[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by VtSteve

While you're out watching and counting boats for three hours or so APS, why don't you make mention of what you see out there? Ratios of sailboats to powerboats doesn't seem very useful, but whatever floats your boat I saw virtually all manner of craft yesterday on the lake, from the Weirs down to Alton and back. I saw several that violated the letter of the laws, but they were in good shape for safety. I saw boats slow down when needed (at least they were aware), A few go fasts traveling at fair speeds out to the broads, one was a little obnoxious as he headed towards Eagle I. All in all, I'd say boating traffic was about half of what I had expected to see.

The MP boats I saw were definitely not as interested in stopping anyone (unless they had to), as they were monitoring and observing. Sometimes, like about a year ago, you just have to put everything up on a shelf and do some real research. Most anybody could tell you what the hot spots are in terms of boat congestion. It would appear the MP's are interested in seeing what's happening, and possibly jotting down their thoughts.

Without even being on the water there last year, it was pretty apparent where the MP's needed to step up their visibility. Weirs outside channel. Done. Eagle Island/Governors. I might add, while being on the Mount, I witnessed confusion by many boaters around the Eagle/Gov NWZ. The Mount is roaring up to the spot, and boaters up ahead clearly look like they're confused as to getting out of the way quickly, or be run over. It happened both on the way out and the way in. I could just hear the skippers of the boats in front of the Mount.

I'll note that I saw the gray RIB down in Alton on Sat night during the concert. Other than that I didn't see much of the NHMP but I think that's about right given the lack of boat traffic this (past) weekend. I raced from Alton to the Weirs to make FFVI, worried that I'd be floating about waiting for a slip. Turned out the Weirs was empty, just 2 other boats and the Mee'n'Mac at 11:45 on a Sat afternoon ! When we got back there may have been 3 or 4 other boats. On the way back I saw perhaps only 6 other boats that came within a mile of me. Obviously the threat of T-storms kept most people off the lake (though Wolfeboro was busy). With few people out and about I'd expect the MP to "park it".