Page 6 - MAY2023

Page 6 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM May 2023 Community
Join the Fun with Pasquaney Snowshoe Club!
By Donna RhoDes
BRISTOL – Even though the snow has melted, the Pasquaney Snowshoe Club is much more than an organization designed for winter outdoor fun; it’s actu- ally a group that gathers outdoor enthusiasts together throughout the year with a storied history and is proud to note that it is known to be the oldest snowshoe club in New Hampshire.“We think it may be the oldest in the country, but that hasn’t been offi- cially verified,” said club member Lora Miller.
The organization began in 1912, Miller and her husband, Ken Williamson, said. William- son explained that farmers in the Newfound region started snow- shoeing to neighboring farms on weekends to enjoy dinners and a night of fun. The concept grew to include other friends and neighbors, and before long, the Pasquaney Snowshoe Club was formed.
In the mid-1900s, members loved being outside to enjoy the long winter months so much that they also created a Winter Carni- val at Kelley Park in Bristol. Each year they would build a toboggan run and a ski jump, offered ice skating at a rink in the park, and even held a Snow Ball where they crowned a King and Queen of the carnival each year.
Over time, the snow began to melt, and the snowshoes were hung up for the year. However, club friends continued to hike and enjoy other fair-weather outdoor activities, including a fun-filled August Snowshoe race.
While Pasquaney Snowshoe Club began in the Newfound Region, members now hale from not only New Hampshire but all throughout New England and beyond. The club is comprised of people who appreciate out- door adventures and social gath- erings. As they enter their 112th year, club president Ginny Cate is pleased to note that there are
approximately 115 members from 73 families still on their ros- ter.
“We’d love to attract new members and more young peo- ple, too, though,” said Cate.
As part of their bi-monthly gatherings, the group begins each year with a New Year’s Day hike up Inspiration Point in Bristol. Another tradition is a snowshoe trek up Sugar Hill on the north side of downtown Bristol, con- cluding with a barbecue.
Hikes are scheduled every second and fourth Sunday from January through the month of June, but no one is required to take part in all of them. Instead, it’s up to each member to choose which of the designated hikes they can or are willing to partic- ipate in.
Due to hotter temperatures in July and August, they have typ- ically taken those two months off before kicking back into gear for some beautiful autumn hikes. Then, at the end of October,
they hold their annual meeting to discuss hikes, activities, and plans for the future before taking another break for the year.
“We could easily get together for hikes in November and De- cember if people are interested, but most just seem to get too busy that time of year,” said Cate.
Throughout the year, mem- bers are encouraged to sug- gest activities for their monthly agenda, whether they be on snowshoes or in boots, anywhere in central New Hampshire, or within an easy driving distance. Of course, they don’t have to be foot travel either. Cate said ad- ventures, whether they be kaya- king, canoeing, bicycling, or just fun social gatherings in the great outdoors, are always welcomed.
“We’re very much a social group, and we’re always looking for someone to host a hike some- where,” she said, explaining that a host would suggest an event, plan out parking arrangements, then lead those who sign up for
that day’s trip.
Past adventures have been
snowshoeing on Lynch Farm in Hill, hiking to Plymouth’s Rainbow Falls, Alexandria’s Mt. Cardigan, Little Sugarloaf, and much more. The club does not limit their outdoor adventures to the Newfound/Pemi-Baker area though. Hikes through the White Mountains, the Belknaps, and beyond are always considered if a member has a particular trail they wish to share with others.
The club is also very civ- ic-minded and looks to par- ticipate in any cleanup or maintenance work on trails or natural areas. In fact, they have already agreed to assist the Bris- tol Rotary Club for two cleanups in the White Mountains. The first will be on the Kancamagus Highway on June 3, with the second on July 22 in Pinkham Notch.
“The more volunteers we at- tract, the more impact we will have,” Bristol Rotary said in a
Machine Grade Driveway & Private Ways
3 Yards of Vermont Blue or Regular Ledge Pack Delivered & Spread 18 Yards of Vermont Blue or Regular Ledge Pack Delivered & Spread Google “LRE Services” for Pictures and Pricing
LRE Services ~ Plymouth, NH 603-359-7389 • LRE Services on Google
Total Property Maintenance Services
Dock & Mooring Service • Spring Cleanup • Lawn Care Design and Installation of Walkways, Patios, and Retaining Walls Full Site Landscape Renovation
Gemstone & Glass Beads • Sterling & Gold-filled Findings Mineral Specimens • Books • Tumbled Stones • Fossils Smudging Wands • Incense • Stone & Sterling Jewelry Crystals • Open Year Round
North Star Gems
Tues-Sat: 10-5, Sunday: 10-4
nstargems@metrocast.net
Rt. 3-A, Bridgewater 603-744-6338
Bundle. Save. Simple.
Life can be complicated. I'm here to help simplify your insurance. Plus, the more you protect, the more you can save. Call or stop by today for a free quote.
Sharon Thorne 603-536-5161 Plymouth sthorne@allstate.com allstate.com/sthorne
I'm always here with
local advice
you can trust.
Prices vary based on how you buy. Not applicable in CA. Based on coverage selected. Savings vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate 13903374
Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co.
Plan now for your projects
• Landscape Construction • Patios and Driveways
• Hardscapes
• Walkways and Steps
• Landscape Design
Call for a free estimate
603-630-1419
goldenleaflandscapesnh.com
Golden Leaf Landscapes