Closing the camp

Steveo · 09-27-2010, 12:13 PM

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.

GsChinadoll · 09-27-2010, 12:16 PM

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

Slickcraft · 09-27-2010, 12:36 PM

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.

RLW · 09-27-2010, 12:43 PM

Can't we have a spot in there for Partially as some of us use them off and on during the winter???

Merrymeeting · 09-27-2010, 12:58 PM

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.

LIforrelaxin · 09-27-2010, 03:22 PM

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.....

IslandRadio · 09-27-2010, 05:37 PM

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

Rattlesnake Guy · 09-27-2010, 10:39 PM

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.

Island Girl · 09-28-2010, 09:31 AM

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

Grant · 09-28-2010, 01:18 PM

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

Bear Island South · 09-28-2010, 06:24 PM

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.

Grady223 · 10-05-2010, 08:54 AM

...but unfortunately not this year. Just closed up this past weekend - BOO.

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!

TomC · 10-24-2010, 05:11 AM

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

meredith weekender · 10-24-2010, 09:39 AM

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.

Water Camper · 10-24-2010, 04:59 PM

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

Lucky1 · 10-25-2010, 02:05 AM

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!!!

ishoot308 · 10-25-2010, 08:07 AM

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'.

This was taken Saturday evening 10-23-10.

Dan

codeman671 · 10-25-2010, 02:50 PM

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.

Bear Island South · 10-25-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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'.

This was taken Saturday evening 10-23-10.

Dan

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

moose tracks · 10-26-2010, 04:01 PM

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.

secondcurve · 10-26-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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'.

This was taken Saturday evening 10-23-10.

Dan

Dan:

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

VitaBene · 10-26-2010, 06:11 PM

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

Rattlesnake Gal · 10-26-2010, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

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

Why not wait and come up for Salmon Sunday?

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!

John A. Birdsall · 10-27-2010, 03:31 PM

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

trfour · 10-27-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

Getting old I suspect

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

songkrai · 10-29-2010, 06:24 AM

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.

steve-on-mark · 11-12-2010, 08:49 PM

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!

Bear Island South · 11-26-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

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.

Bear247 · 11-27-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

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.

View Poll Results: When do you close the camp
On or before Labor Day	7	2.07%
Rest of September	21	6.21%
On or before Columbus Day	113	33.43%
Rest of October	103	30.47%
November	94	27.81%
Voters: 338. You may not vote on this poll

09-27-2010, 12:13 PM	#1
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 523 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	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.

09-27-2010, 12:16 PM	#2
GsChinadoll Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Northern MA & Moultonboro Posts: 54 Thanks: 339 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts	End of October usually, unless it's really cold before that. __________________ Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance.

09-27-2010, 12:43 PM	#4
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Can't we have a spot in there for Partially as some of us use them off and on during the winter??? __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

09-27-2010, 03:22 PM	#6
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,870 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	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..... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

09-27-2010, 12:36 PM	#3
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,296 Thanks: 1,222 Thanked 2,080 Times in 952 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to RLW For This Useful Post:
Sunrise Point (09-27-2010)

09-27-2010, 12:58 PM	#5
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	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.

09-27-2010, 05:37 PM	#7
IslandRadio Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mirror Lake - Full time resident Posts: 398 Thanks: 70 Thanked 156 Times in 61 Posts	I close up when West Alton Marina closes (Oct 31st, usually) - or earlier if the weather is very cold (significantly below freezing).

09-27-2010, 10:39 PM	#8
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to Rattlesnake Guy For This Useful Post:
ClosetExtrovert (11-03-2010)

09-28-2010, 09:31 AM	#9
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	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 __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

09-28-2010, 01:18 PM	#10
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,499 Thanks: 374 Thanked 229 Times in 123 Posts	Goal going forward is Columbus Day or later. I do not dictate the date, but will be lobbying. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

09-28-2010, 06:24 PM	#11
Bear Island South Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southboro, MA Posts: 579 Thanks: 75 Thanked 384 Times in 170 Posts	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. Attached Images

10-05-2010, 08:54 AM	#12
Grady223 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island Posts: 465 Thanks: 93 Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts	Usually Weekend After Columbus Day.... ...but unfortunately not this year. Just closed up this past weekend - BOO. 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!

10-24-2010, 05:11 AM	#13
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 663 Thanks: 21 Thanked 86 Times in 57 Posts	my turn.. water goes off in a few hours.. bringing the 2010 season to a close.

10-24-2010, 09:39 AM	#14
meredith weekender Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Meredith / Manchester Posts: 373 Thanks: 87 Thanked 84 Times in 57 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to meredith weekender For This Useful Post:
Lucky1 (10-25-2010)

10-24-2010, 04:59 PM	#15
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 450 Thanks: 10 Thanked 206 Times in 88 Posts	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

10-25-2010, 02:05 AM	#16
Lucky1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Moultonborough and FL Posts: 459 Thanks: 318 Thanked 123 Times in 53 Posts	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!!!

10-25-2010, 08:07 AM	#17
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,232 Thanks: 2,384 Thanked 5,277 Times in 2,051 Posts	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'. This was taken Saturday evening 10-23-10. Dan Attached Images

10-25-2010, 02:50 PM	#18
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,486 Thanks: 221 Thanked 810 Times in 486 Posts	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.

10-26-2010, 04:01 PM	#20
moose tracks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Loudon, Tennessee, foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains Posts: 283 Thanks: 340 Thanked 41 Times in 33 Posts	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. __________________ Moose Tracks

10-26-2010, 06:11 PM	#22
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,575 Thanks: 1,609 Thanked 1,632 Times in 839 Posts	Nice shot Dan... great view. Love the bar

10-27-2010, 03:31 PM	#24
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	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

10-29-2010, 06:24 AM	#26
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Thanks: 35 Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts	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.

11-12-2010, 08:49 PM	#27
steve-on-mark Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Epping, NH / Mark Island Posts: 1,837 Thanks: 186 Thanked 729 Times in 423 Posts	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!

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Bear Island South For This Useful Post:
Bear247 (11-27-2010), Jeanzb1 (11-26-2010)