The latest from the Gang ... 

Left to right: Jan G., Cindi A., Larry McC., Barbara H., Linda McN., Jane Ph., Kathy W., Curt L., Dawn M., Judith D., Liz C. - Not in photo Meredith P.
Twelve members of the first group set off to discover the Thanksgiving Rocks. The weather cooperated with partial sun, very little wind and 45 degree temperatures. We passed through fields and trees and stopped for a look at a very pretty brook; ending up 3 miles later back where we started. Properly distancing while having lunch gave us all a chance to catch up with each other. Walkers included Cindi A., Liz C., Judy D., Jan G., Bart H., Curt L., Larry M., Linda M., Dawn M., Meredith P., Jane P., and Kathy W.
Meredith P.

A second walk later this day was setup to accommodate more gang members

A stalwart nine members walked the Litchfield Loop beside the green pastures to East Farm Trail next to the corn field and into Thanksgiving Forest. Over the bridge and stone wall sauntering beside the River Meadow Brook, the gang of nine proceeded. Up the hill to the Thanksgiving Ground Rocks, where the men of Chelmsford met in days of old on Thanksgiving Day for a fox hunt. While the gang explored the boulders, no foxes were found. We then traversed on the trail back across the bridge into Great Brook cornfields and pastures, as a deer raced away into the woods. We sat socially distanced in the herb garden to enjoy our sandwiches. All enjoyed a beautiful sunny fall day, refreshed by Nature.
Gang members in the picture are: Joan A., Barbara B., Nancy Ch., Marie K., Leonora L., Catherine P., Ann Mare R., Joel S., and Christine B.
Christine B.

Twelve TOHG members walked approximately 5.5 miles along the gravel path from the Visitor Center in Lincoln towards Concord and back. The weather went from cloudy to sun as the walk progressed. We passed the Hartwell House and Hartwell Tavern, the Paul Revere capture site, small markers where British Soldiers were buried; and absorbed some of our local history. Afterwards a few of us found benches in the sun and had bagged lunches and good conversation.

Meredith P.

Prepping for chicken dance... Front: Merle W. and Theresa L. Back: Judith D., Ruth G. Nancy B., Peg T., and Trish L.
Oh! To find ways to keep our mystery group in contact with one another during the days of Covid-19. Once again, some of us met in my backyard to chat, share, laugh and just be together. The weather cooperated, no excessive heat this time. I thank you for coming with lunch, beverage and chair! Certainly an easy way to “entertain” and be together safely.

Cathleen R.

Lots of fall sun, no wind, and few cars on the roads made for a perfect day to cycle around Jamestown. Seven gang members rode to the Beavertail light house to enjoy the views of Narragansett Bay. On this clear day we could see Block Island too. Two riders took a short route home, while five rode to the fishing dock at Fort Wetherill to see the mansions in Newport. After completing the tour, we had our picnic lunch on the deck at Sue B’s house.

Sue B.

From left to right: Walter B., Mary I., Barbara M., Joe M., Nancy Ch., Carol B., Dawn M., Joy T. and Beverly C.

Despite a wildly windy night, the morning of Thursday, October 9 dawned bright, clear, and calm. As 9 members of the North Mystery Group gathered to arrange transportation to their destination, they received a call from the host organization saying they were still open for our visit, though without power. We decided it was too nice a day not to continue as planned, and arrived at DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA about 10:30 a.m. to meet the two docents who were happy to share the treasures of sculpture with us. We separated into two smaller groups to maintain social distance and to allow us to better hear and attend to the works the docents had chosen for us. We all loved the time there—sweetly relaxing and mentally invigorating and inspiring. We shared an outdoor lunch at the Copper House Tavern, familiar to all as the site of another TOHG event several years ago.

Joe M.

Eleven members of the gang and one guest walked about 2 miles in Mine Falls Park in Nashua, NH. Despite the prediction of rain we managed to have only a brief shower and a few sprinkles. Bag lunches were eaten at the site of the old dam and power plant about halfway through the hike that followed the Nashua River. On the walk we observed a river otter playing in the river and a great blue heron, and the foliage beginning to turn. A lot of catching up between members. Walkers were: Chris B., Carol B., Dori C. and her guest John W., Jan G., Lenora L., Linda McN., Joe M., Dawn M., Meredith P., Jane Ph., and Cathy P.

Five members of the West Mystery Group met at Parlee’s Farm in Tyngsboro to pick apples. The trees were all dwarfs which made the picking very easy and quick. The weather cooperated. After we traveled a quick 2 miles to the Dream Dinner for a really delicious brunch. Since we were all camera shy the picture is of what we picked. Participants were Al G., Lanie O’C., Jane Ph., Jan G., and Meredith P.

Hikers left to right: Jan G., Cathy P., Betty B., Ellen W., Sandy S., Jane P., Cindy L., Lee D. and in front Joan HB. Photo credit: Phil L.
Our group of 10 hiked close to 5 miles in the Halfway Pond Conservation Area. As we hiked along the shore near the end of the hike the winds from Tropical Storm Teddy roared in and there were whitecaps on the pond.
We then drove a short distance to a village green to have lunch. There was a food truck there where many of the hikers bought their lunch.
After lunch we headed down to play disc golf which the strong winds made very challenging.

Disc golf players: Phil L.,Joan HB and Lee D.
Cindy L.

Left to right front: Barbara M., Linda McH., Anne H., Lisa S., Beverly C., Dawn M., Marina K.. Standing: Judy T., Mary I., Nancy Ch., Joy T. and Carole B.
Sitting on “Going, Going, Gone” by Orly Genger, a 30’ installation at Alnoba made of recycled lobster rope.
We experienced art work in a new way by walking through forests and fields and along streams at Alnoba, a place where art awakens the spirit and refreshes the soul. Here’s what a few of us say ... “whimsical, eye-opening, creative, sustainable, socially conscious, peaceful and entertaining ... Inspirational and challenging ... Informative, impactful.” Lunch at The Farm at Eastman’s Corner, perfect weather, and a surprise docent, Marina K., who led our tour, topped off our June Mystery in September (due to COVID delays)!

Our version of man (Joe M.) and beast ... “Moose” by South Dakota sculptor, John Lopez.

From left to right: Meredith P., Dick and Ann R., Joan G., Betty B., Cathy P., Jill F., Joan S., Joan H-B, Ron E. Behind the camera: Pat G.
Another beautiful fall day, perfect for a walk in the park. All 11 masked souls walked 4.5 miles along carriage roads and rolling hills and enjoyed views of the Weir River in Hull, the Boston skyline, and HIngham Harbor. We stopped to take a few pictures along the way. After returning to our cars, we followed each other to HIngham beach where we found a partly shaded and partly sunny spot to have a picnic lunch and catch up with old and new friends. We hope to do this again next year but without the MASKS!

Pat G.