What do you DIS-like most about the lakes?

[mbr]

There's a lot to like about the lakes region. What gnaws at you?
For me, it's the summer traffic jams. Some towns do nothing to alleviate the traffic. Some try, but always manage to make it worse (yeah, I'm talking about you Meredith).

[Puck]

Being around people who just can't seem to take a deep breath, let go of the stupid stuff, and be happy that they get to be in a place that so many others will never get the opportunity to enjoy...

[Mr. V]

I dislike the cold winters, and black fly season.

[8gv]

Friggin' winter...

[Garcia]

Not being able to retire yet so I can spend more time on the island.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by mbr

There's a lot to like about the lakes region. What gnaws at you?
For me, it's the summer traffic jams. Some towns do nothing to alleviate the traffic. Some try, but always manage to make it worse (yeah, I'm talking about you Meredith).

The Meredith traffic jamb is less about Meredith and more about the circumstances of its location and surrounding culture.

[Lakegeezer]

The naivete of some watershed property owners and visitors as to the impact of their actions on lake water quality.

[Weekend Pundit]

While traffic is a price we pay over the summer for being able to live here, I can deal with it. I can deal with the Cap'n Boneheads out on the lake.

My dislike is for the folks from away with the attitude of "You're lucky that we bother to grace you with our presence". I refer to them as "Summah People" versus the regular folk, or "summerfolk".

Summerfolk are here for a good time and are not really an issue since they don't want to cause problems. The Summah People on the other hand are a very small percentage of the visitors here, but they have a disproportionate effect on everyone because of their crappy attitude. They ruin it for everyone else. I don't run across them often, but it's always easy to spot them because they make themselves so evident by their attitude.

[John Mercier]

I get that sometimes from people that were born here.

[SailinAway]

What I dislike the most about the Lakes Region is the lack of remoteness for hikers, campers, and paddlers. I love kayak camping. For that I have to go to Maine despite being surrounded by all this water in the Lakes Region. While I applaud the efforts of organizations to preserve spaces for public use, sometimes the fees to access those spaces are prohibitive, e.g. camping on the Squam islands ($60, even if you're just one person). Another example is the state campground at Ellacoya---not accessible to tent campers, closed most of the year. Paddlers are not allowed to park in the parking lot at the state boat launch in Holderness. The canoe/kayak launch at the state park on Newfound Lake is terrible. In Maine you can wander in a car, canoe, or kayak and camp for free in hundreds of places. Many of those free campsites are maintained by the state and the state goes out of its way to let people know where they are. Granted, Maine is a huge state with a small population so there's plenty of room for everyone, whereas there are a lot of people competing for space in the Lakes Region. New York, Vermont, and Maine put a lot of effort into preserving remote areas and facilitating access to them. (Of course the lumber and paper companies in Maine are a different story.) The philosophy feels different in New Hampshire, more about restrictions than about access. Don't get me wrong, I love our lakes, mountains, and ocean, but I'm selective about when and where I go to have some unfettered peace and quiet.

There were only four other cars in the parking lot at West Rattlesnake (Old Bridle Path) when I hiked there yesterday. I had not hiked that trail since 2019 due to the pandemic. Wow, both sides of the trail were much more worn down by hikers going off the trail than the last time I was there. 30,000 people a year use that trail. I've lived in this area for 37 years. It's hard not to be nostalgic for the days when Newfound was a "hidden gem" and you had certain trails to yourself.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by SailinAway

What I dislike the most about the Lakes Region is the lack of remoteness for hikers, campers, and paddlers. I love kayak camping. For that I have to go to Maine despite being surrounded by all this water in the Lakes Region. While I applaud the efforts of organizations to preserve spaces for public use, sometimes the fees to access those spaces are prohibitive, e.g. camping on the Squam islands ($60, even if you're just one person). Another example is the state campground at Ellacoya---not accessible to tent campers, closed most of the year. Paddlers are not allowed to park in the parking lot at the state boat launch in Holderness. The canoe/kayak launch at the state park on Newfound Lake is terrible. In Maine you can wander in a car, canoe, or kayak and camp for free in hundreds of places. Many of those free campsites are maintained by the state and the state goes out of its way to let people know where they are. Granted, Maine is a huge state with a small population so there's plenty of room for everyone, whereas there are a lot of people competing for space in the Lakes Region. New York, Vermont, and Maine put a lot of effort into preserving remote areas and facilitating access to them. (Of course the lumber and paper companies in Maine are a different story.) The philosophy feels different in New Hampshire, more about restrictions than about access. Don't get me wrong, I love our lakes, mountains, and ocean, but I'm selective about when and where I go to have some unfettered peace and quiet.



