November-December 2012 AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Thursday, October 18, 2012 9:04 AM

For further information, send e-mail to Robert Winters at Robert@rwinters.com.

Sat, Nov 3, 2012. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (Hiking, walks) - approved July 12
Outdoors version: Hike 7-mi. on a variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 3, go N to stop sign (Hillside St.), R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Joint w/FBH. L Steve Olanoff ((781) 326-6585; olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails in the Blue Hills Reservation, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, Nov 3, 2012. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved July 12
Outdoors version: 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel/Marine Industrial Park/Rowe's Wharf. Bring lunch/water. Storm cancels. Ltd to 12. Registration Required. L Sharon Marshall ((617) 542-4551, 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).
Web version: 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf. Bring lunch, water. Storm cancels. Ltd to 12. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall ((617) 542-4551, 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Nov 4, 2012. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (Instruction, walks) - approved July 12
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk through forest to Long Pond focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. Rte93 to exit 33 (Rte28, Fellsway West, Winchester). Go around rotary to South Border Rd, Winchester. Go about 2mi to Long Pond Parking Lot on right (opposite #532 S. Border Rd). Pkg limited, arrive early. Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell ((781) 729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk through the forest to Long Pond focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Rte 93 to exit 33 (Rte 28, Fellsway West, Winchester). Go around rotary to South Border Rd, Winchester. Go about 2 miles to Long Pond Parking Lot on right (opposite #532 S. Border Rd). Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell ((781) 729-4712).

Sun, Nov 4, 2012. Lincoln Conservation Land via Flint (Sandy) Pond and old Wheeler farm area, Lincoln. (Hiking, walks) - approved July 12
Outdoors version: 10mi. (less if >70deg) Meet at 9:45am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot. From Rte.95/128 take exit 28 in Waltham, follow Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi., L on Lincoln Rd. 1.4mi., R just before tracks into RR station lot. L Jim Loughlin ((617) 923-8039).
Web version: 10 miles (70+ temp. may lessen distance). Meet at 9:45am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot. From Rte.95/128 take exit 28 in Waltham, follow Trapelo Rd. W 2.5 mi.., L on Lincoln Rd. 1.4 mi., R just before tracks into RR station lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jim Loughlin ((617) 923-8039).

Sun, Nov 4. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. (walks) - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park(across from Stone Zoo). Take Rte. 93 to exit 34. Go N on Rte. 28 to South St., right to park. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snack. L Betsy Goeke ((781) 729-8484 until 10pm, betsyg@space.mit.edu)
Web version: Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo). Take Rte. 93 to exit 34. Go N on Rte. 28 to South St., right to park. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snack. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Betsy Goeke (781) 729-8484 (best time to call: until 10pm); betsyg@space.mit.edu.

Sun, Nov 4, 2012. Art-walk: Waltham - Watertown via Charles River Greenway; Waltham Mills Open Studios. (walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: Meet 10:00am. Note-DST just ended! Moderately fast paced 6-mile walk on Blue Heron Trail. Meet by pedestrian bridge at Embassy Parking Lot; use 70 Cooper St. for GPS. Attractive paved/dirt paths; river views. Open Studios optional add-on. Heavy rain cancels. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: Meet 10:00am. Note: DST has just ended overnight! Moderately fast paced 6-mile walk on Blue Heron Trail, largely in woods with numerous boardwalk sections through marshy areas or adjacent to the river itself: http://tinyurl.com/crua85t Meet by pedestrian bridge at Embassy Parking Lot off Pine St.; use 70 Cooper St. for GPS. Attractive paved/dirt paths; river views. Open Studios optional after walk, but highly recommended, with a wide variety of styles and materials. http://www.wmaas11s.org/ Heavy rain cancels. Well-behaved dogs OK; non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Sat, Nov 10, 2012. Blue Hills, Milton. (Hiking, walks) - approved July 12
Outdoors version: Mod.stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline/other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footgear. Meet Houghton's Pond lot. Rte. 93/128 exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2mi. to lot on R. Heavy rain cancels. L Corinne Waite ((781) 331-8472 eves 7-9 only).
Web version: Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footgear. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Corinne Waite ((781) 331-8472 eves 7-9 only).

