AMC Berkshire Chapter

Warner Pond, just a few yards off Route 47 and bordered by Warner Hill and North Hadley farmlands, was a relaxing two-plus hour paddle last Saturday under a sun and puffy cloud blue sky. Swans with their cygnets, painted turtles, and a maze of blossoming Pond and Swamp Dock Lilies greeted us as we slowly meandered past a shoreline teaming with the signs and sounds of plant and animal life.

The 2015 edition of the Ferry Tales is now available on the website at http://amcberkshire.org/ferry_tales. Click on the address to open it.

AMC Berkshire Chapter- Mountaineering Committee

Spring Classes

May 16-17, Sat-Sun, Introduction to Top Rope Rock Climbing: Basic Instruction in climbing, belaying and general safety. Come and have fun on the rocks! Discounted fee to AMC members.
(Fee- $60 for AMC members, $50 AMC Young people members, $75 Non-AMC members) Prior experience not required. Gear is available. 50% deposit required 1 week in advance. Leader - Bill Kopell 588-8315 or bill.kopell@gmail.com.

Berkshire Chapter leaders are busy planning and leading trips! Whether you’re interested in Hiking, Backpacking, Paddling, Rock Climbing, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Trail Work, or Conservation, the AMC Berkshire Chapter is your connection to the outdoors.

All upcoming events can be found on AMC’s Online Activities Database.

Here's a sample of activities and events we have planned for you--come join us!
• Backpacking Series
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail Series
• Waterfalls of Western Mass & Photography Series
• Introduction to Rock Climbing
• Trail Maintenance Training and Trail Work

BICYCLE SWITZERLAND: LAKES & MOUNTAINS
August 8-16, 2015

Join us on a bicycle trip to the beautiful Swiss Alpine Region. We will explore the best the region has to offer: scenic trails, castles, mountain passes, glacial lakes, and clean mountain air. Optional activities include hikes, chocolate making, cheese making, museums, and a visit to Jungfraujoch for views of the mesmerizing Aletsch glacier. Two options for daily rides: moderate (about 30 miles) & advanced (60+ miles). Our rides will weave between high Alpine mountains, along lake shores, & over mountain passes for the advanced rides. We will stay in a hostel in Lucerne, with one night in Interlaken, and ride from our doorstep or take a train to the start or from the end. Lodging in bunk beds in private rooms. Cost $1,999 includes lodging, bicycle, breakfast, dinner, and local transport through Swiss rail pass. Fees for side trips, picnic lunches and airfare (est $1,350) not included. Leader Rebecca Budaj, rbudaj@comcast.net, 413-289-0114; co-leader Rami Haddad, mdxix@me.com, 425-922-0454. Prospectus at http://bit.ly/AMCATCH.

AMC is partnering with the Connecticut River Watershed Council for their Annual River Celebration on Saturday, June 21 at Gillette Castle State Park in CT. This year they are celebrating the expansion of the CT River Paddlers’ Trail, a major initiative that the AMC has been hard working on.

As you may know, the American Chestnut tree used to be a prolific provider of nourishment over the winter months, and the tree was found all over the Eastern seaboard. However, in 1904 a bark blight was introduced from Asia, which spread and destroyed almost all the trees. Now, once the tree grows enough to develop bark, the fungus girdles and topples it. The tree still lives with sprouts coming from around the trunk. For many years, dedicated organizations have been trying to breed blight-resistant trees.

On Saturday, May 17, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, free workshop for educators. Join other educators and AMC's professional education staff for fun, informal activities and discussion. We will network and learn more about the AMC's educational programs for students and educators. The group will share ideas about how educators can work together with the AMC staff to provide students fun, engaging outdoor learning experiences and how we can work together to overcome any real or perceived barriers to environmental education and outdoor learning experiences.

Got "Ferry Tales?" Click here to link to our BK Paddlers' 2014 Spring Newsletter. It has all you need to check on Berkshire paddling trips, boat rentals, H20 web links and more!

For a list of archived editions goto: http://amcberkshire.org/ferry_tales.