RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 11 March 2020, Three Rivers, Twelve Bridges
Ride Leader: Bill Widnall (substituting for Jerry Skurla & assisted by Rich Taylor)
31 miles, 10:00 am start from Crosby's Market parking lot, Concord, MA
Riders (20): Bill, Rich, Al Berardi, Annemarie Altman, Blaine French, Bruce Gelin, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, Doug Hobkirk, Ellen Gugel, Gerry Sheetoo, Harriet Fell, Kathy Horvath, Pat Stabler, Randy Stern, Roy Westerberg, Rudge McKenney, Selig Saltzman, Steve Miller, and Vic Lebovici.
Twenty-two years ago (1998) I created a ride that I named "Bridges of the Sudbury River." After several seasons of my leading this ride for the Wednesday Wheelers, and as a CRW weekend ride, Rich Taylor took over the leadership and has added both longer and shorter route options. Then, with the advent of Ride With GPS (RWGPS), Rich posted his three ride options to RWGPS. Jerry Skurla has since added another branch to the tree - his "Three Rivers, Twelve Bridges" ride includes my original eight Sudbury River crossings and adds two crossings each of the Concord and Assabet Rivers. His ride also adds the delightful, new extension of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Jerry has posted his ride on RWGPS.
Regrettably, and on very short notice, Jerry was unable to lead his ride this past Wednesday. At 5:59 pm on Tuesday, Helen accepted my offer to be the substitute leader. With only sixteen hours (including sleep time) to prepare, I studied Jerry's new route and decided I would do my best to lead his intended route, rather than substitute an alternate ride that was more familiar to me. I was aware that it was going to be a challenge to lead from a printed cue sheet (downloaded from RWGPS), as I do not yet have an on-bike RWGPS system worked out.
It was a lovely, sunny day for the ride, with dry roads and not too cold or windy, bringing out twenty WWs for the start at Crosby's Market in Concord. Rich Taylor volunteered to be co-leader and Butch Pemstein volunteered as sweep. I admitted to the group that I felt like a substitute teacher who, on very short notice, agrees to fill in despite having little time to study the intended lesson plan. Rich agreed to stay right behind me and be the one to call for and designate a human arrow for each turn. That freed me up to concentrate on my clipped-on paper cue sheet, which was happily flapping in the breeze. I had planned a rest stop for halfway into the ride at the Longfellow Health Club in Wayland, which would be a short-distance diversion from Jerry's route. When we regrouped at the foot of Goodman's Hill (at mile 15.4), the majority of the group wanted to skip the rest stop. So, we split the group - Rich led the larger group, while I led the smaller number to the planned rest stop, after which we resumed riding the route.
Thank you to Rich for co-leading, to Butch for sweeping, to and all who volunteered to be arrows or help in other ways. And thanks to all who refrained from giving a hard time to the "substitute teacher!"
Report by Bill Widnall.
At the base of Goodman's Hill Road, a group of twelve riders decided to bypass the rest stop and carry on. Rich "led from the back" of the group to be sure no one got dropped. The folks in the lead had the route on GPS or were familiar with the original route. We rode in a group of seven and five riders, keeping everyone in view so that arrows were not deployed. A couple of traffic lights assured that we stayed together. There was a bit of a split climbing Garfield Road after Bridge 11, but the speedy downhill got us together for the final two miles across Rte 2 and past Daniel Chester French's house (sculptor of the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in DC).
Everyone had a smile at ride's end - good route - good friends. Thanks, Jerry, for a new adventure and thanks, Bill, for volunteering to lead on such short notice.
Report by Rich Taylor.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Monday, March 9, 2020
Circumambulation of Still River Village - March 4, 2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 4 March 2020, Circumambulation of Still River Village
Hike Leader: David Fay
5+ miles, 12,000+ steps, ~600' of climbing, 10:00 am start from Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Harvard, MA
Hikers (16): David, Cindy Chin, David Wean, Doug Chin, Gerry Sheetoo, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Mike Hanauer, Moshe Werba, Pat Stabler, Richard Fortier, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Steve Maislin, and Winslow Green.
