The latest from the Gang ... 

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.

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.