Wow, what an exodus - anyone left?

[IslandRadio]

In the section of Rattlesnake Island where our cottage is located, *EVERYONE* closed up this weekend and left today - except for me, that is!!!

Wow, is it QUIET. The IslandPrincess can't come up until Thursday (and wasn't here this weekend), else I'm sure there would have been a lot of pressure to close up Personally, I like to stay absolutely as long as possible.

I hiked the entire island today - end to end and back, and encountered no one on any trail. I saw one guy mowing a lawn on the broads side - that was it!

In the past, there have been more "stragglers" around here anyway, but not this year.

Oh well !!

[oliviernh]

We are still coming out! We are on the broads side. Probably another 2 weekends before we close for the year!

[Slickcraft]

We and at least three other nearby camps on Welch are are still open, probably several others. And we have friends on the NE side of Rattlesnake that have a few weeks to go. Nice time of year except for the morning lake fog on many days.

[Jeanzb1]

We are in West Alton across from the north end of Rattlesnake, and there is only one light on at night that we can see over there! But we're the only ones left in our cove until we move this weekend into our Gilford year-round home. We love being the only ones here, but I admit it is very different to look out and see no boats, no people, just closed-up camps. By the way, anyone still seeing the loons?

[Barney Bear]

Several families are still coming to East Bear Island. Water temperature last weekend was 61 degrees. Several loons were serenading us on Columbus Day. We will close our cottage on Sunday, ending our 46th season on this magnificent lake.

[WakeboardMom]

I had a FB message from someone staying in our neighbor's cottage last night. "It's so good to see you're here. It's sooooo dark!" Well, we weren't there, but my son was, and yes, there aren't a lot of folks left on our road.

Jean, we saw lots of loons on our boat ride Sunday. Moultonborough --> Gilford --> Wolfeboro --> Moultonborough. They seem to be doing their "gathering" thing getting ready to leave the lake.

[codeman671]

We are going to be back and forth until the end of November completing some projects, but are done spending weekends on the island. Kids sporting events are taking up our next few weekends.

[GTO]

Theives look at social networks and forums to see when people will be away from their houses. I know eventually all islanders will be gone for the winter but why advertise it

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by GTO

Theives look at social networks and forums to see when people will be away from their houses. I know eventually all islanders will be gone for the winter but why advertise it

That's what cameras and security systems are for

And the occasional hot tub marauders when we are not there...

[GTO]

Originally Posted by codeman671

That's what cameras and security systems are for

And the occasional hot tub marauders when we are not there...

Thieves are more cocky and brazen now than ever before. There have been so many robberies in Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Alton recently. Thieves walking into banks, dunkin doughnuts, hotels in the middle of the day demanding cash. Its a daily occurance. So cameras on the side of your house might make you feel better when you leave but don't be surprised if you come home and even the cameras are missing

[JMR]

IR

There are a number of us around the corner that are still on lake. Some will remain until December. But it is quiet, which is enchanting.

[steve-on-mark]

I'm out for the week and am enjoying the peace and quiet...the doorbell hasn't rang once all week. Wait a minute...we don't have one...nevermind! :-)

[ApS]

Originally Posted by JMR

IR

There are a number of us around the corner that are still on lake. Some will remain until December. But it is quiet, which is enchanting.

In Winter, I find it a little too quiet!



Which reminded me of this old MAD-magazine cartoon—not so P.C. today:

[codeman671]

Still 2 places lit up on Bear tonight. I got off the island just before it started snowing. Back up again tomorrow for more work!

[ishoot308]

I saw a few boats crossing the broads today. Looked rough as heck!! Cold and windy too!!

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I saw a few boats crossing the broads today. Looked rough as heck!! Cold and windy too!!

Not too bad for us, we are tucked in a cove on the south end.

[codeman671]

Yesterday was absolutely horrible on the lake. As Pine Island Guy mentioned on another thread it was probably the worst day I have ever seen on the water as well. We had no right being out there, that's for certain.

The ride out of Glendale to Mark was rough to say the least. We borrowed Steve-on-mark's twin tube pontoon to head out to the island to clean the place out. I had 2 hired hands from craigslist to help me move stuff. These poor guys were not boaters and were hardly dressed for it, and had no idea what they were getting into. We bounced and bobbed our way across at a very slow pace, taking the waves almost head on, getting wet with every hit. Once in behind Timber things chilled out for a bit, then back into the crap between Timber and Mark.

