kayaking question

nshore · 08-08-2005, 10:51 AM

I am new to kayaking and I was thinking of trying a little paddling on the lake. My plan is to try a mid-week day, stay close to shore and put in at the Alton Bay Boat ramp.. My question is,...how much distance could I expect travel in an hour (in mi.).....I am in reasonably good shape (at least that's my opinion..

)... Thanks in advance, this will really help me plan my day..

Orion · 08-08-2005, 11:53 AM

I would guess anywhere from 3 to 5 miles, depending on if you are doing a relaxed paddle or pushing it a bit. Alton Bay can have a lot of wake action due to the long slender shape of the bay. The northern part of the lake (Moultonborough Bay) presents more quiet areas for kayaking. But mid-week should not be too bad, especially if you can get out in the morning when it is quieter, and cooler.

nshore · 08-09-2005, 05:56 AM

Thanks Orion, I really appreciate the help and info...

jrc · 08-09-2005, 08:26 AM

I paddle my big fat canoe and my big fat body about two mph. I've never paddle Winnipesaukee, so your mileage may vary. You should be able to easily get to Little Mark island and back.

I've always wanted to launch in Wolfeboro and explore the Varney islands, or launch in Glendale and explore the Forty islands. Alton Bay seems a little wide open and uninteresting for paddling. But then again I'd probably be fishing.

fatlazyless · 08-09-2005, 10:16 AM

The design of the kayak is equally important as the strength of the padler in terms of speed and kayaking range. Lengths for a one person kayak can be as short as nine feet and as long as 18 feet. A longer and thinner kayak has the greatest speed and range. Suggest a visit to Wild Meadow Canoe & Kayak on Moultonboro-Centre Harbor border just beyond Heath's Hardware store on Rt 25.

nshore · 08-09-2005, 10:52 AM

Thanks jrc and fatlazyless... as usual forum members are a great resource for information.. I have a 12ft Perception Sundance....and I am looking at trying Alton Bay because I spent many great summers there growing up.. so, I am looking forward to seeing some of the old spots,,, thanks again....

playinghooky · 08-10-2005, 04:39 PM

I kayak in Alton Bay all the time. As long as you stay along the shore you should not have any problem. If there are alot of boats around (not likely during the week) just stay out of the middle. I average around 4 miles per hour in either of my two kayaks. Last week I went from Echo Point over to Wolfboro and back in about 3 hours (about 6 miles each way). If you will be doing alot of sightseeing you'll probably average around 3 miles per hour. Since the bay is around 5 miles long, you could see the whole bay in about 3 to 4 hours.

nshore · 08-11-2005, 07:07 AM

thanks playinghooky.... I am looking forward to a great time on the Lake... your feedback is a great help and very much appreciated..

randa steblez · 08-26-2005, 05:58 PM

]Try putting in at Cattle Landing on the Bear Island Channel and paddle
over to the Dollie Islands. Its protected configuration is great for quiet
paddling and watching wildlife close up. Nearby to the south is Church
Cove . It's also a nice , safe trip and a good way to view Bear Island.
Try the Winnipesaukee Water Trails pamphlet put out by the Lakes
Region Conservation Trust. I've been a canoe tripper on this big
lake for over 20 years and although my typing skills are wanting, my
paddling skills are excellent thanks to the travelling I've done on
Winnipesaukee.

nshore · 08-28-2005, 05:31 PM

thanks for the suggestion Randa.. I checked it out on an old map and it does look like it would be an interesting paddle... from my map, I see that there is a public dock at Cattle Landing... can you tell me what the parking situation is there?? thanks again...

randa steblez · 08-29-2005, 05:39 PM

The parking at Cattle Landing is fairly uncomplicated on weekdays and
usually negotiable on weekend mornings early. The trip to the Dollies
takes me only 10 minutes by freestyle canoe (solo) from Cattle.
Leavitt Beach is also an official canoe put-in and you can head out
to the Beaver Islands, another favorite excursion of ours. We (myhusband,
daughter and I wrote and illustrated a handbook for paddlers about the
shoreline trees and wildflowers of Bear Island. We are currently about
to publish a handbook for the Dollies. These are totally free of charge-
we had so much fun doing the research and hope that the handbook
might impress touring folks with the richness of the big Lake's wildlife.
The handbooks are availabe at Wild Meadow Canoe and Kayaks in Center
Harbor. I could also send you a copy if you wish. Did you attend the
LRCT Canoe Regatta out of Leavitt Beach in 2000? There is a small
army of paddlers on this lake!

jrc · 08-30-2005, 02:57 PM

Where or what are the Dollies?

fatlazyless · 08-30-2005, 05:34 PM

Across the Bear Isl channel from the Cattle Landing town dock, on the south end of Bear. A very picturesque cottage and one-boat boat house that looks like a one car garage has a Dolly Island sign. Rumored this cottage and boathouse was buit in the 1930's by a NH State Prison work detail. Anyone know of any similar details for hire for about $0.23/hour?

