On the water

There is nothing as calming as imagining the sound of gentle waves lapping up against the beach or splashing over the rocks that form the bed of a winding river. These peaceful water sounds have been captured and can be found in podcasts and on CDs for deep sleep music, meditation, and relaxation. In the Lakes Region, many of us can just open our windows or take a short walk to experience the real sounds. Even on a dark winter afternoon when Lake Winnisquam is covered with ice, I drive down Shore Drive and glance out across the frozen, sleeping landscape.

Now that spring has arrived we can think about getting back to the water. Already one can see canoe’s gliding along the lake, just near the shore. The larger power boats are being cleaned and lowered into the water in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend. It might still be a bit cold for kayaks, except for the bold and brave who might not mind a dip into the icy water.

In New Hampshire, and especially in the Lakes Region, we are fortunate to be surrounded by water that allow all forms of boating. In the Granite State, you are never more than a short drive away from a lake, pond, bog, or river. There are more than 400 public federal and state-owned launch sites where you can launch your motorboat, kayak or canoe into the water, not to mention town-owned ramps.

For kayaking, the Pemigewasset River that has an 11:25 mile stretch of water that begins in Woodstock, in the White Mountains and travels down to Campton, a short drive from Laconia.

Even if you are not a sailor, there is nothing quite as beautiful as watching a sailboat in the distance with its white sails taut against a blue sky. If the boat isn’t in the distance you can watch as the crew manages to gauge the weather and maneuvers the boat as it glides across the lake.
The M/V Mt. Washington spring seasons begins on May 19 with scenic two and a half hour cruises that stop in four ports. Schedules for the M/V Sophie C and the M/V Doris E begin on June 19. The summer season for the Mt. Washington begins on 22 June.
Of course, thinking of boating, leads one to think about fishing. It is important to remember that you do require a license for fishing in New Hampshire. Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31 and may be purchased from fishnh.com, from license agents, Fish and Game Department headquarters in Concord, Fish and Game Region 1, 2, and 4 offices, and some town or city clerks. Applicants must purchase their own licenses.
We grew up fishing from our Uncle Jim’s rowboat on Merrymeeting Lake. What a thrill to catch even a sunfish as a result of sitting quietly, with the patience of an adult, in a small boat.
Ice cream cones, an afternoon on the Mt. Washington, fresh vegetables and a bar-be-que with friends and family, after spending the day in, near or on the water, are an important part of the glorious summer season in the Lakes Region.