We spent a few hours loading up and moving furniture. It was so bad coming out that we decided to cram everything into one very loaded trip so not to go back out for a second round of abuse. We headed back out, down the NWZ between Mark and Mink. As soon as we rounded the tip of Mark by Goodhue's and started towards Timber we started taking huge waves broadside. It was so bad that I thought we were going to flip sideways, I was leaning over the edge of the boat from the drivers seat like an outrigger trying to keep it from rolling. We managed to get across to Timber and ran the shoreline down to the other end near the Witches. I thought about tying up and waiting it out but am glad I didn't as it got even worse after we got back.

We (I) finally got up enough guts to make the run (crawl) for it. We took aim for Lockes and started out. We had to keep it to only a few mph to try to pace with the waves as I was afraid of burying the nose, which would have ended our trip in a cold way. We were getting hit from both sides and the rear from cross waves and were tossed all over the place. On a number of hits I thought we were going over. We took a few hits in the bow as we rolled over waves and into the trough. This put a healthy wave of water right up the deck soaking the feet of the poor guys clinging for dear life. With some time, patience and a few changes of underwear I made it to Lockes and in to Glendale.

I think that the boat being so loaded up actually helped us as without that much weight we would have been tossed worse. I have been out in some hairy stuff but that was just nuts. Had we been out in a regular hulled boat we would have gotten bounced around but been fine. It was the fact that it was a pontoon that made it as sketchy and dangerous as it was. Never again!

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

[upthesaukee]

It does remind me of a disease that can cause disastrous results to those who contract it. It is called "Gethomeitis" or in hyphenated form:
"Get-Home-itis".

It has caused many a bad result, and am glad that you did survive your brush with this.

I understand the need to get things off an island, but I shudder to think of what can happen when we put ourselves in harms way. The cam views of the lake were scary as heck.

Hope your final trip will be kinder.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Yesterday was absolutely horrible on the lake. As Pine Island Guy mentioned on another thread it was probably the worst day I have ever seen on the water as well. We had no right being out there, that's for certain.

The ride out of Glendale to Mark was rough to say the least. We borrowed Steve-on-mark's twin tube pontoon to head out to the island to clean the place out. I had 2 hired hands from craigslist to help me move stuff. These poor guys were not boaters and were hardly dressed for it, and had no idea what they were getting into. We bounced and bobbed our way across at a very slow pace, taking the waves almost head on, getting wet with every hit. Once in behind Timber things chilled out for a bit, then back into the crap between Timber and Mark.

We spent a few hours loading up and moving furniture. It was so bad coming out that we decided to cram everything into one very loaded trip so not to go back out for a second round of abuse. We headed back out, down the NWZ between Mark and Mink. As soon as we rounded the tip of Mark by Goodhue's and started towards Timber we started taking huge waves broadside. It was so bad that I thought we were going to flip sideways, I was leaning over the edge of the boat from the drivers seat like an outrigger trying to keep it from rolling. We managed to get across to Timber and ran the shoreline down to the other end near the Witches. I thought about tying up and waiting it out but am glad I didn't as it got even worse after we got back.

We (I) finally got up enough guts to make the run (crawl) for it. We took aim for Lockes and started out. We had to keep it to only a few mph to try to pace with the waves as I was afraid of burying the nose, which would have ended our trip in a cold way. We were getting hit from both sides and the rear from cross waves and were tossed all over the place. On a number of hits I thought we were going over. We took a few hits in the bow as we rolled over waves and into the trough. This put a healthy wave of water right up the deck soaking the feet of the poor guys clinging for dear life. With some time, patience and a few changes of underwear I made it to Lockes and in to Glendale.

I think that the boat being so loaded up actually helped us as without that much weight we would have been tossed worse. I have been out in some hairy stuff but that was just nuts. Had we been out in a regular hulled boat we would have gotten bounced around but been fine. It was the fact that it was a pontoon that made it as sketchy and dangerous as it was. Never again!

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

I'm hoping the weather this weekend is a little kinder...the pontoon is the only boat I have left in the water and I have one more weekend of hauling stuff to go! Now where did I put that flare gun...

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Yesterday was absolutely horrible on the lake. As Pine Island Guy mentioned on another thread it was probably the worst day I have ever seen on the water as well. We had no right being out there, that's for certain.

The ride out of Glendale to Mark was rough to say the least. We borrowed Steve-on-mark's twin tube pontoon to head out to the island to clean the place out. I had 2 hired hands from craigslist to help me move stuff. These poor guys were not boaters and were hardly dressed for it, and had no idea what they were getting into. We bounced and bobbed our way across at a very slow pace, taking the waves almost head on, getting wet with every hit. Once in behind Timber things chilled out for a bit, then back into the crap between Timber and Mark.