There were only four other cars in the parking lot at West Rattlesnake (Old Bridle Path) when I hiked there yesterday. I had not hiked that trail since 2019 due to the pandemic. Wow, both sides of the trail were much more worn down by hikers going off the trail than the last time I was there. 30,000 people a year use that trail. I've lived in this area for 37 years. It's hard not to be nostalgic for the days when Newfound was a "hidden gem" and you had certain trails to yourself.

You spent the first 3/4 of your post lamenting what the last 1/4 explained.

Though I don't disagree it would be nice to have some of those things, NH is farrrr busier than Maine and it's often difficult to keep things in check even with the restrictions.

Hell, in some circumstances, I'd appreciate MORE restrictions. For example, it would've been awesome for the Guyot caretaker to confiscate a group's Bluetooth speaker and toss it off the goddamn mountain last summer I was there.

And about two weeks after that? A group of ~50 kids hiking Major with balloons. Good thing I was on my way out, or I'd have snapped.

Overall, I'm cool with what NH does—if I'm looking for that level of solitude, I'll get up early or drive a bit.

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[thinkxingu]

Besides "Sunday drivers" on the lake—people who obstruct other boaters by their choices—there isn't much I'm bothered by.

I'm even ok with dumb maneuvers or bad docking because in most cases it's easy to assume the captain is new or uneducated.

Traffic? Meh. It's a reflection of what we have access to.

But people and groups who negatively impact others' experiences drives me bonkers. It's the underlying reason for disagreeing with Sailin above, for not liking when The Dive was frequenting sandbars, etc.

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[fatlazyless]

Here's a kayak launch spot on the north end of Newfound Lake that has morphed, changing from a motorboat marina into a kayak and conservation land in the last ten years thanks to this Cockermouth River, waterfront land donation from ye olde marina owner of what used to be the Newfound Marina, 1950's to 2010.

https://newfoundlake.org/greyrocks/ ...... and ....... hey! ...... take a good look at their kayak launch dock ..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldVosA97vz4

..... and yes, is not too far to the Walmart in Plymouth! .... .... so, I totally DIS-like not having a Walmart directly, there, in Hebron, at Newfound Lake! ....

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Besides "Sunday drivers" on the lake—people who obstruct other boaters by their choices—there isn't much I'm bothered by.
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Friday evenings and Saturday captains are included with the Sunday drivers.

On the bright side is spending time at the launch ramps watching the boneheads launch their boats!

[Jeanzb1]

How built-up and touristy this area has become.


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[Newbiesaukee]

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

How built-up and touristy this area has become.


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Folks been saying the same since 1771.

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's a kayak launch spot on the north end of Newfound Lake that has morphed, changing from a motorboat marina into a kayak and conservation land in the last ten years thanks to this Cockermouth River, waterfront land donation from ye olde marina owner of what used to be the Newfound Marina, 1950's to 2010.

https://newfoundlake.org/greyrocks/ ...... and ....... hey! ...... take a good look at their kayak launch dock ..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldVosA97vz4

..... and yes, is not too far to the Walmart in Plymouth! .... .... so, I totally DIS-like not having a Walmart directly, there, in Hebron, at Newfound Lake! ....

Yes, that's a reasonably good launch spot and the marsh west of the Cockermouth River is pleasant to explore though very shallow. In fact for the last two years, due to the droughts, the water at the town beach there was only a foot deep 75 feet from the shore. The beach is strictly for residents.

[mishman]

I agree with Lakegeezer that shorefront owners need to better understand the threat posed by fertilizing lawns close to the lake. We all take the lake's water quality for granted until it is too late. I wish we could do more proactively to protect the lake. The Lake Winnipesaukee Association is doing a good job of trying to educate everyone about protecting water quality.

My other beef is the big sound speakers on the new boats. Folks - I am fine with your music played at a low volume but sound travels incredibly far over water. Please be considerate of others and turn down your music.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I get that sometimes from people that were born here.

Just because they were born here doesn't mean they aren't flatlanders.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

On the bright side is spending time at the launch ramps watching the boneheads launch their boats!

My son and I spent more than a few Saturday mornings down at the Glendale Docks doing just that. It can be just as much fun watching them trying to take their boats out of the water.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

Just because they were born here doesn't mean they aren't flatlanders.

Pretty sure when you are born at Lakes Region General and raised in the lakes region... they don't refer to you as a flatlander.

[whalebackpoint'r]

I dislike the fact that there are those who disrespect the lakes by discarding their trash in them.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

My son and I spent more than a few Saturday mornings down at the Glendale Docks doing just that. It can be just as much fun watching them trying to take their boats out of the water.

Exactly why those window facing bar seats at The Breeze should be considered premium seating!

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[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by SailinAway

The beach is strictly for residents.

Yes, is pretty much the rule in the lakes region that local town beaches are strictly for residents, only.

