[Lakegeezer]

Like last year, I'll only use the motorboat in 2008 on occasion. Last year, I only filled up the 30 gallon tank twice. That got me some salmon fishing, a few trips to Wolfeboro, taking the nephews tubing once, and many trolling speed sunset cruises. However, I logged over 300 miles on the sailboat and used about 6 gallons of gas.

The cost to day-trippers, to trailer a boat to the lake and the run it for a day will no doubt have a more significant effect than last summer. Its going to take a while, if ever, for people to get used to the new fuel prices. We still aren't experiencing the gas prices that Europe has seen for many years. There, recreation is much more 'green'.

Still, Winnipesaukee is close enough to Boston that it will attract tourists - if the snow ever melts. Fewer though than before, and that will impact the tourist economy. Hopefully the influx of year-round residents will diversify the local economy enough to support merchants as the economy shifts gears.