Wednesday, 23 January 2019, Winter Hike from Nobscot Scout Reservation
Hike Leaders: Tony & Margie Lee
~2.5 hours, 10:00 am start from Nobscot Scout Reservation parking lot, Sudbury, MA
Hikers: Tony, Margie, Bob Cheney, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Ilkka Suvanto, Julie Dodd, Marie Keutmann, Richard Fortier, Rick Carlson, Susan Sabin, Tom Amiro, and first-timer Lorraine Gotlib.
Joining us for lunch: Helen Greitzer.
We met at the Nobscot Scout Reservation parking lot in Sudbury where everyone completed their preparations, including microspikes, for our hike. Temps were moderate as we headed off on some unbroken trails.
We worked hard to get to Tippling Rock, where we were rewarded with views of Boston and the Blue Hills. We then re-assessed our plans and decided that short and sweet would beat longer and harder.
For a short distance we followed the Bay Circuit Trail, but then diverted, initially staying on the ridge, but then following someone’s snowshoe tracks that seemed headed in the right direction. The somewhat broken trail made the going easier. We connected with familiar trails and returned to the parking lot. Not as ambitious as originally planned, but we were satisfied.
Nine of us drove to Oak Barrel Tavern in Sudbury for lunch, where we were joined by Helen.
Report by Margie Lee.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Monday, January 21, 2019
Clyde’s 67 km birthday ride - January 16, 2019
RIDE REPORTS
Wednesday 16 January 2019, Clyde’s 67 km birthday ride
Ride Leaders: Clyde Kessel & Tom Allen
67 km (41 mi), 10:00 am start from Great Brook Farm SP Visitors’ Center, Carlisle, MA
16 mi, 10:30 am start from Great Brook Farm SP Visitors’ Center, Carlisle, MA
Riders - 41 mi (8): Clyde, Bob Wolf, Curt Dudley-Marling, Gerry Sheetoo, Greg Stathis, Ray Komow, Rich Taylor, and Robin Frain. David Fay also showed up but elected to wait for Tom Allen’s shorter ride which was scheduled to leave thirty minutes later.
Riders - 16 mi (5): Tom, Bill Widnall, David Fay, Peggy Gelin, and Susan Sabin.
We were promised a sunny day and near 40 degrees. Although we know the rules (the ride, in miles, cannot exceed the temperature), we thought that our ride, if not strictly conforming, was close enough to legal that we wouldn’t get into trouble. So, eight of us headed out happily. We agreed from the start to stay together so that no one would be stuck arrowing in the cold, but it did require some twisting of arms to get a volunteer to sweep - thank you, Ray. As the ride progressed, it became clear that the sun was NOT going to make an appearance and the temperature was NOT getting anywhere near 40 degrees. Basically, the group felt cold and cheated.
A little history: Lynn and Mac were ride leaders some twenty-five years ago and lived next door to me. I never rode their Mother’s Day ride because my wife was a mother and bike rides weren’t on the agenda for Mother’s Day. A couple of weeks ago, I found a hard copy map of the route while doing some downsizing. The route was an old one designed before the days of GPS and it used more main roads than would be acceptable nowadays. I did take the liberty of rerouting it slightly, to avoid the big shopping plaza on Rte 110 in Westford. Imagine! Traffic must have been a lot lighter twenty-five years ago for anyone to consider leading a group there. Whatever - the map is going into the shredder along with a lot of other junk.
At this time of year, there isn’t much outdoor plumbing available, so we made two civilized stops - one at the Westford Community Center (a very nice facility in Forge Village); another at the Triple-D where hot chocolate was a very popular item. After that it was a straight shot back to the start. Three of us split a pizza post-ride.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
A few of us, daunted by the distance of Clyde's 67 km birthday ride proposal, conspired to do a shorter ride. Peggy offered a 25 mile route that cut off a fair amount of Clyde's route and we planned for a delayed start. At the start I found David Fay and met with co-conspirators Peggy and Susan. As we were preparing to leave, Bill drove in, having been delayed by a tire problem that he had addressed before leaving his house.
We waited for him to get his bike out and gear on and announced we were starting. Somehow Bill was distracted by his high tech GPS watch and failed to notice which way we turned out of the parking lot. He guessed wrong and ended up on his own ride.
We expected rising temperatures and sunshine. At about mile 9 we conceded that neither the sun nor the milder temperatures were going to happen, and that we seemed to be torturing ourselves. Having nothing to prove, we bailed out of the route on the BFRT and picked it up again at Kate's Corner in South Chelmsford for a total of sixteen miles. We all agreed that that was enough, but that the ride through Carlisle was quite picturesque and enjoyable (save for the frigid digits).
