Whipple Hill and Arlington Great Meadows winter hike - February 15, 2017

​HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 15 February 2017, Whipple Hill and Arlington Great Meadows winter hike
Hike Leader:  Tom Allen
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from Ixtapa Mexican restaurant, Lexington, MA

Hikers (3):   Tom, David Wean, and Jack Mroczkowski.
Present at lunch (2):  Bill Widnall and Mike Hanauer.

Unlike last year, when fifteen hikers tackled Whipple Hill, this year I was joined by only two.  Maybe it was the lack of bright sunshine that kept folks away.  The weather report had mentioned the possibility of showers, but none materialized until we were all home and at the supper table.

We encountered a fair amount of snow in the woods, but the trail was mostly well-compacted and the footing was secure.  There were some places where we departed from the well-traveled trails and had to slog through some nearly knee-deep snow.  We kept a brisk pace, completing the walk in about 2 hours 15 minutes.  This put us at the restaurant at about 12:20 pm, where the three of us had a congenial lunch.

As we were finishing our meal, my phone rang.  It was Mike Hanauer asking if we were getting close to the restaurant.  I had to explain that we were already there and we waved him in to join us.  A bit later Bill Widnall wandered in.  We all had a pleasant time, despite the conversation veering into politics.

I'm giving credit to David Wean for sweeping (because he asked for it).  I guess he made sure that Jack didn't wander off.

For anyone who is curious, here is the track of the walk with some photos embedded.

Report by Tom Allen.

Single Winter Treat - Callahan State Park hike - February 8, 2017

HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 8 February 2017, Single Winter Treat - Callahan State Park hike
Hike Leaders:  Margie & Tony Lee
~2 hours, 10:00 am start from Callahan State Park parking lot, Framingham, MA

Hikers (8):  Margie, Tony, Chuck McWilliams, David Kobes, Kim Wach, Marie Keutmann, Rick Carlson, and Susan Sabin.
Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer.

The forecast was for about 50 degrees, but the woods hadn’t warmed up by the start of the hike.  We headed out on crusty, snow-covered woodland trails somewhat shrouded by patches of mystical fog.  It was warm enough for the lingering snow to melt from tree branches, creating a drizzly shower, but no one complained.  We hiked the periphery of the south side of Callahan Park, sharing some local lore along the way and stopping at the Bridge of Death (coined by mountain bikers), an uneven rocky crossing of a swampy stretch, for chocolate reinforcements.  We hiked through the drippy forest until we emerged on Tommy’s Loop, then up to the earthen dam where we were greeted with blue skies and sunshine.  We re-entered the woods, crossed the Pipeline trail, and hiked along a Sudbury Valley Trustees trail back to the parking lot.

Several of us enjoyed meeting up for lunch at The Chat with Helen.

Hike report by Margie Lee.

Walden Pond winter hike - February 1, 2017

HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 1 February 2017, Walden Pond winter hike
Hike Leader:  Judith McMichael
5 miles, 10:00 am start from The Food Project parking lot, Lincoln, MA

Hikers (11):  Judith, Chuck McWilliams, Clyde Kessel, David Kobes, Greg Stathis, Janet Miller, Maurice King, Mike Hanauer, Robyn Maislin, Roy Westerberg, and Tom Allen.

Present at lunch:  Francoise Bourdan.

Everyone was in great spirits for this winter hike, due to the lovely weather and the beautiful, fresh snow covering the brown winter ground.  We started our hike into Walden Pond State Reservation on Hemlock Path.  We visited the beaver pond at Heywood’s Meadow and counted seven beaver lodges!  We also saw numerous turkey and rabbit tracks in the fresh snow.  Despite the very low level of Walden Pond, due to several years of drought, one Wheeler thought he glimpsed Bill Widnall doing a swim in the pond whilst dodging the surface ice.

We enjoyed a nice break at the new Visitor Center, where a very knowledgable ranger provided interesting facts about the pencil business of Henry Thoreau’s family, as well as details about the beavers at Heywood’s Meadow.  The sun came out and we continued on to a very dry Goose Pond - at the eastern edge of the Reservation.  The group climbed Pine Hill and made our way around the new fencing at the top to enjoy an unobstructed view of Mt. Wachusett.  From there, Janet Miller led us back to the parking lot on a very pleasant, alternative route.  We passed by The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods, a center for research and education focusing on Thoreau’s writings and philosophy on society and the environment.  Thank you Janet.

Seven of us made our way to the busy Trail’s End Cafe for lunch and were joined there by Clyde’s wife, Francoise.  A fine time was had by all.

