March 2021 MOAC Newsletter

April 7st - 7pm Virtual Meeting

MOAC will always make the health and well-being of our members and the community our top priority. Please stay tuned for updates and guidance regarding our meetings and activities. Thanks!

March General Meeting

Trail Angels on the AT with Chloë Rowse

and more

In February of 2018 Chloë set out on her most challenging and rewarding adventure yet - solo thru-hiking the entire 2,191 mile Appalachian Trail. When 24 year-old Chloë started her solo hike, she was prepared for the tough days. What she didn’t expect was the incredible kindness from the strangers that would make the difference between reaching the top of Mt. Katahdin or surrendering to the trials and tribulations of the trail.

Join us for an evening of stories about the generosity of “trail angels” - the good samaritans who support hikers year after year along the Appalachian Trail, helping them persevere

through the physical and emotional challenges of their journey.

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Chloë Rowse grew up in Maine and has traveled and hiked extensively throughout the world, starting with her first solo trip overseas at age 12. Chloë is a Licensed Maine Guide, a Wilderness First Responder, and Yoga teacher. At age 12, Chloë started her own summer camp for girls, which is now in its 15th year and includes an overnight camp. Chloë is currently the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization she founded called Growing Routes, which offers summer and year round programs for youth (www.growingroutes.org).

First Aid Tips

with Tony Wilson

Whether you were a Scout or not, "Be Prepared" can never steer you wrong. Tony will briefly talk about first aid when out adventuring. Being cool, calm, and collected in the face of adversity is always good. But so is having an idea of what to do.

Last Month's Presentation

"Wild Africa" film by Bill Yeo

Bill's newest film, “Wild Africa,” took us on an up-close look of some of Africa’s most amazing animals, including the first steps of a newborn Wildebeest, tree climbing lions and the hilarious and remarkable courting dance of the saddle-billed stork. Suitable for all ages, this film educated and fostered deeper respect for Africa’s beautiful and diverse wildlife.

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Bill Yeo is no stranger to MOAC. He has presented many of his adventures to the club over the years. Bill has organized, planned and led dozens of expeditions over the last 20 years to some of the most remote and wild locations on Earth. Names such as the Amazon, Andes, Arctic Circle and Africa are common subjects at his Durham, Maine, dinner table. Alternating between climbing some of the tallest mountains in the world, Bill enjoys third world cycling expeditions and Arctic ski traverses. His list of adventures includes a 2006 summit attempt of Mt. Everest.

When not seeing what the world has to offer, he is the Community Engagement Coordinator for LL Bean.

President's Corner

Dan says, "Listen to your Mother"

Last Friday just after all the businesses closed my tooth started hurting. By midnight I could tell exactly which tooth it was and had memorized the dentist’s answering service phone number. At 3 AM I could tell you the names of all dental receptionists in southern Maine. I’m OK now.

Shocked by the price of a root canal and cap, I’ve been thinking of running a trip to Mexico, a combination canoe and canal trip, so to speak. The trip would pay for itself and then some! It was a nasty reminder of the part of my life that is being shifted to the medical community. And thank God they’re there! One thing I do remember vividly is the young woman taking payment at the dental desk wishing me, “Have a great day!”…as I stumbled out in pain. Between friend’s Covid, cancers, heart attacks, rotator cuff, blown knees…and then there are the complainers…, it’s a wonder we exist as a population. Well, Hope Springs Eternal! Yep! And by golly, I’m going to keep moving – the only viable choice I believe.

So, getting back to that canoe trip..fly into El Paso, jump the border a couple of times, party it up, maybe get a couple o’caps, then canoe the canyons. Of course, everyone would need some shots and so on, but it could be done! Which brings me to an issue brought up at a recent board meeting in a macabre sort of way. Should we have the “GO”, “Not Going”, "Mght Go” buttons on the website to “help the leader plan”. We thought we’d just leave the “Maybe” button. Why not? It covers all scenarios. I’m sure the button thing was meant to be convenient and helpful. I probably sound old school in this but what I was taught as proper manners, respect and common courtesy was to read the post entirely and ask the leader if you might join and/or follow the leader’s instructions. Treat leaders with manners, respect and common courtesy. In addition, if you say you’d like to join, to show up. AND, if you can’t make it for some reason, to let the leader know soon enough to be able to fill the spot you’ve taken. I should not have to be writing this.

