Oct 18-20 Cape Cod to North Reading, Brain Tumor Walk

Friday, Oct 18

The power went off sometime in early morning, so those flashlights did come in handy.  But by breakfast time, everything was back and we enjoyed a nice breakfast.  A few of the Road Scholar folks had done as we did and stayed an extra day.  Paula, the hostess, and Steven the server were outstanding.

We finished packing and headed off toward North Reading.  Decided to try a stop in Quincy to see the Adams National Historical Park which contains the homes of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.  Gwynne and Mom follow the Trek.
  We get off the freeway and find the Park, but there is no obvious parking.

  We manage to find the Visitor's Center but the only parking garage has height restrictions.  A very congested area and after asking a few folks about parking for the Trek, we decide to abandon this adventure and head  through Boston to Brett and Dave's house.

Lots of traffic, but it moves pretty well.

Brett has a wonderful kielbasa lunch waiting for us!  We chat a bit, then Brett retires to his studies while we do some yard work - the leaves are falling here, especially since they had the same big winds that we saw on the Cape.

 Sweet Oscar joins us outside for a bit.

Dave arrives home around 6:00 and prepares a terrific salmon and steak dinner.  Good to visit and catch up a bit on their lives!

Saturday, Oct 19

Nice breakfast, and we take a short drive to see All Saints Episcopal Church in nearby Danvers.

 This is where Brett is doing his internship (I'm sure there is a more appropriate word) in his path to becoming an Episcopal Priest.  We visit a few of his friends and then Brett gives us a nice tour.

Back to North Reading for preparations for tomorrow's walk.  All the materials - tent, clothing, signs, etc. are pulled out and packed - mostly in Gwynne's car.  A few more chores,  some great together time with Mexican Train and another lovely dinner.



Sunday, October 20

A quick breakfast, and we all set off for the Boston Brain Tumor Walk.  We celebrate that this is Brett's 10th year since his surgery.

 Great community of walkers - many familiar faces that it is a joy to see.

 We do a group photo of our Team Oligo before the walk begins.   There were many other teams as well (but none looked as good as ours😏).

 AND, a beautiful day for a 3 mile walk.  Greg's brother Garth arrives, along with nieces Carolyn and Valerie and Valerie's husband Matthew and children Nolan and Eloise.

 Garth's wife Kathy is battling illness, so doesn't make an appearance today. Beth takes photos including this family shot.

 There were about 90 walkers in Brett's Team Oligo.

A quick tear down, and we head back to Brett & Dave's for a great pizza lunch.  Valerie and family headed back to Maine, and Garth & Carolyn headed home to check on Kathy.  There was football, studying, Mexican Train and, of course, ice cream.