The latest from the Gang ... 

Kayakers: Rachel A., Elizabeth B., Maryann D., Marianne E., Jill F., Larry McC., Stephen P., Tom S., Daniel Y.
Weather was perfect, sunny in the mid-70's. We paddled approximately 3.5 miles up the river to the Lower Mystic Lake passing Blue Herons, swans, ducks and of course many geese. We even caught a few in flight.
Four hardy souls tried to make it to the dam only to find a portage area and a fish ladder. No way to get into the Upper Mystic Lake. We will have to save that for another trip.
After a 2 hour calm, peaceful paddle we found a shady spot to social distance and have a picnic. So nice to finally be able to catch up with people and enjoy the outdoors.
This is beautiful spot to kayak and it was a gorgeous day!

Pat G.

The Top of the Hill Gang Downhill Ski Leaders participated in a meeting with our coordinator Carleen to brainstorm about the 2021 ski season and decide the next steps. The meeting was kindly hosted by Helgard; we meet outdoors at his home and brought chairs and lunch to participate maintaining a safe environment for all. One attendee waited all day for someone to open the door but we didn't let him without a mask... For real, he is the one taking the photo and did wear a mask  :-)
Passing summer rain showers didn't stop the meeting thanks to Bob's canopy. Unfortunately, the shiny red car was impacted by the drizzle but was safely driven away after the meeting without damage. 

Left to right the crew included: Jane B., Maryann D., Susan L., Ann R., Mary W., Dick R., Dawn M. and kneeling, Marie K.
A well masked TOHG Gang of 9 strode into Newburyport to cover some of the trails we missed on our bike ride two weeks ago. We covered just over 4 miles on the perfect day while viewing beautiful art, sculptures, historical markers, water views, and flowers along the trail. Many of us drove to Park Lunch later to feast on delicious sea food.
Joe M.

A small group of 9 members gathered to ride the bike path. The day was sunny and not too hot, it was just perfect. We had a picnic at Woods Hole Waterfront Park. Our attempt to ride to the end of the peninsula down Bar Neck Road was frustrated by a “Private Road” sign and a guard house. Instead we had ice cream at the Station Grill right off the trail.
It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and welcome new member Cindy!
In the photo L-R: Gaille A., Marianne E., Ines A., Jane Ph., Pat G., Carleen McO., and Cindy L.

Ines

In the photo above: Chris B., Dori C., Judith D., Jan G., Marie H., Larry Mc., Hedy P., Meredith P., Jane Ph., Heimo S., Patrick W. and Joel S.
12 TOHG members walked for 5 miles in the Assabet River Wildlife Refuge. There are many bunkers along the trails that were used to store ammunition during WWII. (Ugly, but interesting!) The highlights of the walk were beautiful Puffer Pond and later being up-close-and-personal next to a pair of swans and their teenage signets feeding on the duckweed in the marsh. We went for lunch afterwards at Emma’s Café, sitting outside at picnic tables. After that, we went to Erickson’s for ice cream. Yum!!
Jane Ph.

Weather, partly sunny 78-80 degrees.
13 adventurous folks showed up in Hull for our first "official" kayak trip. We originally had 19 people signup for the trip. Our Covid limit was 12 so we decided to put together a second trip which Carleen kindly volunteered to lead. So everyone was able to come and maintain our distance. We explored the beautiful Weir River and World End. The water was calm, the weather perfect, and participants enthusiastic.
The restaurant that we were going to for lunch was closed (I guess I should have checked that out beforehand), however, we were able to order lunch at a beach stand and enjoy each others company. Some folks got a chance to put their feet in the water while watching Carleen being tossed around on the waves.
Pat G.

Great day for a beach bicycle ride! Beautiful views, seven wonderful friends, and Beach Plum Ice Cream. Thursday was warm, but, on our bikes we experienced breezes while riding in both directions and with no head wind for a change. We enjoyed a 18 mile round trip ride from Ordiorne Point State Park to The Beach Plum Ice Cream Stand (we all ate ice cream) along the East Coast Greenway, route 1A. Later we ate our lunches in the park overlooking the Atlantic and Isles of shoals. Thanks to all who made the effort.
Joe M.

Nine masked, stalwart members of the walking/hiking group gathered at the Bedford trailhead for the Reformatory Trail, also part of the Bay Circuit Trail, on a very hot (90º) August morning. The trail led us through the wooded area to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge where we turned onto the Dike Trail. Although very invasive, the lotus blossoms were spectacular as well as the cardinal flowers and hibiscus blossoms. We continued on past the Concord River with stops to rest in the shade and finished through the trees again at the Bedford parking area for a total of 2.5 miles. Some members chose to head home at that point but four of us had a nice lunch under the canopy at Papa Razzis in Concord.
Left to right standing: Steve P., Chris B., Jane Ph., Pat K., Dennis U., Carol B.
Kneeling: Charlotte D., Maryann D.

It was a great day to ride and explore after a long virus hibernation. We departed in two groups of 12 riders and rode the Garrison Trail over the Merrimack River in Newburyport MA, the Amesbury Trail, and the Salisbury Ghost trail to its end for approximately 12 miles round trip. We all wore masks and were cooled by the tree canopy and breeze despite the 91 degree temperatures inland. We also saw the largest solar electrical station in New England next to the bike path and learned about the great train robbery where a $659,000 payroll was looted from a passing train. We were lucky to escape as one of our riders ended up with a flat tire and couldn’t make the getaway. Luckily Paul M. saved the day by fixing Linda’s flat tire and we escaped before we could be found. We plan to split the cash later!
All had a grand time and were happy to catch up with old friends and meet some new riders/members. We have more trails in the area to explore in the future. Anyone want to coordinate a ride? Thank you for coming!

Six TOHG members gathered at Rick and Laurie W's house for a kayaking excursion in Tiverton, RI. Unfortunately, two additional members had to drop out due to damage from Tropical Storm Isaiah the day before. They were missed. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the group traveled across Nanaquaket Pond and into the Sakonnet River, stopping for a swim at Grinnell's Beach on the way back. Lunch was enjoyed afterward with everyone maintaining social distancing guidelines. It was great to see some different faces for a change!