Eleven of us met at the Mt Tom Reservation in Holyloke MA for a relaxed time of meandering over rolling trails to the look out tower on Goat Mountain. We basked in the sun and enjoyed lunch, some before climbing the tower, some after. A micro burst about a month ago had leveled a section of trees. Curious as we were to see the effects, we were prevented by roads and trails that were blocked.

We then journed to Jims place in Haydenville and proceeded to fire the sauna. Most of us then enjoyed a 20 minutes walk around his 10 acres while the stove heated the sauna. Our numbers filled up the sauna nicely.  After about 20 minutes of sweating, Julio led the way for a plunge into the spring fed pond.  Many others followed with shrieks of glee.

Good food-two kinds of quiche, chili, mac/cheese, kraut/kilbasa, cous cous, mulled cider, pumpkin pie homeade applesauce and fall fruit crisp with ice cream-was shared by all in Jim's beautiful home.  It was a low key, relaxed and enjoyable time.  

Both Jim and I are encouraged to offer it again, perhaps both in the Spring and in the Fall. I hope pictures will be forthcoming. I hope that those who registered but didn't show weren't lost or confused.  AND I would like to take this opportunity to prompt all to exercise courtesy in informing group leader if you decide not to participate after registering.