A lighthouse on the Witches?

[Bizer]

Bizer receives all sorts of inquiries. We try and answer them all. My favorite was a phone call I received about 10 years ago, "I'm driving north on I-93 and I'm calling you from my cell phone. What exit do I get off at to get to Laconia?"

But, I digress ...

Today, Bizer received an email which asked, "Hi - It would be extremely helpful to know the approximate dimensions of the Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee for a lighthouse proposal." Answer: about 2100 ft long and 650 feet wide. Anyone heard of any plan to put a lighthouse on the Witches?

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Bizer

Bizer receives all sorts of inquiries. We try and answer them all. My favorite was a phone call I received about 10 years ago, "I'm driving north on I-93 and I'm calling you from my cell phone. What exit do I get off at to get to Laconia?"

But, I digress ...

Today, Bizer received an email which asked, "Hi - It would be extremely helpful to know the approximate dimensions of the Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee for a lighthouse proposal." Answer: about 2100 ft long and 650 feet wide. Anyone heard of any plan to put a lighthouse on the Witches?

I think it's a great idea but who would pay for it? That's the bigger question.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I think it's a great idea but who would pay for it? That's the bigger question.

Back in 2001 I suggested (in jest) that this site would sponsor it.

Here's the thread from our old forum:

https://www.winnipesaukeeforum.com/a...cgi?read=22396

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I think it's a great idea but who would pay for it? That's the bigger question.

I bet a "go fund me" type of collection would work. Just propose it here, and in the several Facebook groups. Also I'm sure that WMUR would run with a story about it.

[The Real BigGuy]

I can’t believe anyone would seriously consider this. The area is well marked by spars. At night use a map & compass or a GPS. If your uncomfortable at night stay away from the area or don’t go out. Another sissification of our society!


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[AC2717]

While I agree with the Big Guy

i also think those spars should be lighted and flash to show the channel through the middle and around it

[Pricestavern]

I actually like the idea of a lighthouse on the Witches. Doesn't have to be extravagant, just utilitarian. Might save a prop or two and possibly a life.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

I actually like the idea of a lighthouse on the Witches. Doesn't have to be extravagant, just utilitarian. Might save a prop or two and possibly a life.

I agree! I don't see any downside other than cost.

[The Real BigGuy]

Ok, blinking spars I can go with. A light house is a little over the top.


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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Ok, blinking spars I can go with. A light house is a little over the top.


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I don't think a light house like you see on the ocean shore would be appropriate but some kind of bright blinking warning light for the deaf, dumb, and blind would be useful and cost efficient.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Ok, blinking spars I can go with. A light house is a little over the top.

There are already three flashers in the area. Used to be only two (27 & 28) #71 was added "recently". I think #71 could add to the confusion. If you only see only one flasher, is #71 or #28? If you see 71 and think you're looking at 28, you could go on the wrong side.

Maybe CG Surplus bell buoys, tuned to sound like wind chimes, and, of course, lighted?

[kawishiwi]

Originally Posted by Bizer

Bizer receives all sorts of inquiries. We try and answer them all. My favorite was a phone call I received about 10 years ago, "I'm driving north on I-93 and I'm calling you from my cell phone. What exit do I get off at to get to Laconia?"

But, I digress ...

Today, Bizer received an email which asked, "Hi - It would be extremely helpful to know the approximate dimensions of the Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee for a lighthouse proposal." Answer: about 2100 ft long and 650 feet wide. Anyone heard of any plan to put a lighthouse on the Witches?

This sounds like a high school, end of the semester, project.

[tis]

Good luck. I am sure first you would have to get approval. The way government works it would probably take what, 5 years? And then, everybody would want lighthouses out on the lake. I have a feeling this idea is dead in the water. It would be kind of neat though. I like lighthouses.

[The Real BigGuy]

Ok, for those who think it’s a good idea, where do yo put it on a 2100 ft x 650 ft shoal? Is one enough? Do you need 2 or 3? How about a keepers cottage? Better yet, let’s be like the Chinese and fill the shoal to create a new island the we don’t need any additional lights at all.

