Pembrook Newsletter

Updated on April 5, 2013

TRIPS PLANNED… 2013 - 2015

Kathy Didier

PO Box C, Woodstock, NH 03293
603-726-3553

Please note that my email address is now: kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com
 

Welcome,

Whether it be a weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire or travel to a more distant location, I hope that you will consider joining the excursions offered below. Listed first are the weekend trips in NH. Scroll down farther and you can read about the more distant trips that I and my co-leaders have planned.

Botswana - Zambia - Zimbabwe - South Africa -Spain - France -  Portugal -  Morocco - Italy - Vietnam - Cambodia -  Russia - Estonia - Lithuania - Latvia - Brazil - India - Guatemala - Belize

and the White Mountains of New Hampshire

This is a sampling of trips being offered. Read descriptions below. If you have interest in any of the trips, ask to be put on an information list. As soon as trip plans are completed, you will be among the first to receive information. Many of these trips fill quickly.
.

Join us for hikes during all seasons of the year. We also enjoy holiday celebrations such as New Years, Presidents, Memorial Day - Independence Day - Labor Day - Columbus Day Weekends. We are in an excellent area for summer sports - hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. In the winter, there are opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing all around us.

.

Have you been to the Baltic Countries….or Russia.  You will be amazed at the beauty of each country.  No longer war torn….they are locations of great beauty.  Join me in July, 2013, on this relatively inexpensive trip.  http://kathydidierbaltics.grouptoursite.com/

Pembrook, my lodge in Woodstock, NH, is available for weekend and weeklong rentals. Sleeps from two to twenty. I and others continue to enjoy leading trips out of the house. Consider renting Pembrook’s Big House or Little House with friends and family. The Big House sleeps fourteen and the Little House six. Cannot beat the area for outdoor recreation. Check out description at http://pembrookvacationrentals.blogspot.com/

OR consider purchasing Pembrook.  Price just reduced to $229,000.  This is a bargain for two houses on two acres of land in the White Mountains.   

.

Thank you..... Kathy Didier

The first trips listed are at Pembrook in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Further down, we have listed trips which take place outside of New England.

TRIPS BASED AT PEMBROOK in Woodstock, NH

.

April 12-14, 2013 (AMC) Gentle Waterfalls Hikes  in the White Mtns. . Enjoy gently paced hikes in Franconia and/or Crawford Notches, under six miles each day, less than 1500’ elev. gain. Always a good group…… $150 covers lodging,  breakfasts, and 1 dinner.  Kathy Didier, kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com ,  Marilyn Pomerantz, marilyn@firstmark.com  

May 24-27, 2013 (AMC) Memorial Day Weekend in the White Mountains.  With four leaders you will have a choice of two guided hikes each day (one moderate and one 4000’er). Long days allow time for ridge walks. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains.   $250 covers 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, and 2 dinners. Kathy Didier (603-726-3553, kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com  Ls Nancy and Bob  DiMeo  bndimeo@gmail.com   978-649-6255 ,   Steve Pressley  617-680-2291 spress3889@aol.com    , Sarah Adams. 781-648-3766   sjadams@fas.harvard.edu

June 21-23, 2013 (AMC) Gentle Hiking in the White Mtns.  . Enjoy gently paced hikes in Franconia and/or Crawford Notches, under six miles each day, less than 1500’ elev. gain.  Always a good group……providing a good time.   $150 covers 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, and one dinner.  Kathy Didier kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com 603-726-3553 and Marilyn Pomerantz, marilyn@firstmark.com
.

July 26-28, 2013  (AMC) GENTLE HIKING AND SUMMER THEATER WEEKEND IN THE WHITES.   Five mile hike to scenic overlook or pond in Whites at an easy going pace followed by a refreshing, optional swim in Mirror Lake or Pemigewasset River.  In the evening we will enjoy dinner at local restaurant and Professional Summer Theater  to see the musical production “ The Musical of Musicals..the Musical”.  In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. On Sunday, we will hike another WMNF trail.   $195 covers cost of lodging , theater ticket, two breakfasts and restaurant dinner. Limited space.  Register early with Kathy Didier, 603-726-3553 kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com     and  Marilyn Pomerantz, marilyn@firstmark.com 

 .

