Hello friends and fellow OTHH,
As we prepare for winter, and come to less daylight, and more chilly days, I wanted to reach out and say hello to all of you. And, to tell you that I have missed our gatherings on the trails, our potlucks, the trips we had planned, marching in the Sandwich Fair parade, and the overall group camaraderie of the OTHH.
This year has been quite a challenging and difficult year due to COVID19. In addition, we've lost some dear hiking friends, Carl McNall, Jim Twaddle, and Jeff Fleishman. Our lack of physical connections with others have likely impacted all of us in some way or form.
I do look to enjoy the beauty of winter here in New England, and I'm hopeful that in the spring we can reconnect and have a new way to manage group hikes even if in smaller outings. Perhaps we will have an outdoor social gathering at the Fairgrounds pole barn in the spring vs. an indoor potluck to kick off the new season.
Many of us hikers bonded together to walk or hike with neighbors or friends in small groups during this past summer. Some even accomplished great goals such as completing the New Hampshire 48 4,000 footers. Dick Russell completed his 6th round (over the age of 70!), Doug Wright completed his 3rd round, Pam Alexander completed her 2nd round, and Larry Martin is just one hike away from finishing his second round.
Some of us hikers endured injuries, or are recovering and building strength to resume our activity levels, but most of us all got our feet on the trail in some way or another.
Cheers to the hiking season we're putting to a close... and I look forward to the upcoming adventures in 2021!
Happy Fall everyone, and Happy Holidays to each of you.
Sincerely,
Tracy Ripkey