Sixteen hardy WWs met at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Still River, a village in the Town of Harvard. With little sign of the predicted 70 mph gusts, we started off on a trail, along the east bank of the Nashua River, that was originally an Indian trail but became the road between settlements in Groton and Lancaster around 1650. At 0.8 miles we turned away from the river onto the old Union Turnpike which was constructed through the Oxbow swamp in 1805, when Thomas Jefferson was president. We passed plenty of fresh beaver-cut saplings as we made our way east.
After crossing the railroad tracks that run from Worcester to Ayer, we hiked up the hillside through Fruitlands property, still following the Union Turnpike. After a brief stop to admire the site of Clara Endicott Sears' Pergola mansion, we headed north to the entrance to the Community Harvest Project, located amidst hibernating apple orchards on a couple of hundred acres on the east side of Prospect Hill Road. After requesting and receiving permission, to cross the property, from the farm manager, we walked east on a farm road and climbed Dean's Hill, where we admired the view of Bare Hill Pond in the distance and took a group photo.
Then it was down Dean's Hill, up Madigan Lane (part of the Union Turnpike in the day), down the Fruitland's property to the west, and finally back to our cars.
About ten of us then met at the Harvard General Store for lunch, which turned into a bit of a fiasco when the kitchen took more than a half hour to prepare the simple lunches we had ordered. They said their ordering system had broken down, but that seemed a flimsy excuse to some of us. In the end, they apologized and gave us several coupons for free sandwiches at our next visit. Next time we'll order ahead.
Report submitted by David Fay.
Wednesday, 4 March 2020, Circumambulation of Still River Village
Hike Leader: David Fay
5+ miles, 12,000+ steps, ~600' of climbing, 10:00 am start from Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Harvard, MA
Hikers (16): David, Cindy Chin, David Wean, Doug Chin, Gerry Sheetoo, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Mike Hanauer, Moshe Werba, Pat Stabler, Richard Fortier, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Steve Maislin, and Winslow Green.
Sixteen hardy WWs met at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Still River, a village in the Town of Harvard. With little sign of the predicted 70 mph gusts, we started off on a trail, along the east bank of the Nashua River, that was originally an Indian trail but became the road between settlements in Groton and Lancaster around 1650. At 0.8 miles we turned away from the river onto the old Union Turnpike which was constructed through the Oxbow swamp in 1805, when Thomas Jefferson was president. We passed plenty of fresh beaver-cut saplings as we made our way east.
After crossing the railroad tracks that run from Worcester to Ayer, we hiked up the hillside through Fruitlands property, still following the Union Turnpike. After a brief stop to admire the site of Clara Endicott Sears' Pergola mansion, we headed north to the entrance to the Community Harvest Project, located amidst hibernating apple orchards on a couple of hundred acres on the east side of Prospect Hill Road. After requesting and receiving permission, to cross the property, from the farm manager, we walked east on a farm road and climbed Dean's Hill, where we admired the view of Bare Hill Pond in the distance and took a group photo.
Then it was down Dean's Hill, up Madigan Lane (part of the Union Turnpike in the day), down the Fruitland's property to the west, and finally back to our cars.
About ten of us then met at the Harvard General Store for lunch, which turned into a bit of a fiasco when the kitchen took more than a half hour to prepare the simple lunches we had ordered. They said their ordering system had broken down, but that seemed a flimsy excuse to some of us. In the end, they apologized and gave us several coupons for free sandwiches at our next visit. Next time we'll order ahead.
Report submitted by David Fay.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Winter hike at Rocky Woods Reservation - February 26, 2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 26 February 2020, Winter hike at Rocky Woods Reservation
Hike Leader: Frank Hubbard
3 hours, 10:00 am start from Rocky Woods Reservation entrance, Medfield, MA
Hikers (6): Frank, David Wean, Janet Miller, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, and Vic Lebovici.
The waters parted between 8 am and 2 pm and we were able to complete a circuit of Rocky Woods Reservation. It was overcast, but the temperature was ideal. Trails were clear and we made good time, ending the trip with a climb up Cedar Hill.
Luncheon stop was at Blue Moon Cafe for lentil soup and vegetarian combinations. Hikers had not realized that it was not just a bagel shop, but a first rate restaurant with varied cuisine.
Report by Frank Hubbard.