August 16-18, 2013(AMC) GENTLE HIKING AND SUMMER THEATER WEEKEND IN THE WHITES.   Five mile hike to scenic overlook or pond in Whites at an easy going pace followed by a refreshing, optional swim in Mirror Lake or Pemigewasset River.  In the evening we will enjoy dinner at local restaurant and Professional Summer Theater  to see the musical production “ The Sound of Music”.   On Sunday, we will hike another WMNF trail.   $195 covers cost of lodging , theater ticket, two breakfasts and restaurant dinner. Limited space.  Register early with Kathy Didier, 603-726-3553 kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com      and  Marilyn Pomerantz, marilyn@firstmark.com  
.
August 30 – September 2 (AMC) Labor Day Weekend in the White Mtns.    Enjoy the last days of summer.  Great hiking weather.  Four leaders offer choice of two hikes each day…4000’ers and an easier hike with under 1500’ elev gain.  $250 for 3 nights, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners .   Reg. with Kathy Didier  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com      603-726-3553     Nancy Dimeo,  Bob Dimeo, bndimeo@gmail.com 978-649-6255, Anna Panszczyk annatp13@verizon.net  Carol Fyfe,  fyfecarol@hotmail.com

.

September 13-15, 2013(AMC)   GENTLE HIKING AND SUMMER THEATER WEEKEND IN THE WHITES.   Five mile hike to scenic overlook or pond in Whites at an easy going pace followed by a refreshing, optional swim in Mirror Lake or Pemigewasset River.  In the evening we will enjoy dinner at local restaurant and Professional Summer Theater  to see the musical production “My Way – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” a loving, lyrical homage to the man, his time and his music.  On Sunday, we will hike another WMNF trail.   $195 covers cost of lodging , theater ticket, two breakfasts and restaurant dinner. Limited space.  Register early with Kathy Didier, 603-726-3553 kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com      and  Marilyn Pomerantz, marilyn@firstmark.com  
.

October 11-14, 2013  (AMC) Columbus Day Hiking Weekend in the Whites.  Foliage at its best.  Something for everybody.  Four leaders offer choice of two hikes  each day…. 4000’ers and easier scenic hikes.  $250 for 3 nights, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners .   Reg. with Kathy Didier  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com      603-726-3553     Nancy Dimeo,  Bob Dimeo,  bndimeo@gmail.com  978-649-6255 , Anna Panszczyk  annatp13@verizon.net  Carol Fyfe,  fyfecarol@hotmail.com

.

October 18-20, 2013 – (AMC) Gentle Hiking in the White Mtns.   Join us for a weekend of gentle hiking, fall foliage and no bugs!  Hike 5-6 miles, less than 1200’ elev. gain each day.  Stay at Pembrook.  $150 covers 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and Saturday night dinner and happy hour.  . Reg.with Kathy Didier, kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com  603-726-3553  or Marilyn Pomerantz marilyn@firstmark.com 

 .

November 8-10, 2013 (AMC) Veterans Day Hiking in the White Mountains.  Bring your favorite Veteran for this Easy Hiking weekend. Veterans pay ½ price.  Everyone Welcome.  Not limited to Veterans.   Scenic hikes will be less than six miles with elevation gain under 1000’.  Enjoy the friendly camaraderie and good food.   Co-leading will be Navy Veteran Steve Pressley.  $150 covers lodging, 2 breakfasts, Saturday dinner. Reg with Kathy Didier (son and ex-husband are vets), 603-726-3553  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com  and Marilyn Pomerantz (married to a vet) marilyn@firstmark.com  Steve Pressley, 11 Davis Road C-9, Acton, MA  01720  01742   h-978-429-8528
c-617-680-2291 spress3889@aol.com     

..

2012 - 2013 EXTENDED TRIPS AND ADVENTURES

 .