We spent a few hours loading up and moving furniture. It was so bad coming out that we decided to cram everything into one very loaded trip so not to go back out for a second round of abuse. We headed back out, down the NWZ between Mark and Mink. As soon as we rounded the tip of Mark by Goodhue's and started towards Timber we started taking huge waves broadside. It was so bad that I thought we were going to flip sideways, I was leaning over the edge of the boat from the drivers seat like an outrigger trying to keep it from rolling. We managed to get across to Timber and ran the shoreline down to the other end near the Witches. I thought about tying up and waiting it out but am glad I didn't as it got even worse after we got back.

We (I) finally got up enough guts to make the run (crawl) for it. We took aim for Lockes and started out. We had to keep it to only a few mph to try to pace with the waves as I was afraid of burying the nose, which would have ended our trip in a cold way. We were getting hit from both sides and the rear from cross waves and were tossed all over the place. On a number of hits I thought we were going over. We took a few hits in the bow as we rolled over waves and into the trough. This put a healthy wave of water right up the deck soaking the feet of the poor guys clinging for dear life. With some time, patience and a few changes of underwear I made it to Lockes and in to Glendale.

I think that the boat being so loaded up actually helped us as without that much weight we would have been tossed worse. I have been out in some hairy stuff but that was just nuts. Had we been out in a regular hulled boat we would have gotten bounced around but been fine. It was the fact that it was a pontoon that made it as sketchy and dangerous as it was. Never again!

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

I hope you gave the hired help a substantial tip and forced them to wear life preservers. Taking unsuspecting folks into a situation like you described probably isn't the brightest thing you have ever done. The weather reports were pretty explicit that it was going to be terrible conditions.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

I hope you gave the hired help a substantial tip and forced them to wear life preservers. Taking unsuspecting folks into a situation like you described probably isn't the brightest thing you have ever done. The weather reports were pretty explicit that it was going to be terrible conditions.

There were plenty of life jackets on hand and yes they were paid well. I clearly wasn't the only islander on the lake that day, but thank you for your criticism.

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I clearly wasn't the only islander on the lake that day, but thank you for your criticism.

Yes, we were one of the few out there too, our experience wasn't as bad but needless to say the worst closing day we have experienced in our seven seasons.

We woke up to 17 degrees and 20-30 mph winds. Spent the morning winterizing and headed out around noon. The wind was kicking up some 3 foot white caps and the spray froze instantly on the boat, luckily we were in a fully enclosed cockpit.

I take it by you comment you finally sold?
Good luck in your next endeavor!

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

There were plenty of life jackets on hand and yes they were paid well. I clearly wasn't the only islander on the lake that day, but thank you for your criticism.

Look on the bright side...you probably saved the hired hands some money. By getting their " thrill ride" fix out of the way, they won't have to take any expensive " 6 Flags " trips anytime soon...

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Yesterday was absolutely horrible on the lake. As Pine Island Guy mentioned on another thread it was probably the worst day I have ever seen on the water as well. We had no right being out there, that's for certain.

The ride out of Glendale to Mark was rough to say the least. We borrowed Steve-on-mark's twin tube pontoon to head out to the island to clean the place out. I had 2 hired hands from craigslist to help me move stuff. These poor guys were not boaters and were hardly dressed for it, and had no idea what they were getting into. We bounced and bobbed our way across at a very slow pace, taking the waves almost head on, getting wet with every hit. Once in behind Timber things chilled out for a bit, then back into the crap between Timber and Mark.

We spent a few hours loading up and moving furniture. It was so bad coming out that we decided to cram everything into one very loaded trip so not to go back out for a second round of abuse. We headed back out, down the NWZ between Mark and Mink. As soon as we rounded the tip of Mark by Goodhue's and started towards Timber we started taking huge waves broadside. It was so bad that I thought we were going to flip sideways, I was leaning over the edge of the boat from the drivers seat like an outrigger trying to keep it from rolling. We managed to get across to Timber and ran the shoreline down to the other end near the Witches. I thought about tying up and waiting it out but am glad I didn't as it got even worse after we got back.

We (I) finally got up enough guts to make the run (crawl) for it. We took aim for Lockes and started out. We had to keep it to only a few mph to try to pace with the waves as I was afraid of burying the nose, which would have ended our trip in a cold way. We were getting hit from both sides and the rear from cross waves and were tossed all over the place. On a number of hits I thought we were going over. We took a few hits in the bow as we rolled over waves and into the trough. This put a healthy wave of water right up the deck soaking the feet of the poor guys clinging for dear life. With some time, patience and a few changes of underwear I made it to Lockes and in to Glendale.