Is the case at Moultonborough neck/bridge beach, at Center Harbor beach below the hardware store, at Meredith's Leavitt Park/Beach, at Laconia's only town beach with lifeguards, Bond Beach-Opechee Bay, and at the longest natural beach at 1100' on Lake Winnipesaukee, the Gilford town beach. All exclusive to non-residents and non-property-taxpayers.

Everywhere you go in the lakes regions, all the town beaches are exclusive.

Only up in Waterville Valley, at 7-acre, beautiful, scenic, brook fed, clean cool water Corcoran's Pond, there are NO exclusions, and everyone is welcome at their town beach. .... .... plus there is easy, free parking a short walk away .... and kayak/canoe/sup/4-seat pedal boat rentals ... and clean public rest rooms w/ very high quality hot & cold, town water. Is a one mile pedal away on your bicycle from the $20/night, U S Forest Service, https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232179, Waterville Campground with NO rv hook-ups and mostly tent camping.

One way to somewhat get around the local town restrictions on beaches is with a stand-up paddle board. Unlike a kayak, is relatively easy to get on and off the board while in the water, so's you basically have a 'portable beach' with you, wherever you paddle. Ditto this for NH Fish & Game boat launch ramps that restrict swimming because a sup is considered to be a vessel by the Coast Guard so it should be okay to launch a sup from a F&G swim restricted boat launch ramp and then go swimming off the sup, away from theri launching/retrieval trailer ramp.

Hooray for the U.S.F.S. and the U.S.C.G. .....

[John Mercier]

Not really honest.

Bond is exlusive... but the other three locations - the Cove, the Point, and the public launch are easy access to Opechee.

Bartlett is right down the road from the Belmont Town Beach - and open to the public for access to Winnisquam.

There are plenty of places to swim and launch from for each of our lakes.

[fatlazyless]

Weirs Beach in Laconia on Lake Winnipesaukee, a large, man-made with filled-in sand, sandy beach, has NO lifeguards and the price to park is going up, from $1 to $2/hr at the kiosk meter on Lakeside Ave, and from $2 to $2.50/hr in the beach p-lot, down the ramp.

"Bond is exclusive..." and only Bond Beach in Laconia on Lake Opechee has lifeguards. You must have a blue parking sticker to be an Opechee insider.

"No blue sticker? ...... hey buddy, then you want to be going over to that Weirs Beach!" ....

[John Mercier]

Swam my whole teenage life in Opechee and Winnisquam... no adult supervision and no lifeguards.

The LGs were originally placed at Bond because the beach would get destroyed.

The ''clean'' water is actually the point and the launch. The water there doesn't stagnate.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Not really honest.

Bond is exlusive... but the other three locations - the Cove, the Point, and the public launch are easy access to Opechee.

Bartlett is right down the road from the Belmont Town Beach - and open to the public for access to Winnisquam.

There are plenty of places to swim and launch from for each of our lakes.

Don't think you want to let out our little 'secret'. Winnisquam is refreshing on weekends compared to the other Winni'. Oh and no speed limits! Opechee is a godsend for the classic ski boats such as the Tahiti's and Magnum Missle.

[BoatHouse]

EVERY time I put the "Lake House" destination into my GPS, I get goose bumps because it is so refreshing to go there.

I thought of a few things that at times could be concerning, but in the end, I decided those things add to the character of the Lakes region -

Locals that complain about out of staters especially Massholes. I actually enjoy sitting at some of the more local pubs and hearing the complaints

Flatlanders that complain about the locals voting in $3M - $4M for a library renovation that nobody will ever use. What good is paying all the high taxes if the towns don't spend it on something. LOL

Town docks being crazy busy on Holiday weekends. It is fun to watch the pontoon family coming in hot and the captain yelling at the passengers to grab something. Or the Dude with the "cigarette" boat that yells at the person on the dock trying to help "Don't Touch my Boat"!

The jet skier that is zipping through my wake. Hope they have fun and don't get hurt.

I guess in the end, the thing that annoys me most is the fellow boater that does not wave back. Even then, I tell my family to keep waving. Eventually they will catch on and wave back!

[lakewinnie]

Wakeboats playing loud rap music.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Don't think you want to let out our little 'secret'. Winnisquam is refreshing on weekends compared to the other Winni'. Oh and no speed limits! Opechee is a godsend for the classic ski boats such as the Tahiti's and Magnum Missle.

Not sure where the public launch situation might go as Eversource is transferring it over to the City of Laconia.

[map]

Too crowded in prime summer and fall seasons, too many boats (and loud ones) on the big lake and too many loud and obnoxious tourists or out of state day trippers, especially on the public beaches and on the water. Noise from motorcycles and fireworks. High food prices and bad medical care.

