We met at Bailey’s Rod, stowed our gear and dogs into a few cars and headed off to the trailhead. It was a unique day of hiking. First we hiked to Mary Lyons (founder of Mount Holyoke College) birthplace. It is a well kept, small cellar hole in the middle of what was once the family 100 acre farm. Tony had put together interesting information about her life and work which he read to us. Mary was born in 1797. Through her early life she raised enough money to establish a “ladies seminary” which today is Mound Holyoke College, one to the top colleges for women in the USA. It was established in 1834. We celebrated her life and even drank from the same spring that she had for water when she was growing up. It was really good water!!
The on to a Khandrolling, a peaceful Tibetan retreat that also manages many acres of forest land. We are all planning to attend their first selective harvest in 2060. You come too! Way atop a high hill we encountered several buildings and a huge roofed mandala. It quieted us all down with its sense of meditation and peace. After about a half hour of quiet wandering we went back to the really steep and icy trails which everyone maneuvered well, except the dogs who just kept sliding around. Nearly 4 hours had passed before we looped back to the waiting cars.I’ve included a photo of some of the kinds of spikes we wore. Without them this hike would have been absolutely impossible. Then off to Elmer’s Store for a late lunch and a very happy celebration of Elaine’s 70th birthday. The food was delicious, hot, and very welcome! I had the grilled cheddar, caramelized onion, and fresh apple sandwich on grilled whole wheat bread. Everything was wonderful today, including a sweet potato curry soup.Donna made a blueberry (from our blueberry picking last August) lemon birthday cake and Elaine sported her nifty birthday crown made by Lissa. We are sorry to say the snow storm might just pass us by. The rest of you, enjoy it for me. Especially you, Babs!! Love, Penny
The on to a Khandrolling, a peaceful Tibetan retreat that also manages many acres of forest land. We are all planning to attend their first selective harvest in 2060. You come too! Way atop a high hill we encountered several buildings and a huge roofed mandala. It quieted us all down with its sense of meditation and peace. After about a half hour of quiet wandering we went back to the really steep and icy trails which everyone maneuvered well, except the dogs who just kept sliding around. Nearly 4 hours had passed before we looped back to the waiting cars.I’ve included a photo of some of the kinds of spikes we wore. Without them this hike would have been absolutely impossible. Then off to Elmer’s Store for a late lunch and a very happy celebration of Elaine’s 70th birthday. The food was delicious, hot, and very welcome! I had the grilled cheddar, caramelized onion, and fresh apple sandwich on grilled whole wheat bread. Everything was wonderful today, including a sweet potato curry soup.Donna made a blueberry (from our blueberry picking last August) lemon birthday cake and Elaine sported her nifty birthday crown made by Lissa. We are sorry to say the snow storm might just pass us by. The rest of you, enjoy it for me. Especially you, Babs!! Love, Penny
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