For those unsure, yes I am being sarcastic. (and maybe trying to stir the pot)


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[Descant]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Ok, for those who think it’s a good idea, where do yo put it on a 2100 ft x 650 ft shoal? Is one enough? Do you need 2 or 3? How about a keepers cottage? Better yet, let’s be like the Chinese and fill the shoal to create a new island the we don’t need any additional lights at all.

For those unsure, yes I am being sarcastic. (and maybe trying to stir the pot)
[/url]

On April 1, 1998, the Laconia Citizen reported the sinking of Four Mile Island. Perhaps this could be a replacement? We could call it "The Mysterious Island" (sorry, Jules Verne) since it would be uncharted.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Ok, for those who think it’s a good idea, where do yo put it on a 2100 ft x 650 ft shoal? Is one enough? Do you need 2 or 3? How about a keepers cottage? Better yet, let’s be like the Chinese and fill the shoal to create a new island the we don’t need any additional lights at all.

For those unsure, yes I am being sarcastic. (and maybe trying to stir the pot)


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Maybe the state should just sell it, let some mega rich owner build a McMansion on it and require them to keep the lights on. Just think of the tax revenue!

[Patofnaud]

Mount small blinking lights to all sea gulls. Then just dodge the 30 gulls standing on the rocks.

[gravy boat]

Build a wall.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by gravy boat

Build a wall.

Make Gilford pay for it!

Dave

[tis]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Make Gilford pay for it!

Dave

Anybody but us!!

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Ok, for those who think it’s a good idea, where do yo put it on a 2100 ft x 650 ft shoal? Is one enough? Do you need 2 or 3? How about a keepers cottage? Better yet, let’s be like the Chinese and fill the shoal to create a new island the we don’t need any additional lights at all.

For those unsure, yes I am being sarcastic. (and maybe trying to stir the pot)


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why not build a casino on it?

[brk-lnt]

The most logical thing would be to just dredge the area and remove the hazard entirely. A barge and a few sticks of dynamite would take of it the same way other unwanted granite deposits in the state are removed.

[joey2665]

Waste of money. Leave it as it is, maybe just add a few more lighted spars at minimal cost. How many serious incidents have there been in the last 5 years at the witches?

[Superduty1]

Perfect spot for The Dive, with room to expand.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Waste of money. Leave it as it is, maybe just add a few more lighted spars at minimal cost. How many serious incidents have there been in the last 5 years at the witches?

Are you serious??

I don't think anybody else on this thread is.

BTW, other lighthouses on Winnipesaukee were privately funded. Of course they are on private property where you are quite welcome to spend money anyway you want. You'd have to negotiate a 99 year lease for the Witches and then negotiate with Shore Things to build. I expect she'd enjoy the challenge. Can't be much trickier than building on Wilcomb (sp?) Island.

[jetlag100]

How about solar lights...put them on some poles that would be installed like a light post and put them around the witches....it would look awesome and serve a purpose

[Bizer]

Personally, I think they should put a daymark at/near the northernmost and southernmost rock of the Witches. Use a telephone pole (to handle the winter ice) and put solar-powered lights on top. I feel daymarks are good navigational aids because they are easy to see and they do not drift out of position.

Here's what they look like.
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark5.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark6.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark1.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark3.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark4.jpg

If anyone put something this conspicuous on their shorefront property, Bizer would probably put it on the map as a navigational aid.

[Descant]

Bizer's Daymarks? Can't tell if this is serious or not. The one with the boat wrapped around it makes me think "An expensive solution to a non-problem" not preventing accidents, just protecting indestructible rocks from damage.

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by Descant

Are you serious??

I don't think anybody else on this thread is.

