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.
Monday, January 27, 2020
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.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Winter walk & potluck lunch - December 25, 2019
HIKE & PARTY REPORT
WED, 25 December 2019, Winter walk & potluck lunch
Walk Leader & lunch host: Susan Sabin
~5 miles, 10:00 am hike start from 40 Seaver Street, Wellesley, MA
Walkers (7+): Susan, Adena Schutzberg, Butch Pemstein, Janet Miller, Marie Keutmann (& Zoe), Mike Hanauer, and Richard Vignoni.
A small group of walkers showed up at Susan’s on Christmas morning, each of whom reported that traffic was non-existent. Two of our group of seven neglected to bring along their microspikes, not quite believing that the “wilds” of Wellesley would indeed be forested, wet, and wild. In spots, those two had to proceed on all fours. Not a one of the sensible group laughed, nor did anyone hitch a pony ride! However, the good news for those in the minority was that they got much more exercise than those of us who stayed upright.
It was a lovely walk. At about a half mile from walk's end, we shed our microspikes and proceeded down the middle of a major street (still no cars, AT ALL). Lunch was intimate and, in the spirit of the WWs, spirited. A wonderful time was had by all.
Report by Susan Sabin
WED, 25 December 2019, Winter walk & potluck lunch
Walk Leader & lunch host: Susan Sabin
~5 miles, 10:00 am hike start from 40 Seaver Street, Wellesley, MA
Walkers (7+): Susan, Adena Schutzberg, Butch Pemstein, Janet Miller, Marie Keutmann (& Zoe), Mike Hanauer, and Richard Vignoni.
A small group of walkers showed up at Susan’s on Christmas morning, each of whom reported that traffic was non-existent. Two of our group of seven neglected to bring along their microspikes, not quite believing that the “wilds” of Wellesley would indeed be forested, wet, and wild. In spots, those two had to proceed on all fours. Not a one of the sensible group laughed, nor did anyone hitch a pony ride! However, the good news for those in the minority was that they got much more exercise than those of us who stayed upright.
It was a lovely walk. At about a half mile from walk's end, we shed our microspikes and proceeded down the middle of a major street (still no cars, AT ALL). Lunch was intimate and, in the spirit of the WWs, spirited. A wonderful time was had by all.
Report by Susan Sabin
Monday, December 23, 2019
Winter hike & Hanukkah party - December 18 , 2019
HIKE & PARTY REPORT
WED, 18 December 2019, Winter hike & Hanukkah party
Party Hosts: Marie Keutmann, Richard Vignoni, & Barbara Jacobs
Party Cooks: Barbara, Judi Burten, Richard, & Helen
Wouldbe Ride Leader: Glenn Pransky - ride cancelled due to poor road conditions
Hike Leader: Marie Keutmann, assisted by Zoe
~4 miles, 11:00 am hike start from 68 Birchwood Lane, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (22 + Zoe): Marie, Adena Schutzberg, Bob Anderson, Butch Pemstein, Carol Anderson, David Wean, Don Mannes, Glenn Pransky, Janet Miller, Judith McMichael, Julie Dodd, Margie Lee, Nancy Smith, Richard Fortier, Richard Mandel, Robyn Maislin, Ron Beland, Sally Chapman, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and first-timers Marlene Heroux and Terry Snyder.
Party Only (20): Barbara, Helen, Judi, Richard, Bill Widnall, Bob Wolf, David Fay, Eli Post, Elizabeth Wicks, Frank Aronson, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Harriet Fell, Janet Miller, Jerry Green, John Allen, Kathy Halmi, Ken Hablow, Mike Hanauer, and Patrick Ward.
The weather gods were not very kind to us for biking, but they gave us a crisp, sunny day that was perfect for hiking. Marie and her dog, Zoe, led twenty-one hikers on a scenic, snow-covered trail around Farrar Pond. Most of the hikers were wearing traction devices on the sometimes narrow trails.
While others were out hiking, Richard, Barbara, Judi, and Helen were hard at work in the kitchen and setting up for the party. Barbara and Judi arrived early with a turkey that Barbara had cooked that morning, along with regular and sweet potato latkes and a kugel. Helen continued the tradition of making homemade applesauce, while Richard, who had spent a great deal of time cooking in advance (including hummus, baba ghanouj, cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, and guacamole), carved the turkey. Barbara and Judi reheated food in our finicky oven and set up and distributed food to several tables, so it was ready to go when the hikers returned. The many food contributions included some really nice appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts. The delicious food and drink was followed by the traditional Yankee Swap.