What would your mother say?

Dan Kidd, President

president@moac.org

Remembering MOACer Ken Mathews

MOAC is a family. When we lose someone, it affects everyone who knew that person.

Ken Mathews passed away at 95 this month. Extremely active in the club in the 90's and early 2000's, he left strong impressions whether it be about his breadth of knowledge, or his ability to out-hike just about anyone.

"When you had a conversation with him, you always learned something," said Stephany Illig.

"He was a leader and always going somewhere," added Al Racine. "Very few could keep up with him at 70."

He was an avid biker before lacing up the boots.

Despite being a very private person, he certainly made his share of friends. Those that knew him know how big a loss this is.

The comments below are from the Facebook thread about his passing.

Phil Poirier - Haha Yep. I remember him inviting me to the sushi place on Commercial street. He was grumbling about some idiot he knew. We went through the door, and it was like Cheers with "Norm!"...KEN san!!! Just about everybody lit up and yelled when he came in. Remarkable. A charming misanthrope!!

What a guy. We connected over chess, hiking and Henny Youngman. For someone who vowed he disliked people he sure had a lot of friends.

Mary Ann McLaughlin - Another pub story.... we walked in (the place in Naples) sat down after a hike. Our young pretty waitress looked at Ken & complimented him on his nice legs (he had shorts on)! We never let him forget it.

Dail Martin - Remember that trip in the big business van with all women except Ken & Doug in the back seat. Singing on the way home... Doug How much is that doggie in the window?.... Ken’s song was so ancient no one knew it , but him!

A fun day !

Eileen Whynot - My fave Ken memory was a 1996 backpacking trip where we had to pay for the Golden Road. We were asked, "Are any of you 70 or older?" I was floored, when Ken said yes. I later discovered he was born the same year as my dad who just turned 96.

Susy Kist - Ken was very special, and certainly someone I wanted to be like when I got to his age...maybe minus the Henny Youngman jokes...but you've got to appreciate the era he was raised in. I remember hearing a story about him hiking with another Moac'er up Hamlin Ridge and they ran into a mother bear and a couple cubs. The bears made it impossible for them to move forward, so they turned around and came down. He may have even decided to hoof it home after that though the group was planning to stay a couple more days. I may be making up that last part. (Mary Ann verifies the account to leave)

Andi Bartlett - I loved Ken. I admired his intelligence and his congeniality and I have thought of him often. He was so kind to me and my family, especially Kimberly Bartlett-Ra , Joel Bartlett and my deceased husband, Jeff. We all shared the love of the outdoors and exploring mountain tops. I will always think of him fondly. Thanks to MOAC for introducing me to such fine comrades as Ken. My deepest sympathy goes to his daughter Lauren and all his MOAC friends. As Phil said, he feigned liking people, but he was loved by all who met him.

Jan Radowicz - I joined MOAC almost 40 years younger than him and strived to keep up. We were blessed to have known him.

MOAC and Teens To Trails Team UP

MOAC and Teens to Trails (T3) are teaming up for a gear drive to benefit the Brunswick-based organization. T3 is a non-profit who's mission is: "To connect high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences"

This gives MOACers a chance to clean out their closets, attics, and garages and help a worthy cause, close to our hearts at the same time.

Donated gear will be used to provide teens in need with what they need to experience the great outdoors, or to help fund other activities.

Look for drop-off locations in next month's newsletter. Ready? Set? SPRING CLEANING!

For more information about Teens to Trails, click HERE.

Resumption of In-Person Happy Hours

In a recent Board decision, the Friday night virtual Happy Hours have been discontinued. We've all had enough Zoom, attendance was minimal, and overall, COVID conditions are trending in the right direction.