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by lakewinnie

Wakeboats playing loud rap music.

Rap music is an oxymoron.


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[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Not sure where the public launch situation might go as Eversource is transferring it over to the City of Laconia.

Is directly across from the Irwin Ford/Toyota on Messer St, and has a paved asphalt boat launch ramp and small paved parking lot at the south end of 449-acre, 2.6-mile long, Opechee Bay/Lake plus a fenced-in NH Electric Co-op power station.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opechee_Bay ......... http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/maps...ee_laconia.pdf ..... This launch ramp & parking is at the very southern end of Opechee Bay/Lake, where it flows into the Winnipesaukee River which flows into Lake Winnisquam.

Is used by small motor boats and kayaks to access Opechee Lake/Bay for fishing as well as kayaks/sups to access the Winnipesaukee River because kayaks/sups can pass under the low roadway/bridges that cross the Winnipesaukee River as it flows for one mile into gigantic Lake Winnisquam.

I don't DIS-like nothing about this here Opechee launch ramp situation? ..... .... is very peachy or 'pechee down there on Lake Opechee? ... wup - wup - wup ....

This launch ramp & parking gets little to no use, so probably nothing new will happen with it, once it's run by the City of Laconia?

It looks like there is also a hand carry kayak/canoe/sup launch, owned by the State of NH, up the northern end of Opechee Bay/Lake, in 46-acre Opechee Bay State Forest ..... http://recplanet.com/nh/laconia/opec...y-state-forest ...... click on the green 'Opechee Bay State Forest'

[fatlazyless]

Hey Mercier ......... isn't this boat launch at the south end of Opechee Bay the one and only boat ramp in Laconia, 'City on the Lakes', that will be controlled by the City of Laconia?

All the other existing launch ramps in Laconia belong to NH Fish & Game or to one of the many commercial marinas ...... I think? ....... so this Opechee ramp will be their first for the City. To get boat launch users to PAY for launching, the City could install a self-serve pay station similar to the iron ranger-pay box used in the White Mountain National Forest by the Forest Service who collect $5/car with a dashboard display receipt for hiker trail parking when you do not have the $30-12 month sticker affixed to the lower right hand corner on your car windshield.

https://rockartsigns.com/d72/product/03-560 ....... 6"x6"x3/8" Iron Ranger ..... and, a new launching fee racket, there, will give boat launchers something new to DIS-like .... yo-ho-ho .... .... but it takes m-o-n-e-y to make Laconia a happening city.

[John Mercier]

It is the only public launch on Opechee.
If it were restricted to the public, F&G would need to develop another one... as they are required to. But the City of Laconia is less likely to restrict or charge for the launch as long as the maintenance costs remain low.

Also, it doesn't take money... it takes vision.
The Inn already adds the ambiance... if it promoted paddling or sailing... the bay as sheltered as it is from development would just be an extension.
Even at 35 mph, a ski boat would cross the lake and return in maybe six or seven minutes depending on the route. It isn't like Winnipesaukee with the multiple municipalities and heavy commercial development.

So the ''happening'' would need to be much different.

[fatlazyless]

How's the hand carry location that is mentioned to be in the Opechee Bay State Forest ... http://recplanet.com/nh/laconia/opec...y-state-forest ... on the map ... up the north end of Opechee, walking down through the state forest, or something? Does that get any paddle users who hand tow a kayak on a two wheel dolly, or a 30-lb sup, or is it basically never used by anyone for launching without a car and trailer? Is there a parking area for cars that is relatively close to the put-in spot on the water, there?

Is there a hand carry put-in dock?

Click on the + in the map, and there's a little more detail?

The other drawing .... https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/map...ee_laconia.pdf ..... shows a small drawing with two paddlers in a canoe .... to indicate the canoe launch in the Opechee Bay State Forest and the water depth, there, looks probably shallow.

How's the fishing? Does it get stocked by Fish & Game or does it just attract the fish without any stocking from the Winnipesaukee River?

Here's an aerial photo ...... https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/g...summary/870957 ..... that shows Opechee Bay location between Paugus Bay and Lake Winnisquam, all connected by the Winnipesaukee River. You need to click on the - sign to see Opechee.

Old North Main St, Laconia NH and Google Earth have a best photo, look-see to really see the Opechee Bay State Forest canoe launch from that Google see everything, everywhere, know-it-all, all-the-time, eye-high-up-in-the-sky, ho-ho-ho!

[Jersey Bob]

That I can’t get there often enough.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

How's the hand carry location that is mentioned to be in the Opechee Bay State Forest ... http://recplanet.com/nh/laconia/opec...y-state-forest ... on the map ... up the north end of Opechee, walking down through the state forest, or something? Does that get any paddle users who hand tow a kayak on a two wheel dolly, or a 30-lb sup, or is it basically never used by anyone for launching without a car and trailer? Is there a parking area for cars that is relatively close to the put-in spot on the water, there?