Tom, Peggy, and Susan had lunch at Chelmsford Pizza (Clyde's recommended place), where we struggled to deal with their generous portions.
Report by Tom Allen.
Wednesday 16 January 2019, Clyde’s 67 km birthday ride
Ride Leaders: Clyde Kessel & Tom Allen
67 km (41 mi), 10:00 am start from Great Brook Farm SP Visitors’ Center, Carlisle, MA
16 mi, 10:30 am start from Great Brook Farm SP Visitors’ Center, Carlisle, MA
Riders - 41 mi (8): Clyde, Bob Wolf, Curt Dudley-Marling, Gerry Sheetoo, Greg Stathis, Ray Komow, Rich Taylor, and Robin Frain. David Fay also showed up but elected to wait for Tom Allen’s shorter ride which was scheduled to leave thirty minutes later.
Riders - 16 mi (5): Tom, Bill Widnall, David Fay, Peggy Gelin, and Susan Sabin.
We were promised a sunny day and near 40 degrees. Although we know the rules (the ride, in miles, cannot exceed the temperature), we thought that our ride, if not strictly conforming, was close enough to legal that we wouldn’t get into trouble. So, eight of us headed out happily. We agreed from the start to stay together so that no one would be stuck arrowing in the cold, but it did require some twisting of arms to get a volunteer to sweep - thank you, Ray. As the ride progressed, it became clear that the sun was NOT going to make an appearance and the temperature was NOT getting anywhere near 40 degrees. Basically, the group felt cold and cheated.
A little history: Lynn and Mac were ride leaders some twenty-five years ago and lived next door to me. I never rode their Mother’s Day ride because my wife was a mother and bike rides weren’t on the agenda for Mother’s Day. A couple of weeks ago, I found a hard copy map of the route while doing some downsizing. The route was an old one designed before the days of GPS and it used more main roads than would be acceptable nowadays. I did take the liberty of rerouting it slightly, to avoid the big shopping plaza on Rte 110 in Westford. Imagine! Traffic must have been a lot lighter twenty-five years ago for anyone to consider leading a group there. Whatever - the map is going into the shredder along with a lot of other junk.
At this time of year, there isn’t much outdoor plumbing available, so we made two civilized stops - one at the Westford Community Center (a very nice facility in Forge Village); another at the Triple-D where hot chocolate was a very popular item. After that it was a straight shot back to the start. Three of us split a pizza post-ride.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
A few of us, daunted by the distance of Clyde's 67 km birthday ride proposal, conspired to do a shorter ride. Peggy offered a 25 mile route that cut off a fair amount of Clyde's route and we planned for a delayed start. At the start I found David Fay and met with co-conspirators Peggy and Susan. As we were preparing to leave, Bill drove in, having been delayed by a tire problem that he had addressed before leaving his house.
We waited for him to get his bike out and gear on and announced we were starting. Somehow Bill was distracted by his high tech GPS watch and failed to notice which way we turned out of the parking lot. He guessed wrong and ended up on his own ride.
We expected rising temperatures and sunshine. At about mile 9 we conceded that neither the sun nor the milder temperatures were going to happen, and that we seemed to be torturing ourselves. Having nothing to prove, we bailed out of the route on the BFRT and picked it up again at Kate's Corner in South Chelmsford for a total of sixteen miles. We all agreed that that was enough, but that the ride through Carlisle was quite picturesque and enjoyable (save for the frigid digits).
Tom, Peggy, and Susan had lunch at Chelmsford Pizza (Clyde's recommended place), where we struggled to deal with their generous portions.
Report by Tom Allen.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Hiking loop through Wright Woods - January 9, 2019
Wednesday, 9 January 2019 - Hiking loop through Wright Woods
Hike Leader: Jack Mroczkowski
~4 miles, 10:00 am start from "588" Sudbury Road, Concord, MA
Hikers: Jack, Barry Kaditz, Brett Serkez, Don Mannes, Greg Stathis, Ilkka Suvanto, Joan Laxson, Janet Miller, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Patrick Ward, Richard Fortier, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and William Feiring.
In spite of the early morning drizzle, by the time the group started trekking the rain had ceased. Our meanderings through an eclectic variety of scenery were punctuated by several lecture stops. At one point, Joan jumped up on a bench overlooking the Sudbury River to give an interesting perspective on Thoreau - apparently, he did not endear himself to everyone. Later, at a picturesque overlook onto Fairhaven Bay, Marie provided another bit of more recent history on Nat Marden who lived in a mansion (now torn down) above the boat house.
