The latest from the Gang ... 

The Gang entered a surreal world on the Assabet River, a world where there was no sense that we were a mile from Concord and less than 20 miles from Boston.  Thick woods lined the river and the only sign of life was a white-tailed deer.  The trip began at the Southbridge Boat House in Concord and lasted two hours. We paddled up the Sudbury River, detoured onto the Assabet, and ended on the Concord River down where the Battle of Lexington and Concord was fought.  Along the way we saw herons and turtles.  And the deer.
Enjoying the trip were Jill F, Pat G, Marty and Shelly G, Miriam J, Karen L, Daniel Y, and Harry P. This was the Gang’s second outing on these rivers and the consensus seems to be that this should be an annual occurrence. 

Karen L.

An exceptional group of “Super Seniors”—TOHG members with common interests—gathered to enjoy lunch and friendship recently at “Not Your Average Joe’s” restaurant in Burlington, MA. The group was invited to reconnect with old friends, ski buddies, and hiking/biking pals and to share outrageous stories, some of which are true. Having traversed highways and bi-ways, completed multi-national treks, and frequented local venues for too many years to count seemed like a good- enough reason to gather again, to talk, laugh, and—maybe what we do best—eat!

The idea for the event was generated by friends who have connected through the years and miss being active participants in more challenging adventures, while still maintaining their zest for life and friendship. “Not your average” Joe Messina coordinated the location, contacted those he could remember (!), and relied on the help of others to identify and coerce the faint hearted into “one more time,” which may become an annual TOHG event. After all, isn’t that what we all say when the light begins to fade and the lift lines are short—“Just one more time?”

Dawn M and Joe M

Chris B, Barbara B, Carol B, Jan G, Cindi A, Marie K

On a beautiful sunny June day five members of the West Mystery Group and one guest enjoyed a visit to the unique Y V Art Museum and Sculpture Park in Acton. Previously known as "The Quarry", the name was recently changed to honor the two primary contributors of works of art.  We were warmly greeted by Yin Peet, owner and artist, who gave us an extensive tour of the museum and it's art.  Many of the works are her own,  other works are by her partner,  Viktor and various other artists.   Our tour continued outdoors where she showed us some of the earliest sculptures in the park, the stone quarry and surroundings, as well as the newer "Rock Pile" sculpture site. Throughout our tour,she shared vignettes of her life and her evolution as an artist.   We were then free to roam on our own over the two trails in the woods to view sculptures and installations there.

Afterwards we had lunch on the patio of a nearby restaurant.  A very enjoyable way to spend a lovely day. 

Jan G

Jan G,  Chris B,  Barbara B, Cindi A,  Carol B,  Marie K

Facilities tour after the presentation with our guide Glenn Field

13 members participated in a guided tour of a little-known government organization that predicts the future, with a 50% chance of getting it right and a 100% chance of being forgiven for getting it wrong. Yes, we are talking about the NOAA’s National Weather Service. We learned about the mysteries behind the most creative guessing game and the misconceptions about lightning, amongst other fascinating facts.

The guided tour was followed by lunch at Brack’s Grill.

Marco A

L-R: Joe C, Lucille S, Joe M, Elaine M, Joan S, Elsie L, Nonie L, Susan and Chuck H, Sandy L.
Marco took the photo.

Ken, Alan, Allan, Linda, Marjorie, Daniel, Ken and Kim

Eight TOHG members set out on a mild, sunny Spring day to ride from Topsfield to the Danvers/Peabody line. The trail included a linear representation of our solar system (erected by a Topsfield Boy Scout Troop), historic railroad buildings in Danvers and a Swamp Walk in Wenham. 
Along the way we met a young couple and their two dogs who were hiking from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. They expected their hike would take them 7-8 months. Last year they hiked from California to South Carolina. They’re financing their trip on social media and can be followed at TheGGoldenRoad. 

Alan U

End of the Causeway "The Cut"

Enjoying a variety of weather conditions 43 TOHG members enjoyed a 3 day trip to Burlington VT.

We cruised Lake Champlain on board of The Spirit of Ethan Allen on Monday followed by a buffet dinner at Zachary’s Pizza.

On Tuesday about 3 dozen members bicycled on The Island Line Trail along the lake as far as “The Cut” in Lake Champlain. On the return the wind was blowing in our face requiring extra effort on the open portion of the trail.

Wednesday morning 19 hardy souls rode The 127 Trail from the Ethan Allen Homestead with snow flurries making for a memorable ride. And of course some of the Gang stopped at Ben & Jerry’s factory on the way home!

Alan U

Dinner at Zachary's

Photo left to right: Gayle, Ken, Gail E, Daniel, Alan U, Allan G, James. Carolyn, Herta.
In front - Nancy. Missing from photo was Miriam who took the picture. 

Eleven TOHG members set off from Salem NH on a 2 hour bike ride to Derry NH along the Salem, Windham and Derry Rail Trails. It was a beautiful warm Spring day and fortunately much of the trail was shaded. Most of this route is wooded and passes several ponds, bogs and streams and we were fortunate to see several turtles sunning themselves along the way. 

Alan U

Joan, Linda, Jan, Judith, Jane, Dori (not in picture Meredith, John and Carol)

May 11th turned warmer than expected but nine TOHG walkers met at the visitor center parking area off 2A and proceeded on a nearly 5 mile walk. We passed several historical markers describing events of the April 19, 1775 battle between the British and Colonists.  The wide trail follows the original battle road between Lexington and Concord.
Along the sides of the path we spotted many wildflowers, including meadow rue, jack-in-the-pulpit, iris, and mayapple.

After the walk we ate bagged lunches at a shady picnic table.

Meredith P

Jane, John, Carol, Joan, Dori, Jan, Judith, Jane

Alan and Kim and a couple of new friends

The threat of rain didn’t deter Kim and Alan from setting out on a 2 hour bike ride from Everett to Lynn. The trail was sparsely used which made for easy biking. Crossing the marshlands between Saugus and Lynn we even saw a Piping Plover take flight. And we returned to our start just as soon as the rain began! Perfect timing!

Alan U

Daniel, Alan, Kathy, Kim, Art, Larry, Joan