Is there a hand carry put-in dock?

Click on the + in the map, and there's a little more detail?

The other drawing .... https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/map...ee_laconia.pdf ..... shows a small drawing with two paddlers in a canoe .... to indicate the canoe launch in the Opechee Bay State Forest and the water depth, there, looks probably shallow.

How's the fishing? Does it get stocked by Fish & Game or does it just attract the fish without any stocking from the Winnipesaukee River?

Here's an aerial photo ...... https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/g...summary/870957 ..... that shows Opechee Bay location between Paugus Bay and Lake Winnisquam, all connected by the Winnipesaukee River. You need to click on the - sign to see Opechee.

Old North Main St, Laconia NH and Google Earth have a best photo, look-see to really see the Opechee Bay State Forest canoe launch from that Google see everything, everywhere, know-it-all, all-the-time, eye-high-up-in-the-sky, ho-ho-ho!

Small parking area with a hand carry to the lake.
Bass and Perch.

[fatlazyless]

Down Old North Main St., and down an un-named paved road, there is a large 40'x40'x15' tall, all red brick utility shed, that is the NH-Dept Environmental Services, Old North Main St sewerage pumping station.

There is no signs what-so-ever indicating a canoe/kayak launch, so's I parked out of the way, and walked down to the water's edge directly behind this sewerage shed, there, on this north end of Opechee Bay.

It is an incredibly beautiful lakefront location, behind this big sewerage shed, for launching a kayak, canoe or paddle board. The shoreline belongs to either the NH State Forest or the DES, and the lake bottom is a smooth shallow sandy bottom with pine trees growing right up to the shoreline waterfront area. The immediate area on the land is littered with a demolished temporary unknown small structure and all that crapola wants to be removed to the town dump, and the grounds need a good raking and debris removal.

There are two signs attached to trees that say 'No Camping' but according to these maps in the links, above, it is a designated, hand carry, canoe launch, State of NH location on this gorgeous north end of Opechee Bay.

Is now time to grab your kayak or sup and hit that Opechee Bay, down behind this big, ugly, DES sewerage pumping shed, down the bottom of Old North Main St.

All things considered, same is true for the launch ramp on the south end of Opechee, directly across from Irwin Ford-Toyota.

What I DIS-like is this fantastic, fabulous, beautiful Opechee Bay, State of NH ... https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/map...ee_laconia.pdf ... location has apparently gone unused for launching kayaks, canoes and sups when it could be a VERY happening spot especially with its very smooth sandy bottom that very gradually gets a wee bit deeper as one paddles out there.

[John Mercier]

As far as I know, it is under the management of the Division of Forest and Lands.

They ''No Camping'' I think is about homeless people seeking shelter there. I'm told the other side of the lake has a lot of that happening off from the WOW trail.

[bruinsfan]

Massachusetts license plates

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

As far as I know, it is under the management of the Division of Forest and Lands.

They ''No Camping'' I think is about homeless people seeking shelter there. I'm told the other side of the lake has a lot of that happening off from the WOW trail.

All that demolished homeless shanty debris scattered across the pine-treed woods between the Old North Main St, NH-DES sewerage pumping station and the beautiful, pristine, north end of Opechee Bay State Forest directly on Opechee Bay .... https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/map...ee_laconia.pdf .... can be cleaned away in one day with three, hard-working, Laconia DPW guys and a truck ..... so's the DPW wants to get off its lazy butt, and get on it ...... hut-hut-hut!

What needs to happen here is the NH F & G wants to design and construct a hand carry, kayak & canoe launch site with parking, that wraps around this DES sewerage utilty shed and is similar to the F & G hand carry launch on Lake Pemigewasset in nearby New Hampton.

It would hit two birds with one shot, by replacing this secret stealthy homeless camping location with a hand carry launch ramp for kayaks, canoes, sups, and small row boats .... hut-hut-hut!

[John Mercier]

Generally,
Laconia will not expend any resources on State land...
And F&G will not expend any resources on land under another Division.

F&G uses power boat monies to build its parking areas and launches... so non-motorized may be an issue.

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Is now time to grab your kayak or sup and hit that Opechee Bay,

What makes a body of water desirable for paddling? ANS: Scenic; lots of coves and islands to explore and to get out of the wind; few houses; places to land without trespassing on private property; clean water; few or no motor boats; not overrun with other paddlers; decent parking; good launch; large enough to occupy you for a few hours. Opechee wouldn't be my first choice for interesting paddling.

