The latest from the Gang ... 

Finally, finally, finally!!! The heat and humidity were chased away and 8 Gang members had a perfect biking day for our Topsfield to Peabody ride. This is a smooth, flat, stone dust trail about 15 miles round trip. We started near the Topsfield Fairgrounds and rode as far as Brooksby Village in Peabody. On the return leg we stopped in downtown Danvers for coffee and a bite to eat before biking back to Topsfield. A very enjoyable ride after several weeks of hot and steamy weather.
Alan

We had an amazing time on the Ipswich River. This is our first time (in the last few years) padding during the summer rather than the fall. We saw a lot of turtles, ducks, and a few other birds. The plants were just amazing especially the cardinal flowers and lots of different lilies. We had to contend with a couple of downed limbs and a beaver dam, but we made it to the horse bridge. Ipswich River is always a treat!

We beat the crowd to the Clam Box and enjoyed great conversation and yummy seafood. A good time was had by all.

Kimm

The group braced the heat and toured Americas Stonehenge in Salem NH!

What is America's Stonehenge?

Built by a Native American Culture or a migrant European population? No one knows for sure. A maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places, at over 4,000 years old America's Stonehenge is most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States.

Like Stonehenge in England, America's Stonehenge was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. It has been determined that the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. It was, and still can be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year.

Various inscriptions have been found throughout the site including Ogham, Phoenician and Iberian Punic Script. Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University did extensive work on the inscriptions found at the site. They are detailed in his book America B.C.

The group started the tour with a brief video explaining the site then were off to explore the many areas ending at the main site. The group was very engaged and followed a map which explained the structures and their possible function.

A major question that remains unanswered is who built the structures???

After the experience we had a relaxing and refreshing lunch and lively conversations at the Old School Bar & Grill.

Pat A 

Our paddle started by entering the kayaks from a dock, something that wasn’t familiar.  We had assistance from the owner and launched.  Everything went smoothly for about an hour and then the wind picked up and clouds rolled in. We had some raindrops, which cooled us off. We headed back to the dock and just as we returned, the clouds blew over and the sun came back out!

Joan H-B

Thirteen members started with a visit to the small museum where we climbed four stories up the tower to view the granite quarry below and the Atlantic Ocean. The museum also provided a history of the mining of granite in northeast Massachusetts as well as military role this area played. 

We then walked the trip around the old quarry now filled with water and went out to the overlook which provided a view up the coast to Maine (not that visible because of a haze) as well as other local sites. We also did a short circuit down toward the beach which provided a view of the Searocks area. 

 After the walk, we ate lunch outdoors at the Lobster Pool which was next to the beach.  A couple hikers remembered going to this restaurant many years ago. 

Neal S

We had 15 riders on the beautiful Sunday morning.  Because of the rescheduled ride, we had no leader for the twenty mile ride.  After a little kerfuffle, three used the GPS to find their way to the Bruce Freeman trail. 

The ten milers were delayed a bit, (another kerfuffle) but finally took off and enjoyed the beautiful woodlands, and landscaping of the Carlisle homes.  There is a turtle crossing sign at the vernal pool area, and after all these years, we finally saw a turtle crossing the road! 

The rides were a little disorganized, but back at the “ranch” we were very organized with the eating part.  We had a lot of newcomers on this ride having a lot of camaraderie in the back yard.  I enjoyed meeting you all. Hopefully the disorganization will not discourage you from joining in future activities.

Mary W

Seven adventurous TOHG hikers set out from the former Crocker barn on Jewell Hill to cross the high meadows while watching a tractor raking grass into windrows before baling into hay. Despite the bright sky and warm temperature, the view over to Mount Wachusett had the skiers among us wondering what fun next winter might bring. After hiking up to the top of Jewell Hill, we gazed far into the distance and imagined seeing the Boston skyline through the distant haze. On the way down, the group marveled at the blooming laurel bushes while the dogs relished wading through a nearby stream lapping up the cool water. The group enjoyed lunch on a patio watching golfers coming down the final hole at The Woods of Westminster golf course.

Mo S

TOHG kayakers were invited to paddle on the Great Herring Pond in Plymouth.  There were 14 paddlers total on this trip, from TOHG, the Kayaking Network of the Pinehills and BASK (Bay Area Senior Paddlers).  In order for all of us to squeeze into the parking lot, cars had to be double-parked, but no one seemed to mind!  

The weather was perfect for this trip.  After we paddled across the 424-acre pond, we stopped for a brief, delightful swim, at the far end of the pond.  While paddling around the pond, we saw a summer camp.

The Great Herring Pond Access Site is located on the Bourne/Plymouth town line. It features a shallow gravel boat ramp, suitable for small motorized boats, canoes and kayaks.

Great Herring Pond is a 424-acre freshwater pond located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, with a portion extending into Bourne. It's known for its recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and summer camps. The pond is also ecologically significant, with a herring run and designated as part of the Herring River Watershed Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). 

According to the Plymouth Trails Guide, the Herring Pond Wampanoag tribe referred to the area around the south and west of Great Herring Pond as Comassakumkanut. The tribe has inhabited the area for thousands of years. To learn more about local tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Herring Pond Wampanoag shares information on its website. 

Sandy S

Disregarding various weather forecasts predicting rain, pestilence, locusts and blizzards, five brave and adventurous Gang members gathered at Lake Louisa in Milford for a 21 mile round trip bike ride to Sherborn and back. 

The trail was quiet with only a few other bikers and some walkers enjoying a quiet morning and early afternoon. Architectural points of interest included a curved railroad tunnel dating to the 1840s and a 5 arch stone bridge also believed to be from that time period. About 1/3 of the trail was paved while the remainder was hard packed stone dust well maintained. And of course the ride had to include a stop for coffee and baked goods in Holliston. Five stars for the best Morning Glory muffin!

And best yet?  No rain for our ride!

Alan U