This talk is a comprehensive introduction to Hiking Basics but includes tidbits for all levels of hikers. Hike Smart, Hike Safe. Participants will be introduced to essential hiking knowledge and skills required to hike safely. Topics include gear selection: footwear, clothing and equipment; navigation tools; planning for various weather conditions; safety and basic first aid supplies; and what to include in a survival kit. A list of resources will be provided, a collection of hiking books will be available for perusal, and gear will be available for hands-on review. The evening will conclude with a slide show of hiking and backpacking trips. The slides showcase breathtaking images capturing the essence of hiking and backpacking adventures across various U.S. national parks, the beautiful state of Maine and the stunning landscapes of the French Alps. It takes viewers on a visual journey through iconic trails, showcasing diverse terrains, from the Grand Canyon's majestic vistas to the red sandstone of Canyonlands, to Knife Edge and Baxter State Park. The narration highlights key experiences, including search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, emphasizing the thrill of exploration, encounters with wildlife, and the visual richness and natural beauty of each location. The information presented and narrative of unforgettable outdoor experiences is intended to inspire you to hike! Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.

Bikepacking is the fusion of biking and minimalist camping, an adventure-rich experience. This class takes a thorough trip into the essence of bikepacking: Self-sufficiency, exploration, and connecting with nature are part of the transformative experience of traversing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail and showcasing its challenges and rewards. This “how to” presentation will use Jen’s adventure on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail (Stretching from Canada to Mexico, a 2,700-mile journey through diverse terrains), as the basis for covering the following technical topics: Lightweight and versatile gear: Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, navigation tools, and bike repair kits. Route Planning and Navigation: GDMBT's intricate route - Navigating through varied landscapes, terrains, and altitudes. The significance of thorough route planning, including understanding terrain challenges, water/food availability and wildfire hazards. Physical and Mental Preparation for both endurance and fitness - Preparing the body for long rides and varying terrains. Mental resilience: Coping with isolation, unexpected situations, and the demands of long-distance biking. Leave No Trace Principles & Environmental responsibility: Minimizing impact and preserving the natural beauty of the trail. Proper waste disposal, campsite ethics, and respect for wildlife. Safety Measures: Importance of safety gear: Helmets, first aid kits, and communication devices. Understanding potential hazards: Wildlife encounters, weather changes, and remote locations. Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.

Learn the basics of coastal navigation using local charts, parallel ruler, and dividers. Learn what the symbols mean, how to determine safe and dangerous routes, create courses, learn rules of the “road”, what aids to navigation look like and do, plan for emergencies and more. For kayakers, sailors, powerboaters, and future Registered Maine Guides. Students will need access to either a Casco Bay Chart or Penobscot Bay Chart, parallel ruler and dividers.

Alice Bean Andrenyak is a Master Maine Guide and Maine native who lives at Mere Point in Brunswick. Owner of Alice's Awesome Adventures and Maine e-Learning, she trains future Registered Maine Guides and outdoor enthusiasts in navigation, canoeing, SUP, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, nature studies, and overnighting skills , and is a former Guide's Board Examiner. She has been visiting Malaga Island for over 30 years and leads regular sea kayak and hiking tours of Malaga Island.