Barb's Bench Memorial Hike, Thu 12 Nov 2026, 8:45

The annual Barb's Bench Memorial Hike is held every year around 11 November; its purpose is to remember Pathfinders who died during the previous year. Although there were no deaths in 2025, there were three this year: Judy Barlow, John Nicholson, and Ellie Tilton 

Liz Gibbon speaks about Judy Barlow

Carolyn Rumble remembers John Nicholson

It was an unusually cool and wet day after an extended sunny and mild period. A good crowd turned out nevertheless, and followed Hubert through the woods ... but not all descended to the valley. 

• In  the early 2000s, Barbara Laird was a hike leader, hike director, and coordinator of Special Hikes. She was reportedly a stickler for safety and sometimes turned away hikers if they did not have proper footwear. But she always did it in a kindly and cheerful fashion. This Bench at the trail-head recognizes her many contributions to Pathfinders.