Wednesday, 26 February 2020, Winter hike at Rocky Woods Reservation
Hike Leader: Frank Hubbard
3 hours, 10:00 am start from Rocky Woods Reservation entrance, Medfield, MA
Hikers (6): Frank, David Wean, Janet Miller, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, and Vic Lebovici.
The waters parted between 8 am and 2 pm and we were able to complete a circuit of Rocky Woods Reservation. It was overcast, but the temperature was ideal. Trails were clear and we made good time, ending the trip with a climb up Cedar Hill.
Luncheon stop was at Blue Moon Cafe for lentil soup and vegetarian combinations. Hikers had not realized that it was not just a bagel shop, but a first rate restaurant with varied cuisine.
Report by Frank Hubbard.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Fifth annual Walden Pond hike - February 19 , 2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 19 February 2020, Fifth annual Walden Pond hike
Hike Co-leaders: Judith McMichael & Janet Miller
4-5 miles, 10:00 am start from The Food Project parking lot, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (25): Janet, Judith, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Martin, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, David Wean, Everett Briggs, Greg Stathis, Jack Mroczkowski, Margaret Coughlin, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Moshe Werba, Patrick Ward, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Sally Chapman, Ted Nyder, Tony Lee, and first-timers, Aiko Pinkoski and John Riley.
Twenty-three WWs met their leaders in the wet and muddy Food Project parking lot ready for our hike. We took the trail that starts at the bottom of Baker Bridge Road to walk towards Heywood's Meadow - no longer a meadow, thanks to the activity of the beavers there. The beavers would like to make the pond even bigger, but are kept in check by a Beaver Solutions pond leveler installation, to prevent a flood and associated damage to the Fitchburg railroad tracks. We saw no beavers, but did see a muskrat dive into the pond and under the ice. As we walked around Heywood's Meadow, we observed lots of fresh beaver activity, with some sizable trees having been felled.
We hiked on to Walden Pond and visited the site of Thoreau’s cabin, before continuing around the pond. Judith described how this very large kettle pond was created by the retreating glaciers. Greg Stathis told us that the Commonwealth authorities had poisoned the pond with rotenone in 1968 and then restocked the water with “more desirable fish” for anglers.
We stopped briefly at the Visitor Center, where an enthusiastic ranger told us much more about Walden Pond. Then we headed up Pine Hill, home to a large underground water tank and a view of Mt Wachusett. After leaving Pine Hill, we caught sight of the building that houses the Walden Woods project, which is devoted to the legacy of Thoreau.
After the hike most of us gathered at Verrill Farm, where we ate in the warm sunshine of the greenhouse.
Report submitted by Janet Miller and Judith McMichael.
Wednesday, 19 February 2020, Fifth annual Walden Pond hike
Hike Co-leaders: Judith McMichael & Janet Miller
4-5 miles, 10:00 am start from The Food Project parking lot, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (25): Janet, Judith, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Martin, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, David Wean, Everett Briggs, Greg Stathis, Jack Mroczkowski, Margaret Coughlin, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Moshe Werba, Patrick Ward, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Sally Chapman, Ted Nyder, Tony Lee, and first-timers, Aiko Pinkoski and John Riley.
Twenty-three WWs met their leaders in the wet and muddy Food Project parking lot ready for our hike. We took the trail that starts at the bottom of Baker Bridge Road to walk towards Heywood's Meadow - no longer a meadow, thanks to the activity of the beavers there. The beavers would like to make the pond even bigger, but are kept in check by a Beaver Solutions pond leveler installation, to prevent a flood and associated damage to the Fitchburg railroad tracks. We saw no beavers, but did see a muskrat dive into the pond and under the ice. As we walked around Heywood's Meadow, we observed lots of fresh beaver activity, with some sizable trees having been felled.
We hiked on to Walden Pond and visited the site of Thoreau’s cabin, before continuing around the pond. Judith described how this very large kettle pond was created by the retreating glaciers. Greg Stathis told us that the Commonwealth authorities had poisoned the pond with rotenone in 1968 and then restocked the water with “more desirable fish” for anglers.
We stopped briefly at the Visitor Center, where an enthusiastic ranger told us much more about Walden Pond. Then we headed up Pine Hill, home to a large underground water tank and a view of Mt Wachusett. After leaving Pine Hill, we caught sight of the building that houses the Walden Woods project, which is devoted to the legacy of Thoreau.
