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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.
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.
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