BTW, other lighthouses on Winnipesaukee were privately funded. Of course they are on private property where you are quite welcome to spend money anyway you want. You'd have to negotiate a 99 year lease for the Witches and then negotiate with Shore Things to build. I expect she'd enjoy the challenge. Can't be much trickier than building on Wilcomb (sp?) Island.

We've already met. As we explained to them in the meeting we, NHDES, are not the biggest challenge here. The biggest underlying problem here is that NHDES lacks the authority to approve a project that that takes public land and transfers it to a private holding. That authority rests with the Governor and Executive Council. They need to figure out who is going to take ownership of this and be responsible for maintaining it. Once they figure that out they can move forward in pursuing the construction and potential land transfer.

[GusMan]

Hi All,

Interestingly... there are several lighthouses on Lake Sunapee at least one of which I believe marks a hazardous reef/navigation area (I'd have to dig out my chart to see for sure). It's my understanding that they are quite popular with the tourists for photo ops etc.

I have no idea who owns them... but kinda neat nonetheless..

Hell... the cottage on Becky's Garden is a huge draw.... why not the Witches? (mostly busting chops!)….

Cheers..

Gusman

[Descant]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Waste of money. Leave it as it is, maybe just add a few more lighted spars at minimal cost. How many serious incidents have there been in the last 5 years at the witches?

Hmmm. Same as Middle Ground Shoals, I bet. I know the lake is a lot busier than it used to be, but there are times when I believe it was better when the Public Utilities Commission was in charge instead of Safety and DES. Like many other things, when people start asking their legislators to pass a law, the long term result is not always the intended outcome. And you get Department Commissioners who tell staff to "put a buoy there" (because my friend doesn't want so many boats coming so close?). Now, we have a logical MP who removes unnecessary buoys because there really is no hazard. Good job, MP. DES says there are certain classes of docks that present no environmental impact, but they don't want to stop regulating them. The Legislative dock study commission couldn't meet because they couldn't get a quorum. Are they really interested? Time to figure out that we just don't need more regulation. Just let MP do their law enforcement job, and read your own chart to avoid prop damage. Here endeth the rant.

[jeffk]

This is what we need. We could just build a little platform for him to "perform" on.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Descant

Bizer's Daymarks? Can't tell if this is serious or not.

The one with the boat wrapped around it makes me think "An expensive solution to a non-problem" not preventing accidents, just protecting indestructible rocks from damage.

You're thinking of this Daymarker?

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by Descant

From Joey 2665; Waste of money. Leave it as it is, maybe just add a few more lighted spars at minimal cost. How many serious incidents have there been in the last 5 years at the witches?

Hmmm. Same as Middle Ground Shoals,I bet. I know the lake is a lot busier than it used to be, but there are times when I believe it was better when the Public Utilities Commission was in charge instead of Safety and DES. Like many other things, when people start asking their legislators to pass a law, the long term result is not always the intended outcome. And you get Department Commissioners who tell staff to "put a buoy there" (because my friend doesn't want so many boats coming so close?). Now, we have a logical MP who removes unnecessary buoys because there really is no hazard. Good job, MP. DES says there are certain classes of docks that present no environmental impact, but they don't want to stop regulating them. The Legislative dock study commission couldn't meet because they couldn't get a quorum. Are they really interested? Time to figure out that we just don't need more regulation. Just let MP do their law enforcement job, and read your own chart to avoid prop damage. Here endeth the rant.

I believe the next committee meeting is scheduled for January 11th at the Legislative Office Building in Concord at 10:00 a.m. You should come. The meetings are open to the public. You can verify the schedule by keeping an eye on the House calendar which is posted weekly here: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/hous...ns/default.htm

They list it by its long title, Commission To Study The Effectiveness Of The Current Statutes Related To Management Of Non-Tidal Public Waterways And The Construction Or Placement Of Structures Within Them.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Bizer

Personally, I think they should put a daymark at/near the northernmost and southernmost rock of the Witches. Use a telephone pole (to handle the winter ice) and put solar-powered lights on top. I feel daymarks are good navigational aids because they are easy to see and they do not drift out of position.