July 1-12, 2013 – St. Petersburg and the Baltics -From medieval Baltic beauties to Russia’s imperial capital, this corner of Europe is full of delightful surprises. Start your journey in Vilnius, Lithuania, a multicultural city with a timeless historic center. Head north to Riga, Latvia, where you’ll find medieval castles alongside Art Nouveau gems, then continue to the lovingly preserved landmarks of Tallinn, Estonia. End in St. Petersburg, the city of the czars and Russia’s “window on the west.”  Read:  http://kathydidierbaltics.grouptoursite.com/groups/kathydidierbaltics.aspx  Kathy Didier, 603-726-3553  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com   SPACES AVAILABLE

..

September 28 – October 9, 2013 – Andalucia to Morocco , A Bridge between Two Continents -     $2100

Join “Adventurebug” leader, Matt Butler,  for this colorful discovery tour that starts in Europe and crosses to Africa over the historic Straits of Gibraltar.   Our voyage begins in Malaga, Spain and takes in highlights such as Gibraltar´s upper nature reserve and the striking coastline at Tarifa on the Costa del Luz, one of Europe´s oldest settlement areas.  Following this, our 45 minute crossing of the Straits takes us into the peaceful Kingdom of Morocco.   Our visit to Morocco is primarily in the northern province of Chefchaouen and Tethuan, home to the Rif Mountain range followed by a stay in the colorful medina of Asilah, a former Portuguese enclave on the Atlantic coast.  Expect delightful rural villages, enchanting day walks in National Reserves, coastal rambles, mint tea and tasty tagine dishes cooked in clay pots and more.  Truly a journey for those seeking that balance between gentle day walks, historic and cultural interpretations and an exotic voyage between 2 continents - Yalla!!! Back in Spain, we explore the beauty of  historic Cordoba and Seville. Kathy Didier,  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com    603-726-3553  Waitlisted

.

November 16 - 30, 2013 – Vietnam, Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Bangkok (Thailand)

http://kathydidiervietnam.grouptoursite.com Treasures of Southeast Asia – Extension in Bangkok , Thailand (Arrive on November 14). (GoAhead Tours) Visit Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Visit the Temples. In Vietnam we explore Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay...and so much more. There will be an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. Read about this trip at  http://kathydidiervietnam.grouptoursite.com  

   kathydidiertravels@yahoo.comSPACES AVAILABLE
.

Jan. 17-20, 2014   Craftsbury  MLK Holiday Weekend at Craftsbury Outdoor Center, VT.  Cross

Country Ski or snowshoe out the door at this Northeast Kingdom, Vermont resort.  Wide Groomed Trails for all levels.   Fee covers trail passes, 3 nights lodging (two to a room), all meals Friday dinner through Monday lunch.  Register with Kathy Didier, 603-726-3553  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com        , Leaders: Nancy DiMeo, Janet Hall, and Kathy Didier   

.

January 25 – February 3, 2014   Guatemala to Belize: Local Traditions & Tropical Wildlife  - Eco, Community and Conservation Tour

http://kathydidierguatemalabelize.grouptoursite.com/ 

Sharing a border and deep cultural connections to the mysterious Mayans, Guatemala and Belize come together to create the green heart of Central America. Both countries are world-renowned biodiversity hotspots, incorporating volcano-laden landscapes, azure lakes and endless flocks of rare tropical birds into their folds. As you travel through the Guatemalan highlands, and drift along the Rio Dulce on toward Caribbean villages, you’ll experience the dramatic environments each country is known for while learning cultural traditions from the people whose lives unfold there.

Float pas jungle wildlife on the Rio Dulce, bargain with merchants in highlands markets, learn traditional handicrafts alongside local women, keep watch for jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin, and enjoy Lake Atitlan’s volcano-dotted landscapes.

.

Tour includes RT air and transfers, 9 nights lodging, most meals, local tour director, boat transfers and private motor coach, select entrance fees,   Contact Kathy Didier,  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com  603-726-3553 for details.   Group size - twelve (12)
 .

March 22 – April 1, 2014 - Barcelona to Nice:  Spring hikes through the Costa Brava and Cote D´Azur  with Matt Butler of  Adventurebug International.

