On Monday, I sat about ten feet from the water on one of the many private vacation mini-shores of Lake Winnipesaukee – about 74 square miles of refreshing glacial water dotted with well over 100 islands, large and small – a benefit left behind by a long-ago ice age. It’s a popular vacation attraction for New England residents, Canadians, and others ‘from away’ who know of its secrets.Reading Masters and Commanders in an old wooden beach chair, I paused to listen and to observe. Straight ahead, a small sailboat glided noiselessly by in the distance, disturbing nothing. To my right, along the edge of a private little cove, a kayaker paddled his way around a small granitic outcrop.
Power boats hadn’t come out in force yet and, when they did, their engines were muffled from the distance offered by no-wake-zone rules which keep boating enthusiasts away from shorelines and prevent them from gunning their craft full throttle until they reach the lake’s deeper, wide-open section called ‘The Broads.’
Even now, in the afternoon, after a drenching 10-minute rainstorm, boats passing by are barely audible. (A lot of boats at any one time in this inlet overlooking the Ossipee Mountains constitutes perhaps six or seven. Don’t think NJ congestion!)
It’s very relaxing here: Water laps gently at the sandy shore, rising intermittently as distant water craft create a mild series of harmless, low-peaked waves. Large stones line the swimming beach, preventing erosion to the sitting area. Granite is ubiquitous. Locally, you can purchase a top-quality, last-forever lamppost hewn from stone for $225.
Keep safe and give yourself a break. Mom always cautioned me, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Same for the ladies!
(Photo by Dick Bergeron, July 2009)
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