jrc · 08-30-2005, 09:21 PM

I found Dolly Island on my map, but I thought randa was refering to a group of islands that I never heard of.

randa steblez · 08-31-2005, 06:17 PM

I picked up on "rumor that a cottage may have been built in the 1930's
by a prison work detail" I am very interested in any historical tidbits
or more about the Dolly Islands (the Dollies). The names of the smaller
islands are vague; one map depicts one of the smallest as "Piano Island"
I wonder about the origin. legends and facts etc. I would appreciate any
enlightenment as I am writing a book about these islands. The book is
actually from a naturalist's perspective, but some historic info would be
very helpful. "Aunt" Dolly of course has been well researched and I have
explored her shoreline livestock pen many times. Thanks.

mcdude · 08-31-2005, 08:05 PM

randa steblez · 09-01-2005, 06:17 PM

Thanks for the "lift". I'm in the middle of Washington,D.C. right now, toiling
away, but I know that spot from where the shot was taken as well as I
know my own back yard. A beautifully sheltered place from wind, waves,
wake and the roaring collosus of weekend traffic. I'd love to see more
picts, ground level and aerial of these islands ,as well as collecting any
anecdotes or historical info on them. Thanks again!

fatlazyless · 09-01-2005, 07:33 PM

Hi - sorry my rumor hasn't got much of a foundation. Maybe five years ago, a neighbor related that one about the NH state prison work detail building the white two-story cottage and boat house on Dolly Island. It's a real nice looking old lake cottage. I'll ask him about it soon as I get back. I have a b & w photo, somewhere, from 1920 or so of a six sided cottage on Horse Island w/ three men from Stoneham Mass, posing with large fish on the shoreline ice and a lone women posing with a broom on the cottage door step. Will try to round it up.

randa steblez · 09-02-2005, 06:37 PM

Thank you for the follow up about the Dolly Island history and any more
anecdotes you may have about similar islands. I'm quite familiar with
Horse Island and remember as a kid the remnants of a small cottage there.
I'd appreciate seeing the photo you have if possible. We will include
Horse Island in our canoe tripping handbook series. We paddle around
its shore quite a bit; that activity was even more fun when Steve
Chicola ran his pizza parlor (The Golden Horseshoe!) right nearby on
the mainland. Please advise when you can about that cottage on
the biggest of the Dollies and its possible origins. Thanks again.

08-08-2005, 10:51 AM	#1
nshore Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	kayaking question I am new to kayaking and I was thinking of trying a little paddling on the lake. My plan is to try a mid-week day, stay close to shore and put in at the Alton Bay Boat ramp.. My question is,...how much distance could I expect travel in an hour (in mi.).....I am in reasonably good shape (at least that's my opinion.. )... Thanks in advance, this will really help me plan my day..

08-08-2005, 11:53 AM	#2
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cow Island Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	distance I would guess anywhere from 3 to 5 miles, depending on if you are doing a relaxed paddle or pushing it a bit. Alton Bay can have a lot of wake action due to the long slender shape of the bay. The northern part of the lake (Moultonborough Bay) presents more quiet areas for kayaking. But mid-week should not be too bad, especially if you can get out in the morning when it is quieter, and cooler.

08-09-2005, 05:56 AM	#3
nshore Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Thanks Orion, I really appreciate the help and info...

08-10-2005, 04:39 PM	#7
playinghooky Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 61 Thanks: 7 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Alton Bay Kayak I kayak in Alton Bay all the time. As long as you stay along the shore you should not have any problem. If there are alot of boats around (not likely during the week) just stay out of the middle. I average around 4 miles per hour in either of my two kayaks. Last week I went from Echo Point over to Wolfboro and back in about 3 hours (about 6 miles each way). If you will be doing alot of sightseeing you'll probably average around 3 miles per hour. Since the bay is around 5 miles long, you could see the whole bay in about 3 to 4 hours.

08-26-2005, 05:58 PM	#9
randa steblez Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	kayaking sites ]Try putting in at Cattle Landing on the Bear Island Channel and paddle over to the Dollie Islands. Its protected configuration is great for quiet paddling and watching wildlife close up. Nearby to the south is Church Cove . It's also a nice , safe trip and a good way to view Bear Island. Try the Winnipesaukee Water Trails pamphlet put out by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. I've been a canoe tripper on this big lake for over 20 years and although my typing skills are wanting, my paddling skills are excellent thanks to the travelling I've done on Winnipesaukee.

08-09-2005, 08:26 AM	#4
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I paddle my big fat canoe and my big fat body about two mph. I've never paddle Winnipesaukee, so your mileage may vary. You should be able to easily get to Little Mark island and back. I've always wanted to launch in Wolfeboro and explore the Varney islands, or launch in Glendale and explore the Forty islands. Alton Bay seems a little wide open and uninteresting for paddling. But then again I'd probably be fishing.