After the hike most of us gathered at Verrill Farm, where we ate in the warm sunshine of the greenhouse.
Report submitted by Janet Miller and Judith McMichael.
Monday, February 17, 2020
Downhill skiing at Mt. Wachusett - February 12 , 2020
SKI REPORT
Wednesday, 12 February 2020, Downhill skiing at Mt. Wachusett
Ski Leader: Ellen Gugel
9:00 am start from Mt. Wachusett ski lodge, Princeton, MA
Skiers (2): Ellen & Harriet Fell.
Present at lunch: Ellen's husband, Ski Instructor Steve.
Harriet and I did the Balance trails, our favorite, three times, as well as 37 other runs before lunch!! Terrain park, bumps, jumps, race course. Really! The Balances, anyway.
Bluebird day. Great conditions.
Report by Ellen Gugel.
Wednesday, 12 February 2020, Downhill skiing at Mt. Wachusett
Ski Leader: Ellen Gugel
9:00 am start from Mt. Wachusett ski lodge, Princeton, MA
Skiers (2): Ellen & Harriet Fell.
Present at lunch: Ellen's husband, Ski Instructor Steve.
Harriet and I did the Balance trails, our favorite, three times, as well as 37 other runs before lunch!! Terrain park, bumps, jumps, race course. Really! The Balances, anyway.
Bluebird day. Great conditions.
Report by Ellen Gugel.
Monday, February 10, 2020
A ride from Weston to Concord - February 5, 2020
RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 5 February 2020, A ride from Weston to Concord
Ride Leader: Harriet Fell (assisted by John Allen)
30 miles, 10:00 am start from Burchard Park, Weston, MA
Riders (10): Harriet, John Allen (sweep), David Fay, Doug Hobkirk, Ellen Gugel, Elizabeth Wicks, Gerry Sheetoo, John Springfield, Ron Beland, and Selig Saltzman.
The sky was gray but the temperature hovered around 40 degrees - decent riding weather for this time of year. Harriet and I expected a large turnout, but only ten showed up, perhaps because the roads were
damp, with puddles here and there. The downside of these road conditions was the post-ride need to wash one's jacket and bicycle, for those who didn't have fenders. Harriet was nominally the leader and arrows were posted at some turns, though the group mostly stayed together and several people alternated taking the lead. I swept, often fell behind, and caught up at regrouping points. John Springfield, recovering from bronchitis, left the ride and returned to Burchard Park after a few miles.
Harriet organized the ride in memory of her husband, Sheldon Brown, who died twelve years ago. She and I maintain and expand his bicycle repair and maintenance website, https://sheldonbrown.com.
At the ride start, Harriet and I told how we met Sheldon: she - on a CRW ride, and I - when he stayed after closing time to repair a flat tire for me at the bike shop where he worked. The ride, contributed to CRW by Barry Nelson, featured Water Row, one of Sheldon's favorites - and one of ours, too - 1.25 miles bordering, for the most part, the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The ride continued on (mostly) quiet roads, with a rest stop at Starbucks on Thoreau Street in Concord. We passed Walden Pond, though we did not stop for a swim, and then deviated from Barry's route to take the new segment of rail trail from Wayland to Weston - a pleasant, early-season thirty miles. The group dispersed, as only one participant wanted to stay for lunch after the ride.
Report by John Allen.
Wednesday, 5 February 2020, A ride from Weston to Concord
Ride Leader: Harriet Fell (assisted by John Allen)
30 miles, 10:00 am start from Burchard Park, Weston, MA
Riders (10): Harriet, John Allen (sweep), David Fay, Doug Hobkirk, Ellen Gugel, Elizabeth Wicks, Gerry Sheetoo, John Springfield, Ron Beland, and Selig Saltzman.
The sky was gray but the temperature hovered around 40 degrees - decent riding weather for this time of year. Harriet and I expected a large turnout, but only ten showed up, perhaps because the roads were
damp, with puddles here and there. The downside of these road conditions was the post-ride need to wash one's jacket and bicycle, for those who didn't have fenders. Harriet was nominally the leader and arrows were posted at some turns, though the group mostly stayed together and several people alternated taking the lead. I swept, often fell behind, and caught up at regrouping points. John Springfield, recovering from bronchitis, left the ride and returned to Burchard Park after a few miles.
