Welcome!  Please CONTACT US with any questions about events.

Tusi and Nira

Nira at niraharper@gmail.com   &    Tusi at ritachild@hotmail.com

July through September 2020

Covid-19 Rules for Women Outdoors members: Outdoor activities are limited to up to 6 women, and all are required to wear a mask and keep a 6 foot distance. Here are the Covid 19 restrictions from national Women Outdoors. https://www.womenoutdoors.org/sys/website/?pageId=1726407.  When you reply to an event, you assume the risk as stated here: https://www.womenoutdoors.org/sys/website/?pageId=1726390.

Activity Leaders: We ask that you accept the first 6 women who reply to your event.

Now, here’s the FUN part:

Thurs. July 2. Pisgah-Kilburn Pond Hike & Swim. Meet at trailhead at 10:00 am (just over the border in New Hampshire-- LEAVE NOHO at 9:00 am for a 2 hour hike followed by a swim. Bring your lunch...this is a long drive…and worth it. Bathing suit, towel, water bottle, mask, day pack and hiking shoes (This is a non-trivial hike; that is, don't wear crocs.)

Sun. July 5. Paddle & Swim Plainfield Pond.  Led by Judy. Details to follow over the listserve.

Tues. July 7. Look Park Loop Walk. Meet at 6:00 am for a 1 hour walk for exercise--3 loops around.  Up to six can sign up and maybe we can pair off for conversation, switch the groupings on each loop, so we get a chance to visit with one another. Meet in front of the tennis courts so that anyone driving can park there.  (There is likely a fee for a car--maybe not at that hour, but if you live in Noho and haven't supported Look Park financially in a while, please consider doing so. They have been a treasure during these last few months.) If sign up doesn’t work,

Wed. July 8. Nobel View Trails Hike. Hike one or two relatively short trails to some nice views at Nobel View above Russel, MA - late afternoon. Meet at 635 South Quarter Rd, Russell, MA, time TBD. Downloadable map can be found at http://www.nobleviewoutdoorcenter.org/walks.html. Various trails are possible and suggestions are welcome.

Thurs., July 9. Kayaking on the Swift River. 7:00 a.m. Leave NoHo at 6:00 a.m. Put in at the Swift River Boat Launch in Belchertown...off Old Belchertown Road for a leisurely 2 hour paddle upstream, turning around for an easy return to cars. We'll be off the water by 9:30 at the latest, when things will start to get crowded there. I like to bring long sleeves for bugs, and a hat, and sunglasses because you can see the fist so much better with them. We saw an otter there this morning! Contact me and I'll send the map to the put-in to you. 

Thurs. July 9. Poetry Share.  Come at 5:00 pm to the Odyssey book store in South Hadley to share poetry and other short writings.  There’s a Village Green area with trees right there and if it rains there’s a Gazebo that would work. Please bring a chair and a few pieces of creativity.

Fri. July 17. Tall Trees and Fireflies Evening Hike.  Elder Grove Trail to the Meadows, Charlemont. Intermediate hike with rocks and roots and approx 500 feet elevation gain. Approx. 6-7 miles round trip. 6:30-10:00 pm. Evening hike along the Elder Grove Trail in Mohawk Trail State Forest. We will hike along the Deerfield River passing under some very tall and old white pine trees. We will arrive in the meadows just in time to hike around and see the fireflies put on their display at twilight.

Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the hike back. Hiking poles are helpful for rocks and roots.  Dress for cool evening temps up in the hills. Meet in the parking lot across the street from Zoar Picnic Area. Zoar Road, Charlemont at 6:30 pm.

Thurs. July 23. Kayaking on Tully Lake. 9:00 a.m. Plan to spend several hours.  We'll kayak up the Long Pond, and return to the lake to have lunch out on an island or possibly a floating lunch.  I'll send details to those who sign up.

Sun. July 26.  Chesterfield Gorge Bike and Swim. Ride bikes down the dirt path a few miles along the river to an excellent swimming hole. Since there are a lot of rocks, gravel, and ruts on the path, it's best on a mountain bike or hybrid but a street bike is still ok (letting a little air out of your tires can help). You can also come and walk a shorter distance to a closer place along the river for swimming and hanging on the rocks. 

Meet at the Chesterfield Gorge parking area at 10:45 am ($2.50 fee if you're not a Trustees member). Bring bike helmet, water, swim stuff, food.

Fri. July 31. CT River Paddle.  Evening on the CT River can be both peaceful with the evening light and calm water and exciting with wakes from motorboats. Let’s see what we will get on our paddle upstream.  Bring your kayak/canoe/SUP. We’ll meet at the dock and paddle upstream for approximately 2-3 miles then turn around.  For mosquitoes, I recommend bringing some lightweight, long sleeved clothing, brimmed hat and bug repellent. Bring water, snacks, paddle and life jacket. We will travel on the side of the river to avoid boat traffic. Expect some waves from motor boats. 

Meet at 5:30 pm at Elwell Recreation Area, Damon Rd., Northampton, to unload boats. Paddle 6:00 pm-8:30pm. We will return right around sunset and hopefully catch some pink and purple skies.

Sat. Aug. 1. Sunset/Moonrise Hike up Mt Holyoke.

Sun. Aug. 2. Tannery Falls Hike. Savoy, MA. Details to follow over the listserve.

Mon. Aug. 3. Full Moon Bike Ride.  7:00 pm. Ride the bike path as the almost full moon rises. Moderate pace with goal of 17-18 miles total.

Sun. Aug. 9. Tully Lake/Long Pond Paddle.  Meet at the Long Pond kayak put in on Doane Rd., just after the Campground, at 11:15 to beat the rush.  We’ll kayak up Long Pond a ways, then over to Tully Lake for a swim.  Bring lunch, water, PFD.

Weds. Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.  Hikes. To be updated on the listserve.

Sun. Sept. 20. Book Group.  Details to follow over the listserve.

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Please note that all Women Outdoors trips are cooperative trips led by volunteers.  While members are concerned for safety, our experience levels differ and mistakes may be made.  There may also be equipment failure, unexpected dangers, or conditions beyond our control (such as weather).  There is also an inherent level of risk in many of the activities that cannot be eliminated.  Women Outdoors and its coordinators don’t train, screen or certify any of the leaders or supervise the trips.  All trips are offered in the common adventurer spirit – where each participant is responsible for her own skills level and safety.  Please be sure to verify all of the information above as well as the organizer’s experience and trip plans to your own satisfaction so you can make an informed decision about whether the trip is right and safe for you.  Remember that in choosing to participate you are agreeing to assume responsibility for all risks associated with the activity.  Women Outdoors trips have an excellent safety record.  We ask that you take care to keep it this way!