HIKE REPORT
Thursday, 2 March 2017, Rattlesnake Ramble
Hike Leader: Winslow Green
~4.7 miles, 10:00 am start from Rte 117, Bolton, MA
Hikers (5): Winslow, Betsy Taylor, Gordon Taylor, Rini Kester, and Sander Nydick.
A small but jovial group of five hikers left the Rte 117 trailhead to explore this beautiful parcel of conservation land in East Bolton. We visited old and familiar landmarks, such as the Lime Kiln, the quarries, and the old Whitcomb House on Old Sugar Road. Built around 1700, it is the oldest house in Bolton. We explored some new trails, as well, and visited Split Rock. Near the end, we encountered a flock of red-wing blackbirds, a reminder that biking season is only a few weeks away.
Lunch was at Slaters.
Report by Winslow Green.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Lincoln Hike/Ride from Verrill Farm - February 22, 2017
HIKE & RIDE REPORTS
Wednesday, 22 February 2017, Lincoln winter hike
Hike Leader: Marie Keutmann
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from St. Anne's in-the-Fields, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (13 humans, 2 canines): Marie & Zoe (Labrador Retriever, Barbara Jacobs, Chuck McWilliams, Don Mannes, Elissa Brown, Janet Miller, Jim Cant & Logan (Rhodesian Ridgeback), Judi Burten, Mike Hanauer, Roy Westerberg, Sander Nydick, Susan Sabin, and Ted Nyder.
Present at lunch (2): Edie Baxter and Jacque Smith.
On an unseasonably warm, sunny day we set off in the snow, across the marsh and open fields behind St. Anne’s. Before we went into the woods, we put on our traction devices to help our footing on the snow. We headed to Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River and enjoyed the view of the frozen water, then headed up the Andromeda Trail to the backside of Walden Pond. On our way back to our cars, we walked past a field with horses behind a wooden rail fence. A stray wire from the fence had fallen on the ground and turned out to still be electrified, shocking both dogs when they stepped on it.
Report by Marie Keutmann.
Wednesday, 22 February 2017, Winter Ride from Verrill Farm
Ride Leader: Ken Hablow
33 miles, 10:00 am start from Verrill Farm, Concord, MA
Riders (23): Ken, Andy Brand, Arne Buck, Barbara Martin, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, David Fay, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Newton, Gene Ho, Howie Davidson, John Allen, Lindy King, Margie Lee, Mike Byrne, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Rick Lawrence, Tom Allen, Tony Lee, Wing Chow, and first-timer Fred Vaughn.
It was a beautiful day with temperatures soaring to the low 50s, very little wind, and mostly dry roads. Twenty-three riders set out on a leisurely ramble through West Acton and into Stow, along the Delany Water Project. We maintained a nice pace of about 13.3 mph for most of the ride. Several riders took off the front at a faster pace, and a few dropped back, which made the main group size tolerable. We had one flat close enough to the end so most of the riders headed back instead of waiting. Rick Carlson and Mike Byrne were nice enough to wait for us as arrows as the flat was tended to.
Most of the group stopped at Verrill Farm for lunch after the ride. Thanks to Tom Allen for sweeping.
Report by Ken Hablow.
HIKE & RIDE REPORTS
Wednesday, 22 February 2017, Lincoln winter hike
Hike Leader: Marie Keutmann
~5 miles, 10:00 am start from St. Anne's in-the-Fields, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (13 humans, 2 canines): Marie & Zoe (Labrador Retriever, Barbara Jacobs, Chuck McWilliams, Don Mannes, Elissa Brown, Janet Miller, Jim Cant & Logan (Rhodesian Ridgeback), Judi Burten, Mike Hanauer, Roy Westerberg, Sander Nydick, Susan Sabin, and Ted Nyder.
Present at lunch (2): Edie Baxter and Jacque Smith.
On an unseasonably warm, sunny day we set off in the snow, across the marsh and open fields behind St. Anne’s. Before we went into the woods, we put on our traction devices to help our footing on the snow. We headed to Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River and enjoyed the view of the frozen water, then headed up the Andromeda Trail to the backside of Walden Pond. On our way back to our cars, we walked past a field with horses behind a wooden rail fence. A stray wire from the fence had fallen on the ground and turned out to still be electrified, shocking both dogs when they stepped on it.
Report by Marie Keutmann.
Wednesday, 22 February 2017, Winter Ride from Verrill Farm
Ride Leader: Ken Hablow
33 miles, 10:00 am start from Verrill Farm, Concord, MA
Riders (23): Ken, Andy Brand, Arne Buck, Barbara Martin, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, David Fay, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Newton, Gene Ho, Howie Davidson, John Allen, Lindy King, Margie Lee, Mike Byrne, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, Rick Lawrence, Tom Allen, Tony Lee, Wing Chow, and first-timer Fred Vaughn.
It was a beautiful day with temperatures soaring to the low 50s, very little wind, and mostly dry roads. Twenty-three riders set out on a leisurely ramble through West Acton and into Stow, along the Delany Water Project. We maintained a nice pace of about 13.3 mph for most of the ride. Several riders took off the front at a faster pace, and a few dropped back, which made the main group size tolerable. We had one flat close enough to the end so most of the riders headed back instead of waiting. Rick Carlson and Mike Byrne were nice enough to wait for us as arrows as the flat was tended to.
Most of the group stopped at Verrill Farm for lunch after the ride. Thanks to Tom Allen for sweeping.
Report by Ken Hablow.
Monday, February 20, 2017
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.
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.
Monday, February 13, 2017
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.
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.
Monday, February 6, 2017
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.
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.
Monday, January 30, 2017
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
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.
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.
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