The latest from the Gang ... 

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.

Elizabeth B, Barbara B, Susan R, Larry R, Meredith P, Jan G, Robert R, Helgard K. and behind the camera, Tim J

We got lucky and had a cool, dry day. Well, it was 78 degrees…but better than 100!

Nine TOHG members met at the trailhead near York, ME for a short but refreshing hike up to the top of Mt. Agamenticus. Along the way, we passed many wild huckleberry bushes which were loaded with ripe berries. A few brave folks treated themselves to the fresh berries. We climbed up the trail which was only moderately steep but had the common New England assortment of rocks, roots, and granite slabs.

At the summit of Mt A we had great 360 views from the outlook decks which included some information describing the landscape and identifying the mountains and landmarks. Among the things we could see were the Nubble Lighthouse, the Presidentials, and Cape Ann. We also saw remnants of the old ski lift and a couple of people regaled us with their ski experience from a few years back. 

We hiked down the Ring Trail loop through the woods back to the parking lot. We passed several other hikers along the way as it seems this is a popular spot to walk the dog and get some exercise. We ended up hiking nearly 2 miles round trip.

After we cooled off a bit, we drove to the nearby Stonewall Inn for lunch. We enjoyed their large selection of deli lunch items. And the attached Stonewall store was a bonus. There for sale were the many jams and jellies that are made on the site (with many available for tasting) and lots of other baking ingredients.

Elizabeth B.

Alan U.

Pam K, Alan U, Bev C, Carole B, Judy T, Linda M, Deb G, Dawn M, Nancy C,
Mary I, Barb M and Anne H

Twelve members of the North Mystery Group enjoyed a very pleasant outing at Fuller Gardens. This is a non-profit, public botanical garden located on the ocean in North Hampton, NH. Although we visited during a heat wave, the location offered perfect weather with a comfortable ocean breeze.  

Fuller Gardens has one of the most extensive rose bush collections in the Northeast, a Japanese garden, and a dahlia display garden full of vibrant color. The gardens are bordered by large sculpted hedges. Fuller Gardens was commissioned during the late 1920’s by Massachusetts Governor Alvin T. Fuller to honor his wife Viola.  

Mystery Group event is not complete without lunch, and Mary I recommended a great place, Tuna Striker, a rustic, fishing village inspired pub in Seabrook, NH.

Pamela K.

The day started out cool/cold, windy, and cloudy but we still managed to have 13 enthusiastic and adventurous gang members paddling the Mystic River. We reached the lower Mystic Lake but the winds pushed us back so we were not able to explore the beautiful coast line around the lake. The return trip to the launch was very enjoyable as the wind was on our backs all the way.

The usual families of birds were not to be seen this year. I think the wind blew them away. Still the river is quite beautiful with all the water lilies in bloom.

Everyone brought a picnic lunch and lots of “sweet” goodies to share, thanks to Toby B and Ilene and Daniel P.

Pat G

Cathie P, Eileen H, Nonie L, Sue H and Chuck H

Five members of the South Mystery Group enjoyed a narrated train excursion on the Cape Cod Railway. We traveled from Buzzards Bay, across the canal on the Cape Cod railroad bridge, then along the canal to Sandwich. Along the way our narrator told us interesting facts about the famous Cape Cod Canal. We passed beautiful salt marshes and cranberry bogs along the way.

Nonie L