Sat, Nov 10, 2012. Emerald Necklace, Boston. - OK, Sept 10; moved from Nov 10 to Nov 11 on Sept 12
Outdoors version: 6-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Sq., 12:15-3:15 PM. Bring snack. Meet at Forest Hills T by exit turnstiles. Heavy rain cancels. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com, 508-942-3800).
Web version: 6-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Sq., 12:15-3:15 PM. Bring snack. Meet at Forest Hills T by exit turnstiles. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com).

Sun, Nov 11. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. - OK, Sept 10, changed Sept 13
Outdoors version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569, dlaukee@rcn.com).
Web version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569).

Sun, Nov 11. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 15
Outdoors version: Hike with ponds and views. 1pm-4pm. From Needham Center take Chestnut St. for 1.5mi. to end. Bear R on Dedham St. & go 1.5mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Rain cancels. L Henry Gardner ((781) 894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
Web version: Hike with ponds and views. 1pm-4pm. From Needham Center take Chestnut St. for 1.5mi. to end. Bear R on Dedham St. & go 1.5mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner, henryghikes@gis.net.

Sat, Nov 17, 2012. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (Hiking, walks) - approved July 19
Outdoors version: 6.5-mi. loop hike with some steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly Skyline Trail. Bring lunch/water/sturdy shoes. Meet Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit8, S 0.6mi. on Willard St. From I-93/Route128 Exit6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Storm cancels. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, bring lunch, water and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8, S 0.6mi. on Willard St. From I-93/Route128 Exit 6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Nov 18, 2012. Blue Hills Hike, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Aug 30.
Outdoors version: 7-mi. hike in Houghton section on variety of trails w/several views, lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 3, go N to stop sign (Hillside St.), R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. L Steve Olanoff (olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Hike 7 miles in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, Nov 18. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike. See colonial dam, cellar holes, admonitions on boulders. 10am-4pm. Bring lunch/water/boots. Rte. 128N to exit 10, the 2nd rotary in Gloucester; R ¾ way around rotary, R at Blackburn Industrial Park sign & park along road. L Jerry Yos ((781) 935-4647 until 11pm, jerryyos@yahoo.com).
Web version: Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm. Bring lunch, water & sturdy boots. Take Rte. 128 N to exit 10, the 2nd rotary in Gloucester; R ¾ way around rotary, R at Blackburn Industrial Park sign & park by side of road. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jerry Yos (781) 935-4647 (best time to call: until 11pm).

Sun, Nov 18, 2012. Art-walk: Somerville post-industrial & Brickbottom-Joy Street Open Studios. (walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: Meet 9:00am. 3-4 mile walk exploring faded urban industrial landscape; not everyone's aesthetic. After walk explore Open Studios (noon opening) at Joy Street, or nearby Brickbottom building. Meet at leader's studio, #33, 86 Joy St., Somerville. Heavy rain, snow cancels. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: Meet 9:00am. 3-4 mile walk exploring faded urban industrial landscapes - not everyone's favorite aesthetic, but well worth investigating if new to you. After walk explore Open Studios (noon opening) at Joy Street http://www.joystreetartists.org/JoyStreetArtists.html , or the larger, nearby Brickbottom building http://brickbottomartists.com/ Meet at leader's studio, #33, 86 Joy St., Somerville. Heavy rain, snow cancels. Non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Tues, Nov 20. Harborwalk and North End, Boston. (walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk along waterfront of downtown Boston, through streets, alleyways of North End, including Italian bakery, 6:30-9:00pm. Meet just inside the main doors at entrance to South Station T Stop and Train Station on Summer Street. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk along waterfront of downtown Boston and through streets and alleyways of North End, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:30-9:00pm. Meet just inside the main doors at entrance to South Station T Stop and Train Station on Summer Street. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Thurs, Nov 22. Lynn Woods, Lynn. - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: 5mi. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From Rte.95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte.1, take Walnut St. exit, E 2 mi. L on Pennybrook Rd. to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579) Nelsonnec1@aol.com)).
Web version: 5 miles, Leader's Choice. From 9am-1pm. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, and continue 4 miles. From Route 1, take Walnut Street exit, and continue 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579) Nelsonnec1@aol.com)).

