The latest from the Gang ... 

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)

Ten of us met up at Salem Willows.  A storm passed by to the south and we had perfect weather.  Most people rented sit on top kayaks from Coast to Coast Paddle.  We tested our abilities against the wind, waves, and salt water and headed off along the rocky coast line.  There were charming views of quaint and large oceanside homes along Salem Neck.  There were views of cormorants resting on small islands of granite rock.  We made it as far as the Salem lighthouse and then started back. 
Afterwards the group headed to the Clam Shack except Pat who got a chop suey sandwich from the same place where her mother once purchased this specialty.  A good time was had by Anne, Barb, Betsy, Jill, Gail, Judy, Ken, Kimberly, Miriam, and Pat.   

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.

The threat of rain and high humidity didn’t keep our two fearless bikers, Helgard K and Alan U, from making the trek from Salem to Derry. And fortunately they were close to cover in Derry when the rain and thunder required a brief pause in the journey. 

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

It was a beautiful sunny but windy day as 10 of us toured Gloucester’s Hammond Castle. Built from 1926 through 1929, Hammond Castle is the creation of John Hays Hammond Jr, a contemporary of Thomas Edison and known as “The Father of Radio Control”. Hammond was a prolific inventor, holding more than 400 patents spanning from the 1920s to the very early 1960s.

A lunch at Gloucester’s Azorean Restaurant followed our tour. 

In attendance were Carole B, Anne H, Judy T, Nancy C, Dawn M, Joe M, Pam K, Lisa S, Camilla U

Alan Ulrich

On a cloudy 65 degree day thirty members of the walking/ hiking group split into two groups and walked around Walden Pond. 

One group walked 1.7 miles around the pond while the other walked a mile further to visit the Hayward Meadows section. 

Both groups visited the Thoreau house site part way around; but then the Meadows group went to the marsh area where we saw beaver lodges and turtles. There were a number of trees that had been worked on by the beavers recently. This group also climbed up to the top of Emersons Cliff where we took a picture.  

After returning to the visitors building we watched a very informative documentary produced by Ken Burns on Henry Thoreau. Lunch was on the deck outside.

Meredith P

Nine members of the South Mystery Group visited the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton, MA. Thanks to Saria Sweeney for arranging the "Museum without Walls" presentation that displayed the tour of the second floor exhibits led by Bronson Michaud. Some of the group followed along with Bronson upstairs while others sat in comfort and watched on a drop-down screen.

We saw artifacts from King Philip's War and the Revolutionary-era cannon given to Toby Gilmore, a local slave. On display were some of the first stoves ever made, manufactured by Glenwood and the Taunton Stove Company. A fashion display of period bridal gowns and a new display of recipes and cookbooks from that era were interesting.

There is so much to learn about the history of the original Old Colony that reached from Rehoboth to Provincetown and from Scituate to Dartmouth. The land today encompasses Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties. Our interest lasted much longer than the time I allowed for the event. Perhaps we can do it again and include a 1-mile walking tour of historic downtown Taunton.

Please visit their website:  oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org for more detailed information.

Lunch at the nearby Liberty and Union Alehouse was equally enjoyable.

Barbara H