Here's what they look like.
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark5.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark6.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark1.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark3.jpg
www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark4.jpg

If anyone put something this conspicuous on their shorefront property, Bizer would probably put it on the map as a navigational aid.

I think he should include the green rope lighting on the east side of mink...best navigational aid coming out of Smith cove!


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[BoatHouse]

Originally Posted by Bizer

www.bizer.com/lwother/daymark1.jpg

Is it No Wake or 5MPH?

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by BoatHouse

Is it No Wake or 5MPH?

Yes, it is.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Yes, it is.

Wrong thread. The Witches is not a NWZ. LOL.

[MAXUM]

It's a "NO GO" zone for most captains.

[RumGuy]

You will notice that the daymarker did it's job, and prevented the boat from entering what might have been a bad area.

[Kamper]

Speaking of DayMarks, this might help in a few spots...

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by shore things

I believe the next committee meeting is scheduled for January 11th at the Legislative Office Building in Concord at 10:00 a.m. You should come. The meetings are open to the public. You can verify the schedule by keeping an eye on the House calendar which is posted weekly here: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/hous...ns/default.htm

They list it by its long title, Commission To Study The Effectiveness Of The Current Statutes Related To Management Of Non-Tidal Public Waterways And The Construction Or Placement Of Structures Within Them.

The Commission's meeting scheduled for the 11th is being postponed for a week or two in order to allow the new interim chair to confirm that vacant seat on the Commission are being filled so that there will be a quorum. Please refer to the House calendar at the link provided for the rescheduled time. It is anticipated to only be a 2 week delay at most.

[Descant]

Thanks for keeping us posted, Shore Things.
Two related bills have been filed. One to adjust membership and establish a quorum of 7. The second one will extend the report deadline from November 2019 to November 2020. That likely means any recommended changes will come as legislation in 2021, pass in June 2021 to be effective January 2022.

HB 219 relative to membership on the Structures on Non-tidal Public Waterways Commission.
HB 228 extending the commission to study the current statutes related to management of non-tidal public waterways and the construction or placement of structures within them.

[Kerk]

My first experience was WatereSkiing through rthe Witches and loosing one of the wood fins on my wood Water Skis which I still own. It was a scary experience! Went to Goodhue & Hawkins & after a little educatuion I bought my first Chart. This is now the STATE Location of theMarine Patrol ! still Boat on Winni. As a owner of Island proprety since 81 after renting before that. Lots of fond memorys. kerk

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Kerk

My first experience was WatereSkiing through rthe Witches and loosing one of the wood fins on my wood Water Skis which I still own. It was a scary experience! Went to Goodhue & Hawkins & after a little educatuion I bought my first Chart. This is now the STATE Location of theMarine Patrol ! still Boat on Winni. As a owner of Island proprety since 81 after renting before that. Lots of fond memorys. kerk

I'm amazed that you damaged your skis, but not the boat. Yes, scary.
BTW, Goodhue and Hawkins Navy Yard is in Wolfeboro, still in business. Sounds like you bought your chart at Goodhue Boat Yard in Glendale, now the site of MP headquarters.

[tis]

You guys weren't serious about a lighthouse on the Witches were you? Or were you???? I thought it was tongue in cheek.

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by Descant

Thanks for keeping us posted, Shore Things.
Two related bills have been filed. One to adjust membership and establish a quorum of 7. The second one will extend the report deadline from November 2019 to November 2020. That likely means any recommended changes will come as legislation in 2021, pass in June 2021 to be effective January 2022.

HB 219 relative to membership on the Structures on Non-tidal Public Waterways Commission.
HB 228 extending the commission to study the current statutes related to management of non-tidal public waterways and the construction or placement of structures within them.