With this in mind, we will be transitioning back to our traditional, in-person gatherings on Friday nights. If attending, please respect all CDC guidelines as well as any rules or restrictions set forth by the establishment you are visiting.

If you wish to help get this small step toward normality on the road, please email the Happy Hour committee HERE.

A Request From The Board

While maybe it was understood, the board realized it had never been spelled out:

If you learn you are positive with COVID-19 and had been on a recent MOAC trip, possibly exposing fellow MOACers, PLEASE e-mail the board with this information. Thank you.

Per the CDC, a close contact is:

Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

Meet Your New Board

Voting was held online from February 17 - March 3. Our 2021 Board is as follows. Congratulations to:

PRESIDENT - Dan Kidd

VICE-PRESIDENT - Lianne Mitchell

SECRETARY - Wendy Hayes

TREASURER - Linda Johnson

AT LARGE 1 - Bill Briggs

AT LARGE 2 - Marc Hills

AT LARGE 3 - Marty Williams

The Elections Page on the website will stay up for a bit longer so you can check these people out.

Skiing Opportunity

Dan Kidd wanted to make sure everyone knows about this skiing value.

Mt. Abram is open Thursday through Sunday

Celebrating 60 Years

Throwback Thursdays

Lift Tickets only $19.60 on Thursday (excluding 2/18/21)

Limited tickets available

Website

Welcome New Members

615 Members

Christine Baillargeon

William Baker

Susan Begin

Ann Breyfogle

Diana Carmel

Cathy Carton

Michael Casey

Lucinda Clarke

Christina Couperthwait

David Cowan

Jeanne Curtin

Michelle Dolley

Jennifer Dubay

Gerry Dworkin

Deborah Enright

Rebecca Esch

Patricia Fickling

Allison Fowler

Kim Gallagher

Traci Gere

Michele Gilfoil

Julia Gooding

Jill Gorneau

Patricia Gosselin

Annette Hill

Suzanne Huebschmann

Richard Leclaire

Kristine Logan

Susan MacLean

Paula Maturo

Steve McConathy

Jeanmarie Miller

Barbara Norton

Leslie Ohmart

Meredith Petersen

Joe Rardin

Susanne Robins

Laura Rocknak

Elizabeth Rosen

Julie Sherman

Henry Sinkler

Heather Spangler

Megan Steele

Karen Walter

Judy Whiting

Ian Winter

Melissa Wolf

Dan Yadrnak

Smart Decision Making is Priority One

MOACER Jim Greehey of Dexter wants to reinforce the importance of preparation and flexibility in our MOAC lives. There is no harm in backing off when necessary and saving ourselves for new adventures.

With that in mind, he has provided us with curated excerpts from "The Last Traverse" by Ty Gagne as well as his own personal account of a hike in Colorado more than 40 years ago.

"I would like to offer the following to MOAC members as I was deeply struck by reading a book by Ty Gagne called ‘The Last Traverse’," said Greehey via email.

To read the excerpts as well as his personal account, please click HERE.

You can also find it in the "Library" section under the "For Members Only" menu.

In addition, 'The Last Traverse" is included in this edition's "For Time At The Woodstove" segment below.

Thank You Trip Leaders

The Club extends its thanks and gratitude to the following MOACers for leading trips since the last newsletter. MOAC has always been driven by its members. Will you please consider leading a trip?

We had 28 trips posted in February, 18 walking/hiking, 8 nordic skiing, 1 sledding and 1 downhill skiing.

Anne Geisler - 5

Bill Briggs - 4

Marty Williams - 4

Paul Louis- 3

David? - 3

John Shipman - 1

Wendy Pollock - 1

Brad Hanscom - 1

Dan Kidd - 1

While thanks are spread evenly, it is important to note that Marty's trips have strengthened MOAC in DownEast Maine.

The 28 includes the 7 club trips posted.

New Member Meeting

We are now a few months into our revived "New Member Meeting". Before the pandemic, we would invite new members, or anyone with questions to gather off to the side at our general meetings at the church.

