The Adventure Club shares the cost of adventure travel and organizes transportation, accommodations, and activities for participants. Week-long adventures depart from any major airport airport on Friday after work and return the following weekend. Weekend adventures depart from Caldwell airport in a Cessna 414A (twin-engine, turbocharged, air conditioned, pressurized, eight-passenger plane) that flies at 225 mph. We typically depart on Thursday or Friday after work and return on Sunday evening. Additional information and a schedule of activities can be obtained from the Club by completing an application.

Destinations

Arctic Expeditions

Experienced backpackers who want perfect hiking conditions will greatly appreciate the Arctic. The visibility is 100 miles, the air is pure and clean, and there is 24 hours of sunlight. Temperature ranges between 50 and 70F. The tundra is rugged and scenic. Wildlife is abundant. In a word, awesome! Each expedition is uniquely tailored to the interests and abilities of the participants. Several months of planning and preparation are required and you will be provided guidance as appropriate. Destinations may include Iqaluit, Pond Inlet, Pangnirtung, Eureka, and other destinations in the High Arctic. This will be our fifth expedition.

Bar Harbor, Maine

A quaint maritime town on Mount Dessert Island, next to Acadia National Park is very pleasant in the hot summer months. Biking the carriage trails is a favorite summer activity. These trails are easy to moderate with absolutely no traffic. The wind their way through the hills and mountains, overlook majestic fjords, and pass tranquil lakes. The hiking trails are all well maintained and quite scenic. Some are relatively flat while others are very steep and exciting. Ocean kayaking is well organized and provides an excellent introduction to the sport. These kayaks are much wider than river kayaks and more stable. The trips will last about four hours and often take you to small islands where some interesting birds can be seen (e.g., bald eagles and paragon falcons).

Baxter State Park, Maine

Perfect for hiking in early October when the Autumn colors are at their peak. Often moose, deer, and other wildlife are sighted. We stay in cabins and carry our sleeping bag, clothes, and food. A favorite, though challenging, hike climbs Mt. Kathadin, crosses the "knife-edge", and then descends back to camp. Other hikes pass rambling brooks, prestine lakes, and scenic mountains. Mt. Kathadin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian trail which extends as fas south as Georgia. Each October we have made the trip to Baxter to seek the autumn colors. A perfect fall weekend that is a nice end to the endless summer

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Without a doubt, Cape Breton is an absolute favorite biking trip. The Cabot Trail is a 186 mile route through the mountains of the Highlands National Park on Cape Breton. The route is mountainous and we average about 35 miles a day with an optional 20 to 30 miles in the afternoon to tour the local countryside. Expect majestic scenery and perfect roads - well paved, very scenic, and little traffic. Each trip is tailored to the riding ability of the participants. We will carry our gear in panniers and stay in B&B's when possible. You will bring your bike from home since we will land in a small airport right on the trail. Although we will not have a sag wagon, there are several bike shops along our route.

Bahamas - Island Hopping

Islands include Abaco, Exeuma, Staniel Cay, Cat Island, and Eleuthra. All islands have excellent beaches with warm turquois water (a favorite condo on the beach is pictured here). Within short walking distance you will find excellent snorkeling and for those certified, diving is offered at all of the islands. Scuba sites include wrecks, blue holes, and coral reefs. Wind surfing can be found at most of the hotels and resorts though the larger ones also offer water skiing, para sailing, and more. Our trip will bypass the large islands of Freeport and Nassau and concentrate on the Out Islands where there are unspoiled beaches, friendly people, and comfortable, relaxed accommodations.

Caribbean Sailing

Each year we sail the Caribbean islands during the week of Thanksgiving. We will have between three and seven several large sailing yachts with thirty to fifty participants. People who have taken our sailing courses help sail while others are free to participate as much as they like. Typically we sail between three and five hours every other day giving us plenty of time to explore the islands. Life on board is quite pleasant. This trip is excellent for singles, couples, and families. We typically average two to three hours sailing a day and explore many of the islands. Favorite activities include jeeping, hiking, snorkeling, fishing, and wind surfing. Scuba diving is definitely possible.

Lake Placid, New York

Cross-country and down-hill skiing is excellent in the winter and hiking or canoeing in the summer. Whiteface mountain offers some challenging down-hill trails while the back country skiing is the best in upstate New York. There are Olympic cross-country and groomed cross-country ski trails, ice skating rinks, Olympic loge, and shopping in town. In the summer time, the lake canoeing is some of the best in New England. There are many lakes interconnected to allow days of easy paddling. Bicycling and horseback riding are also popular.

Martha's Vineyard

The most popular summer Wednesday evening dinner trip! It is excellent for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, or just for fun. Weekend day-trips include bicycle or moped riding, long walks on beautiful beaches, shopping in the quaint towns, and excellent dining.

Ottawa, Canada

Excellent cross-country ski trails is found in the Gatineau mountains. The best ice skating in the world is in town on the Rideau Canal. Their canal freezes and they groom a 10 km section (skate rentals available). Ottawa has lots of natural snow with excellent ski conditions throughout the winter. Their museums and cultural attractions are second to none.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

A veritable plethora of summer activities and water sports is the Outer Banks. Wind surfing is perfect in the late spring or early summer and the season extends well into October. The sound is shallow often 3 to 4 feet making it easy to practice water starts. Hang gliding, another popular sport, includes a video, brief ground instruction, and several flights off the sand dunes where you fly 10 feet above the dunes.