Harriet organized the ride in memory of her husband, Sheldon Brown, who died twelve years ago. She and I maintain and expand his bicycle repair and maintenance website, https://sheldonbrown.com.
At the ride start, Harriet and I told how we met Sheldon: she - on a CRW ride, and I - when he stayed after closing time to repair a flat tire for me at the bike shop where he worked. The ride, contributed to CRW by Barry Nelson, featured Water Row, one of Sheldon's favorites - and one of ours, too - 1.25 miles bordering, for the most part, the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The ride continued on (mostly) quiet roads, with a rest stop at Starbucks on Thoreau Street in Concord. We passed Walden Pond, though we did not stop for a swim, and then deviated from Barry's route to take the new segment of rail trail from Wayland to Weston - a pleasant, early-season thirty miles. The group dispersed, as only one participant wanted to stay for lunch after the ride.
Report by John Allen.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay - January 29 ,2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 29 January 2020, Winter hike around Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay
Hike Leader: Jack Mroczkowski
~4 miles, 10:00 am start from Sudbury Road, Concord, MA
Hikers (23): Jack, Ann Northup, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, Cindy Chin, David Fay, David Wean, Doug Chin, Everett Briggs, Janet Miller, Larry Kornetsky, Lorraine Reihle, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, Roy Westerberg, Sally Chapman, Susan Sabin, and first-timers Bob Pearlman and Pat Stabler.
It felt like an early spring day, with temperatures in the high 30s and clear skies.
We paused a few times in our meandering to take in some peaceful views of the river and bay. Around the mid-point of our hike, we came across Everett who was travelling in the opposite direction - he quickly reversed direction to join us.
Some good exercise was provided by a small hill where, at the top, we marveled at how some of the .1 percenters live with such luxuries as a private, secluded outdoor ice skating rink with sound and light systems.
Most hikers went to Verrill Farm to have lunch in the greenhouse.
Report by Jack Mroczkowski.
Wednesday, 29 January 2020, Winter hike around Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay
Hike Leader: Jack Mroczkowski
~4 miles, 10:00 am start from Sudbury Road, Concord, MA
Hikers (23): Jack, Ann Northup, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, Cindy Chin, David Fay, David Wean, Doug Chin, Everett Briggs, Janet Miller, Larry Kornetsky, Lorraine Reihle, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, Roy Westerberg, Sally Chapman, Susan Sabin, and first-timers Bob Pearlman and Pat Stabler.
It felt like an early spring day, with temperatures in the high 30s and clear skies.
We paused a few times in our meandering to take in some peaceful views of the river and bay. Around the mid-point of our hike, we came across Everett who was travelling in the opposite direction - he quickly reversed direction to join us.
Some good exercise was provided by a small hill where, at the top, we marveled at how some of the .1 percenters live with such luxuries as a private, secluded outdoor ice skating rink with sound and light systems.
Most hikers went to Verrill Farm to have lunch in the greenhouse.
Report by Jack Mroczkowski.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Hamlen Woods & Mainstone Farm winter hike - January 22, 2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 22 January 2020, Hamlen Woods & Mainstone Farm winter hike
Hike Leaders: Margie & Tony Lee
4.2 miles, 10:00 am start from Mainstone Farm Trails parking lot, Wayland, MA
Hikers (21): Margie, Tony, Barbara Martin, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, Everett Briggs, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Joanne Samuels, Larry Kornetsky, Margaret Coughlin, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Smith, Patrick Ward, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Sandy Gotlib, and first-timers Kate Strauchon and Lorraine Gotlib.
Present at lunch: Helen Greitzer.
We were concerned about fitting cars into the small parking area, although we didn’t expect too many hikers considering the high was forecast to be in the mid 20s. But people kept coming and Tony, with the help of participants, shoe-horned everyone into a spot.
After introducing ourselves, including new participant, Kate, and giving a little background on the area, we headed into the woods. Everett suggested that we not only look down at our feet and the ground, but take in the beauty of the trees above. The day was sunny and bright with blue skies and everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie. The hike was moderately paced and took us through woods, up to Reeve’s Hill, and around an early local reservoir – currently enjoyed by ducks and beavers.