We are now doing this via Zoom on the Wednesday after the general meeting. Look for the posting on the calendar as well as the link to join. The meeting is open to anyone with questions about the club, and existing members are welcome to stop in and help answer questions.

Look for the posting. The next meeting should be on April 14th.

Food For Thought

Boiled Dinner

Ingredients:

3 lb. corned beef brisket with spice packet

4 c. low-sodium chicken broth

2 bay leaves

4 sprigs thyme

1 tsp. peppercorns

1 lb. baby potatoes, quartered

4 medium carrots, cut into quarters

1 small head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges

Directions:

In a large pot over medium-high heat add beef and cover with broth. Add spice packet, bay leaves, thyme peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until tender, about 3 hours, adding water to keep beef covered, if necessary.
Add potatoes and carrots and bring up to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes, then add cabbage and boil 10 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender.
Remove meat and drain vegetables. Let meat rest 10 minutes before slicing.

From "Delish.com"

A Newsletter Plea!!

This newsletter is for you, and by definition BY you. After all, YOU are MOAC. Without MOAC, there would be no newsletter. We can alway use:

Pictures
News
Letters to the Editor
Trip Stories
Poetry
Celebrate friends' milestones (birthdays, achievements, celebrations, condolences)

Email the editor to submit. By the end of the meeting week to ensure enough time to process.

Thank you!

Advertise in the Newsletter

Do you own a small business? Work for one? Have a side hustle? Do you have a garage/attic/basement full of gear to thin out? Do you want to get the word out about it? If so, advertise in the newsletter!

Your message will be in the inbox of the MOAC faithful every month. click HERE for more information or contact Maryann McLaughlin.

Flashback!

This entry is from April, 1992

Three Nights At Ethan Pond

By: PHIL POIRIER

I'm not quite sure how we got such an early start, but there we were at noon, starting up the A.T. Ethan Pond was our goal, only about 2.6 miles away, but with a gain of 1700 feet in altitude. Ned, Paul, and I had designs on the Ethan Pond Shelter for the night. It seemed a logical place to stay, given that the weather reports promised that we'd either be soaked by rain or socked by snow. The hike up was steep, but fairly well packed. Oh-oh, would that mean we'd have company? Probably.... this was the beginning of school holiday. As we gained altitude the temperature dropped, the sky darkened and started spitting snow. Reaching the shelter we found it to be full, and there were other folks camping in the snow to boot. We went to work setting up our camp. Just as we finished, the snow came down thick and fast. Dinner was inelegant... spent huddled under a tarp. Having brought only my 3 season dome I was a little concerned about the amount and heaviness of the snow on the tent walls. Sleep consisted of a long, warm cramped night interspersed with an occasional pounding on the walls and ceiling of the tent to relieve the snow load. I got up to relieve myself in the dark of early morning and took a couple of steps away from the tent. My feet sank deep and snow poured down my untied boots... $&%&#&*! and *@#%$%&! But holy hoarfrost Batman, we got snow! Over 14 inches of fresh snow!

Daybreak, and the thermometer kept climbing. A light drizzle commenced and all thoughts of serious bushwhacking got trashed. Thoreau Falls, and the talus slope on Whitewall Mountain via the trail seemed likely objectives given that breaking trail in the woods was like walking in joint compound up to your thighs. Yes, with snowshoes! I pile some snow for a small snowcave with little hope that it would cool down enough to bother carving it out.

A long lunch at Thoreau Falls; silent but for the muted thrum of water beneath snow and ice. While at the talus slope on Whitewall (talus is the pile of rock rubble that has fallen from a cliff or steep rock face) we ran into a group from Zealand Hut. There was one foolish youth full of macho bravado climbing the talus slope carrying his standard x-country skis... with the intention of skiing down. A mixture of morbid curiosity and apprehension kept us watching for a while, but Ned realized that since we were both certified Wilderness First Responders, we would have to provide aid if this yahoo decided to "ski" down this boulder field. We left.

