The latest from the Gang ... 

The trip was planned on the prediction of snow and yes there was perfect snow at Appleton Farms on January 31. 

This an area is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and the cross-country ski trials are groomed by the North Shore Nordic Ski Association.  So even though the fresh snow was deep, there were groomed trails with tracks to ski on. 

It has a large area for parking and the lot was plowed. And at our 1:00 start time, the parking lot was close to full. 

The sun was shining and there was vey little wind.  It made for a perfect afternoon of skiing for Ilene and Dan P, Dan Y, Mary McG, Karen L, Miriam J and Anne W, trip leader.

Anne W

When The Gang gets together, a good time is guaranteed. Despite Covid restrictions the Gang persevered with tremendous spirit and had a fabulous time. This year the snow was fresh, the trails were well groomed, and the skiing was great. Gathering around the fire pit was hot and fun, and the cafeteria food was good.

We enjoyed mask free meals and lingered, happily visiting with friends we had missed for two years. Morning coffee and evening conversations in the community room continued in smaller groups in spite of Covid restrictions. Everyone was welcoming to first time members who loved the beauty of the spot.

Janis said it best with her summary that “skiing around the lake on a bluebird day was wonderful and a special treat”. We will return for a covid free trip next year!!!

Sue B

We had three glorious days of skiing with perfect weather, not too cold, cloudless skies, great grooming, and no wind. The only problem it was supposed to be a four-day trip. The trip was bookended by a blizzard that dropped twenty-four inches of snow in the greater Boston area, causing many skiers to show up a day late followed by the worst ice storm that we have had in 30 years causing everyone to leave a day early.

In addition, we had many cancellations due to Covid-19 concerns, but we were joined by several “day trippers”.

The arrival Pizza Party was delayed one day due to the weather, but it was still a fun time.

The hotel was nice as well as very accommodating with our group allowing us to use a private gathering area for a little après party each evening

Overall, considering the weather everyone had an enjoyable week

There was downer for the week in that Pam F had a bad fall and broke one of her legs. According to her family she did have surgery where they inserted a metal rod in her femur. They said that she was up and about with crutches, that her spirits were good and that she was going home on Sunday February 6. So, we wish her well and hope that her recovery and rehab go well

Bob G

Anne W, Dan Y, Joan T

The trip to Gunstock went very well, perfect skiing conditions, lovely day, nice company.

Photo by Kimberly T.

On Monday, Martin Luther King day, a snowstorm that missed Boston but went north to the mountains, blessed MT. Snow with 14 inches.  What a gift the day before our trip there began.  So Tuesday skiing was good but long lift lines, very unusual for midweek skiing, but we assumed many locals skipped work & took advantage of the new snow.
Wednesday was less crowded, but windy up top, still lots of good skiing, but Thursday was a 10!  Sunny, 25 degrees, no wind, less crowded, lots of snow & a beautiful day for skiing!  I’m so glad I went.   Nine of us enjoyed this trip.  Besides me, Pat P. came just to get away and did not ski.  Bob G, Peter C, Kimberly T, Susan B, David G and his friend Jodie, and a new member, Peter B.  

Although The Mountaineer didn’t cook dinner for us, they did serve a hardy breakfast, buffet style, which we enjoyed.  Getting together at the hot tub and social hour after skiing topped it off.  So happy we went.

Maryann D

Ines, Kenn, Kimm, and Stephanie (Marco taking the photo)

Five brave hikers attended the Moose Hill Hike, and all enjoyed a pretty forest walk with views of Gillette Stadium and many stone walls. The weather was very cloudy with off and on showers, and we did get wet but were able to complete the entire four-mile loop before steady rain began around 1:00 PM. The terrain was steep and slippery due to the rain showers. I was encouraged to schedule the hike again when the weather is better!

Stephanie

 Where’s Helgard?! Gang members, Tom Je, Elizabeth B, Pete C, Bill L, Bruce W, and Marge C, searching for our fearless leader who was unable to go on this trip after all.
(Behind the camera, Lenora McK)

Ten Gang members braved the cold and ice for a week of skiing in Killington, Vermont, and were rewarded with exceptional skiing and warm camaraderie. The week started out bitterly cold and very icy, but got better with each day! We started with a registered group of about thirty participants, but an Omicron outbreak at the resort resulted in quite a few of our hardy regulars opting out. Restaurants were closed, trails limited, shuttle buses cancelled, but we made the best of it with the usual Gang “can do” attitude.

Of the ten who went, two were new members—Karen and Kent Schreiber. We quickly learned Kent is a super-skier and GoPro video enthusiast. So, we were treated to a full four-day filming of our mountain adventures. Karen, a talented and prolific artist, gifted each of us with a beautiful winter scene that she created on individualized cards. Now we know what she was doing back at the Cascades Lodge while we were out tearing up the slopes! And, of course, Tom Jefferson kept us all entertained with nightly Balderdash games by the immense roaring fire in the lodge living room.

What a week, another wonderful trip filled with skiing, laughs and great company.

Nora McK and Helgard K

Clock-wise from front: Pete C, Bill L, Stephen P, Thomas J, Marge C, Elizabeth B,
Lenora McK, Karen S, Kent S (Bruce W behind camera)

Judith D, Cathleen R, Theresa L, Peg T, Jan U,  Nancy B. Photo by Lorraine T.

The Hub Mystery Group took Dawn’s advice and seven members of our group met at Gallery Twist in Lexington for a delightful morning. We arrived early and heard from the gallery owner about this beautiful historic home and how the art was chosen to go with the theme of the current exhibition, “Illumination.”

Only art from New England artists is displayed at the gallery and all the artwork is for sale. Each room has a theme and there are whimsical objects or sayings to go with each piece.
After ascending the beautiful double bridal staircase and admiring the art along the walls, we were greeted with more art in every room on the second floor. The gallery owner was available to answer our many questions and had some very entertaining stories. This is a truly unique gallery and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. “Illumination” will be on display until January 2, and if you go, in addition to the art, don’t miss the unusual sink in the first floor powder room.

It was a beautiful day so we walked up Mass Avenue to Via Lago for a delicious lunch and reminisced about our memorable mystery.

Peg T.

Twenty-one members participated in this trip! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday offered four extremely well groomed slopes from both the Gondola and chair lift—great for the downhill skiers. Thursday was not so great—drizzle and rain in the a.m. with freezing conditions in the forecast for the afternoon.

Our Cross Country enthusiasts grabbed hiking poles and boots instead and enjoyed long walks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We engaged in lots of good conversation and jigsaw puzzle playing. Luckily for us, Hyman provided background piano music. Thank you Hyman!

Some of us enjoyed a glass or two at the Mount Washington Hotel with its magnificent views later in the day.

All things considered, especially with no injuries, we managed a successful early season ski time. Now it’s on to Killington on January 2, 2022!

Carleen McO

 THANK YOU to almost 100 members who participated in and supported the Jingle Bell Brunch! Although the weather outside was dreary, the atmosphere inside was warm and joyful. Good people, good food, good fun! What could be better? Wishing everyone a HEALTHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

See you on the slopes,
Maryann