Report by Judith McMichael.

Bob Turns 70! ride and Winter Hike at Ashland Reservoir - January 25, 2017

​RIDE & HIKE REPORTS

Wednesday, 25 January 2017, Bob Turns 70! ride and Winter Hike at Ashland Reservoir
Ride Leader:  Bob Wolf
35 miles, 10:30 am start from Jack's Abby parking lot, Framingham, MA
Hike Leader:  Sandi Hartwell
~5 miles, 11:00 am start from Ashland Community Center, Ashland, MA

Riders (20):  Bob, Barbara Martin, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wadsworth, Clyde Kessel, Dmitry Gorenburg, Dom Jorge, Elizabeth Wicks, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Gene Ho, Margie Lee, Mike Byrne, Rich Taylor, Rick Carlson, Rick Lawrence, Selig Saltzman, Tom Allen, Tony Lee, and Wing Chow.
Hikers (15):  Sandi, Ann Northup, Chris George, Doug Hanna, Eli Post, Janet Miller, Joanne Samuels, Judi Burten, Marie Keutmann, Maurice King, Patrick Ward, Roy Westerberg, Sara Hanna, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Jane Moran.

Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer.


The temps were cooler and winds brisker than had been predicted.  Nevertheless, twenty hardy souls foolishly showed up, when they could have just come later for the beer.  We successfully meandered through Sherborn, Dover, Westwood, and Medfield.  Most of the roads were in great shape with none of the ice seen in towns just a few miles north.  While there were a few frisky folks who rode ahead of the group, that stopped as soon as we encountered strong headwinds on the return.  By that time everyone seemed content with sucking someone’s wheel, rather than dealing with the gusts.  For the most part we responded appropriately to car back, broke into groups that cars could pass on the narrow roads, and regrouped off the roadway.  We stayed reasonably close together with the sweep showing up within two minutes when we paused to regroup.

Many thanks to Rich Taylor for an incredible job as sweep.  Thanks also to the many arrows in the quiver who were always ready to take their turn.  The arrowing award goes to Wing Chow who, on more than one occasion, arrowed consecutive turns!

Most of us stayed for a social lunch at the beerhall.  Special thanks to Sandi Hartwell, who did a marvelous job baking a ride leader birthday cake which was big enough to stretch across all the riders and hikers.

Ride report by Bob Wolf.

We were greeted with sunny skies and surprisingly dry conditions.  Many of us had our hiking poles, just in case, though they were hardly needed.  We hiked counterclockwise around the Ashland Reservoir, staying together as a group while visiting and conversing happily with each other.  It was a beautiful day and more than the promised four miles (maybe closer to five!).  After the hike, we joined the bikers at Jack's Abby and celebrated Bob's 70th.  Thank you to Marie for sweeping and to everyone who hiked.

Hike report by Sandi Hartwell.

Photo(s) courtesy of Janet Miller and Clyde Kessel.

Winter Hike at Maudslay State Park - January 19, 2017

​HIKE REPORT

Thursday, 19 January 2017, Winter Hike at Maudslay State Park
Hike Leader:  Carol Anderson
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA

Hikers (6):  Carol, Bob Anderson, Julie Dodd, Tod Cochran, and first-timers Jim Goldberg and Tom Lucas..

Due to an ominous weather forecast for Wednesday (which proved to be accurate), our hike was postponed to Thursday.  That was unfortunate for those who would have come on Wednesday, but could not make it on Thursday.  Thursday was a gem of a day - under sunny skies and with warm temperatures, we explored the trails of Maudslay State Park.  The small amount of snow that had fallen the day before posed no problem for footing, but gave us a constant drip on our heads as it quickly melted from the tree branches.  The Merrimac River was beautiful as always.  Unfortunately, we did not sight any bald eagles or seals.

Instead of going to Panera Bread for lunch as advertised, we decided to go to the Noshery in Amesbury where they make phenomenal crepes.  Yum!

Report by Carol Anderson.

From Walden Pond to Sandy Pond - January 11, 2017

HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 11 January 2017, winter hike - From Walden Pond to Sandy Pond
Hike Leader:  Janet Miller
4.75 miles, 10:00 am start from Walden Pond State Park, Concord, MA

Hikers (19):  Janet, Aliza Edwards, Allan Fierce, Ann Northup, Barbara Martin, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Joan Laxson, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Maurice King, Robyn Maislin, Sander Nydick, Sandi Hartwell, Susan Sabin, Winnie Parker, Winslow Green, and first-timers Ann & Bill Wachur.

