Outings Calendar
The Sierra Club, as an organization, serves a dual purpose. John Muir's vision for an environmental group was not just one of education and legislation. He felt very strongly that the best way to empower people to want to protect the wild places of the earth was to get them out to enjoy them. So the Sierra Club has always fostered a strong outings program to go along with our conservation ethic. To that end, there are many local events available to hike, bike, camp, ski etc., as well as the national & international outings offered.
Outings are open to all members of the John Muir chapter, regardless of which group is sponsoring the event, and to the general public. You need not be a member to attend most outings. Note that all outings are subject to change. PLEASE contact the trip leader ahead of time so they know you are coming and can contact you in case of cancellation or other changes.
Click here for our River Touring Section's paddling outings calendar
December
December 10, Wednesday- Cruisin' for Cuisine to Lilianas
This month, it's time to check out the number TWO top new Madison restaurant of the year. Even though its in Fitchburg. =) Liliana's (www.lilianasrestaurant.com) delights with Creole and Cajun specialties and offers live music to serenade us while we dine. RSVP by December 5th to Lacinda at lathen@farin.com or 274-7870. [4L]
December 21, Sunday - Cross-country ski at Brown County Reforestation Camp.
Hot apple cider will be provided! Rich Krieg, 920-497-8004, eddyout@gmail.com [FV]
January
January 16-19, Friday-Monday - Cross Country Ski Trip to Afterglow Lake Resort, Phelps, WI
We have the coveted MLK weekend reservations at this family run resort. Stay for three the nights, ski for 4 days! The Afterglow Lake Resort is located 18 miles north of Eagle River, WI. They have a website for more information. We have a side-by-side duplex type cabin reserved. Each side has 3 bedrooms (2 double beds and 2 bunks.) Cabins have wood burning fireplaces and full kitchens. Skiing is available right at the resort. Both diagonal/classic and skating tracks are available, plus there are separate snowshoe trails. Both types of trails are excellent. There are also other trails close by to check out. Penny and I will bring the ski books we have and the Gazetteer so we can find the trails. But it's nice to ski right from the cabin and there are no trail fees for resort guests. Tubing and ice-skating are also available for those who are interested. There is also a whirlpool and a sauna. And a hole in the water for the polar plunge if you're so inclined! Meal plans: Bring your own breakfasts and lunches. Friday Night: On your own. There is a supper club in Phelps and several in nearby (12 miles) Land 'O Lakes also. Check in and see who would like to go where. Saturday Night: wine/beer and cheese tasting first, then Pot Luck! Please bring something that goes with chili like salad or bread and bring your own wine/beer/beverage and cheese for sharing and tasting with others. Sunday Night: Leftovers or do-what-you-want night. Lodging costs are about $120 per person for all three nights, including a $5.00 trip fee. Non-refundable (unless we are able to replace you) deposit of $100 due to reserve your spot. Nancy Brown-Koeller; eves 920-830-6625, weekends 715-524-2293. N419 Mayflower Rd, Appleton WI [FV]
January 17, Saturday- Eagle Watching at Sauk City
Join Bill on a DNR guided bus tour to likely eagle watching sites near Sauk City. This is a kid friendly event. The bus leaves at 10:00 AM. We’ll carpool from the Panera Bread parking lot on Junction Road. Meet at Panera at 8:30 for optional breakfast or carpool at 9:15 to Sauk City. After the bus tour we’ll check out some of the displays or presentations in town and then stop for lunch before heading back to Madison. Bring binoculars and cameras! For more information and to RSVP: duh.guru@att.net. The schedule for this has not been posted yet; so information may change. Updates will be made as necessary… [4L]
January 18, Sunday- Family Sledding at Indian Lake County Park
