All Right -- I wasn't going to -- but so many have already, here goes:
By reading the posts above, we are relative newcomers to the Lake. We have been coming up for close to 20 years now (pale in comparison to those who have grown up here). We started out with extended week-ends staying in Center Harbor and using our then 16' bow rider, explored, explored, explored (we are truely a boating family)!! We now spend nearly 45-50 nites per season at Winni and our boat has grown up a little (now a 24' Crownline bowrider) taking us out of the "Tourist" category - I Hope! At this point we still have not purchased a home or Condo, a goal that one day will happen. Our prime consideration, till now, was to see the kids thru college first (that has just recently been accomplished) thus we have been renting at a great set of cottages adjacent to FL # 1 for the past 15 years. Don- I believe you know the place, as well. I firmly believe we are now on the owners chart as "part time resident" versus guest!!
When we are not on Winni, we are home here in Central Mass where we do own waterfront property -- which always begs our guests and neighbors to ask "How can you leave
THIS to go to NH and vacation on another Lake" -- That question is quite simple to answer for you folks & us as well.
Phantom -- it's derivation in the "Illusionary or Ghost like quality" -- was an old CB "handle" which ended up becoming the name of our boats & sticks to this day. It seems appropriate as now I always threaten the kids (and now grandkids) that "I'll come back and Haunt you long after I'm gone - so be good to me now while you can" !! They don't buy it - oh by the way
Avitar - well there is nothing special there, I change them to fit the mood so don't get hung up on that -- Snoopy & the gang are kewl !!
That's the short version -- If you hear us on the VHF or happen to be at one of the sandbars we frequent -- the boat name is (discreetly) on the stern with a pink ribbon next to it (my wife is a 2 time survivor)-- please do come up & say "Hello" -