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• Jewell Hill Hike / Walk

  • When
    Thursday, June 26, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    82-198 Jewell Hill Rd, Ashburnham, MA
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  

  Please join us for a gentle walk/hike at Jewell Hill (The Trustees) in Ashby, MA.

  Meeting Place: Parking Lot of Jewell Hill Trustees (Jewell Hill is actually part of Ashburnham; however Google Maps lists it as "Jewell Hill (The Trustees), Ashby, Mass). Access is either from the north or about 2.5 miles off Route 12 on the south side.

  The first part is roughly a mile long over gentle, high Alpine meadows with views over to the Mount Wachusett ski runs to the south. We will then hike up a fairly steep incline to the top of Jewell Hill from where we hopefully can see the Boston skyline about 45 miles to the east. On the way back down, we will pass through old cedar forests and blooming laurels.

  “High Alpine meadows" is a bit of a push, but as an Austrian, Mo is willing to defend that statement. The view is surprisingly spectacular. Everything is relative.

  Hiking trails are relatively wide and smooth open but sometimes a bit rocky and possibly slick on account of moisture. Therefore, appropriate footwear is advised. Total walking time is expected to be about two hours.

  While parking is free at this Trustees site, please be advised restroom facilities are not available. We will finish with lunch outdoors at the Woods of Westminster Golf Course club house about a 12 minutes drive away. Leashed dogs are permitted at both sites.

  Bring a water bottle.

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• RESCHEDULED - Take 2 MARY's Spring Bike Ride and Potluck

  • When
    Sunday, June 29, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    North Billerica MA

  Register

  

  Bike Ride: 10 mile and 20-mile options

  We will meet at Mary's house at 10 AM.   Both rides will have some hills.  Allan G has re-routed Mary's original ride to cut down on some of the bigger hills.  (Ten years ago, we didn’t call them hills.)

  
  

  We will ride through Carlisle and Chelmsford, stopping for ice cream at Kimball’s in Carlisle, or Great Brook Dairy Farm ice cream also in Carlisle, depending on which option participants choose to ride.  It is on back roads through wooded preserves with water views and abundant sightings of turtles and birds, as well as neighborhoods with lovely homes and landscaping.   

  We will gather at Mary's afterwards for a potluck feast in the back yard. Please bring lawn chairs. And please call Mary if you can bring an extra tent canopy. She has two but could use one or two more.

  Bring whatever you want for food.  Mary doesn’t orchestrate the food and no one’s gone away hungry in all these years. 

  Please park only on one side of the street. 

  Mary W

  Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

  Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended.  Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

  Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

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• Halibut Point State Park Walk

  • When
    Wednesday, July 02, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    4 Gott Avenue, Rockport MA
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Join us for a walk around the quarry in Halibut State Park.  We will walk around an old granite quarry which is now filled with ground water next to the ocean.  It is about a two mile walk around the quarry on well maintained and nearly level terrain.  Those who wish can walk down toward the beach on a rocky trail (about a mile) that is less moderate and easy than the quarry trail. The latter quarry trail also has an extension that overlooks the ocean.

  People have quarried the granite, built military structures to defend the nation, and today the park supports a wide variety of wildlife and birds. On a clear day, visitors to Halibut Point State Park will be able to see Mount Agamenticus, located 40 miles away in Maine, and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. You can learn about the park's World-War II history and the Cape Ann granite industry at a small well-kept museum on the trail.

  Be sure to bring insect repellent though the quarry trail itself will likely not be bad.  If it is too hot (in the high 80’s or worse), I will cancel. After the walk, those who wish can lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

  
  

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• Billington Sea Kayak

  • When
    Monday, July 07, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    41 Branch Point Road, Plymouth, MA

  Register

  Join us in Plymouth for a sea paddle.

  Kayak rentals are available. Billington Sea Kayak's Phone number: (508) 746-5644. 

  IMPORTANT: This business opens at 11:00 a.m. and that is the meeting time for the paddle.

  Life jackets are required. Bring a hat, sunscreen, paddling gloves, water, and snacks.

  Bring a picnic lunch and a folding chair for after.

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• TOHG Board Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, July 09, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    ZOOM Video Call

  Board Meeting

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• Westport Kayak

  • When
    Monday, July 14, 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures, 489 Old County Rd, Westport, MA 02790

  Register

  Join Laurie and Rick W. for a kayaking on the Westport River.

  Distance kayaked will be determined by the capabilities of the paddlers that register, weather, wind, etc.

  For those wishing to rent a kayak, reservations can be made on-line at ospreyseaandsurf.com ($42/2 hours; $55/4 hours).

  Life jackets are required.

  Bring water, snack(s), a hat, sunscreen and your enthusiasm for the trip. Also bring a chair/blanket and your lunch for a post paddle picnic in the shade along the river.

  
  

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• Saco River (White Mountains NH) Canoe or Kayak

  • When
    Monday, July 14, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    North Conway NH

  Register

  

  Kayak or Canoe on the Saco River, near North Conway. This trip is a 5-Miles Adventure/2-4 hour paddle.  This adventure is an easy trip that begins from Saco River Tubing Center private 15-acre beach and features pristine sandy beaches and lots of panoramic mountain views.  

