Closing the camp
 

As I boated around the lake on Saturday I noticed two things. First, how absolutely beautiful it was, sunny, 80+ degrees and calm. Second, I noticed how many camps were already closed and couldn't enjoy one of the best times of the year - how unfortunate. So I was wondering for those that DO close the camp when do you typically do it.

End of October usually, unless it's really cold before that.

Usually the last week on October as Jeff Fay wants to haul the Slickcraft up out of the water then. But usually there are some nice days in November when we launch the Whaler for a trip over.

Columbus Day weekend.

Until recent years, primarily driven by the school/sports schedules of the kids that prevented us from traveling to the lake no matter the weather.

But now they are older and the weekends are freeing up. But with no foundation, insulation, or heat, it can sometimes get really cold and below freezing after Columbus Day.

I generally keep the camp open until the End of October. I have in past years worried about freezing pipes etc. But experience has taught me that it has to get cold for a reasonably extended period of time before I have an issue. Hopefully in another year or two I am going to make some changes so that I can extend that even further into November, and it will also allow me to open even earlier.....

I close up when West Alton Marina closes (Oct 31st, usually) - or earlier if the weather is very cold (significantly below freezing).

When the Marina gets nervous about the boat being in the water we then throw in the towel. I will say that the ice on the dock takes much of the fun out of it.

Whenever it gets too cold and too windy
 

Usually mid to late October. The boat stays in the water until mid-November in case of Indian Summer. We can spend a night without running water to get a lovely late fall weekend at the lake.

Being on the broads, the fall winds can be an issue. I agree with the ice on the dock comment... I am not a fan of ultra slippery stairs.

I have to admit that the beauty waking up to snow on the Ossipees is breathtaking!

IG

Goal going forward is Columbus Day or later. I do not dictate the date, but will be lobbying. :D

We typically close the weekend before Thanksgiving and then come up on the day after Thanksgiving to pull the dock out...we have hit a variety of weather since we bought in 2007.

In 2007 we didn't make it back until December 6th and had a few inches of snow to deal with.

2008 we came over in a blinding snowstorm (fun ride), it lasted about an hour and then warmed up in to the 40's

2009 was a perfect day in the mid 50's...amazing how quiet the island is this time of year.

Usually Weekend After Columbus Day....
 

...but unfortunately not this year. Just closed up this past weekend - BOO. :emb: Wedding next weekend, father-in-law's 90th the following.

September to mid October is our favorite time of the year on the Lake, can't believe how many close up too early to enjoy it.

205 days until we open! :D

my turn..
 

water goes off in a few hours.. bringing the 2010 season to a close.

I NEVER close up. The heat gets turned to 50 and the house is always ready in case we ge to come up. Although it is quiet in the off season, the winters are great on the lake.

To Close or Not To Close
 

Rarely turn off the water before end of October, usually early November.
We come up both Thanksgiving weekend, and Christmas Weekend, haul water, GI Showers. Sometimes over the winter if its doesn't snow too much, like last year.

In years past, kept my boat year round at Lakeport Landing. They didn't winterize it until late November. Had some beautiful rides on the lake in November.

Want to live there, but economics just don't work.

How long is it until we open up !!

Think Spring,
Bill

Never close either. First on the list of must haves was BUILT WINTERIZED. As it is 1979 (post 1973 energy crisis) it has nice toasty insulation and double pane Anderson windows though it is a simple small home. Previous owners lived there year round. Second on the list was gradual sand beach. If one puts sand in the lake it comes right along to me!!!

I Refuse To Give In!!
 

Kind of hard to close up when we still have sunsets like this... I'm in for a couple more weeks then I'll leave kickin' and scatchin'. :D

This was taken Saturday evening 10-23-10.

Dan

Our water is being shut off today. I spent yesterday cleaning up, packing and emptying the hot tub in the rain. One more trip next weekend to grab the last of it and pull the moorings and I will be done. I'll probably pull the last boat 2 weekends from now just in case I need to get out one more time.

I'm with you Dan, hoping to make it until mid November :coolsm:

It is always hard to leave
 

I am with you, ishoot308 & Bear Island South. Our tradition has been to wait to the weekend after Veterans Day to close the camp. We go up for 4 days and enjoy the fall weather and then close-up on the last day. On closing day, my wife goes Christmas shopping while I winterize the camp. It is always hard to leave.

Dan:

The next party is at your place. What a sweet set-up!

Nice shot Dan... great view.
Love the bar

Closing the Camp
 

Why not wait and come up for Salmon Sunday?

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...m/IMG_0231.JPG
Photo from Grant's Gallery

Salmon Sunday at Pope Dam in Melvin Village

Click here for more Salmon photos!


Great pictures Bear Island South and ishoot308!

closing
 

I do not know why, but this year we closed early, on columbus day. Normally I would be finishing it this weekend. Getting old I suspect:laugh:

Never Feel Lonesome...
 

Yup!... More than a few of us here are go'in down the same pathway. Just keep the memories alive, and how much fun we still enjoy!



Terry

I always remeber my neighbors taking boat out on Labor Day time. I thought that this was too early. But they do get all done and in an organized way. Too many times I have taken boat out and there was snow on the ground. And very cold.

A lake ride is nice in the autumn on a clear warm day. But those are few and far between.

I keep an ice scraper on the dashboard of the Regal and when people see it in the summer they laugh.... but as we usually pull the boat out of the water the weekend after Thanksgiving, it's there for a reason! That's when we shut the house down for the winter!

I could of used that ice scraper today, we woke to wet snow cover.
It was a weird weather day, snow, rain and sunshine, we are officially closed for the 2010 season, departed today around 3:30 under sunny skies, a perfect ending.

Its offical the 2010 season on our little part of South Bear is done, with you guys closing up. Now the count down begins to 2011. It was a fun season guys. Thank you.:D