Thank you to all those who participated and contributed, and to those who stayed behind and helped with clean-up. Many thanks to the cooks and setup crew of Barbara, Helen, Judi and Richard and especially to Barbara who got up early and cooked the turkey remotely, due to our finicky oven, and who so nicely orchestrated the setup.
Lost and Found: Only one item was left behind: a purple bandanna.
Report by Marie Keutmann.
WED, 18 December 2019, Winter hike & Hanukkah party
Party Hosts: Marie Keutmann, Richard Vignoni, & Barbara Jacobs
Party Cooks: Barbara, Judi Burten, Richard, & Helen
Wouldbe Ride Leader: Glenn Pransky - ride cancelled due to poor road conditions
Hike Leader: Marie Keutmann, assisted by Zoe
~4 miles, 11:00 am hike start from 68 Birchwood Lane, Lincoln, MA
Hikers (22 + Zoe): Marie, Adena Schutzberg, Bob Anderson, Butch Pemstein, Carol Anderson, David Wean, Don Mannes, Glenn Pransky, Janet Miller, Judith McMichael, Julie Dodd, Margie Lee, Nancy Smith, Richard Fortier, Richard Mandel, Robyn Maislin, Ron Beland, Sally Chapman, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and first-timers Marlene Heroux and Terry Snyder.
Party Only (20): Barbara, Helen, Judi, Richard, Bill Widnall, Bob Wolf, David Fay, Eli Post, Elizabeth Wicks, Frank Aronson, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Harriet Fell, Janet Miller, Jerry Green, John Allen, Kathy Halmi, Ken Hablow, Mike Hanauer, and Patrick Ward.
The weather gods were not very kind to us for biking, but they gave us a crisp, sunny day that was perfect for hiking. Marie and her dog, Zoe, led twenty-one hikers on a scenic, snow-covered trail around Farrar Pond. Most of the hikers were wearing traction devices on the sometimes narrow trails.
While others were out hiking, Richard, Barbara, Judi, and Helen were hard at work in the kitchen and setting up for the party. Barbara and Judi arrived early with a turkey that Barbara had cooked that morning, along with regular and sweet potato latkes and a kugel. Helen continued the tradition of making homemade applesauce, while Richard, who had spent a great deal of time cooking in advance (including hummus, baba ghanouj, cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, and guacamole), carved the turkey. Barbara and Judi reheated food in our finicky oven and set up and distributed food to several tables, so it was ready to go when the hikers returned. The many food contributions included some really nice appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts. The delicious food and drink was followed by the traditional Yankee Swap.
Thank you to all those who participated and contributed, and to those who stayed behind and helped with clean-up. Many thanks to the cooks and setup crew of Barbara, Helen, Judi and Richard and especially to Barbara who got up early and cooked the turkey remotely, due to our finicky oven, and who so nicely orchestrated the setup.
Lost and Found: Only one item was left behind: a purple bandanna.
Report by Marie Keutmann.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Compass Rides & DBTD lunch - November 27, 2019
RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 27 November 2019, Compass Rides & DBTD lunch
Ride Leader(s): Jack Donohue & John Allen
31 or 25 miles, 10:30 am start from Bikeway Source, Bedford, MA
Riders - 31 mi (14): Jack, Barbara Martin, Bill Wachur, Bob Apsler, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, Fred Newton, Gerry Sheetoo, Kathy Horvath, Ray Komow (joined en route), Rudge McKenney, Russ Keene, Selig Saltzman, and Tom Amiro.
Riders - 25 mi (1): John.
Present at lunch: Clyde Kessel.
There was a bit of confusion about the later start time of 10:30 which had been chosen to sync up with the lunch reservation at Holi. No matter, the early arrivers did a few warmup laps until the actual start time.
John had signed up to lead the shorter ride, but didn't get any takers, so he joined the rest of the group for the 31 mile version, with the option to bail if the pace didn't suit him.
There was some concern about whether we could complete the ride before the forecasted rain storm, but it did not materialize. The ride proceeded smoothly, with most of the group staying together and not much arrowing needed.
The major issue was the pit stop. The usual one on this ride is the ball field on Griffin Road which is provided with one or two portajohns. Unfortunately, these are taken in for the winter, so we needed to find an alternative. Then I remembered our traditional stop across the street from the 4H fairground. This has been a regular stop on Ken Hablow rides, and many of the group who were regular Ken riders recognized it. So most of the group answered the call of nature, and we regrouped for a photo op before continuing the ride.
