Rob writes:- 

This “trip” was re-scheduled from a hike/walk with pumpkin themed lunch to a strictly social event and get-together at Rob and Sheila’s house, due to the monsoon type rains falling on the North Shore all day and all weekend.  The rains caused many road floods and traffic problems all day Saturday, which prevented one of our members from attending.  The rest of us arrived damp but in good spirits. 

All in all it was a great get together with a pile of great food and drink contributed by everyone who attended.  We were also all thrilled to see Rick again, at this get-together, after a long absence.  Much pumpkin-flavoured (and otherwise) coffee, beer, wine and food was consumed and enjoyed.  In addition we all seemed to enjoy looking at the pouring rain from the warmth of the inside of the house!  Thanks again to all who attended and contributed.  Food ranged from pumpkin spice chicken wings, baked pinwheel pastries, to pumpkin loaf, cookies and mousse.  It was a feast!

The idea for this hike started with a few of our club members over 10 years ago as a fun way to celebrate fall and as an excuse to eat more pumpkin pie and other pumpkin flavoured goodies, while getting some exercise on the way to our destination.  This year was the 10th Annual Pumpkin Event (we missed 2 years due to Covid restrictions), although not a “Hike” this time.  Probably the only people who got a bit of exercise were Iain, Louise and Tamsin who hiked up the hill to our house in the pouring rain from the Marine Drive bus stop.