The latest from the Gang ... 

Joy T, Linda McH, Pam K, Deb G, Carol B , Dawn M, Barbara M, Nancy C, Lisa S, Judy T, Anne H and Beverly C

The Northern Mystery group was drawn into a lively reenactment of a historical witch trial starting in Derby Square in Salem.

Bridget Bishop, the first “witch” to be hanged, is spotted by costumed Puritans, and dragged screaming into the Old Town Hall to be interrogated by her accusers.

The twelve members of our group were asked to be the jury and listen to the evidence. The actors were great, and knew their history from top to bottom. They were also great at improvising, and allowed us, the jury, to take a vote as to Bridget’s  guilt or innocence.

Of course, we set her free. Unfortunately, Bridget was actually hanged in 1693 after the first witch trial.

Ann H and Barbara M

Nine TOHG kayakers enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and variable breeze to paddle two miles on the Ipswich River from the Foote Brothers kayak rental  location. There was a lot of chatting and catching up along the way.  Four of us went to the Ipswich Clam Box afterwards for a lunch of fried clams and fish.  A great day.

Meredith P

Ines, Alan, Larry, Pat, Kate, Robin, Laurie, Marco, Janis, Dan, Sue
Behind the camera Miriam, missing David and Jackie

A total of 14 cyclists completed the East Bay Bike Path, with headwind on the way to Colt State Park, which kept us cool in spite of the heat. 

Everyone enjoyed the pause at Colt State Park with lunch, conversations, and the obligatory group photo.

After lunch, we cycled over less traveled  paths dedicated to cycling and walking through the park, past the Coggeshall Farm Museum, which unfortunately was closed. The rest of the way back we had wonderful tailwind which helped us get to our final destination: Dari Bee ice cream shop in Riverside, RI.

Ines A

Daniel, Ilene, Maureen, Sandy, Pat, Larry, Toby, Jill, Dotty.
Miriam in the first picture, far left, could not join us for lunch.

What better way to spend a hot, sunny, summer day than on the water in a kayak!  Eleven gang members met at Nantasket Kayak in Hull and paddled the entire length of the Weir River, passing the windmill and an osprey nest, to the end and back.  
While paddling up the river we encountered a fisherman whose line was in our path. We changed course to avoid his line. He thanked us and Ilene shouted “we’re bringing you good luck”. Just then, there was a tug on his line and we watched as he pulled in a 2 foot striper. Amazing timing!
Following the paddle everyone gathered at Pat's home for a luncheon in my back yard under the gazebo.  Long time member, Toby had several good stories to tell creating great camaraderie among the gang.

Pat G

Joan, Marco, Ines, Daryl, Linda, Elaine, Joe, Eileen, Maureen, and Barbara

For some of the group, the Cape Cod Canal Cruise was a trip down memory lane—a two-hour boat ride on the HyLine Cruise ship. Four of us from Foxboro arrived early and enjoyed walking around the town and getting in a little lunch before the cruise.

The remaining six members of the “Gang” met us at the Onset ticket office before sailing. We were blessed with a #10 day to enjoy the Canal and the narration of its history. When we returned, we enjoyed various repasts, although ice cream was a favorite!

Joan S

Dori, Kathy, Lainie, Meredith, Karen, and Jan (with Jane behind the camera).

A group of seven TOHG members spent an enjoyable morning in Westford, MA at The Butterfly Place, where we mingled with many different types of butterflies flying around the atrium. Several landed on us and one on Kathy didn’t want to leave. We had to shoo it away!

Before going into the atrium, we also watched a 15-minute video telling us about the life cycles and metamorphosis of butterflies. They are truly magnificent, beautiful creatures, part of nature’s wonders. Such a variety of colors and fascinating patterns!

After spending about an hour admiring them and taking lots of pictures, we went to the Westford 99 Restaurant for a tasty lunch together with Chris B also joining us.

Jane P

Beverly, Polly, Deb, Carole, Nancy, Pam, Barbara, Judy, and Anne.

The North Mystery Group visited the Service Dog Project (SDP) in Ipswich, MA. Our tour guide, Dez, introduced us to several of the 30+ dogs currently in training to assist the disabled population. SDP has trained and donated 190 certified Great Dane service dogs to people who have difficulty with their mobility and balance.

Visit them online for a heartwarming story of one woman’s dream to help the disabled.

Beverly C and Maryann D

The Ride through Boston was wonderful, actually the best ever.  It cooled off, there was enough wind to beat the heat. About 100 participants, including a bike with a large dog in a wheeled basket and a 12 year-old.

Hal S.

Sunrise from Castle Island

Larry, guests Irene, Bill and Cyndi, Sandy, Arlene

Ten people kayaked first on the Pocasset River and then on Buzzards Bay, on Cape Cod. On the Pocasset River, we saw a group of 8 swans. At Buzzards Bay, after paddling on a hot day, we went for a refreshing swim.

There was a breeze on the water which gave a cooling effect so we didn't feel the heat. It wasn't as hot as people thought it would be.

Two ladies who had to return kayaks left the swimming beach early to make it back to the put-in. However, they missed the turn off to the Pocasset River from Buzzards Bay. They eventually turned around but had a good workout getting back.

It was a fun trip, a good workout, and a very scenic trip, both along the river and the bay.

Sandy S

Hyman and Jill (missing form the photos Maureen and Miriam)

Anne W.