North Shore SING

Welcome to Spring: Hiking with the Celts

NS SING on March 22nd enjoyed a wonderful hike, two days after the Spring equinox, at Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. In Celtic spirituality, both pagan and Christian, the natural world is understood as a place of meeting. They speak of a 'thin place' between the consious world and that of the sacred. On this particular day, under blue skies, 18 intrepid hikers were serenaded by Wood frogs along vernal pools. Does it get any better than this?!!!

On April 19th twenty intrepid hikers hiked along the beautiful Ipswich River, through a restored forest (invasive plants taken out with native plants takingn root). We bathed too in an old growth forest of Hemlock and Red Oak at Julia Bird Reservation.

Upcoming Event!

May Event:  May 17th, 9 a.m. - Noon.  Meditative Paddle with Wisdom of Hildegard of Bingen. The Ipswich RIver is a beautiful and generally slow moving river, perfect for a contemplative paddle. Neighbors accompanying us may include; beaver, muskrat, great blue heron, belted kingfisher.

Who is Hildegard of Bingen? Our paddle will be accompanied by a wisdom reading from Hildegard who lived from 1098 -1179 CE. She was a Benedictine abbess, mystic, physician, botanist, composer, feminist. She experienced the Divine in the beauty and wonder of nature. Hildegard challenged the norms and power structure of her time and was a spiritual bad ass!

Launch from IRWA dock for a mix of paddling upstream and downstream (depending on river conditions and comfort of group). Kayaks/canoes available courtesy of IRWA with paddle and lifejacket. Limit 10 boats (use IRWA boat or bring own kayak/canoe. Those canoeing must have a partner). No fee. Address: Ipswich River Watershed Association at 143 County Road, Ipswich, MA. Ample parking, plus launch access for those bringing own boat.

This paddle is for those with basic kayaking/canoeing experience. Note: As conditions allow, we will paddle upstream, against a moderate current, with bends in river (followed by a relaxing paddle back). Paddler should have arm and core strength to paddle upstream and navigate a curving river course.

While safety is our priority, there is an element of risk with any outdoor event. Participants are asked to sign a liability waiver. NS SING RSVP Limit 10 boats with wait list.