Many of us enjoyed pub food at “The Chat” (Dudley Chateau) which was built in the early 1920s as a private fishing lodge, became a speakeasy during Prohibition, and later a men’s drinking club, which was visited by legends such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
Report by Margie Lee.
Wednesday, 22 January 2020, Hamlen Woods & Mainstone Farm winter hike
Hike Leaders: Margie & Tony Lee
4.2 miles, 10:00 am start from Mainstone Farm Trails parking lot, Wayland, MA
Hikers (21): Margie, Tony, Barbara Martin, Bob Cheney, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, Everett Briggs, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Joanne Samuels, Larry Kornetsky, Margaret Coughlin, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Smith, Patrick Ward, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Sandy Gotlib, and first-timers Kate Strauchon and Lorraine Gotlib.
Present at lunch: Helen Greitzer.
We were concerned about fitting cars into the small parking area, although we didn’t expect too many hikers considering the high was forecast to be in the mid 20s. But people kept coming and Tony, with the help of participants, shoe-horned everyone into a spot.
After introducing ourselves, including new participant, Kate, and giving a little background on the area, we headed into the woods. Everett suggested that we not only look down at our feet and the ground, but take in the beauty of the trees above. The day was sunny and bright with blue skies and everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie. The hike was moderately paced and took us through woods, up to Reeve’s Hill, and around an early local reservoir – currently enjoyed by ducks and beavers.
Many of us enjoyed pub food at “The Chat” (Dudley Chateau) which was built in the early 1920s as a private fishing lodge, became a speakeasy during Prohibition, and later a men’s drinking club, which was visited by legends such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
Report by Margie Lee.
Monday, January 20, 2020
Nobscot Mountain Hike - January 15, 2020,
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 15 January 2020, Hike Nobscot Mountain
Hike Leader: Russ Keene
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from Nobscot Boy Scout Reservation, Sudbury, MA
Hikers (20): Russ, Ann Northup, Barbara Martin, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, Greg Stathis, Jack Mroczkowski, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Sandi Hartwell, Sandy Gotlib, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and first-timers Lorraine Reihle and Norm Decker.
Present at lunch: Helen Greitzer.
We had a great winter day for our hike at Nobscot Scout Reservation (Mayflower Council, Boy Scouts) in Sudbury and Framingham - sunny, temps in the 40s, bare ground, and open views. The hike was nearly five miles, with about 750 feet of ascent/descent. We visited Nobscot summit, King Philip's Lookout, and Tippling Rock.
Nearly everyone stayed for lunch at Oak Barrel Tavern, where we were joined by Helen.
Our route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31737180
Photos from Nobscot hike: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4d71iFAM6ZDVnQyt8
And, finally, here is a link which may be of interest:
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20081023/NEWS/310239897
Report by Russ Keene.
Wednesday, 15 January 2020, Hike Nobscot Mountain
Hike Leader: Russ Keene
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from Nobscot Boy Scout Reservation, Sudbury, MA
Hikers (20): Russ, Ann Northup, Barbara Martin, Butch Pemstein, David Fay, Greg Stathis, Jack Mroczkowski, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Sandi Hartwell, Sandy Gotlib, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and first-timers Lorraine Reihle and Norm Decker.
Present at lunch: Helen Greitzer.
We had a great winter day for our hike at Nobscot Scout Reservation (Mayflower Council, Boy Scouts) in Sudbury and Framingham - sunny, temps in the 40s, bare ground, and open views. The hike was nearly five miles, with about 750 feet of ascent/descent. We visited Nobscot summit, King Philip's Lookout, and Tippling Rock.
Nearly everyone stayed for lunch at Oak Barrel Tavern, where we were joined by Helen.
Our route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31737180
Photos from Nobscot hike: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4d71iFAM6ZDVnQyt8
And, finally, here is a link which may be of interest:
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20081023/NEWS/310239897
Report by Russ Keene.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Noanet Woodlands winter hike - January 8, 2020
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 8 January 2020, Noanet Woodlands winter hike
Hike Leader: Sandi Hartwell
5+ miles, 10:00 am hike start from Caryl Park, Dover, MA
Hikers (16): Sandi, Chris George, Clyde Kessel, David Fay, David Wean, Don Buchholtz, Don Mannes, Frank Hubbard, Gerry Sheetoo, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Schlecht, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Susan Sabin, and Tony Lee.
