April 1991

Outdoors with the Chiltern Mountain Club

By Larry Burns

As any gay man or lesbian woman
knows, spring is a great time to be out —
outdoors that is, with other gays and lesbi-
ans. If you enjoy hiking, bicycling, canoe-
ing or any other outdoor activity, then the
Chiltem Mountain Club is a great way to
meet people who share your interests.

Chiltem is an all-volunteer organiza-
tion with a newsletter that lists activities led
by its members. The trips are open to every-
one, but to really know about all of the
activities it is best to join Chiltem and
receive the newsletter on a monthly basis.
The group is generally low-key, with
events organized according to the level and
energy of the trip leaders.

This spring and summer, for example,
members will hike portions of the Long
Trail from Mt Abe to Jay Peak by complet-
ing sections one weekend each month.
Mike Boisvert, a New Hampshire member
who leads this event, says that beginners
are welcome and can be helped out with

equipment. The hiking pace will be reason-
able. He feels that hikes are a great way to
meet people who share your values and ap-
preciate the outdoors. It's also a great way
to have a good time.

The Chiltem Mountain Club is based
in Boston and is part of “lGLOO," the
International Gay and Lesbian Outdoor Or-
ganization. There are about 1000 members,
with about 35 in Vermont. Because Ver-
mont is such a great place to be outdoors,
many members lead activities here. New
Hampshire is also a popular destination.
Downhill and nordic skiing, snowshoeing,
rock climbing, walks, ice skating, tennis,
and sailing are often found in the newslet-
ter. Members are encouraged to lead or co-
lead activities they enjoy.

On Memorial Day weekend (Sat. , May
25 thru Mon., May 27) there will be bicy-
cling trips starting from Island Pond State
Park. Lisa Howe from Boston welcomes
riders of all levels to come for any part of
the weekend. You can car-camp or just

show up for the day. There will be both road
and mountain bike rides. Get your bike out
now and start pedaling to be ready for this
one!

Another event coming up next month
is the annual Jamboree, usually held in New
Hampshire. Members camp out, share a
pot-luck cook out and enjoy a big camp fire
in the evening. Everyone chooses activities
during the day -- biking, running, bird
watching, canoeing, rock climbing and
volleyball.

To get a sample Chiltem newsletter
call: 1-617-859-2843, or write: Chiltem
Newsletter, P.O. Box 1063, Watertown,
MA 02272- 1063.

To find out about the activities men-
tioned above: Mike Boisvert: 1-603-644-
7658, Lisa Howe: 1-617-625-2689. Also
check the 01 TM calendar as Chiltem events
are often listed. You can also call Larry at 1-
802-728-4069.

  
 
  
  
  
    
 
  

 

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