This afternoon’s pop-up ice rink on New Pond in Hemlock Gorge could not have been a more pleasant outing, and a perfect venue for Covid style socializing.
8 inches of solid (mostly) very smooth ice was shoveled off by neighbors Lee Fisher, Evan Westrate and Tom O’Connor yesterday and this morning. At 1 PM the music was turned on and the people began arriving.
Early in the afternoon some of the guests grabbed a pair of shovels and in no time expanded the rink by about a 1/3. All afternoon from 1 – 5 PM people were coming and going with lots of young kids, figure skaters, hockey sticks. Most came to skate but more than a few just came to enjoy the winter scene and camaraderie. Lots of folks caught up with neighbors that they haven’t seen in many months.
The fire burning at the end of the ice provided a bit of warmth. The music provided a bit of groove. The guests provided the joy. The drone flying over head captured the whole scene.
Many thanks to the Friends of Hemlock Gorge, Lee, Evan, Tom and everyone else who helped create this winter party.
… and yes, there were skaters from Wellesley, Needham, and elsewhere there too.
Jerry. Thanks for letting us know about this wonderful event. I so looked forward to it, but yesterday I had my first Covid19 jab and felt the aftereffects for most of today.
PS. I’m pretty certain that Wellesley and Needham share ownership of New Pond although I don’t think it’s something that keeps folks in either town awake at night.
It was really wonderful to be a bystander(no skates)thanks to all who worked to smooth the way. I recommend the drone footage.