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by bruinsfan

Massachusetts license plates

Ouch - my feelings are hurt

I need to remember this post next time I ridicule the NY license plates in my MA town

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by SailinAway

What makes a body of water desirable for paddling? ANS: Scenic; lots of coves and islands to explore and to get out of the wind; few houses; places to land without trespassing on private property; clean water; few or no motor boats; not overrun with other paddlers; decent parking; good launch; large enough to occupy you for a few hours. Opechee wouldn't be my first choice for interesting paddling.

''First'' is less meaningful in this situation.
Your ''First'' choice could be ''overrun with other paddlers'' making Opechee move up the ranking.

[fatlazyless]

This north end location on 449-acre Opechee Bay ... www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opechee_Bay ..... of the existing NH-DES sewerage pump station already has a paved 300-yard long road that goes down to this state utility shed which is about 30-yards from the Opechee shoreline within the Opechee Bay State Forest.

Bond Beach is the only Laconia public swim area with lifeguards and it is not too far, across the Bay, from the DES sewerage pump shed, waterfront location.

The NH F&G and NH DES already have worked together in Laconia to create a boat launch on the Winnipesaukee River, close to Lake Winnisquam, so's they can do the same with this Opechee sewerage utilty shed and road with a hand carry launch and parking.

The smooth, shallow, sandy flat bottom in Opechee Bay at the sewerage pump shed location is ideal for beginners and everyone to get in a kayak, or paddle a sup, plus it is not too far to the lifeguards at Bond Beach.

Unlike most of Opechee Bay, the shoreline of the Opechee Bay State Forest is all pine trees with no residential homes, plus the 'lake' bottom is smooth, sandy, and shallow.

With an F & G hand carry launch, the Opechee Bay State Forest would no longer be so attractive to homeless stealth campers because it would be easier accessed by the Laconia Police.

Opechee Bay State Forest, NH-DES, and NH F&G are all State of NH agencies, while the City of Laconia co-exists with the State of NH. Laconia has a population of about 15000-residents, is promoted as the the "City on the Lakes" and paddling or rowing a small vessel is a very different type of personal activity than motor-boating.

http://www.laconianh.gov/899/State-o...ervation-Lands .... click arrow 4-times for map of Opechee Bay State Forest

www.laconianh.gov/1035/Bond-Beach ....... waz-up at Bond Beach!

[John Mercier]

The Lake Winnisquam launch was purchased by NH F&G using a fund that comes from boat registrations. The DES is required for the permitting of development that close to the lake.

NH Forests generally doesn't sell property... but could sell to NH F&G, but they would need some form of funding as boat registration dollars could not be used.

The DES would still need to be involved as to permitting for development next to the lake.

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

''First'' is less meaningful in this situation.
Your ''First'' choice could be ''overrun with other paddlers'' making Opechee move up the ranking.

You have a point. In New Hampshire the otherwise most desirable paddling sites are also the most overrun. Hence Plan B: Maine, where it's possible to meet all of the criteria . . . if you have the time and gas money. Or Plan C: New Hampshire lakes at the crack o' dawn midweek. Same for hiking and skiing.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by SailinAway

You have a point. In New Hampshire the otherwise most desirable paddling sites are also the most overrun. Hence Plan B: Maine, where it's possible to meet all of the criteria . . . if you have the time and gas money. Or Plan C: New Hampshire lakes at the crack o' dawn midweek. Same for hiking and skiing.

Yup, on the trail or water by 7 and off by noon. But that's a win-win because not only is it quieter, but the weather's better and the second half of the day is still open.

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[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Pretty sure when you are born at Lakes Region General and raised in the lakes region... they don't refer to you as a flatlander.

Being a flatlander isn't so much a matter of where you were born as it is one's attitude.

Just as I have seen flatlanders who were born here I have seen others from away that fit in as if they had always lived here.

[John Mercier]

Not really. Old New Hampshire was Old New Hampshire.
You won't find many in New Hampshire that are Old New Hampshire... but we don't consider them flatlanders.

They may be what my grandparents and that generation would call of ''ill character''; but they would never refer to them as flatlanders.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by SailinAway

You have a point. In New Hampshire the otherwise most desirable paddling sites are also the most overrun. Hence Plan B: Maine, where it's possible to meet all of the criteria . . . if you have the time and gas money. Or Plan C: New Hampshire lakes at the crack o' dawn midweek. Same for hiking and skiing.

NH has a lot more sites than people recognize... hence why Opechee is not overrun.
It is the smaller non-commercialized lakes/ponds that have the more desirable experience.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Yes, is pretty much the rule in the lakes region that local town beaches are strictly for residents, only.

Is the case at Moultonborough neck/bridge beach, at Center Harbor beach below the hardware store, at Meredith's Leavitt Park/Beach, at Laconia's only town beach with lifeguards, Bond Beach-Opechee Bay, and at the longest natural beach at 1100' on Lake Winnipesaukee, the Gilford town beach. All exclusive to non-residents and non-property-taxpayers.

