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Appalachian Mountain Club
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Excursions Committee
We have tons of activities going on each and every month. Our volunteer Trip Leaders lead trips to almost any place in or near New Hampshire that you can imagine ó and some you can't. We'll take you to the tallest peaks of the Presidential Range and to the smaller ones, like Willard and Major. We don't just go to the White Mountains! In southern NH we hike in places like Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, and Pawtuckaway State Park. We also sponsor trips to the New England 100 Highest peaks, many of which don't have trails. AMC members can find all of the Chapter's activities listed in the AMC Outdoors magazine. This magazine is sent out to all AMC members 10 times a year. On our trips, the safety of the group is always paramount. All of our activities are lead by trained volunteer Trip Leaders and there is no fee for most. Most trips are of the one day variety, but some are multi- day trips. The NH Chapter Excursions Committee is made up of a group of people who give their time freely, leading hikes, or other excursions for the general membership of the AMC. Our trip leaders give up a lot of their time to ensure that every participant on a NH Chapter trip has a fun, but more importantly, safe experience. The trail to becoming a NH Chapter Trip Leader is not any easy one. You must have proven trail savvy, pass the leadership training class at one of our workshops, then co-lead a series of trips under the watchful eyes of mentors. The mentors, established Trip Leaders, have the final say as to weather he/she is ready to become a NH Chapter Trip Leader, or if more training is needed. I believe that because of this training, and the continuing commitment of all our volunteer leaders, when someone goes on a trip with NH Chapter of the AMC, that person is going with one of the best Trip Leaders, volunteer or otherwise, that the AMC has to offer. To learn more about what it takes to become a Trip Leader, go to here. In addition to our general hiking trips, we some specialized groups and activities that might fit your specific need: Over-55 Group The Excursions Committee's Over-55 Group subcommittee runs trips that appeal to those of all ages who want trips at a more leisurely pace! Trips are conducted every month of the year, and include hikes for those of varying levels of ability, from level trails to mountain summits. Our winter trips include cross country tours as well as snowshoe hikes. We will give participants a chance to learn about the locations of NH trails and we will describe these trails along the way. Other subjects discussed include available maps and guidebooks, use of map and compass, and for winter trips, the special demands that cold weather imposes. We try to have two new member group hikes each month. You needn't be over 55 to join in. Many of those attending are young, some who try our group as an introduction to the chapter's more strenuous trips. Family Group The Family Group creates opportunities for families with children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors together. Most trips are rated easy to moderate in difficulty and include hiking, backpacking, hut trips, biking, cross -country skiing, snow shoeing, as well as cultural outings. Trips are also available for families with more experienced teens and adults who enjoy a relaxed pace. The 25 year history of this group has shown that to hike year after year with the same group is very appealing to children. For more information or to join our e-mail list, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NHAMCFamilyGroup/
If you are a new hiker or an old mountain goat, check out our hiking workshops we hold at Cardigan Lodge. We have classes for all levels taught by our volunteer Trip Leaders. These people have been there, done that, and got a heck of a lot more than a t-shirt for their efforts. They came back with knowledge and experience. Let them share it with you and have a good time doing it. The food is darn good too! One of best places to get started is at our NH Chapter Annual Winter and Spring Workshops. The Excursions Committee conducts two winter workshops and one spring workshop for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced hiker. These training sessions are geared for mountain safety; we instruct participants in equipment, logistics and trip planning, nutrition, map and compass, off-trail navigation, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, accident-scene management, group dynamics, and weather and the mountain environment. This is also where we train new trip leaders for the chapter. These courses are held at the AMC's Cardigan Lodge in Alexandria, NH. The lodge holds approximately 60 adults. The workshops start on Friday night and end on Sunday afternoon. The cost includes two nights, lodging, two breakfasts, and one dinner. We have our own volunteer cooks, so you won't go hungry! These workshops fill up fast, so apply as soon as you see our announcement in the chapter newsletter and web site, or the "AMC Outdoors magazine". You won't regret it! Hut Nights The Excursions Committee also sponsors two hut nights a year. They are held at different AMC huts each year, in June and September, for the good people of the NH Chapter. This is where members can greet old friends and enjoy new ones at a happy hour, have a good dinner, and enjoy an after-dinner speaker. You will arise to a good old-fashioned breakfast. Presidential Range Hike
The Presidential Range
Hike is a trip we run once each summer in mid July. It is a spectacular 9 day trip
across NH's White Mountains. You'll sleep and eat at the AMC's famous mountain huts
while hiking over 50 miles of scenic trails between Franconia and Pinkham Notch,
including many on the Appalachian Trail. It allows you the opportunity to Climb
Mt. Washington and at least a dozen peaks over 4000 ft. It is a strenuous and wonderful
week! There is a maximum of 25 hikers, including 4 leaders. Daily hikes are 5 -
9+ miles with elevation changes of 2000 ft or more. A wide variety of hiking options
are offered each day. The cost includes 8 nights' lodging, breakfasts/suppers, and
gratuities in the huts; trail lunches and in-hike transportation. Keep an eye out
for the notice in the chapter newsletter and web site, or the Interchapter section
of AMC Outdoors. Many past participants have considered the PRH the trip of a lifetime!
Get Involved!
All of these activities are for you, so get involved, and have a great time.
Again, if you don't know how to get started, please call me. I want you to enjoy
the chapter activities and will help you in any way that I can.
Your AMC NH Chapter Excursions Chair:
Wes Tucker | ||||||||
Last Modified: Saturday, 27-Oct-2007 16:53:32 EDT