Fri, Nov 23. Ayer & Groton Hills, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: 7-mi.hike w/mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. Bring lunch/warm clothes. From Rte.95/128 exit 29, take Rte.2W 19mi. to exit 38, go N on Rte. 111 3mi. to Ayer, R on Washington St. 1.6mi. to Nashoba Hospital pkg. in rear. L Olin Lathrop ((978) 742-9014, olin@embedinc.com), CL Jed Eliades ((603) 643-4556, je2@dartmouth.edu).
Web version: 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. Bring lunch & warm clothes. From Rte. 95/128 exit 29, take Rte. 2 W 19 mi. to exit 38, go N on Rte. 111 3 mi. to Ayer, R on Washington St. 1.6 mi. to Nashoba Hospital, parking in rear. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com), CL Jed Eliades.

Sat, Nov 24. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am. From Rte.93S, take Ponkapoag Trail exit 3 towards Houghton's Pond. Turn R onto Blue Hill River Rd. Turn R onto Hillside St. Turn R into Houghton's Pond main pkg.lot. Rain or storm cancels. L Claire Braye ((508) 857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net).
Web version: 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am. From Rte. 93S, take Ponkapoag Trail exit 3 towards Houghton's Pond. Turn R onto Blue Hill River Rd. Turn R onto Hillside St. Turn R into Houghton's Pond main parking lot. Rain or storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Claire Braye ((508) 857-0320).

Sat, Nov 24. Explore Boston's Back Bay Fens. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: From 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meet at corner of Huntington Ave. & Museum Rd. (Museum stop on Green Line "E"). Bring lunch &water. Storm cancels. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).
Web version: From 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meet at corner of Huntington Ave. & Museum Rd. (Museum stop on Green Line "E"). Bring lunch & water. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Nov 25. Blue Hills, Ten Points of Interest. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: Fast-paced 5-mi. hike that includes 10 special "points of interest", 9:30am-12:45pm. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit3(Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0. mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732, marc_hurwitz@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced 5-mi. hike that includes 10 special "points of interest" such as overlooks, streams, ponds, and cliffs, 9:30am-12:45pm. Bring lunch, water, & sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 Cambridge Parks & Greenways. - OK, Sept 10; moved from Nov 24 to Dec 1 on Sept 12
Outdoors version: 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm. Easy return by T. Meet W side Alewife T sta. at passenger drop-off sign. Heavy rain cancels. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com, 508-942-3800).
Web version: 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm. Easy return by T. Meet W side Alewife T sta. at passenger drop-off sign. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com).
[Note: The MBTA's Red Line will be closed between Harvard Square and Alewife during this weekend for track repairs. Buses will replace the trains. Please plan accordingly.]

Sun, Dec 2. Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte.95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. L Jean Veigas ((781) 449-4324, jveigas@whitneyveigas.com).
Web version: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3 mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. Wear traction device on boots if conditions warrant. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324).

Sun, Dec 2, 2012. Waban to Chestnut Hill. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: 9:15am-12:30pm Newton Parks and Conservation Lands 6-mi hike featuring Aqueduct, Cold Spring Park, Webster Conservation Area, Hammond Pond Reservation and Houghton Garden. Meet at Waban T parking lot on Riverside line. Ends Chestnut Hill T station. Heavy rain cancels. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com, 508-942-3800).
Web version: 9:15am to 12:30pm Newton Parks and Conservation Lands 6-mi hike featuring Aqueduct, Cold Spring Park, Webster Conservation Area, Hammond Pond Reservation and Houghton Garden. Meet at Waban T parking lot on Riverside line. Ends at Chestnut Hill T station. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Bill McDonald (fonebill3@yahoo.com).