I made a minor booboo near the end. We were heading into Carlisle center and I hadn't looked at the route, so I assumed we would just go through the rotary and back down Rte 225. I usually go down Church Street at this point to avoid the rotary and the bad pavement in the center, so I did. In fact, we supposed to continue through the rotary onto East Street. So my group ended up missing two miles and one point of the compass (East Street). Interestingly, my group was in the minority, as most of the others had GPS and were quite happy to mutiny and follow the route rather than the leader.
Most of the group went to Holi for the traditional Indian DBTD feast (turkey samosas?). I had to bow out since we had a house guest.
Thanks once again to Butch for sweeping.
Report by Jack Donohue.
Today was a Grade-A day for a no-sweat, but not-uncomfortably-cold, ride. Selig and I embarrassed ourselves by showing up early under the mistaken impression that the rides started, as usual, at 10:00 am (rather than 10:30), but that allowed us to browse in the Bikeway Source which, it turns out, is not only a bike shop, but carries a large selection of cross-country skiing equipment.
Returning to the parking lot as the time for the ride start neared, I offered to lead the shorter ride, but there were no takers, except myself. I did manage to keep up with the rest of the group for about ten miles, but peeled off to take the shorter route back to Bedford and stopped to have a snack. Timing was perfect, as the long ride caught up with me a couple of miles short of Holi restaurant. I dined there with several others, but held to moderation and hoped that I had burned more calories during the expedition than I consumed at lunch.
Onward to Thanksgiving dinner!
Report by John Allen.
Wednesday, 27 November 2019, Compass Rides & DBTD lunch
Ride Leader(s): Jack Donohue & John Allen
31 or 25 miles, 10:30 am start from Bikeway Source, Bedford, MA
Riders - 31 mi (14): Jack, Barbara Martin, Bill Wachur, Bob Apsler, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, Fred Newton, Gerry Sheetoo, Kathy Horvath, Ray Komow (joined en route), Rudge McKenney, Russ Keene, Selig Saltzman, and Tom Amiro.
Riders - 25 mi (1): John.
Present at lunch: Clyde Kessel.
There was a bit of confusion about the later start time of 10:30 which had been chosen to sync up with the lunch reservation at Holi. No matter, the early arrivers did a few warmup laps until the actual start time.
John had signed up to lead the shorter ride, but didn't get any takers, so he joined the rest of the group for the 31 mile version, with the option to bail if the pace didn't suit him.
There was some concern about whether we could complete the ride before the forecasted rain storm, but it did not materialize. The ride proceeded smoothly, with most of the group staying together and not much arrowing needed.
The major issue was the pit stop. The usual one on this ride is the ball field on Griffin Road which is provided with one or two portajohns. Unfortunately, these are taken in for the winter, so we needed to find an alternative. Then I remembered our traditional stop across the street from the 4H fairground. This has been a regular stop on Ken Hablow rides, and many of the group who were regular Ken riders recognized it. So most of the group answered the call of nature, and we regrouped for a photo op before continuing the ride.
I made a minor booboo near the end. We were heading into Carlisle center and I hadn't looked at the route, so I assumed we would just go through the rotary and back down Rte 225. I usually go down Church Street at this point to avoid the rotary and the bad pavement in the center, so I did. In fact, we supposed to continue through the rotary onto East Street. So my group ended up missing two miles and one point of the compass (East Street). Interestingly, my group was in the minority, as most of the others had GPS and were quite happy to mutiny and follow the route rather than the leader.
Most of the group went to Holi for the traditional Indian DBTD feast (turkey samosas?). I had to bow out since we had a house guest.
Thanks once again to Butch for sweeping.
Report by Jack Donohue.
Today was a Grade-A day for a no-sweat, but not-uncomfortably-cold, ride. Selig and I embarrassed ourselves by showing up early under the mistaken impression that the rides started, as usual, at 10:00 am (rather than 10:30), but that allowed us to browse in the Bikeway Source which, it turns out, is not only a bike shop, but carries a large selection of cross-country skiing equipment.
Returning to the parking lot as the time for the ride start neared, I offered to lead the shorter ride, but there were no takers, except myself. I did manage to keep up with the rest of the group for about ten miles, but peeled off to take the shorter route back to Bedford and stopped to have a snack. Timing was perfect, as the long ride caught up with me a couple of miles short of Holi restaurant. I dined there with several others, but held to moderation and hoped that I had burned more calories during the expedition than I consumed at lunch.
Onward to Thanksgiving dinner!
Report by John Allen.
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