Everywhere you go in the lakes regions, all the town beaches are exclusive.

If you define residents as those who own property in the specific town even if they are only in town seasonally, then yes, the beaches are for residents only...with some exceptions.

Gilford has two different types of beach passes that allow non-residents access to the town beach, with one being a guest pass that is tied to one specific vehicle, the pass being obtained by a town resident. This allows for those visiting residents access without the need to use the resident's vehicle which has the town sticker allowing entry.

The second type is a season pass which costs $500. Only one such pass can be obtained by a residential property owner. Notice I said property owner. That means those with Short Term Rental properties like those listed by AirBnB and VRBO can buy them, including the corporate-owned STRs. I don't know how that's going to work out for the town. I have a feeling if it's a disaster this summer the season pass will either go away or be severely restricted.

Update: The only non-residents that have regular access to our town beach are non-resident town employees. It is one of the perks of being employed by the town. I have no idea if any of the other towns do something like this.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Not really. Old New Hampshire was Old New Hampshire.
You won't find many in New Hampshire that are Old New Hampshire... but we don't consider them flatlanders.

They may be what my grandparents and that generation would call of ''ill character''; but they would never refer to them as flatlanders.

"ill character." Oh yeah, I like that! It is much more fitting.

[nightrider]

Wakesurfers making repeated passes in the same area with their music blaringly loud damaging shoreline and beating the sh*t out of boats tied up to docks. An example this past weekend when the entire lake was dead calm, a wakesurf boat chose to make repeated passes in front of several docks when it was just as calm in the middle of the Broads. It was so calm I heard one ready to be pulled up say, “let me take a p*ss before you start”. Great!

[map]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

This north end location on 449-acre Opechee Bay ... www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opechee_Bay ..... of the existing NH-DES sewerage pump station already has a paved 300-yard long road that goes down to this state utility shed which is about 30-yards from the Opechee shoreline within the Opechee Bay State Forest.

Bond Beach is the only Laconia public swim area with lifeguards and it is not too far, across the Bay, from the DES sewerage pump shed, waterfront location.

The NH F&G and NH DES already have worked together in Laconia to create a boat launch on the Winnipesaukee River, close to Lake Winnisquam, so's they can do the same with this Opechee sewerage utilty shed and road with a hand carry launch and parking.

The smooth, shallow, sandy flat bottom in Opechee Bay at the sewerage pump shed location is ideal for beginners and everyone to get in a kayak, or paddle a sup, plus it is not too far to the lifeguards at Bond Beach.

Unlike most of Opechee Bay, the shoreline of the Opechee Bay State Forest is all pine trees with no residential homes, plus the 'lake' bottom is smooth, sandy, and shallow.

With an F & G hand carry launch, the Opechee Bay State Forest would no longer be so attractive to homeless stealth campers because it would be easier accessed by the Laconia Police.

Opechee Bay State Forest, NH-DES, and NH F&G are all State of NH agencies, while the City of Laconia co-exists with the State of NH. Laconia has a population of about 15000-residents, is promoted as the the "City on the Lakes" and paddling or rowing a small vessel is a very different type of personal activity than motor-boating.

http://www.laconianh.gov/899/State-o...ervation-Lands .... click arrow 4-times for map of Opechee Bay State Forest

www.laconianh.gov/1035/Bond-Beach ....... waz-up at Bond Beach!

I just got a senior beach parking pass from Laconia city clerk and it is not blue as described on the website. It’s orange. ?

[garysanfran]

Too windy, making it difficult to dock the boat.

[Donzi Minx]

The vegetation sprouting up from the bottom of the lake.
Rented at Moultonborough last year and was horrified swimming amongst the weeds.

[swnoel]

I don't dislike anything about the lakes, I dislike what people have done to them and the land surrounding them.

[sky's]

Originally Posted by swnoel

I don't dislike anything about the lakes, I dislike what people have done to them and the land surrounding them.

its only getting worse.

[T.H.E. Binz]

Wake boats

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by T.H.E. Binz

Wake boats

Not so much the boat as it is a few operators


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[nightrider]

Wake/Surf boat OPERATORS.

[Cobaltdeadhead]

If I could turn back time, I'd adjust the zoning to limit the number of square feet lakeside properties can have. The massive homes of 10K+ square feet are totally obnoxious. Good for you to have earned that money, but spend it tactfully.

[John Mercier]

We keep moving the price of building materials up... so it should slow down.

