South Shore Coastal Ride - March 22, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 22 March 2023, South Shore Coastal Ride

Ride Leader:  Mike Togo

32.8 miles, 10:00 am start from Hingham, MA

Riders (5): Mike, Gerry Sheetoo, Joe Tavilla, Judy Molloy, and Mike Garrity.

After two hill climbs in Wompatuck State Park, we continued through Norwell and on to Scituate Harbor for a coffee stop at Dunkin’ Donuts for a chat and refreshments.  We continued on to the Scituate Lighthouse, and then followed the coast, returning to Hingham.

The loop included Hingham, Norwell, Scituate, and Cohasset.  Great views of south coast along the ride route.  It was great to meet Joe Tavilla who drove up from his home on Cape Cod.

Report by Mike Togo.

Wayland - Hike Mainstone Farm and Hamlen Woods - March 8, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 8 March 2023, Wayland - Hike Mainstone Farm and Hamlen Woods

Hike Leader:  Betty Salzberg

4.3 miles, 10:00 am start from Wayland, MA

Hikers (15): Betty, Ann Northup, Don Mannes, Everett Briggs, Janet Miller, Jeff Wallen, Julie Dodd, Kristina Leclaire, Marie Keutmann, Molly Schaeffer, Peggy Gelin, Sharon Ellis, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and William Feiring.

It was a breezy day and there was more snow than expected on the trails.  Other people had hiked there previously and there were a lot of footprints, but still a lot of snow.  Some WWs used micro spikes and others wished they had.  However, there was only one fall and no injuries.  This is a hilly area and everyone got a lot of exercise.

The woods were lovely and the trail markers easy to follow.  We saw the pretty pond near the Wayland Town Water Tower, but no one spied the tower itself.  Next to one of the trails was an abandoned shack, with broken furniture, which we investigated.

After about two and a half hours of hiking, only Marie wanted to climb Turkey Hill.  Eight hikers decided to eat lunch at Mel’s, where we were all  seated at one table.  Betty had a Belgian Waffle with whipped cream, fruit, and maple syrup.  Everyone else ate very healthy lunches of soups, salads, and half-sandwiches.

A trail map and information about the area where we hiked may be found at:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.svtweb.org%

Hike the Eskers and Ponds of Great Brook - March 1, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 1 March 2023, Hike the Eskers and Ponds of Great Brook

Hike Leader:  Mike Hanauer

4.7 miles, 10:00 am start from Carlisle, MA

Hikers (14): Mike, Barbara Jacobs, Betty Salzberg, Frank Scibilia, Jack Mroczkowski, Judy Perrin, Kate Strachon, Kristina Leclaire, Margaret Coughlin, Marie Keutmann, Sharon Ellis, Ted Nyder, William Feiring, and first-timer Andy Singer.

It was a bright, sunny day with new snow glistening from the ground and the trees.  After a circle of introductions, we went into the woods.  The temperature was at about freezing at the start, and it warmed up nicely enough that stops were made to remove clothing layers.  People seemed more cheery than usual, I thought.  Most needed only hiking boots, although some did use micro-spikes.  The three-inch layer of fresh snow provided good traction and good snowballs, even with a layer of ice underneath.

The first and last mile or so were in pristine esker areas with many narrow and hilly trails, but, as we got closer to the ski barn, main trails had been groomed.  We received a lecture from one irate skier who said we couldn't hike there.  Since the helicopter to lift us out never arrived, we continued on our journey, keeping to the outside of the ski tracks.

The views were wonderful.  Personally, I love the color of the evergreens against the deep blue of the sky.  While we saw no actual beavers, we did see many trees that had been chewed - especially after we crossed the bridge onto the tiny island, which also provided some nice water and wildlife views.

The leader did get a snowball down his neck.  Followers insisted it fell from a tree, but the tree said to me, "Not I."

Andy, Jack, and Mike had tasty lunches at Red Heat, where Jack introduced me to a shandy.  Mmmm, good and refreshing.

After over two hours of trekking, Betty, Marie, and Sharon stayed for two more hours of xc skiing!!

Thanks to Barbara for sweeping, and to all for participating.

Our hike route and data may be found at: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/114415635

Report by Mike Hanauer.