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We experienced it all at Killington! Fourteen Gang members returned to the Mountain Inn and braved two significant snowstorms, fog, ice, and torrential rain. Just another January in New England! The snow gods teased us a little on Sunday by delivering upwards of 12” of snow right along our travel route. So many of us didn’t arrive until Monday but we met on the slopes and were pleasantly surprised with very nice conditions. Our first night at the Inn, we enjoyed a welcome party with many tasty hors d’oeuvres while we caught up with Gang friends and welcomed two new members,Ole and Mina. Après ski happy hours, as usual, were well attended with tall stories about the day’s ski adventures and snacks provided by the Gang members. Marina’s Christmas cookies were a highlight…thanks to Helgard for sharing! Everyone got out and skied the many groomed trails that became more numerous as the week went on. We all had to take a day off when Wednesday brought warmer weather and very heavy rain, but luckily we had lots of snow afterwards. We braved the rain and snow for a group dinner at Preston’s at the Killington Grand Hotel on Wednesday evening. I think it will be a new favorite! Well groomed trails on Monday and Tuesday, improving conditions on Thursday, and then a sunny Friday—all reminded us why we love skiing “The Beast.” The snow gods were truly smiling!
Elizabeth B
A hearty group of seven traveled to Bretton Woods on Sunday, December 10 to test the snow and slope conditions, but we ended up as a sizable group of 17 go-getter skiers, snowmobilers, and hikers—a versatile and happy group, to say the least! A stay at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center is always a pleasure, and we were glad to see 2-3 inches of snow cover. Altitude makes a big difference—North Conway, less than half an hour away, had no natural snow at all.
Monday morning was not to our liking—drizzly and not conducive to downhill skiing—but our adventurous couple, Kenn and Kimm Sovie, skied that afternoon anyway and had a good time. Oh, the changeable New England weather! On Tuesday ski conditions were acceptable, the gondola was running, and lunch at the Rosebrook Lodge was delicious. Super hikers, Kimm and Kenn hiked up Mount Avalon (read about that experience on a dedicated post)
For lack of adequate snow cover, the snowmobilers opted for a trip up Mount Washington’s western side via Cog Railway instead. Did you know that the Cog Railway runs partway up the mountain throughout the winter?
The 2023/2024 ski season is finally here, and we look forward to more fun on the slopes, Bring in on!
Carleen M
We waited for the skies to clear and headed out from the Highland Center at Crawford Notch to summit Mt Avalon. There a couple of challenging water crossings at the beginning and the scramble at the top was as described, but we made it. It was a bluebird day and we were rewarded with amazing views of the Presidential Range. A fun time was had by all - actually just Kenn and Kimm! Congratulations on a successful climb!
Liz C, Meredith P, Mary W, Marianne E, Mary I. Photo by Robert R.
It stopped raining, so six TOHG members met at the Boston Common Visitors Center and went for a slow 4 mile stroll through Boston Common, stopping at the Frog Pond to watch the Zamboni lay down water to freeze for skaters the next day; through Boston Garden where we visited Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings and then wandered down Commonwealth Ave. and back again. The holiday light displays were very festive and well done. Then five of us walked to Ned Devine‘s Pub in Faneuil Hall for dinner. Lots of great conversation on the walk and at dinner.
Meredith P
One hundred and eight members gathered for our beloved dress-up, Jingle Bell Brunch at the breathtaking Pleasant Valley Country Club. The ambiance was joyful as we indulged in delicious cocktails and brunch while sharing moments with longtime friends and new members.
In a special highlight on behalf of the Board, Paul McHugh bestowed honorary memberships upon Joe Messina, Dawn Metcalf, Judy Temple, and Carole Blackwell, recognizing their outstanding volunteerism and unwavering dedication to TOHG throughout the years.
The event was also graced by the presence of Joan Stafford, one of our esteemed founding members, and twelve new members, all of whom added a special touch to the occasion.
While the meticulous efforts of TOHG leaders and volunteers lay the foundation for our events, the active participation of members is what makes events truly successful. Thank you very much to all who attended to make this holiday brunch memorable!
Marco A
New Members with our President Paul
Members of the North Mystery Group met at Life Alive in Lowell for lunch on December 7th. A WORLD OF DELICIOUS, ORGANIC, AND THERAPEUTIC FOOD, CREATED WITH LOVE TO FEED YOUR VITALITY. It would be fair to say that at least one of us enjoyed our lunch!
We then headed over to the Lowell National Historic Park Visitor’s Center for a quick visit. And then we headed to our true destination, the New England Quilt Museum. We were met there by gang member Karen L who helped show us around. The exhibits were so well-curated that we were all mesmerized. I would highly recommend a visit!
Kimm S
Around the table from left: Hyman S, Sandy S, Maureen D, Marco A, Ines A, Pat D, Joan H-B, Joe C, Susan H, Chuck H, Meredith P, Robert R, Elsie L, Nonie L, Barbara H
Seventeen members of the South Mystery Group visited the Robbins Museum of Archeology In Middleboro, MA. This small museum has a collection of artifacts dating back 2,000 years, much of it from the East Coast of the U.S.
Following the self-guided tour, we had a convivial lunch at the Fireside Restaurant to meet up with old friends and greet the new members—a pleasant day for all.“
Elsie L
Kimm, Kenn and Ines - Dick is behind the camera
Dick R.
Kimm S, Cathy A, Dana R, Marjorie O, Kenn S, Alan U
Six TOHG members bundled up for the cold and set off from Nashua to Ayer on a 25 mile round trip bike ride along the Nashua River to downtown Ayer. We passed a few farms along the way where beef cattle, horses, goats and chickens eyed us warily as we rode past. We had the trail to ourselves most of the time due to the weather which allowed us to ride side by side often. Toward the Groton/Ayer portion we passed a pond with a pair of beautiful swans gracing the pond.
Stopping for coffee in downtown Ayer we enjoyed each others company before saddling up and making our way back hoping for the chance of warmer rides before the snow flies.
Alan U.
Ines, Kimm, Herta and Marco
"Third time's a Charm". The weather forecast was for a beautiful, warm October day, and it did not disappoint. The sun shone, temperatures rose to the high 70s, and it was a perfect day for a 29-mile round trip to Colt State Park. Four members responded to the last-minute call for this impromptu ride, which offers views over the bay and various ponds, a lighthouse, and fall colors. We stopped for lunch at the park. A special treat: there are always kites at the park and sailboats on Narragansett Bay.
Ines A
POMHAM ROCKS Lighthouse: tours in the summer!
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