08-09-2005, 10:16 AM	#5
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,752 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts	The design of the kayak is equally important as the strength of the padler in terms of speed and kayaking range. Lengths for a one person kayak can be as short as nine feet and as long as 18 feet. A longer and thinner kayak has the greatest speed and range. Suggest a visit to Wild Meadow Canoe & Kayak on Moultonboro-Centre Harbor border just beyond Heath's Hardware store on Rt 25.

08-09-2005, 10:52 AM	#6
nshore Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks jrc and fatlazyless... as usual forum members are a great resource for information.. I have a 12ft Perception Sundance....and I am looking at trying Alton Bay because I spent many great summers there growing up.. so, I am looking forward to seeing some of the old spots,,, thanks again....

08-11-2005, 07:07 AM	#8
nshore Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks playinghooky.... I am looking forward to a great time on the Lake... your feedback is a great help and very much appreciated..

08-28-2005, 05:31 PM	#10
nshore Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks.. thanks for the suggestion Randa.. I checked it out on an old map and it does look like it would be an interesting paddle... from my map, I see that there is a public dock at Cattle Landing... can you tell me what the parking situation is there?? thanks again...

08-29-2005, 05:39 PM	#11
randa steblez Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	cattle landing parking The parking at Cattle Landing is fairly uncomplicated on weekdays and usually negotiable on weekend mornings early. The trip to the Dollies takes me only 10 minutes by freestyle canoe (solo) from Cattle. Leavitt Beach is also an official canoe put-in and you can head out to the Beaver Islands, another favorite excursion of ours. We (myhusband, daughter and I wrote and illustrated a handbook for paddlers about the shoreline trees and wildflowers of Bear Island. We are currently about to publish a handbook for the Dollies. These are totally free of charge- we had so much fun doing the research and hope that the handbook might impress touring folks with the richness of the big Lake's wildlife. The handbooks are availabe at Wild Meadow Canoe and Kayaks in Center Harbor. I could also send you a copy if you wish. Did you attend the LRCT Canoe Regatta out of Leavitt Beach in 2000? There is a small army of paddlers on this lake!

08-30-2005, 02:57 PM	#12
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Where or what are the Dollies?

08-30-2005, 05:34 PM	#13
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,752 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts	Across the Bear Isl channel from the Cattle Landing town dock, on the south end of Bear. A very picturesque cottage and one-boat boat house that looks like a one car garage has a Dolly Island sign. Rumored this cottage and boathouse was buit in the 1930's by a NH State Prison work detail. Anyone know of any similar details for hire for about $0.23/hour?

08-30-2005, 09:21 PM	#14
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I found Dolly Island on my map, but I thought randa was refering to a group of islands that I never heard of.

08-31-2005, 06:17 PM	#15
randa steblez Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dolly Island history? I picked up on "rumor that a cottage may have been built in the 1930's by a prison work detail" I am very interested in any historical tidbits or more about the Dolly Islands (the Dollies). The names of the smaller islands are vague; one map depicts one of the smallest as "Piano Island" I wonder about the origin. legends and facts etc. I would appreciate any enlightenment as I am writing a book about these islands. The book is actually from a naturalist's perspective, but some historic info would be very helpful. "Aunt" Dolly of course has been well researched and I have explored her shoreline livestock pen many times. Thanks.

08-31-2005, 08:05 PM	#16
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	...just adding a visual to the thread.....

09-01-2005, 06:17 PM	#17
randa steblez Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	View from the Dolly Islands Thanks for the "lift". I'm in the middle of Washington,D.C. right now, toiling away, but I know that spot from where the shot was taken as well as I know my own back yard. A beautifully sheltered place from wind, waves, wake and the roaring collosus of weekend traffic. I'd love to see more picts, ground level and aerial of these islands ,as well as collecting any anecdotes or historical info on them. Thanks again!

09-01-2005, 07:33 PM	#18
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,752 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts	Hi - sorry my rumor hasn't got much of a foundation. Maybe five years ago, a neighbor related that one about the NH state prison work detail building the white two-story cottage and boat house on Dolly Island. It's a real nice looking old lake cottage. I'll ask him about it soon as I get back. I have a b & w photo, somewhere, from 1920 or so of a six sided cottage on Horse Island w/ three men from Stoneham Mass, posing with large fish on the shoreline ice and a lone women posing with a broom on the cottage door step. Will try to round it up.

09-02-2005, 06:37 PM	#19
randa steblez Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dolly Island History and photo Thank you for the follow up about the Dolly Island history and any more anecdotes you may have about similar islands. I'm quite familiar with Horse Island and remember as a kid the remnants of a small cottage there. I'd appreciate seeing the photo you have if possible. We will include Horse Island in our canoe tripping handbook series. We paddle around its shore quite a bit; that activity was even more fun when Steve Chicola ran his pizza parlor (The Golden Horseshoe!) right nearby on the mainland. Please advise when you can about that cottage on the biggest of the Dollies and its possible origins. Thanks again.