The Commission can make recommendations on legislation at anytime; they don't have to wait until their final report is out. There is already an LSR (19-0768) in relative to creating a dock registration process. I fully expect them to be reviewing it and commenting on it. They could vote to ask the appropriate legislative committees to push it forward this year, recommend changes, or ask for it to be tabled for review. We'll have to see what happens but what ever it is the Commission's effect will start to be felt this session.

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by tis

You guys weren't serious about a lighthouse on the Witches were you? Or were you???? I thought it was tongue in cheek.

The group putting this idea forward is quite serious.

[RAY WHALER]

Thanks


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[Poor Richard]

Originally Posted by shore things

The group putting this idea forward is quite serious.

How Massachusetts of them.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by shore things

The Commission can make recommendations on legislation at anytime; they don't have to wait until their final report is out. There is already an LSR (19-0768) in relative to creating a dock registration process. I fully expect them to be reviewing it and commenting on it. They could vote to ask the appropriate legislative committees to push it forward this year, recommend changes, or ask for it to be tabled for review. We'll have to see what happens but what ever it is the Commission's effect will start to be felt this session.

The deadline for signing off on LSRs/Bills was January 4th. Nobody rose, as far as I can see, to sponsor LSR 768 as a bill, so it is dead. Could come up as an amendment to something else, but unlikely. I stand by my estimate that nothing will happen soon.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

How Massachusetts of them.

Are you sure they are from Massachusetts? Sometimes I get tired of people jumping to this conclusion....

Now having said that... I will absolutely laugh if we start seeing lighthouses on the lake in area's like the Witches... Because once that happens, I see one on Middle ground shoal.... The Graveyard... etc.....

With the charts and electronics available to aide in navigation... people are just not paying attention when they wander into these area's....

[Poor Richard]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Are you sure they are from Massachusetts? Sometimes I get tired of people jumping to this conclusion....

Lighten up. It was a joke.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Back in 2001 I suggested (in jest) that this site would sponsor it.

Why not ask the Margate to give back the one that was at the "White Owl Cabins" It would certainly help keep the cost down. I don't think they are using it at the Margate any more. While I'm certainly not sure they are the same exact light house...... I'd have a hard time believing they are not especially when it was essentially right across the street at one time.




Reference White Owl Cabins Thread
https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...t=White+cabins

[Onshore]

Originally Posted by Descant

The deadline for signing off on LSRs/Bills was January 4th. Nobody rose, as far as I can see, to sponsor LSR 768 as a bill, so it is dead. Could come up as an amendment to something else, but unlikely. I stand by my estimate that nothing will happen soon.

LSR 768 is now HB 645-FN
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lsr_...?id=821&type=4

[MD88Pilot]

Originally Posted by Patofnaud

Mount small blinking lights to all sea gulls. Then just dodge the 30 gulls standing on the rocks.

Some way some how, someone will still hit it.

[Descant]

I want to guess that there are more bent props between Little Island and Big Island, or between Chase and Farm Island than there are on the Witches. Some people just deserve the bent prop award and nothing anybody does will prevent them from getting that trophy. And they will claim to their death that the buoy wasn't in the right place.

[Sandyisl]

Brand new to the forum but certainly not the lake. I hate to be negative but in my opinion i think a good start is bizer making a proper chart. Not a placemat.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Sandyisl

Brand new to the forum but certainly not the lake. I hate to be negative but in my opinion i think a good start is bizer making a proper chart. Not a placemat.

Not sure what your post means. Bizer does make regular charts that are available through this website as well as many other places.

[Descant]

Sandyisl, Welcome to the Forum. I'm not sure either what your post means, but the Bizer chart is available in many formats, paper, laminated, digital, etc. Many other publishers have, over the years, published in a variety of formats as well. Some of the posters here look askance at new posters who are only negative, so please be aware. We all try to be friendly with only a few trolls.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Not sure what your post means. Bizer does make regular charts that are available through this website as well as many other places.

If you go to Olde Bay Dinner in Alton Bay, the tables have charts over the surface of the table, and have for years. These are NOT special charts made as placemats, they are actual Bizer charts. Makes for interesting conversation.