Back at camp in a dampened state (both mood and moisture-wise), I once again ate under a tarp; tonight in the rain. At dusk a breeze picked up, signaling a cooling pattern in the weather. None too soon!

Next day, I dug out my snow cave, creating a snug little warren for the night. Temps in the teens rising into the twenties, and brilliant sunshine, inspired us to bushwhack down the brook through the woods. Magic! Fresh snow dappled by the low angled sun contrasted with the darkness of fir and spruce trunks. In the open, near the stream bed, wind-sculpted shapes drew long gazes. Every few steps, the weight of the heavy new snow over light powder settled with a deep wuummpph!... cracks appearing for yards around us in the snow. Lunch happened in a clearing flooded with the bright dozy warmth of February sunlight.

Absolved of the need for speed on this day, we all slowed down to look. Away from the bee-line of the trail, the walk itself became the objective.

That night, the wind died down completely. With a full moon, no wind, and temps in the twenties, an evening walk seemed a perfect way to cap this trip. No need for flashlights as we entered the massive silence of the night. A hazy ring around the moon set it off from the only star/planet showing in that part of the sky. Craggy spruce-tops framed the scene, while back deep in the woods, blue black tree trunks broke the patterns of moonlight and indigo shadows. So achingly beautiful. This was a once-in-a-winter day followed by a once-in-a-winter night. Sitting around the fire later, little was said. It was understood that we had been visited by the rare, gentle face of winter. Such grace needed to be savored...

Posting Trips with COVID-19

Do not post trips, or attend them if you feel it takes you out of your comfort zone. The board understands it will take time for things to ramp up to whatever "normal" will now be.
Please try to avoid "Show and Go" trips as it can lead to unexpected numbers and tend to be less organized. It is more of a pain, but the board feels it is important. We do realize that it can depend on the kind of trip it is. Boats on the water social distance by design.
Please post Member Only trips for the time being. Again, better control and few, if any surprises.
Please limit trip size to reasonable numbers. Of course, that can vary from trip to trip.
Practice social distancing
Avoid carpooling
Aprés trip gatherings. If it isn't outdoors with plenty of space, you might want to reconsider it.
Be prepared to wear a mask and follow whatever rules are presented wherever the group ends up

If you don't feel well, STAY HOME.

Be safe, be well, and BE SMART!

To a Marsh Hawk in Spring

By: HENRY DAVID THOREAU

There is health in thy gray wing,

Health of nature’s furnishing.

Say, thou modern-winged antique,

Was thy mistress ever sick?

In each heaving of thy wing

Thou dost health and leisure bring,

Thou dost waive disease and pain

And resume new life again.

Source: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/

Be Outdoors Challenge

Need some incentive to get out there? Check out the AMC's (Appalachian Mountain Club) "Be Outdoors Challenge". No cost, no obligation. And if it helps get you active, it has to be good.

Check HERE to check it out.

For Time At The Wood Stove

The Last Traverse; Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites. By Ty Gagne. Tmc Books LLC, 2020, 302 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1734930832. Price $21.79 (paperback)

Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide: AMC’s Comprehensive Resource for New Hampshire Hiking Trails South of the White Mountains, featuring Mounts Monadnock and Cardigan. Compiled and edited by Ken MacGray with Steven D. Smith. Appalachian Mountain Club Books; 5th edition, 2021, 320 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1628421156. Price $23.95 (paperback)

The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts. By Sarah Jones Decker. Welcome Books, 2020, 304 pages. ISBN: 978-0847867721. Price $20.49 (paperback)

Remember the Leave No Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

Tuckerman Ravine

Pinkham Notch, NH

Portland Head Light/Ft. Williams

Cape Elizabeth

Member Benefits and Discounts

Your annual dues do much more than just plug you into the greatest group of people Maine has to offer. Please check out the links below to see what else your membership does. The Board is always looking for new discounts and opportunities for members as well as to make sure the list is accurate. Please let the Board know if you find an error or want to suggest a possible addition.

Please login to MOAC first.

Click here for ongoing events.

Click here for discounts.