Almost everyone climbed Fairhaven Hill and peeked at part of the splendid modern mansion that sits on top. Amongst the amenities is a private ice skating rink equipped with collision barriers, and sound and light systems.
Most of the group went to Verrill Farm afterwards to enjoy lunch. Thanks to Janet for sweeping.
Report by Jack Mroczkowski.
Hike Leader: Jack Mroczkowski
~4 miles, 10:00 am start from "588" Sudbury Road, Concord, MA
Hikers: Jack, Barry Kaditz, Brett Serkez, Don Mannes, Greg Stathis, Ilkka Suvanto, Joan Laxson, Janet Miller, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Patrick Ward, Richard Fortier, Rick Carlson, Robyn Maislin, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and William Feiring.
In spite of the early morning drizzle, by the time the group started trekking the rain had ceased. Our meanderings through an eclectic variety of scenery were punctuated by several lecture stops. At one point, Joan jumped up on a bench overlooking the Sudbury River to give an interesting perspective on Thoreau - apparently, he did not endear himself to everyone. Later, at a picturesque overlook onto Fairhaven Bay, Marie provided another bit of more recent history on Nat Marden who lived in a mansion (now torn down) above the boat house.
Almost everyone climbed Fairhaven Hill and peeked at part of the splendid modern mansion that sits on top. Amongst the amenities is a private ice skating rink equipped with collision barriers, and sound and light systems.
Most of the group went to Verrill Farm afterwards to enjoy lunch. Thanks to Janet for sweeping.
Report by Jack Mroczkowski.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Fourth Annual Walden Pond hike - January 2, 2018
HIKE REPORT
Wednesday, 2 January 2019 - Fourth 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: Judith, Janet, Barry Kaditz, David Wean, Don Mannes, Gerry Sheetoo, Greg Stathis, Helen Greitzer, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Julie Dodd, Joan Laxson, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Nancy Smith, Patrick Ward, Richard Vignoni, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg (a.k.a. Santa), Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and first-timers Susan Yohalem and Tim Dodd
What a splendid day! The air was crisp and cool, we had no wind, and the sun was shining bright. Our very social group of twenty-five had a lovely time exploring Walden Pond and the surrounding area, including the beaver pond at Heywood Meadow, and a very special maple tree which somehow survives despite much of its heartwood being exposed to the elements and its extreme twisted shape. Other features of the hike were the Thoreau cabin site, Goose Pond, and the view of Mt. Wachusett from atop Pine Hill.
Unfortunately, Janet had to drop out early to attend a previously scheduled meeting. Helen and Nancy also decided to cut their hikes short and joined her as they made their way back to the Walden Pond parking lot, taking a walk on the beach as they returned. Nancy and Helen had time to take in the replica of Thoreau’s cabin and the Walden Pond visitor center.
Special thanks to Joan for pointing out the survivor tree to the group, and to Janet for marking the Pine Hill portion of the hike with very stylish wooden arrows which she placed prior to the hike start. Thirteen of us enjoyed post-hike lunch in the greenhouse at Verrill Farm.
Report by Judith McMichael and Janet Miller.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019 - Fourth 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: Judith, Janet, Barry Kaditz, David Wean, Don Mannes, Gerry Sheetoo, Greg Stathis, Helen Greitzer, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Julie Dodd, Joan Laxson, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Nancy Smith, Patrick Ward, Richard Vignoni, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg (a.k.a. Santa), Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, and first-timers Susan Yohalem and Tim Dodd
What a splendid day! The air was crisp and cool, we had no wind, and the sun was shining bright. Our very social group of twenty-five had a lovely time exploring Walden Pond and the surrounding area, including the beaver pond at Heywood Meadow, and a very special maple tree which somehow survives despite much of its heartwood being exposed to the elements and its extreme twisted shape. Other features of the hike were the Thoreau cabin site, Goose Pond, and the view of Mt. Wachusett from atop Pine Hill.
Unfortunately, Janet had to drop out early to attend a previously scheduled meeting. Helen and Nancy also decided to cut their hikes short and joined her as they made their way back to the Walden Pond parking lot, taking a walk on the beach as they returned. Nancy and Helen had time to take in the replica of Thoreau’s cabin and the Walden Pond visitor center.
Special thanks to Joan for pointing out the survivor tree to the group, and to Janet for marking the Pine Hill portion of the hike with very stylish wooden arrows which she placed prior to the hike start. Thirteen of us enjoyed post-hike lunch in the greenhouse at Verrill Farm.
Report by Judith McMichael and Janet Miller.
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