Join us on this 2014 spring hiking and discovery tour that follows the Mediterranean coasts of Spain and southern France.  With comfortable stays in selected destinations we will explore on foot the highlights of what makes this part of the world so special.  See the sites of dazzling Barcelona - including its natural spaces and of course the famous Monastery at Montserrat.  On the Costa Brava, we walk the forested peninsula and coastal paths and visit the magical homestead of Salvador Dali, including a visit to the museum in his honor.  In France we spend time in historical centers where tree shaded plazas and fresh fruit stalls signify Mediterranean roots.  And of course we discover centuries old villages in the foothills of the Alps, where our hikes take us between hamlets, along canyons and to secluded lakes.  Our tour ends at Nice, where an extended stay is possible - with the option of visiting the Kingdom of Monacco or continuing onwards in France.  A private mini bus for transfers is utilized and stays of 2 nights minimum at each destination allows us to become acquainted with each place.

Price per person

18-20 participants:    $2300

14-17 participants:    $2450

Contact Kathy Didier  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com . .

May 17-31, 2014 – Twelve night Safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe, Africa.  Stand at the foot of a mile-wide Victoria Fallsl.  Row down the Delta in a hand-carved canoe.  Spy the world’s most elusive and exotic animals with your own eyes…the Big Five plus many others.  Hundreds of species of colorful, exotic birds.  Okavango Delta’s one-of-a-kind landscape.  Moremi Game Reserve, Choebe National Park, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Optional extension to Cape Town.  Lodging one week in spacious wall tents w/twin beds (with attached bathroom), five nights in lodge/hotels.  . Trip of a life time.    $5625 covers guided safari, lodging, most meals, internal flights, Group size will be 16-18  Deposit - $800.  WAITLISTED  Contact Kathy Didier for more information.. kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com

September 6-14, 2014 - Portugal

Kathy will join Matt from Adventurebug for a  journey that combines the best of Portugal´s natural, urban and historically rich treasures.  From Lisbon´s enchanting lanes to wonderful coastlines, national parklands and the verdant hilltop forts and majestic castles of medieval times.  This is a special edition of his Portugal tour.  Follow him through vineyards and cork forests, seeking out the wide range of flavors on offer, including a special visit to Porto with a boat journey up the Dauro River, home to the world´s best port and some of the Iberian Peninsula´s most spectacular scenery.  Light daily walks offer insight of historical, natural and cultural features, while authentic rural hotels provide for a comfortable experience. Kathy Didier,  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com

November 6-17, 2014 - Puglia and Southern Italy – (GoAhead)  http://kathydidieritaly2014.grouptoursite.com/   12 day trip

Sip cappuccino in a café where only Italian can be heard. Wander underground through Neolithic caves. Travel back to simpler times in untouched Alberobello. Everywhere you go in Southern Italy, authenticity presides. From the soothing shores of Sorrento to the quaint homes of the Trulli Valley, discover the soul behind the “boot heel” of Italy.  If you sign up on line...please let Kathy know.  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com

March 2015 - Northern India - details to be posted soon.  Kathy Didier kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com

 .
Late August 2015 -  Brazil…One of the world’s most captivating places, Brazil is a dazzling country of pristine rain forests, wetlands, conservation areas and of course eccentric, rhythm-filled metropolises. Brazil is a traveller´s paradise for all ages and interests.  Capturing a balance of dramatic landscapes and unique natural gems with the Brazilian Alegria (Joy), this journey promises the very best Brazil has to offer.  From Rio´s music filled quarters to the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls, the Amazonian experience, stunning coastal islands and frozen-in-time colonial towns. We uncover what makes Brazil one of the world´s emerging nations.  In addition, expect a wide range of Brazilian gastronomy and of course a taste of caipirinha as we venture off the beaten path at times to meet the real Brazilieños and acquaint ourselves with some important social and environmental projects in process.The itinerary will be 15 days with Rio de Janeiro as our start/finish point.  This trip is designed and led by Kathy Didier and Matt Butler (of Adventurebug Worldwide).  Contact Kathy Didier to get on the mailing list for this trip.  kathydidiertravels@yahoo.com 

.

Thank you for your interest in my trips. Feel free to get back to me with questions. Kathy

.