  Kayaks: Please email the Saco River Tubing Center at reservations@sacorivertubingcenter.com to reserve your kayak and shuttle.

  Check in at the office of Saco River Tubing Center first (558 White Mountain Highway in Conway). Then go to their boat landing (behind Ruthie's Flower Shop), then they shuttle you to a private put-in spot (behind Abenaki Trail Restaurant), and you float down the river back to the boat landing. 

  The rates are single kayaks $30, double kayaks $50, canoes $40.  Shuttle per person is $10.

  If you bring your own kayak or canoe, you will park your car at the end of the river trip and make arrangements with Saco River Tubing Center for shuttling it to the beginning of the river trip. 

  Life jackets are required.

  Overnight: You will have the option to stay overnight as a guest at the Lawrencian Ski Club Lodge on Sunday, July 13 and / or Monday, July 14 at $40 per night per person, or $80 for two nights.  You need to bring your own sheets, blankets, and towels.  You also bring your own toiletries and pillows.  You'll share bathrooms.  Men and women sleep separately.  The beds are bunk bed style and only the lower bunk bed is used.  Payment is in person at the lodge, to Sandy Spekman (not to the LSC or the TOHG). In case of hot weather, please bring a portable fan. The building does not have air conditioning. 

  You're welcome to stay at your own lodging and meet us on the Saco River. 

  Deadline to register: Monday July 7.

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• Summer Picnic 2025

  • When
    Sunday, July 20, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    NARA Recreational Facility, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA 01720

  Register

  Join us for our Summer Picnic at Nara park.
  

  The Park is located on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the picnic will be preceded by a walk and  bike ride at 10 am on the rail trail for those interested.

  Aside from walking and biking on the Rail Trail, Nara Park has other hiking trail around the lake, or you can go swimming or renting boats and canoes. Also if you would like to play some lawn games, please bring your favorite one with you.

  Parking is free.

  There will be a catered BBQ luncheon including ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, grilled boneless chicken, grilled veggies, baked beans, moroccan couscous, quinoa salad, garden salad, cucumber salad, corn bread, and lemonade/iced tea. Options that are vegan/ gluten free are available (please indicate when you register). BYOB (beer and wine only). If you want to bring appetizers or a dessert to share, these would be welcomed!

  We will again be using the large pavilion with about 20 picnic tables sheltered from the elements.

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• Concord/Sudbury/Assabet River Kayak

  • When
    Tuesday, July 29, 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    South Bridge Boat House, Rt. 62 (496 Main Street), Concord, MA

  Register

  

  Join us for an interesting trip on three rivers, paddling north to the North Bridge at Lexington and Concord Battleground. The trip begins on the Sudbury River. About halfway there, we’ll paddle up the Assabet River, where you’ll feel like you’ve entered another land. Those rivers turn into the Concord River and the trip continues up to the Battlefield.

  Rentals are $26/hour. People with their own kayaks can launch from the boathouse for a fee of $10. CASH ONLY.

  We will aim for a 2-hour outing.  Bring a picnic lunch and we will try to find a place to gather after the paddle. 

  Life jackets are required.

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• Kayak - Ipswich River

  • When
    Thursday, August 07, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    230 Topsfield Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938

  Register

  

  Join us for a paddle on the Ipswich River. Meet at the Foote Brothers, Willowdale Dam and paddle up river and come back. This is a 2 hour trip.

  Kayak rental is $40 (42.50 w/tax) for a single or a double kayak. For those making kayak reservations, go to: https://www.footebrotherscanoes.com/planning-your-trip/

  Bring life jackets, paddling gloves, water, snacks.

  Lunch will be held at the Clam Box in Ipswich.

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• Wickford Harbor Kayak

  • When
    Thursday, August 14, 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • Location
    The Kayak Centre, 70 Brown Street, Wickford, RI 02852

  Register

  Join Rick and Laurie W. for a kayak outing around historic Wickford Harbor.

  The plan is to kayak to Cornelius Island Beach where we’ll stop for a rest and lunch. Note that the plan could change depending on the capabilities of the paddlers that register, weather, wind, etc.

  For those wishing to rent a kayak, reservations can be made on-line at kayakcentre.com ($37 for 2 hours, $53 for 4 hours).

  Bring lunch, drink(s), a hat, and sunscreen. 

  Life jackets are required.

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• Charles River Kayak

  • When
    Wednesday, August 20, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    1071 Soldiers Field Road, Boston MA

  Register

  

  Meet at 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. launch, at the Boston Allston/Brighton location.

  Rentals are $33 for the first hour and a half, $43 for 3 hours, or $54 for a full day.  

  To rent a kayak, please reserve your kayak online at paddleboston.com, Allston / Brighton location. 

  Driving directions can be found at this link. Parking is free at Soldiers Field. 

  Bring water, snacks, a hat and light jacket. Life jackets are required. 

  We will have a picnic lunch after the paddle.  There are picnic tables but just to be safe, please bring your own chairs.  Don't forget to pack your lunch. 

