What is your favorite lake memory?

[Rob]

What a great idea for a thread.

Lets see, I think my favorite lake memory was my first swimming lesson at Gilford Beach when I was 5 or 6. Which, by the way, I still think is a great beach- Sanders Bay is so pretty.

Anyway, this was our first summer with the house, so it must have been 1971 or so. And this would have been the first day of the first session of swimming lessons, so it must have been the first week in July. I assume I was in the beginner class. For whatever the reason (a cold spring, or my first time in the lake) I was absolutely freezing. We were doing this exercise that involved standing in waist deep water, bending at the waist so that our faces were under water, and blowing bubbles. I think it was to teach us to get used to putting our faces under water.

I was so cold that I knew I had to get out of the water right away, but I didn't want the other kids to see me leave. The next time all the kids had their heads under water, I ran on to shore as fast as I could. It couldn't have been more than 15 or 20 feet, but it seemed like a lot further to shore at the time.

My dad was sitting in a beach chair in the sand, watching us. (He must have had the week off, since my mother was the one who I always remember taking us to swimming lessons.) I thought that he was going to be upset that I had left the lesson, but he just wrapped a towel around me and told me that it was ok, and that I didn't have to go back in the water if I didn't want to. I still remember thinking, at that moment, what a great dad my dad was because he didn't get mad or anything.

He must have felt badly for me, as I probably looked like all little kids do when they have been in the water too long- blue lips, shivering, and goosebumps.

The funny part is that 30 seconds after I ran out of the water, the lesson was over. If I had only known!

I also remember taking scuba lessons in 1980. (I had gotten used to the cold water by now ) I saved up all winter for the course. The lessons were taught at Lakes Region Divers(I think that was the name). The shop was on Paugus Bay, right across from Pickerel Cove if my memory serves me correctly.

Rob

[Coastal Laker]

I haven't been on the lake very long; I think this is my fifth season. About two or three years ago I had to be at the Glendale docks by 8am for an exam I was taking with the Power Squadron. They were using the MP's classroom space. I figured the best way to go would be by boat.

I launched at Lakeport at about 6am and enjoyed being the only non-bass/fishing boat on the water the entire trip out to the broads. I cruised to an area just outside Welch Island, cut the motor, and drifted for a while -reviewing my notes (since I had time to kill) and just reveled in the moment and the scenery around me.

The water was like glass, with a very light, misty fog hovering just above the surface, and not a sound to be heard anywhere. In the distance, I could see a bass boat with a person fishing. The scene was so surreal: backlit by the sun, all you could see was an outline of the boat in the water with the glow of the mist all around. Story of my life... I wish I had my camera... my good camera. I would have tried hard to find a way to make that fit into my website. (which is www.nauticalpictures.com by the way). Sorry, I couldn't resist throwing that in).

Anyway, moments like that explain why I am out on the lake by 8AM as often as possible. It's absolutely the best time to be out.

[Cal]

My very best , fondest memory of the Lake is from the 50's , when I was just a little kid(as opposed to a big kid now ).
It was truly greater than Christmas morning as we came over the last rise in rte 11 and Alton Bay appeared in the distance. I would literally be bouncing all over the back seat of the car . I could see the back side of Downings Boat Sales and then coming down the last hill McGraths would appear...off to the right you could now see the bandstand as we crossed over the bridge. Make a right at the Busy Corner store and in only a matter of minutes Sandy Point would appear. This would be the end of what was a 10 hour drive that seemed more like 3 days when your a kid.
Unfortunately , the worst memory followed a week later as we again went over the first rise in route 11 and the Lake disappeared for another year. I usually spent that distance from Sandy Point to the rise on my knees , on the rear seat , looking out the back window with a tear in my eye.
Then there was always the following Jan or Feb when my dad would make that "long distance" phone call (with operator assistance of course) to Sandy Point for reservations again. And so the cycle began again

[IslandSib]

My favorite memory was watching the Mount Washington pick up passengers at the Wolfeboro docks. My father would buy us ice cream cones and we would stay until the whistle blew and the Mount was pulling away. This was a big thing as we weren't on the big lake then.
Now that I am able to be on the big lake,(thanks to a brother with a sense for adventure) I still eagerly await the Mount passing by, waving like an idiot and flashing the lights on and off. I have never been on the Mount and am not sure If I will...dont want to ruin my memory or take away any of its awe.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Cal,
You really struck a chord with me. My 2 brothers and I have the same memory of watching Sandy Point through the rear car window with teary eyes each August. We usually stayed the last 2 weeks of August since the last week was at the off season rates. I remember our neighbors at the Point who rented seasonally back then standing and watching us pack up. My Dad trailered our 15' Starcraft alum. runabout and we packed up a lot of the luggage, beach chairs and household items in the boat. Our neighbor hailed from Malden, MA and said he always looked forward to watching how much my father could stow in the boat. In his great accent, he would exclaim each year, "My GAWD, Chahhlie, I cahn't believe how much you can fit in theah, you've brought everything but the kitchen sink!" What amazes me now is that even though we now have the cottage for the entire season my parents still manage to need 2 trips home with a full station wagon full to move back to NJ for the winter and it's just the 2 of them. My car is usually full with the overflow.

[Just Sold]

There are so many memories that keep coming back every time I am at the lake.

A few of the best were swimming off the dock, getting to take the boat out on my own for the first time, my first boat and motor at age 12 (I still have it). The wonderful homes, large and small, on the lake we visited and all of them are still there and many in the same family today. The business owners like Jessie Rogers (Bay Side Inn) and the "FAST" ride to Wolfeboro in the Chris Craft. The mischief we got into including one time with the MP and the MW . And much more.

Today, 9/21/04, my wife and I went and visited the summer home my family leased year round during the 60's. The daughter (and her husband) of the original owner now own the cottage. Nothing much has changed in the place built in 1929 but it certainly stirred up many memories and gave my wife an insight into one of the important experiences and enjoyments I had as I grew up summering at the lake and why I love the lake so much now.

But If I were to choose the best memory it would be with my son when he was 11 to 14 and we stayed on Rattlesnake Island. He would always get excited when he knew we were going to the lake and Rattlesnake Island. It was a father and son time always. It was such a wonderful time for him being there and I loved to watch him play in the water and just be a boy .

[Pepper]

My first-ever boat ride on the lake, with my brother Mike. After being in the car for 13 hours with my sister and her two little girs, and finally arriving at his rented cottage on Meredith neck, we were all completely wiped out. About an hour after we arrived, my brother asked "who wants to go for a midnight cruise?" I jumped at the chance, while everyone else looked at us like we had three heads! Out we went, Mike at the helm. He knows the lake like the back of his hand, and so I spent most of the ride simply soaking in the sound of the water as we quietly cruised along. The water was like glass, and there was not a sound to be heard outside of the loons calling in the night. We slipped almost silently along, and cruised into the Meredith Town docks. With not a soul around, we walked over to the falls and just took it all in. Back on the boat for more gliding along and listening to the loons. Six days later I headed back to Philadelphia , quit my job and moved here ! That was some boatride!