I think that the boat being so loaded up actually helped us as without that much weight we would have been tossed worse. I have been out in some hairy stuff but that was just nuts. Had we been out in a regular hulled boat we would have gotten bounced around but been fine. It was the fact that it was a pontoon that made it as sketchy and dangerous as it was. Never again!

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

These pictures remind me of some of the loads I've taken out over the years, and rival my biggest. One question...doesn't seem to be a lot of passenger space left!

[IslandRadio]

Wow, that's an *amazing* amount of stuff !! I suppose in the spring it all has to come back over No chance of leaving most of it on the island?

[Barney Bear]

Many years ago, we closed our cottage on East Bear Island on November 11th. One year, our own boat had been winterized, and we were in a 16 foot "loaner". We headed in to the boatyard in the late afternoon after dark, but in full moonlight in a relaively calm sea. However, we encountered rough water as we passed beyond Timber Island. I did not want to turn around in the 3' waves so continued on with four adults, one Scottish terrier and a TV set in the small boat. I sat on top of the seat as the splashing water was freezing onto the windshield [and me, as well]. Fortunately, we made it in okay. Recently, we had planned to close over a two-day weekend, but had to complete the task in one day as a large snowstorm was on its way. We reached the mainland at 3:00 PM and were about 15 minutes on our way home to southern NH when the snowfall began. We lost our power there for five days and six nights in this late October storm. We now close on the weekend following Columbus Day.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by IslandRadio

Wow, that's an *amazing* amount of stuff !! I suppose in the spring it all has to come back over No chance of leaving most of it on the island?

I was asking myself why he HAD to get the stuff off the island, until I reread his post on the trip.

Here is the last line:

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

Island property has been sold...Sorry Codeman...I know you loved the island life.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I was asking myself why he HAD to get the stuff off the island, until I reread his post on the trip.

Here is the last line:

One more trip out and a week or two and that will close out my season as well as time being an islander.

Island property has been sold...Sorry Codeman...I know you loved the island life.

Island life has been great, I will miss it. I certainly can't say I won't be back on an island at some point. Still trying to figure out what our next adventure will be. I still want to move up to the lake full time but am getting push back from the family- mainly school related. Our kids love the catholic school they go to and my daughter is moving on to St. Thomas in the fall. Since they are all doing well its hard to justify moving them to suit my own desire to be on the lake full time.

I took a ride up yesterday only to find my water pump frozen solid. Had I waited another day I am sure it would have been thawed back out with this 50+ degree weather. We towed it to Fay's and Supreme Marine took it away. I will be back in the water in a week or two when the work at the house is done, but am going to keep it winterized until the day I need it.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Island life has been great, I will miss it. I certainly can't say I won't be back on an island at some point. Still trying to figure out what our next adventure will be. I still want to move up to the lake full time but am getting push back from the family- mainly school related. Our kids love the catholic school they go to and my daughter is moving on to St. Thomas in the fall. Since they are all doing well its hard to justify moving them to suit my own desire to be on the lake full time.

I took a ride up yesterday only to find my water pump frozen solid. Had I waited another day I am sure it would have been thawed back out with this 50+ degree weather. We towed it to Fay's and Supreme Marine took it away. I will be back in the water in a week or two when the work at the house is done, but am going to keep it winterized until the day I need it.

We were also sad when you finalized the real estate deal. God know I did everything in my power to discourage the perspective buyers from wanting to stay when they spent the week at your place...played loud heavy metal music through the outside speaker system, encouraged Niki the German Shepard to "relieve" himself on your beach while they were trying to enjoy it, hung underware and other laundry from tree branches between our homes, even staged loud screaming arguments with the wife....wait, those were real...ok, forget that last one. All for naught.... Island life is all about comeraderie and helping out your neighbor...calling from the mainland to see if anything is needed,rescuing an out-of-gas boat, etc. If the new folks are 1/2 of what you guys were, I guess we'll be ok! :-) Know that you'll always be welcome...we can harass the new folks together!

[IslandRadio]

Wow Codeman, I didn't take in the finality of this move!!!!

I'm sorry you had to give up the Island...other adventures to follow, for sure!!

And, who knows what the future holds... maybe you'll be back again for more Island "fun"

All the best! Steve

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Still 2 places lit up on Bear tonight. I got off the island just before it started snowing. Back up again tomorrow for more work!

