poles, ski boots, ice skates, non-wool socks and mittens or gloves.

Ice Skating Places in the area

Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa

Nordic Ski Resorts in the area

Mount Washington Resort - Bretton Woods
Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa
The Franconia Inn
Loon Mountain

SnowShoeing Resorts in the area

The Franconia Inn

X-C Ski for Beginners and Intermediate - Feb. 28 2009

Come with us to Windblown, a family-owned and operated ski experience, located in the Monadnock, NH region. We'll work with the beginners to get them skiing and ski with the intermediates to keep them skiing. Bring lunch, snack and water. Weekend trail fee is $16. We'll meet for carpooling.



This is an AMC, Appalachian Mountain Club trip.

Ski Glacier National Park - Feb. 20 - 28, 2009

The best of Montana is seen while we x-country ski through Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. Four days of energetic skiing with a drive to Mission Valley in between, for a fabulous Rapter Viewing Safari. Five field courses include tracking animals, fire ecology and searching for Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks and many species of owls. We'll also track Glacier's diverse animals as we ski and spot live animals as well. There are 63 native mammals throughout the park.

Cost $1020 plus estimated $600 airfare. Cost covers eight nights hotel lodging, five field courses conducted by Glacier Institute, seven dinners, six sack lunches, eight breakfasts and Montana ground transportation.

Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park

Martin Luther King Ski Weekend - Jan. 16 - 18, 2009

Enjoy a weekend skiing in Jackson N.H. x-country/downhill. This gives us the opportunity to visit multiple ski locations!

Accommodations are double and triple occupancy right in North Conway. We will be staying at the White Trellis Motel. 2 nights, Saturday dinner and 2 breakfasts.

Necessary outdoor gear to bring are skis, poles and ski boots. The necessary outdoor clothing to bring are hat, waterproof jacket and pants, non-wool socks and mittens or gloves.

Nordic Ski Places nearby

Bear Notch
King Pine Purity Spring Resort
Mount Washington Resort - Bretton Woods
Mount Washington Valley
Great Glen Trails
Jackson Ski Touring Center

Alpine Ski Resorts nearby

Attitash
Wildcat Mountain
Cranmore Mountain Resort

RECOMMENDED READING