Shenandoah, Virginia

A close second in brilliant fall colors to Baxter Park in Maine is Shenandoah. The hiking trails are all well maintained and very convenient to the airport and our hotel. We typically hike between five and eight hours at a moderate pace over terrain that is hilly. It's very picturesque.

Sugarloaf, Maine

Sugarloaf is a favorite down-hill ski area in the northeast. The two-hour flight from Caldwell airport culminates at Carrabasette Valley airport only seven miles from the slopes (we don't need to rent a car at the airport). All ski trips allow you to bring your gear with you on the plane or you can rent at the slope. Our motel is across the street from the airport and there is a free bus to the mountain although sometimes we get a condo right on the ski slope. The ski conditions are usually most excellent with short lift lines and challenging runs. The major attraction is the variety of ski trails to satisfy the beginner as well as the expert. The equipment rentals and ski lessons are excellent for both down-hill and telemark.

South Pacific and Mediterranean

Early in the year we sail in the South Pacific or Mediterranean. We typically fly commercially to an awesome and incredible location, charter luxurious bare boats, and explore the area. You can expect excellent sailing, interesting places, and friendly people. All trips are extensively researched and tailored to meet your every desire. Our schedule is as follows:

          Mar '96 - New Zealand
          May '97 - Greek Islands
          May '98 - Tahiti & Bora Bora
          May '99 - Tonga, South Pacific
          May '00 - Phuket, Thailand
          May '01 - Australia
          May '02 - Galapagos

Tortola, British Virgin Islands is an annual sailing course. The mountainous islands are rich in vegetation and wildlife. The weather is perfect, the anchorages are well protected, the navigation is easy (islands are all very close to each other), and there are fun things to do on shore. You will have the opportunity to work towards an ASA sailing certificate. Each day includes hiking, snorkeling, swimming, sailing, studying, and excellent food and drink.

Testimony

"The Adventure Club is not something you'd see in a travel brochure. It's very participatory and flexible. Participants bond and form lasting relationships because everyone is called on to lend a hand and to pull their weight. The trips are structured enough to ensure safety and comfort, but spontaneous enough to be challenging and make each outing a different experience."

- Katy Badt

"The trips have bonded some pretty tight friendships over the years. We are all attracted to the excitement of the outdoor activities, and the travel by small plane just doubles the fun."

- Bob Naftal

"The trip to Martha's Vineyard was very enjoyable. My son was impressed and enjoyed the company of all of you too. He wants to do it again. I've been trying to get my son to be more involved with me as a single parent, and this just was enough incentive to get him to do something with me. WHAT A SUCCESS!! Thank you."

- Janet G. DaCruz

Signing Up

When you see an adventure that you would like, simply send email or phone message at 908-512-9039 stating that you want to sign up for the trip. If space is available, you are requested to send a check payable to Adventure Club to John Beck, AT&T Room 1M-406, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 via inter-office mail, call-on-arrival. You may also use a VISA or Master Card. In case you must cancel, you will receive a refund if we are able to fill you space. Would-be participants are encouraged to sign up early, as space is limited.

What to Bring

Each newsletter describes the nature of the trip and includes a checklist of recommended things to consider brining. Always pack light in a soft bag like a day pack or medium size gym bag. Your bag must fit in an area approximately 10" x 18" x 24". On ski trips, skis are carried in the cabin isle and must be clean.

Joining the Club

To join the Club, contact John W. Beck by phone at 908-512-9039 and complete an application. To join the club complete and return an application. It is $12 for AT&T employees, retirees, and friends; however, for a limited time it is free if you sign up through the Web. Benefits include a monthly newsletter and periodic email updates. After your first adventure you qualify for a frequent flier program that entitles you to reduced rates for weekend adventures. Most trips require that you are in reasonably good shape since our purpose is pleasure.

About the Pilot

The Adventure Club pilot holds an Airline Pilot Certificate and has been flying for over twenty-two years (started young). He holds six other ratings and certificates including three flight instructor certificates. In addition to aviation, he is a certified sailing instructor with the American Sailing Association. His expert skills include hiking, biking, telemark skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, canoeing, ice skating, roller blading, and snorkeling. He is also the founder and chairman of the Adventure Club.

About the Plane

The Cessna 414A is a twin-engine, turbocharged, pressurized, eight seat airplane with a typical range of 600 miles and a capacity of 1200 pounds split among the passengers (includes luggage). The range can be extended to 1,000 miles with a lower total payload. The carrying capacity can be increased with a lower range. True airspeed is 225 mph. The cost per passenger mile is roughly 35 cents.

Our Cessna is statistically one of the safest and most cost effective light twins ever manufactured. The single-engine flight characteristics with a full load are more stable and the cost per passenger mile is lower than any other aircraft in its class. The range and carrying capacity make it the most versatile aircraft available for charter.

The single-engine service ceiling is 7,400 feet. This means that the aircraft can climb at a rate greater than 100 feet per minute with one engine inoperative until it reaches this altitude. The aircraft is maintained under a rigorous program that includes replacement of all critical components after a specified time in service. Periodic inspections are performed and maintenance records are reviewed with the FAA on a regular basis.

Safety is further assured by annual pilot training that includes recurrent flight training, FAA check rides, and a review of all specifications, limitations, manuals, procedures, and other material.

Liability is limited to one million dollars for each flight.