That's us on Bear, we are closing up tomorrow.
Snow is flying

[MaidenCove07]

Originally Posted by GTO

So cameras on the side of your house might make you feel better when you leave but don't be surprised if you come home and even the cameras are missing

Funny that you mention this.
I went up to check on my cameras today and one was gone and the other was purposefully obstructed.
Nothing was damaged or missing (THIS time - I've placed them because I know who has been vandalizing my property over the latter part of this summer and want to catch him to finally get the police involved), but even when you think you've got big brother on them, they're prepared for such things....would love a hunting season for scumbags!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by MaidenCove07

Funny that you mention this.
I went up to check on my cameras today and one was gone and the other was purposefully obstructed.
Nothing was damaged or missing (THIS time - I've placed them because I know who has been vandalizing my property over the latter part of this summer and want to catch him to finally get the police involved), but even when you think you've got big brother on them, they're prepared for such things....would love a hunting season for scumbags!

Sounds like you have someone that has nothing better to do with their time other than to harass you. You should still report any incident to police, no matter how small. That way they have it on record and will have it on their mind while on patrol.

[JMR]

Sadly we have closed the island property down for the season. Boat coming out this week. Will start watching and praying for an early ice out.

It has been another great year on the lake. Just enough visitors, but some quiet time as well. Lots of projects finished. New dock in and new roof on.

Hopefully winter will be kind. Already miss not going to lake.

[Webbsatwinni]

Originally Posted by GTO

Thieves are more cocky and brazen now than ever before. There have been so many robberies in Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Alton recently. Thieves walking into banks, dunkin doughnuts, hotels in the middle of the day demanding cash. Its a daily occurance. So cameras on the side of your house might make you feel better when you leave but don't be surprised if you come home and even the cameras are missing

I didn't think this was a post about the government?

[steve-on-mark]

I'm out this weekend...see only two places lit up on Bear...not one boat has been by all day....ahhhhhh! :-)

[steve-on-mark]

nobody here except me and the deer!

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

I'm out this weekend...see only two places lit up on Bear...not one boat has been by all day....ahhhhhh! :-)

That is us on Bear...probably next weekend.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

That is us on Bear...probably next weekend.

well the only lights you see on Mark is me! :-)

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

well the only lights you see on Mark is me! :-)

How much longer for you Steve?

[dippasan]

I was up this past weekend with my family and we had a ball. Wood stove going, Martini's flowing,Cribbage tournament etc. Saw a young eagle several times. Probably saw the eagle more times than we saw boats!!!
I did turn off and drain the water but I know I'll be up a couple more times and I'm sure my friends on Rattlesnake and I will be making our annual pilgrimage to the islands to check on the camps on New Years eve day.

[MAXUM]

Beautiful but cold out on Bear Island Sunday. Good test for my new heater which worked quite nicely, looking forward to ice in and spending a few winter nights out there!

[BroadHopper]

Took the boat out for a family Christmas shoot today. It was cold but the lake was perfect for boating, very calm.

I notice the MP took the LED lights off the light bouys and leave the bouys in the water. In the past, they use to take the bouys out of the water. You would think there would be less damage.

I was surprise to see a number of boats going through the channel. There were a large number of boats parked on the island docks at Glendale. Looks like there is a good number of island property owners still on the lake.

I was able to go under the Wolfeboro bridge, but my I/O was dragging the bottom.

[Mink Islander]

Usually try to do Thanksgiving on the island but not this year. Will be up for a day in a couple weeks to load in the rest of the kerosene for the winter and get the ice eaters turned on. Time to start watching the water temps....

[DEJ]

Just food for thought, be careful posting when closing up your properties, it is an open invitation to crooks knowing no one will be home.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by DEJ

Just food for thought, be careful posting when closing up your properties, it is an open invitation to crooks knowing no one will be home.

Your point is a good one in general. However, I am fairly certain that even the stupidest theives know that there is no one on Mink Island at this time of year.

[steve-on-mark]

I feed the deer all summer and fall. In exchange, they will charge at anyone who's snooping around when I'm not out there...I think! Cheap enough...few bucks!

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

That's what cameras and security systems are for

And the occasional hot tub marauders when we are not there...

ummmm...do neighbors count as marauders??

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

ummmm...do neighbors count as marauders??

Only if they resemble a German Shepard that likes to leak on everything he comes in contact with... Or assault prized goldens...

Or if they drink cheap tequila and get a mad face!

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Only if they resemble a German Shepard that likes to leak on everything he comes in contact with... Or assault prized goldens...

Or if they drink cheap tequila and get a mad face!

Thank God you don't have THAT crew to worry about...you'd have to hire security!