Dave

[tis]

I keep asking but nobody ever answers. Does Duncan still make charts? (Maybe nobody knows.)

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by tis

Does Duncan still make charts? (Maybe nobody knows.)

I think most of us aren't sure. The Duncan Press website is down and I don't have any other information. If I hear anything I'll post it here.

[tis]

Originally Posted by webmaster

I think most of us aren't sure. The Duncan Press website is down and I don't have any other information. If I hear anything I'll post it here.

Thank you so much for the reply! I have been curious about what happened to them and also looked on the website and found nothing. You would think they would say something on there. Maybe they only print them every few years?

[Descant]

10:15 am Jan.24 2019
I Googled: "Duncan Lake Winnipesaukee Chart" That took me to a page that offers several Duncan chart-like products. Clicked on one and it took me to a product page, described the product and offered to 'add it to my cart'. I didn't want it so I left the store.
There are a few entries that announce August 1, 2018, Duncan "officially approved' their new chart. Those also indicatew that online is their only store. If you click on these, the response is access denied.
to this page. I like to Google before I ask on this or other forums, and I appreciate that the Webmaster often does this for us. Thank you.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Descant

10:15 am Jan.24 2019
I Googled: "Duncan Lake Winnipesaukee Chart" That took me to a page that offers several Duncan chart-like products. Clicked on one and it took me to a product page, described the product and offered to 'add it to my cart'. I didn't want it so I left the store.
There are a few entries that announce August 1, 2018, Duncan "officially approved' their new chart. Those also indicatew that online is their only store. If you click on these, the response is access denied.
to this page. I like to Google before I ask on this or other forums, and I appreciate that the Webmaster often does this for us. Thank you.

I have googled it a few time in the past couple years too because I wondered what happened to them. I felt I didn't get a real answer either, that is why I asked. I know somebody that actually tried to order one on line and they weren't able to get one. That was a year ago or so.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by tis

I have googled it a few time in the past couple years too because I wondered what happened to them. I felt I didn't get a real answer either, that is why I asked. I know somebody that actually tried to order one on line and they weren't able to get one. That was a year ago or so.

I sent on nh.gov and the are no reports since around 2003-4 for Duncan Press Inc. Sally Fichett is the agent with a mail address in Center Harbor and business address in AZ.

Interesting that it is so hard to get to their website.

Dave

[tis]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I sent on nh.gov and the are no reports since around 2003-4 for Duncan Press Inc. Sally Fichett is the agent with a mail address in Center Harbor and business address in AZ.

Interesting that it is so hard to get to their website.

Dave

So maybe they are not even doing business any more?! It IS interesting, isn't it? I am getting a warning now that it's not a safe site. I think they were around before Bizer weren't they?

[Descant]

I have at my desk a PUC chart published in 1962. Blue water and beige land. For awhile, I recall a white water/green land chart being available, in the 60's, I think simultaneously with the PUC chart published and distributed by the Capital Offset Company. I don't know if that green/white one was Duncan or if there was another publisher that was taken over by Duncan. I still have one on the boat, but I use it for guests to follow along, not really for up to date navigation. For navigation, I don't think there's any question Bizer is the most accurate and up to date.
As a matter of interest, there were only 59 flashers in 1962 and it lists several headway speed locations, including 10 mph between Varney and Kenison Islands, 12 mph between Loon and Meredith Neck and 12 mph south of the "marine bandstand" in Alton Bay.
To return to discussion of the Witches and a lighthouse, in 1962, only two flashers marked "Witch Rocks", #27 to the south and #28 next to Timber Island.

[hilltopper]

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...886ed0ccc.html

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by hilltopper

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...886ed0ccc.html

They must be reading the forum.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Biggd

They must be reading the forum.

I thought that too Bigg.

[codeman671]

I've been watching it unfold on Facebook. I have been hoping this was just satire as I am having a hard time believing that anyone would actually support this....

