Are you a backpacking wannabee? A greenhorn with a few easy trips under your belt? Been out on the trail a fair amount and want to learn more about how to do it right?

Then the nice folks at Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club have got just the thing for you: A Beginning Backpacking Workshop on Wednesday, May 31st from 6:30 to 9 pm at the Scarborough Public Library.

I sat in on both last spring's backpacking workshop and last fall's winter camping workshop put on by Maine AMC. And I have to tell you: These people spend A LOT of time on the trail and they really, really know their stuff!

In just a few short hours you'll get the complete rundown on packs, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, food, water treatment, clothing and footwear. Safety and health on the trail, as well as Leave No Trace principles will also be covered.

Plus you'll get what no book on backpacking alone will ever give you: Real life, up front and personal experience from folks that live to be outdoors and on the trail. And that, my beginner backpacker friends, is priceless.

So come on along and be a sponge for all the good info the Maine AMC has to share on the topic. Pre-registration is required.

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And speaking of the Appalachian Mountain Club, they're having their Spring 2006 Trails Campaign right now.

Your generous contribution will help the AMC tackle a mountain of trail clearing and erosion control on many miles of trail in NH and ME, help with the Franconia Ridge Alpine Trail Re-construction Project, support AMC trail crews and ridgerunners, build several miles of new trail on the spectacular AMC Katahdin Iron property near Little Lyford Ponds, and much more.

The AMC has been a leader in the New England outdoors for more than a hundred years and is deserving of any and all support to further their mission of protecting and enhancing our trails, preserving critical backcountry lands and providing user education for a more enlightened outdoor experience.

Please do what you can. It'll come back to you in spades.