Lunch (2): Helen Greitzer and Rich Taylor.
It was a lovely hike in Noanet Woodlands on pine needles, leaves, and no ice. We wove through the woods on various trails and were rewarded with sunshine halfway through. Frank suggested a steep trail to Noanet Peak, so we split into two groups, going on different paths, and met at the summit. The "surprise" at the top was a pine tree decorated with ornaments, and the view to Boston was pristine.
We managed to complete more than the promised five miles and three hours of hiking. Following the hike, many of us went to Dover Cafe, where we joined Helen and Rich, arrived after the lunchtime rush, and had a delicious lunch.
Thanks to Frank and Chris for keeping me on track, and to Clyde for sweeping.
Report by Sandi Hartwell.
Wednesday, 8 January 2020, Noanet Woodlands winter hike
Hike Leader: Sandi Hartwell
5+ miles, 10:00 am hike start from Caryl Park, Dover, MA
Hikers (16): Sandi, Chris George, Clyde Kessel, David Fay, David Wean, Don Buchholtz, Don Mannes, Frank Hubbard, Gerry Sheetoo, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Schlecht, Richard Fortier, Richard Vignoni, Susan Sabin, and Tony Lee.
Lunch (2): Helen Greitzer and Rich Taylor.
It was a lovely hike in Noanet Woodlands on pine needles, leaves, and no ice. We wove through the woods on various trails and were rewarded with sunshine halfway through. Frank suggested a steep trail to Noanet Peak, so we split into two groups, going on different paths, and met at the summit. The "surprise" at the top was a pine tree decorated with ornaments, and the view to Boston was pristine.
We managed to complete more than the promised five miles and three hours of hiking. Following the hike, many of us went to Dover Cafe, where we joined Helen and Rich, arrived after the lunchtime rush, and had a delicious lunch.
Thanks to Frank and Chris for keeping me on track, and to Clyde for sweeping.
Report by Sandi Hartwell.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Ponkapoag Pond Hike = January 2, 2020
HIKE REPORT
THU, 2 January 2020, Winter hike around Ponkapoag Pond in Blue Hills Reservation
Hike Leaders: Elsa & Tom Lawrence
4.6 miles, 10:00 am hike start from Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot, Canton, MA
Hikers (16): Elsa, Tom, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Jacobs, Butch Pemstein, Cynthia Zabin, David Wean, Don Mannes, Mike Hanauer, Rochelle Holman, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, William Feiring, and first timers Howard Gutherman and Joel Sussman.
It was a perfect day for a winter hike, starting out a little cool, but warming up as we went. We followed the loop trail around the pond, diverging to walk through the AMC camp (looking at the camp and using the facilities there). We were unable to take the walk through the bog because the water level of the pond was high and some of the boardwalk was floating. Two hikers shortened the route by retracing the path from the camp rather than finishing the loop.
Kudos to David and Cynthia for cycling 8.5 miles to the start.
Thirteen of us had a delicious lunch at Nisa's Thai restaurant after the hike.
Report by Elsa Lawrence.
THU, 2 January 2020, Winter hike around Ponkapoag Pond in Blue Hills Reservation
Hike Leaders: Elsa & Tom Lawrence
4.6 miles, 10:00 am hike start from Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot, Canton, MA
Hikers (16): Elsa, Tom, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Jacobs, Butch Pemstein, Cynthia Zabin, David Wean, Don Mannes, Mike Hanauer, Rochelle Holman, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, William Feiring, and first timers Howard Gutherman and Joel Sussman.
It was a perfect day for a winter hike, starting out a little cool, but warming up as we went. We followed the loop trail around the pond, diverging to walk through the AMC camp (looking at the camp and using the facilities there). We were unable to take the walk through the bog because the water level of the pond was high and some of the boardwalk was floating. Two hikers shortened the route by retracing the path from the camp rather than finishing the loop.
Kudos to David and Cynthia for cycling 8.5 miles to the start.
Thirteen of us had a delicious lunch at Nisa's Thai restaurant after the hike.
Report by Elsa Lawrence.
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