Our 2016 end of year hike(s) and picnic

What a great gathering at Helen & Gerry Gingras' home.   A huge thank you to them for hosting!

We celebrate the end of a great hiking season, and the beginning of planning our winter snow shoeing and x-country skiing.  If you are interested in hosting or co-hosting an outing, please contact Milan McNall at: carlandmilan@gmail.com to sign up.  First winter gathering starts after the new year, and follows for a total of 13 weeks on Fridays.

Today, we had a combined OTHH turnout of 23 hikers, ranging in all abilities.  The Turtles did a nice walk around Beade Falls, while B group enjoyed the Bear Camp River Trail, and the A group traversed Mt. Israel in snow and sleet.  A perfect finale.

A group at the summit of Mt. Israel.  Yes, snow!!  (and sleet!)

Leslie, Deb, Barbara and Cynthia

John, Dick, Peter, Anne, Noel, Claude and Frank.  

this is funny... Shirl, Cheryl, Sue, and Sue!  We couldn't have planned that better!  

Gerry and Joan, and her sister Anne with the great smile!  :)

Great shot!!

Bert, Anne, Noel, John and Deb

Sandwich Dome, almost a 4k footer.

Sara, Kathy and Tracy (with Winter and ?... oops, I forgot the other dog's name...sorry pooch. ) 

A few of B group hikers (and two dog companions) hiked Sandwich Dome the other week.  We enjoyed the loop, going counter clockwise, hitting Noon Peak, Jennings Peak. and Sandwich Dome (Mountain).  The temps were cold at the summit as we crunched on ice along the way, and had some 30 degree temps and a breeze.  The lunch break was just for the quick bite to eat, and then we wanted to keep moving.  It was a bit over 9 miles, but a very nice hike.

A tradition of marching in the Sandwich Fair continues

Rain did not stop the Over the Hill Hikers in the Sandwich Fair Parade.  Proudly marching with our Blue Ribbon attached to our sign (carried by Bert Hansen and Bill Glenday)  were: Anne Knight, Joan Vicinus,  Susan Allen,  Granthia Preston, Buzz, Ruth Stuart, Dick Stuart, Kathy Thorndike, Tracy Ripkey, Shirley Stanek, Barbara Brash, Jane Harrington, Barbara Hawkins, Sue Merrifield, Ann Speers (in wheelchair pushed by Sam Glenday), and Sue Speers.  I hope I did not miss mentioning anyone, but in any case we had a wonderful time!  A tradition continues on.

Thanks to all marchers, dampened and triumphant!

52 with a, where's the view?

7 hikers from B Group hiked Square Ledge, a 52 with a view,  that may have lost it.

It was a beautiful fall day off the Kanc... as we hiked a lovely trail leading up to Square Ledge.  The trail was excellent, but the views are minimum.  Perhaps the tree growth has taken away what once was.  But, our group had an excellent hike, and the ledge is VERY impressive!  We've never seen anything quite like it... it's that good!

Left to right: Ginger, Cheryl, Kathy, Tracy, Shirl, and Glen.  (photo taken by Sue)

Square Ledge, it's huge.  An impressive formation.

Lonesome Lake

Barbara Hawkins & Jane Harrington scoping out a potential hike for Turtles Group to enjoy in the future.  

Sept 20th, Turtles hike Sawyer Pond

A fabulous turnout of Turtles to hike Sawyer Pond.

Participants were: (not in order) Jane Harrington, Barbara Brash, Sue Speers, Sally Bartlett , Bev Nelson, Susan Merrifield, Brenda O 'Brien, and me ( photographer) Barbara Hawkins.  

B group hikes Flat Mountain Pond

What a gem!  A local hike, in Sandwich, with little elevation gain (approximately 1300'), varied terrain, a spectacular pond with camping, beautiful sites for a tent, a composting toilet, fire rings, AND amazing views!  What more could you ask for?  Especially on the day Shirl and I had the other Friday, it was a perfect September day.  Which by the way, I would not want to do this hike in the Spring.  We had 20 (or so) river / creek crossings, that in higher water could be impassable.  This year however, not a problem due to the drought.  I give this hike a 10, actually 10.8 miles and that is with a spotted car.  But with all seriousness, two thumbs up!

are these edible?  wish I knew.  :)

old railroad ties

composting toilet!