[YOLO]

The Gilford/Laconia area seems to attract more massholes and tourists due to the proximity to Rt.93. I stay away. The North side of the lake in Tuftonboro and Moultonboro may get busy on weekends, but nothing like the south area mentioned. Really, its just holidays and weekends. But, mid-week off holiday, the big lake is great and the sheeple from Mass are too busy going back home to their highly populated traffic congested city, burbs and high taxes they can't seem to stop loving and working to pay the nut on their boats and houses. Off season is the best, even in winter! So quiet and beautiful with only the occasional sound of snowmachines and ice augers.

[Poor Richard]

I'm surprised no one has brought up a certain floating food and drink establishment that has drawn the ire (as well as the delight) of many people in the lakes region...

[John Mercier]

Moultonboro actually has more non-residents.

The I-93 corridor through Meredith is their choice of access.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

I'm surprised no one has brought up a certain floating food and drink establishment that has drawn the ire (as well as the delight) of many people in the lakes region...

I really don't get that many complaints anymore...since I dropped the cover charge.

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[Poor Richard]

Wow! You're decades younger than I would have otherwise guessed

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

Wow! You're decades younger than I would have otherwise guessed

I get that a lot....

[wentworthwhitbreadIII]

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

I'm surprised no one has brought up a certain floating food and drink establishment that has drawn the ire (as well as the delight) of many people in the lakes region...

It’s comforting to know they’ll be dumping their gray water in our water supply for another year. Not to mention the urine mass at the Margate sandbar.


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[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by wentworthwhitbreadIII

It’s comforting to know they’ll be dumping their gray water in our water supply for another year. Not to mention the urine mass at the Margate sandbar.
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Really? The Dive has been inspected and has all of the required holding tanks. What facts do you have to illustrate that they are dumping gray water into the lake?

The crowd at the Margate sandbar has been there for many years and will continue to be there for many years to come.

[John Mercier]

I wouldn't count on the last part.

[garysanfran]

Too windy...

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

Too windy...

I was just saying this to someone the other day—the last few years have been crazy windy. Blech.

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[MDoug]

Dislike people dropping by unannounced

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by MDoug

Dislike people dropping by unannounced

That’s one issue I don’t have to worry about living on an island!

Love that island living’.

Dan

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by MDoug

Dislike people dropping by unannounced

Yup. And people who announce when they are going to visit and how long they are staying.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

That’s one issue I don’t have to worry about living on an island!

Love that island living’.

Dan

Unless they have a boat! What time is dinner??

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[jazzman]

The AirBnB-ification of the lake.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by jazzman

The AirBnB-ification of the lake.

Many current lakeside homeowners inherited their property and lack the ability to maintain their normal home away from the lake as well as meet all the financial obligations of lakeside home ownership, so they have to make some money off the deal in order to keep the property.

Renting it out occasionally allows them to keep it.

This is probably better economically for the area as tourists visiting for a week are more likely to spend money on attractions, restaurants and the like than are like side residents, most likely retired folks who are mostly content to stay at home.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

Too windy...

Being fully enclosed we don't care so much about the wind, but we really don't like putting all the canvas up and down.
We were out today, remarking that there were no sailboats. No pontoons either. Great day for GFBL, but we didn't hear them either.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Descant

Being fully enclosed we don't care so much about the wind, but we really don't like putting all the canvas up and down.

We were out today, remarking that there were no sailboats. No pontoons either. Great day for GFBL, but we didn't hear them either.

I just close the back door!

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[phoenix]

Medical support for summer residents. My wife called the groups in moultonboro and Meredith both said we dont support non residents. Only solution is urgent care.

[John Mercier]

Probably based on their funding.

[wentworthwhitbreadIII]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Really? The Dive has been inspected and has all of the required holding tanks. What facts do you have to illustrate that they are dumping gray water into the lake?

The crowd at the Margate sandbar has been there for many years and will continue to be there for many years to come.

Undoubtedly urinating in the water


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[phoenix]

I dont understand your comment . Most people have insurance as i do and they never asked that just said we only treat existing patients. maybe they are full but Thats not what they said and they didnt say we cant get you in until x.This is frustrating to me and family that we need to drive 30 miles to seek medical care. Not the case with dentists.

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by wentworthwhitbreadIII

Undoubtedly urinating in the water


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You, yourself, dislikes peeing in the lake or you dislike others peeing in the lake?


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[wentworthwhitbreadIII]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

You, yourself, dislikes peeing in the lake or you dislike others peeing in the lake?


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I do not like swimming in the urine of others sir.


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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by phoenix

I dont understand your comment . Most people have insurance as i do and they never asked that just said we only treat existing patients. maybe they are full but Thats not what they said and they didnt say we cant get you in until x.This is frustrating to me and family that we need to drive 30 miles to seek medical care. Not the case with dentists.

Only treating existing patients is usually a sign that they consider themselves to be full.
Insurance, but out-of-network, can cause some practitioners to opt against a new patient as it becomes a further stress on the office side of a practice.