Eighteen hikers joined me on this hike which started from the State Park parking lot and headed away from Walden Pond and up Pine Hill, down the other side to Flint Pond, returning on mostly different trails.  The weather was balmy and, since Tuesday’s rain had washed away almost all of the snow that had fallen on Saturday and left only some slushy spots, most of us decided that microspikes were not needed.  The trail passed through both woods and meadows and there were lots of comments about how lovely it was.  However, there were some complaints about wet feet at the end!

After the hike, several of us gathered at Trail’s End Café for good food and continued conversation.

Report by Janet Miller.

Winter Hike in Wright Woods/Rides from Concord - January 4, 2017

HIKE/RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 4 January 2017, Wright Woods hike & Ride(s) from Concord
Hike Leader:  Jack Mroczkowski
4 or 6 mile hike, 9:30 am start from ~588 Sudbury Road, Concord, MA
Ride Leaders:  Ken Hablow, Bernie Flynn, & Andy Brand
42 & 31 mile rides, 10:30 am start from North Bridge parking lot, Monument Street, Concord, MA

Riders - 31 mi (6):  Andy, Harriet Fell, Jack Donohue, Patrick Ward, Robyn Maislin, and Steve Miller.
Riders - 42 mi (26): Barbara Martin, Barry Nelson, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wolf, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, David Fay, Dom Jorge, Don Mannes, Frank Hubbard, Greg Stathis, Ken Hablow, Kimberly Wach, Larry Kernan, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Michael Byrne, Rich Taylor, Rick Lawrence, Rick Carlson, Robin Frain, Selig Saltzman, Susan Sabin, Tim Jacoby, Wing Chow, and first-timer Bruce Kalow.
Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer and Kaz Zelny.

Twenty one hikers set off into the woods during a fortunate break in the rain.  A number of hikers commented on the pleasant and eclectic terrain:  tall pine trees, needle carpeted trails wide enough for people to walk side-by-side and converse easily, enjoyable slightly hilly “workout” sections, and plenty of water view sections.

After about two miles, the group arrived at a junction, where four people peeled off with maps to finish the shorter hike while the rest continued to Mt. Misery.  An explanation was offered for Mt. Misery’s name:  long ago, two bullocks with a chain around their necks escaped, got tangled in some trees, and died a miserable death.

On a more pleasant note, on the way back we climbed a winding footpath, up Fairhaven Hill, to the edge of a magnificent hilltop property with a very large mysterious statue in the garden.  To try to satisfy our curiosity, I posted an inquiry note on the owner's front door the next morning.  I was rather surprised to receive more than a simple answer.  It is a statue of the Hindu god, Ganesha, which was shipped from Bali.  The statue has a much gentler demeanor on its other side, which we were unable to see.  The owners have invited us to return to their property to view the statue, as well as their gigantic solar array, more closely!  I would like to accept this opportunity for a private visitation later in March or April, although probably not on a Wednesday.  Please contact me if you would be interested in joining me.

Report by Jack Mroczkowski.

Wow!  Who knew there would be thirty-two riders on January 4th?  Everyone was attentive to the stated ride start time and showed up by 10:15 am.  This allowed Jack to take attendance on his super special WW phone app so we could get under way by 10:30 – which we did.

The weather was just as forecast.  It was about 35 degrees when we left and the roads were damp.  The sun peeked out a few times, but not for long.  The temperature for most of the ride was in the low 40s and got all the way up to 45.

With so many riders, we broke up into three groups. The 31 mile option was a late addition, led by first-time WW Ride Leader, Andy Brand, and there were six riders total.  Bernie took out a faster group on the 42 mile route, while I took a slightly smaller group for 42 miles at WW pace.  Broken up this way there was no need for arrowing, although in my group we placed human arrows in a few places just to be sure we did not miss anyone.  We made our first Geezer stop at the South Acton fire station, the second at the Boxboro town hall, and the third along the route at a trailhead.

My group was the last to arrive back in Concord and we went directly to Trail’s End Café where we met up with Helen, some hikers, and riders from both the other ride groups.  Thanks to Jack Mroczkowsk for arranging use of the back room at Trail’s End.  This enabled all of us to sit together.

Thanks to Jack Donohue for taking attendance, to Andy for leading the short ride, to Bernie for leading the spirited long ride, to Barry for sweeping Bernie's long ride, and to Mike Byrne for sweeping my group.  With only six riders, there was no sweep on the short ride.

Report by Ken Hablow.

Short and part of Long riders at the Acton rest stop (missing a few)

Short and part of Long riders at the Acton rest stop