Bring the kids and sleds and join us for a 2-hour family outing at Indian Lake County Park. We’ll start off the fun by sledding down a gentle slope suitable for all ages. Then we’ll warm up with hot chocolate and snacks in the warming cabin. We’ll finish the outing with a fun and educational activity. Bundle up the kids in weather-appropriate clothing and boots. Please note this is a family outing for both kids and parents. Meet at 1:00 PM in the Indian Lake parking lot, approximately 15 miles northwest of Madison. Take Hwy 12 west; turn left on Hwy 19, go about 2 miles and turn left into Indian Lake County Park. There is no fee for sled¬ding. Tell the parking lot attendant that you are there just for sledding. For those interested in skiing, a $7 trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older. For more information or to RSVP contact Kathy Mulbrandon at 608-848-5076 or kmulb@charter.net. [4L]
Thursday, January 22 - Cruisin' for Cuisine to Imperial Garden
In keeping with our "Best of Madison in the 'Burbs" we'll take a trip to Middleton to enjoy perennial favorite Imperial Garden. (www.imperialgarden.com) If you've never eaten here, then you haven't had Chinese done right. And the ambience is all old-school Chinese restaurant - dark woods, hanging lanterns, red lacquer... the works. Not to mention the best sizzling rice I've ever had. RSVP by January 16th to Lacinda at lathen@farin.com or 274-7870. [4L]
February
Saturday, February 7, 2009, Candlelight Ski—Blue Mound State Park
Join us for a candlelight ski/hike/snowshoe at Blue Mound State Park. This is one of the candlelight events hosted by the DNR and park friends groups held each winter. After enjoying the trails, sit by the warm fire with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. We’ll meet at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot next to the hay bales surrounding the fire pit. A park sticker is required for all cars. Carpooling will depart from the Military Ridge Trail parking lot, corner of Verona Rd and Hwy PD, on the east side of Verona at 6:00 p.m. For more information or to RSVP contact Kathy Mulbrandon at 608-848-5076 or kmulb@charter.net. [4L]
February 22, Sunday Snowshoe walk. Sunday at Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London.
Noon - 2pm. Easy walk through lowland forests and along Wolf River. Snowshoe rental available (if renting, please arrive by 11:30). Meet in the warm Nature Center building. Nancy Brown-Koeller, N 419 Mayfllower Rd, Appleton, 920 830-6625; 715 524-2293 I [FV]
February 27-28, Saturday/Sunday - X-C Ski / Snowshoe Weekend in Ironwood MI & Hurley WI
Lodging for 2 nights at "The Inn" (a Bed and Breakfast) in Montreal, WI. It's a classic foursquare built in 1913 as the Montreal Mining Company office. The company town of Montreal is on the National Register of Historic Places. Options for families, couples or solo travelers. Skiing at ABR on Saturday. A family operated, full service touring (classic, skate and snowshoe trails; lessons) area located on over 500 acres of varied terrain along the Montreal River - it has the most reliable snow in the area. Sunday ski options include the city of Montreal's nearby trail with historical markers along the way or the Wolverine Trails at Big Powderhorn About $45 per person per night plus trails fees and dinner at local restaurants. (Famous Liberty Bell pizza Friday night!) See you in Big Snow Country! $90 deposit due with reservation to Nancy Brown-Koeller, N410 Mayflower Road, Appleton, 920 830-6625, 715 524-2293 I [FV]
2009 Sierra Club Canoe Trips into Quetico Provincial Park, Canada
Join us on a special adventure into a timeless and pristine wilderness called Quetico. For eight days and seven nights, experience the life and land of French voyageurs, Ojibway Indians and British trappers in Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park, just north of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Click here for complete details, dates, costs and registration information on your choice of four trips in summer 2009....
Outing Sponsor Key
| JMC - John Muir Chapter | |
| AL- Algonquin Shores CV - Chippewa Valley CR - Coulee Region 4L - Four Lakes Group FV - Fox Valley |
GW - Great Waters |
Trip Leader Information
- Waiver Form - Must be taken on all outings and signed by all participants. After the outing, return to your group Outings Chair to file.
These files are designed to be printed two-sided. The legal print MUST be on the sheet that they sign, even if its on the other side as well.
Outings: Liability Waiver & Carpooling…
In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see the links above. In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for car-pooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. “CST 2087766-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.