Twins & Galehead - October 20, 2021

Three of us hiked the Twins and Galehead loop. Pam, Larry and Doug completed the hike in some unusual trail conditions. There was wet slushy snow above 4500 feet and it was melting so the whole route was quite wet in many places. This was a 12 mile loop starting at the end of Haystack Rd, ascending to North Twin, 4761 feet, via the North Twin trail, crossing the ridge to South Twin, 4902 feet, via the North Twin Spur. From there, we descended to the Galehead Hut via the Twinway and up to Galehead, 4024 feet, via the Frost trail. We enjoyed the warmer temps and sunshine at the hut. The descent was via the Garfield Ridge and Gale River trails. The views were excellent as the humidity was low.

With this hike completed, Larry finished his third round of the 48 NH 4000 footers, Pam finished her fourth round and Doug finished his fifth round. There was champagne and cake to celebrate these milestones.

Below are Pam and Doug at the summit of South Twin with the Presidential Range in the distance.

And here are the three of us enjoying the celebration.

Washington - October 12, 2021

 On Tuesday October 12, three of us summited Mt. Washington at 6288 feet. Pam and Dick ascended from Pinkham Notch via the Tuckerman Ravine, Boot Spur Link, Boot Spur, Davis Path, Lawn Cutoff and back onto Tuckerman Ravine trails. Doug ascended from Pinkham Notch via Tuckerman Ravine, Huntington Ravine and Nelson Crag trails. The weather was great, and was a record high temp for that day. The skies were clear with no wind and low humidity. The views of the fall foliage in all directions were spectacular. We all descended via the Tuckerman Ravine trail.

It was somewhat surprising and unsettling to meet other hikers still heading up to the summit at 3 in the afternoon and they were still below the Tuckerman Ravine headwall. We all questioned them about their plans but they kept going.

Pictures will be uploaded soon.

Remembering Claude Comier

 Today we gathered to remember the life, love and dedication of Claude Comier.  The Over the Hill Hikers were there to remember many hikes and good times with Claude.  Sandy played a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace, and the family expressed so many heart felt moments.   A beautiful memorial and tribute for such a great man.

Left back row: xxx, Pat Nass, Noel Bodwell, Anne Knight, Frank Siraco, Sandy Price, Clair Smith, Sharon St. Onge, Peter Strople, Ellen Garneau, xxx, Bert Hanson, Rory Cullen (Mary Cullen's son), Leslie Woodsum.

Bottom row: John Buckly, Deb Guyer, Tracy Ripkey

Please forgive me, I could not remember two names.  Please email me if you can help me so I can properly include them.  Thank you.  Tracy

OTHH march in the parade at The Sandwich Fair, 2021

 A sampling of the Over the Hill Hikers marching in the Sandwich Fair.  We might have been a smaller group this year, but we were big on fun!  

The Over the Hill Hikers originated in Sandwich, NH, established in 1979.  Hiking in the parade at the fair has been a long established tradition.  In the 1980's they sang hiking songs that were composed with a light hearted reflection of their hiking season and accomplishments, as well as some spoofs.  They even became known for a hiking stick routine with their hiking poles that we do our best to continue to this day.  

Kinsmans - October 7, 2021 - Tracy finishes the 48!

Eight of us OTHH hiked first up the Mt Kinsman Trail to the north peak, then on to the south peak, where Tracy finished the last of her NH 48 4000 footers! We couldn't have asked for a better early fall day for the hike. The skies were clear, breeze quite light, the air cool and dry, and the views unlimited in all directions - a great spot for lunch. There was cake (two of 'em!), bubbly, and fruit at the tailgate party at the end of the hike. Below, at the south peak, are (seated) Tracy and Cathy, then (standing) Ginger, Pat, Darrell, Doug, Dick, and Pam.

 The Friday Walkers enjoyed the lovely view at the South Peak of Whitten Woods on Oct. 8.

Fred, Joanne, Lea, Ricky, John, Peter