Sun, Dec 2, 2012. Art-walk: Framingham - Farm Pond walk and Danforth Museum. (walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: Meet 11:00am. 2-3mi. easy, relaxed walk around Farm Pond, including Farm Pond Park. This lake hosts about 50 swans (12/2011 sighting). Post-walk option to visit Danforth Museum: Admission fee – see their site. Meet in museum parking lot: 123 Union Ave. Heavy rain, snow cancels. non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: Meet 11:00am. 2-3 mile walk around Farm Pond, including Farm Pond Park. This lake hosts about 50 swans (12/2011 sighting). Post-walk option to visit the Danforth Museum: Admission fee – see site: http://www.danforthmuseum.org/ Meet in museum parking lot: 123 Union Ave. Heavy rain, snow cancels. non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Sat, Dec 8. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs, Boston. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: From 10am-12pm. Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Meet at Park Street Station (Green Line T) at Brewer Fountain near main exit. Bring snacks, water. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).
Web version: From 10am-12pm. Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Meet at Park Street Station (Green Line T) at Brewer Fountain near main exit. Bring snacks, water. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm).

Sun, Dec 9, 2012. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Aug 30.
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Chickatawbut section hike, 10am-3:30pm. Meet Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard. Or Rt.93/128, Exit 6 Braintree, go N 0.7mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T. L Steve Olanoff (olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit, take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, Dec 9. Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land. Meet at the 1st parking lot on L. From Rte. 128 take Rte. 20 W for about 11 mi. until you see the sign for The Wayside Inn. L Gail Zwink ((508) 460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land. Meet at the 1st parking lot on L. From Rte. 128 take Rte. 20 W for about 11 mi. until you see the sign for The Wayside Inn. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink ((508) 460-5038). [New members][First timers]

Sun, Dec 9. Borderland State Park, No. Easton, MA. - OK, Sept 10
Outdoors version: 5-mi. hike. 11:00am. Visitors Center. Rte.95S(towards Providence), exit10. L at end of ramp; 2-3mi. to lights(Sharon Center), thru intersection, bear right onto Pond St. Continue 1.5mi. to rotary. Halfway around rotary onto Massapoag Ave. 3mi. to entrance. Rain/storm cancels. L Claire Braye ((508) 857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net).
Web version: Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am at the Visitors Center with appropriate footwear for the conditions. Bring water and snack. Take Rte. 95 south (towards Providence), exit 10 (Sharon, Walpole and Coney Street). L at the end of the ramp; follow this road, two or three mi. to the traffic lights in Sharon Center. Go straight thru this intersection and immediately bear right onto Pond St. Follow Pond St. for 1.5 mi. until you come to a traffic rotary. Go half way around the rotary and continue onto Massapoag Ave. 3 mi. to the park entrance on L. For directions, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/directions.htm. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Rain or storm cancels. L Claire Braye.

Sat, Dec 15, 2012. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Aug 30.
Outdoors version: 3-mi. nature walk in little-known Little Blue Hill section to look for signs of birds & animals in winter, 10am-noon. From Rte. 93/128 Exit 2B take Rte. 138 N to rear of Park-&-Ride lot on L just after Dunkin Donuts. L Steve Olanoff (olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter, 10 am-noon. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 2B, take Route 138 north to rear of the Park-&-Ride lot on left just after Dunkin Donuts. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, Dec 15, 2012. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Oct 5, web-only listing
Outdoors version: 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Meet Shea Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit8 Quincy, south 0.6mi. on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route128 Exit6 Braintree, north 0.7 miles. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Email if severe weather. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Dec 16, 2012. Kendall Sq. to Copley Sq. - OK, Sept 10; leader changed from Bill McDonald to Robert Winters, Oct 12.
Outdoors version: 9:30am to 12:30pm. 6 mile hike through Cambridge, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay. Meet at the Kendall T station in front of the Marriott Hotel. Heavy rain cancels. Ends at Copley Sq. L Robert Winters (Robert@rwinters.com, 617-661-9230).
Web version: 9:30am to 12:30pm. 6 mile hike through Cambridge, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay. Meet at the Kendall T station in front of the Marriott Hotel. Heavy rain cancels. Ends at Copley Sq. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Robert Winters (Robert@rwinters.com, 617-661-9230).

Sun, Dec 16. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 15
Outdoors version: Mod. hike to Walden Pond/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte.95/128 exit28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Rain cancels. L Henry Gardner ((781) 894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
Web version: Moderate hike to Walden Pond/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte. 95/128 exit 28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner, henryghikes@gis.net.

