The latest from the Gang ... 

Under beautiful blue skies, little wind and mild temperatures, 19 members of the walking/hiking group wandered 3+ miles along the beach. Birds were watched and shells picked up along the way. After the walk some stayed and had lunch in the sand in the lee of the dunes. A lot of catching up with friends and welcoming new members made a very enjoyable day.

Meredith P.

Many members of the Gang enjoyed two days of great Alpine skiing at Bretton Woods nestled in the White Mountains of NH. The skies were, for the most part, sunny and deep blue, affording us great views of the majestic, snow-covered Mt. Washington and adjacent peaks. Temperatures rose on the second day bringing us spring conditions, but spirits were up and we enjoyed more great skiing.
One evening several of us trekked under star-lit skies to the AMC Museum adjacent to our lodge to view an extensive exhibit of breathtaking B&W photographs of mountains and glaciers by American mountaineer and photographer Bradford Washburn.

Pete C.

It was a glorious week, the sun smiled at our group of x-country skiers as they traversed the endless perfectly groomed trails of the Bretton Woods Nordic Center. We couldn’t help but stop numerous times to take in the scenery, especially Mount Washington and the enormous Mount Washington hotel with its ornamental red roofs.
Downhill and x-country skiers met for breakfast and dinner and found ample opportunity for long conversations. The Lodge provided delicious, hearty meals served by their friendly staff. The three wonderful days spent at the Highland Lodge and on the ski trails were a welcome break from the past trying months.
Thank you, Carleen, for your perseverance in figuring out the necessary adjustments to be able to offer ski and lodging opportunities this year!

Ines A.

Although the ad hoc Loon Trip scheduled for March 8-12 was cancelled, three ladies of winter still went. Elizabeth B., Pamela F. and Nora McK. are pictured at the top of Loon Mountain. It’s difficult to identify us, but there are three very big smiles under those COVID masks (and foggy goggles!). We had an enjoyable few days zipping around the Mountain and enjoying some great dinners at the local spots. We stayed at Pollard Brook, the original spot that Tom Jefferson had arranged and had nice, big suites with whirlpool tubs, full kitchens and working fireplaces to put our feet up and rest with a glass of vino after three great days of Spring skiing. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any unmarked holes (a la Pat P. and Killington), but surely missed the usual Gang members. See you on the slopes (or bikes, kayaks, trails…).

Nora McK

Dick R., David R., Kent S. and Tom and Cindy B. enjoyed a great sunny ski day on the various slopes of Mt. Sunapee.

Dick R.

A total of 11 members joined us on this most memorable trip, given all of the necessary precautions and restrictions that we have been experiencing during the COVID-19 health crisis. For sure, all of us were fortunate to secure rooms at the Grand Summit Hotel which is at the base of Sunday River Resort, i.e.,” ski-in/ski-out”, affording ready access to two ski lifts at the base of a small hill near the exterior of the hotel. Luckily, we as a group were able to meet daily at the start of each day, right outside the hotel, and easily ski out to the slopes!

Ski conditions during the first three days were exemplary, and a good number of our group remained on the slopes for most of the these days.

Already scheduled is a Sunday River trip for 2022 in late February, and more often than not, we can anticipate stellar skiing conditions at this popular resort!

Ray G.

On a snowy Tuesday afternoon, ten cheerful members of the South Mystery Group and one cat got together on ZOOM to elect our new group leader. First things first. The group recounted recent events and their individual experiences in hunting for the COVID-19 Vaccine. As always, and very optimistically, we shared ideas about restaurants and venues for our future outdoor gatherings.
After a few seconds of member harassment, Maureen happily volunteered to become our fearless leader.
Thank you so much Maureen! We appreciate it.

Left to right: Joel S., Tom S., Betsy B., Joan Th., Anne W., Ann Marie R., Judy T., and Gail E. - Peg T. was missed and Chris B. took the picture.

All ten TOHG members who x-country skied in Carlisle on February 11th enjoyed it. We skied from about 10:30 to noon in two groups and then had lunch or a snack at a picnic table. If you go back there again, please check their website (greatbrookski.com) for conditions. It is best to give them a day to groom after a snowfall. I hope to be able to lead a group there again, but maybe not be until next year.

Tom S.

Pat P. and Carleen McO.

On the FIRST day of Bretton Woods, 8 intrepid TOHG members arrived at the AMC Highland Center to find a warm welcome and strict mask and distancing rules.

On the SECOND day of Bretton Woods, we braved an overcast sky and a 5º temp to remember how to put on ski boots outdoors and how to ski wearing a mask without fogging up the goggles.

On the THIRD day of Bretton Woods, 6 survivors gloried in the warmth of 15º and 6 inches of fresh snow and tried the new café at the top of the gondola.

On the FOURTH day of Bretton Woods, 2 of the remaining 3 members tested new x-country equipment before driving home on freshly cleared roads.

The burning question: Is it safe to ski during the pandemic? Our response: The Highland Center AND the Bretton Woods ski area are doing everything right.
We won’t hesitate to return.
Pat P.

Two chair lifts and the gondola were running. And yes, we enjoyed sharing Pat P’s 90th birthday. She skied with style and grace, unlike some of us simply pushing snow down the Hill!
Looking forward to Vermont in January.
Carleen McO.

 Pat P.

 Helgard K.

Can you find the 4 TOHG members in this photo? Pat P., Carleen McO., Ellen W. and Pat D.

At overlook of middle pond, left to right: Cathy P., Chris B., Linda M., Carol B., Beverly C., Jan G., Leonora L, Meredith P., Curt L., Barbara B., Jane P. Photographer: Maryann D.
The weather cooperated for a very comfortable morning to explore a portion of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. From the Sheepfold Dog Park in Stoneham, our group of 12 walked by two of the three Winchester reservoirs, stopping at an overlook above the Middle Reservoir and observing many ducks congregating on the North Reservoir. We then hiked up to Bear Hill Tower for views into Boston. Returning to the Sheepfold area, we passed over the no longer used soap box derby track.

Meredith P.