[Descant]

They're serving fruitcake and Kool-Ade for refreshments. The papers will report it as "heavily supported by the attendees" because serious boaters won't show up. Maybe some abutters will show up to prevent the light flashing in their living room every 6 seconds?

[Barney Bear]

Perhaps it could be built in the shape of a huge witch hat. 🐻

[ishoot308]

Dumb, dumb, dumb!

I cannot believe the state is even considering this dumbass idea!

Dan

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Dumb, dumb, dumb!

I cannot believe the state is even considering this dumbass idea!

Dan

I agree! Stay out of The Witches! If you don't know the hazard by now, you never will!

[Weekend Pundit]

I for one will attend the public hearing in Gilford on the 26th. I will voice my opinion that more lighted buoys would be a more cost effective means of warning off boaters from The Witches.

A lighthouse sounds cool, maybe even a bit of a tourist attraction, but to mark The Graveyard Of Lower Units And Props, maybe not.

[Descant]

Although there really aren't, to my knowledge, many accidents on the Witches, I bet the predominant number occur during the day.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Descant

Although there really aren't, to my knowledge, many accidents on the Witches, I bet the predominant number occur during the day.

I honestly think middle ground shoals is way more dangerous than the witches since it occurs in the broads and kinda comes out of nowhere. Though neither should be intimidating to any boater with a map!

Dan

[JADAQ]

They could call it “Flatlander light”

[kawishiwi]

Now thats a PERFECT use for the dive!
Additional navigational aid AND a burger & a beer if you chop rock with your prop.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I honestly think middle ground shoals is way more dangerous than the witches since it occurs in the broads and kinda comes out of nowhere. Though neither should be intimidating to any boater with a map!

Dan

I agree, up close inside a bass boat reveals a lot of refrigerator sized boulders. A lot of very big stuff submerged there that could do a world of hurt on your hull or engine prop. As mentioned it "kinda comes out of nowhere".

[thinkxingu]

In six summers, I've not heard of Middle Ground Shoals--where is it?

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I honestly think middle ground shoals is way more dangerous than the witches since it occurs in the broads and kinda comes out of nowhere. Though neither should be intimidating to any boater with a map!

Dan

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[Wifi-1]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

In six summers, I've not heard of Middle Ground Shoals--where is it?

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Believe it is south of Cow and west of Swetts Pt, in T'boro

[Seaplane Pilot]

Yes, South of Cow - near passage between Cow and Tuftonboro Neck.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Yes, South of Cow - near passage between Cow and Tuftonboro Neck.

What map is that? It looks gross, but is it a more technical chart?

Here it is! I never knew it had a name--on my GPS it's just marked as it's a venomous snake or Danger! Will Robinson with a ton of markers.

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[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

What map is that? It looks gross, but is it a more technical chart?

Here it is! I never knew it had a name--on my GPS it's just marked as it's a venomous snake or Danger! Will Robinson with a ton of markers.Attachment 15208

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It’s the Navionics Boating App for iPhone.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I don't think a light house like you see on the ocean shore would be appropriate but some kind of bright blinking warning light for the deaf, dumb, and blind would be useful and cost efficient.

Please don't associate deaf and blind with dumb. Physical loss and mental loss don't mix! You sound like the feds!

I do believe The Witches test the Darwin theory remarkably but I think money is better spent providing flashers to begin channels such as The Graveyard!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Please don't associate deaf and blind with dumb. Physical loss and mental loss don't mix! You sound like the feds!

I do believe The Witches test the Darwin theory remarkably but I think money is better spent providing flashers to begin channels such as The Graveyard!

Really?
I was sarcastically referring to myself, hence the smiley face at the end?

[Garcia]

Does anyone know how often boaters run into trouble in any of the areas mentioned in this thread? I’m all for safety, but am not aware of lots of issues that would be solved by a lighthouse or lights.

[marcucci]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

What map is that? It looks gross, but is it a more technical chart?

