B group hike, May 27th

A new 52 With a View, Pine Mountain has some wonderful overlooks to Gorham and the Pinkham Notch.  

We had a bit of an adventure getting to the trailhead due to construction, grading and paving, but we arrived. 

  

From L to R: Susan & Frank, Pat (in pink), Martha, Barb, Griff, Tom, Doug, Ann and Tracy.  Photo by Cathy.

Following the group hike, we made a side stop to see the water fall at Glen Ellis, and then enjoyed ice cream in North Conway.  A very satisfying day!

Photo L to R: Martha, Cathy, Doug, Ann, Tracy, Pat and Griff.

A Hike Garfield May 25

 What a glorious day for a hike. The weather was just right. Not too cool, not too hot. Just enough wind to keep the bugs away. Clear enough skies to enjoy the views of the Presidentials, all the mountains in the Pemi Wilderness and the Franconia Ridge, the tip of Cannon, the tip of Chocorua and so on. The group stayed on the summit for about an hour to soak in all the mountains.

The picture below shows L to R: Doug, Larry, Marie, Cathy, Pam and Tracy. Dick and his ever present smile took the picture!

Above: Pam & Marie

Above: Cathy & Tracy

Above: Dick, Doug and Larry

What makes a hike so worthwhile... views like this for miles.  

B group hike, Bald Mtn

 May 20th, 2021 we had a lovely hike up Bald Mt. at Castle in the Clouds.  

A warm day, not "too many" bugs out, and great views!  What a fabulous way to spend the day.  

My GPS gave me 6 miles round trip from the car using Turtleback trail.  It's a nice walk in the woods if I don't say.  

Photo L to R: Pat, Christine, Mary, Lacey, Griff, Cathy, and Barbara  (photo by Tracy).

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  ~John Muir

Photo by Cathy.

Mt Israel - May 13, 2021

 Five of us took a nice hike up Mt Israel, via the Wentworth Trail. It was good to be out as a group again. Pictured below are Ellen, Dick, Larry, and John, at the westward-looking viewpoint not far below the northward-looking view up into the Whites. Pic by Deb.

First organized hike for 2021!

 

Top Row L to R: Doug B., Lacey, Kathryn, Mary, Karen, and John

Bottom Row L to R: Barbara, Tracy and Pat.

Today, was the sign of a new beginning.  The Over the Hill Hikers lead their first organized hike of 2021, following a year break during COVID.  

9 fully vaccinated hikers set out to enjoy the "not so" Lonesome Lake.

The trail was in excellent condition, we had no bugs, and pleasant temps.  Even a little snow around the lake.  I hope this is a sign of a great year ahead.

Are you doing any winter hiking?

Recently, a fellow OTHH found this website with a great list of what to bring on your winter hike.  

https://sectionhiker.com/winter-day-hiking-gear-list/

And here is another great article too...

https://ownthewinter.com/what-to-wear-for-winter-hiking/

Check it out!  

Save the Date!

Hello, Over the Hill Hikers! 

With an outlook of optimism, I have reserved the outdoor pavilion at the Sandwich Fairgrounds for June 9th, 2021 for a "bring your own picnic” gathering.  The opportunity to reconnect with friends in an open air, as safe as possible atmosphere, providing CDC and state guidelines will allow. 

More to follow as we get closer, but please save the date of June 9th @ 11:30. 

We are currently undecided how to proceed with regards to the 2021 hiking season. We are keeping a watchful eye as vaccine rollout continues, as we struggle to improve our numbers here in New Hampshire, and as a more potent variant of COVID circulates the globe. No one knows what the summer will be like at the moment, but we do have hope. 

In the meantime, please call your friends, enjoy your walks and local hikes, skiing, puzzles, a good book and a fire… however you can enjoy these winter days.  Just know we are all excited to get together soon! 

Happy New Year. 

Sincerely, 

Tracy Ripkey