Fri, Dec 21. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:45pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Charles Station. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:45pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Charles Station. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 22, 2012. Chestnut Hill: Solstice hike in Hammond Woods. (hiking, walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: 11am-2pm. Relaxed 3-mile walk in surprising, geographically varied area. Features include: vernal pond, "caves", limestone cliff, lush mossy woods, former formal garden. Optional mid-walk visit to McMullen Museum: group vote. Meet: Hammond Pond trailhead, Hammond Pond Parkway @Rt.9, Newton. Heavy rain, snow cancels. non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: 11am-2pm. Relaxed 3-mile walk in a geographically varied area, surprisingly close to downtown. http://tinyurl.com/6oj9nsv Features include: a vernal pond, "caves", a limestone cliff, lush mossy woods, and a former formal garden. There are several large rock formations, and much of these consist of Roxbury puddingstone, which is the official rock of Massachusetts – not Plymouth Rock, as you may have thought ;-) Our route covers both DCR and Newton Conservation land, broken into four quadrants by Hammond Pond Parkway and the MBTA Riverside line. There is an optional mid-walk visit to the McMullen Museum http://tinyurl.com/awk877 on the Boston College campus, TBD by group vote. START: Hammond Pond trailhead, Hammond Pond Parkway @ Rt.9, Newton. Parking area in the rear, at the western end of the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center on the west/out bound side of Route 9 – not to be confused with The Mall at Chestnut Hill, which is across Hammond Pond Parkway from where we'll be. The trailhead is where the parking area meets the woods, on the edge of Hammond Pond. There is construction nearby, but it doesn't impact us. If coming from the west, exit Rt. 9 for Hammond Pond Parkway, make an immediate U-turn, cross under Rt. 9 and turn right into the parking area. If taking H.P.P. from Newton Center or the Boston College (Cleveland Circle) areas, cross under Rt. 9, make an immediate U-turn, cross under Rt. 9 again and turn right into the parking area. By T, take the Green D (Riverside) line to Hammond St., walk towards Rt. 9 and then behind the shopping area to the start. Heavy rain, snow cancels. Non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Sun, Dec 23, 2012. Pond Meadow, Braintree. (walks) - OK, Sept 13
Outdoors version: Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:30am-11:30am. Bring snack/water/hiking poles/sturdy footwear/traction devices/snowshoes. Meet Braintree lot. Rte3 S (past Braintree split) exit17 to traffic circle, 3rd R (Union Street) east 0.7mi., R (Middle St.) 0.7mi., L (Liberty St), immediate R into lot. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. Bring snack/water/hiking poles/sturdy footwear/traction devices/snowshoes. Meet Braintree lot. Rte3 S (past Braintree split) exit17 to traffic circle, 3rd R (Union Street) east 0.7mi., R (Middle St.) 0.7mi., L (Liberty St), immediate R into lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Tues, Dec 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: 5 mi. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. Dress for the Elements. Stabilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. From Rte.95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4mi. From Rte.1, take Walnut St. exit, 2mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).
Web version: 5 miles, L's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. Staibilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Tues, Dec 25. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (Hiking, Snowshoeing, Walks) - approved Sept 12
Outdoors version: Easy 4-5 mi. wander. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms pkg lot, 1/3 mi. west of Concord River off Rte.225. From Rte.128 Exit 31B, follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing Rte.225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. L Mark Levine ((781) 275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: Easy approx. 4-5 mi. wander through a good birding area with river and pond views, pine forest and red maple swamp. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms parking lot, about 1/3 mi west of Concord River off Rte. 225. From Rte. 128 Exit 31B follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing on Rte. 225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. If weather uncertain contact Leader. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Tues, Jan 1. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: 5 mi. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. Dress for the Elements. Stabilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. From Rte.95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4mi. From Rte.1, take Walnut St. exit, 2mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).
Web version: 5 miles, L's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. Staibilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Jan 6, 2013. Blue Hills, Canton, MA. (Hiking, Cross-Country Ski) - approved Aug 30.
Outdoors version: X-C ski 6mi or hike 8mi if no snow around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather questionable. Joint with FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Cross-country ski 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, across golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, 10 am-3 pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Route 138, Canton, 0.7 miles south of I-93/Route 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather is questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Special designations:
C = Conservation program
F = Great for first timers in activity area
N = New members especially welcome