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• Burlington Vermont Bike Trip

  • Start
    Saturday, August 23, 2025
  • End
    Wednesday, August 27, 2025
  • Location
    Burlington Vermont

  Register

  

  Our previous biking trips to Burlington VT have been such a great trip that we're repeating it this year.  This year, however, we have changed our dates to the end of August.  And I promise no snow this year!  

  Once again we'll be staying at The Best Western Windjammer Inn, 1076 Williston Rd., South Burlington VT Tel. (802) 863-1125.  They are again offering TOHG a special rate of just $149.00 per room plus 9% VT state tax, 1% City of South Burlington tax and $2.50 Destination Marketing Fee, per room per night (taxes and fees subject to change).  The room rate includes 2 double beds, complimentary daily full breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary warm cookies and complimentary coffee & lattes in the lobby.  Bikes may be stored in your room.

  We have blocked rooms starting with Sat. 8/23 but please register for however many nights you wish to stay.  For those choosing to arrive on Saturday be sure to detour to Quechee to take in the Quechee Vermont Highland Games and visit me at the Scots Charitable Society tent.

  Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (802)863-1125 (be sure to mention TOHG to receive special rate) or online at https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.46013.html?groupId=J90EU7M1  

  To Register: First call the Best Western  at (802) 863-1125 to make your room reservations for August 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th, and identify yourself with TOHG.

  Please register with TOHG after you made your hotel reservation, to let the leader know you are coming.
  

  If you are sharing a room and each paying separately then you would need to call the hotel directly at (802) 863-1125 and be sure to tell them you are part of the Top of the Hill Gang to get the group rate. Each person must register separately on tohg.org.

  Planned bike rides include Burlington Wildways Ethan Allen Park to Salmon Hole, Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail St. Albans to Sheldon, Island Line Rail Trail Burlington to South Hero Island and Stowe Recreation Path.  All rides weather dependent!  Hybrid, E Bikes and mountain bikes recommended as some of the trails are gravel or stone dust.

  We are also planning on a 4:00pm Monday evening excursion again on The Spirit of Ethan Allen as we cruise Lake Champlain (please call 802-862-8300 and mention TOHG to reserve. Tickets $38.03 per person)

  We will meet as a group at 3:30pm at the ticket booth, 1 College St., Burlington.

  There are 2 paid parking lots near the ticket booth. Pease Lot and Echo Lot parking lots are $3.00 per hour, or use ParkMobile app for a discounted rate.

  Our cruise will be followed by dinner at Zachary's Pizza just a few doors down the street from our hotel at 6:30pm Monday   Cost is $25.00 in cash total each.  Please reserve with Alan Ulrich at massprocess@msn.com directly.

  Tuesday we'll meet at Oakledge Park by 10:00am for our bike ride.  Bike rentals, including E Bikes are available trailside at Local Motion Bike Shop at Mile 2 on the trail.  Anyone renting bikes can meet the rest of the group at Mile 2.  After our ride you may wish to take in the Champlain Valley Fair in nearby Essex Junction!  There are also many other fun attractions nearby including an open glass blowing studio, farm to visit and the Shelburne Museum.

  After check out on Wednesday as we head home we'll stop to ride the Stowe Recreation Path which is about 10.6 miles round trip.  A stop at Ben & Jerry's Factory afterwards is a must!

  To get to the southern trailhead in Stowe from I-89, take Exit 10 onto SR 100. Follow SR 100 N toward Stowe 10 miles, where the entrance to the Stowe Recreation Path parking lot will be in Lintilhac Park on the left next to Stowe Community Church. There is parking for the trail behind the Stowe Communty Church.  This path is fully paved and suitable for all bikes.

  PLEASE PRINT AND SAVE TO REFER TO LATER

  Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended.  Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

  Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.
  

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• Salem Willows Kayak

  • When
    Wednesday, August 27, 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    190 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA

  Register

  

  We have set up a reservation for our group to kayak out of Salem Willows Park in Salem, MA.  We will meet at the kiosk of Coast to Coast Paddle (www.coasttocoastpaddle.com).  There is parking app parking or about a 10 minute walk from the free parking to the kiosk.  So try to arrive a bit early.   

  They rent sit on top kayaks or you can bring your own. The outfitter needs to know how many boats to bring for us, so make your own reservations with this link to our private event.  Please sign up for a two hour rental.

  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/coasttocoastpaddle/items/30242/availability/1752904638/book/?full-items=yes 

  Life jackets are required.

  This location provides coastal paddling between two beautiful and historic harbors, Beverly and Salem harbors.

  Afterwards we can enjoy a picnic lunch at the Salem Willows Park with food available at the Clam Shack in that park. 

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• TOHG Board Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, September 10, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Reading Public Library (tentatively)

  Board Meeting

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• TOHG Board Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Boyden Library, Foxboro, MA

  Board Meeting

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• TOHG Board Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, January 14, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Reading Public Library (tentatively)

  Board Meeting

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• TOHG Board Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, March 11, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Boyden Library, Foxboro, MA

  Board Meeting

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