Here it is! I never knew it had a name--on my GPS it's just marked as it's a venomous snake or Danger! Will Robinson with a ton of markers.Attachment 15208

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@thinkxingu Wow, knowing you and knowing where we are on the lake I was going to be super surprised if you didn't know this. It's like the mini-witches over this side of the lake. Glad you did know about it, just not its name!

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[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by marcucci

@thinkxingu Wow, knowing you and knowing where we are on the lake I was going to be super surprised if you didn't know this. It's like the mini-witches over this side of the lake. Glad you did know about it, just not its name!

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From where we're coming from, we never go close to there--it's either along the shore from/towards the Barber Pole or on the other side by Ragged/Hole/Sandy.

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[kawishiwi]

Huh, I've spent a little time fishing around Middle Ground and never saw a threat to my little outboard. Shallow enough to see bottom but didnt see anything less than 5 ft deep. Did I miss the prop threats out there?

[Descant]

I agree with an earlier post that a lighthouse on the Witches is not a clever move. Thinking about it just a little, to put a lighthouse or some structure in the middle would likely require barge access. I don't think a sizable barge could get near the middle. Of course, it would attract know nothings, just like the chart marking "Loon Nesting Area" and the tourists saying "Let's go there and see the loons" when the intent is for you to stay away. The Witches and the Graveyard don't have lots of mishaps-look at the list of wrecks-- they just have scary names.

[Descant]

To me, a lighthouse is just not a serious proposal, for financial reasons if nothing else. However to be financially practical, I suggest the following:
the State of NH can lease rights to a commercial operation, (say, Bizer, who started this thread). We already lease antenna space on the top of Mount Washington. The commercial operator could install a motion detector or other electronic device that would trigger a warning on your cell phone (using the "operator's" app and your paid subscription) when you approach too close to the Witches. You pay a subscription fee to the operator, with the cost based on how many hazards you want to be warned away from.

I know some will scoff, but 15 years ago who had GPS/maps on their phone? How many of us will have driverless cars in the next 5 years? We already have waypoints and autopilot integrated with GPS. What's next? BTW, USCG is decommissioning lighthouses and lightships as an unnecessary thing of the past. Maybe we could buy the "Nantucket" or "Ambrose" and anchor it on Middle Ground Shoals? Spend the night, $250.00, payable to the already existing Navigation Safety Fund.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Please don't associate deaf and blind with dumb. Physical loss and mental loss don't mix! You sound like the feds!

It has always been my understanding that "dumb", in this context, means unable to speak. If this is correct, it is somewhat natural to include the term with the mention of deaf and blind.

[Redbarn]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

It has always been my understanding that "dumb", in this context, means unable to speak. If this is correct, it is somewhat natural to include the term with the mention of deaf and blind.

stephen hawking

Or many autistic people who use a AAC/sign language probably disagree

Not one to be the pc police, maybe I missed the joke, but the original poster was making a joke and I think everyone got it, maybe you are too but saying some one is dumb because they can't speak is odd. ��*♂️

[Denis D]

dumb

adjective

adjective: dumb; comparative adjective: dumber; superlative adjective: dumbest

1.
temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.
"they stood dumb while the attacker poured out a stream of abuse"


synonyms: speechless, tongue-tied, wordless, silent, at a loss for words, voiceless, inarticulate, taciturn, uncommunicative, untalkative, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, saying nothing; informalmum
"she stood dumb while he poured out a stream of abuse"

[Redbarn]

Originally Posted by Denis D

dumb

adjective

adjective: dumb; comparative adjective: dumber; superlative adjective: dumbest

1.
temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.
"they stood dumb while the attacker poured out a stream of abuse"


synonyms: speechless, tongue-tied, wordless, silent, at a loss for words, voiceless, inarticulate, taciturn, uncommunicative, untalkative, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, saying nothing; informalmum
"she stood dumb while he poured out a stream of abuse"

I stand corrected, anyone who can't speak is dumb, according to this

I am out... #internet