It may be a small state, but New Hampshire has 373 lakes - more than one for every day of the year! Head for Squam Lake or hike up Rattlesnake Mountain for some breathtaking views of the lake. Hikers need not worry, there are no rattlesnakes here - just deep slithery lines embedded in the summit’s bedrock. The 35-minute ascent is so easy, young kids have no problem hopping along in sandals.
This lake
has loons, so if you want to see them, take the 90-minute Squam Lakes Cruise from
Holderness. The cruise boat is a cozy pontoon whose open sides allow for close
viewing from all angles; plus binoculars are handed out. We spotted a mother
loon gliding along with a chick on her back while hooting as dad dove for food.
A naturalist from the Natural Science Centre is always on board to lead the
way. Ours was Margaret, who actually comes from Saint-Jérôme. While steering
the boat, she explained in lay-man’s lingo a lot about loons, and always
invited us to spot them. It was exciting. Everyone felt they had just won the
jackpot when they saw one. On board, we held replicas of eggs and examined facsimiles
of loon bones as our guide gave us a short lesson on loons. In this very area The
Loon Preservation Committee - open to the public - monitors their health and
protects them. Harry Vogel, also a Canadian, is the chief biologist for this
organization. “We were able to change the law. The use of led fishing tackle,
and big jigs that kill these birds is now prohibited. So many end up swallowing
them and die within hours.”
Squam Lake is small compared to Lake Winnipesaukee 34- kilometre length. Cruising in
style on this famous lake – the third largest in New
England – is the way to go. I headed for the Ekal
Activity Center
in the touristy town of Meredith
to hop on board a very special 7-seater boat. Fittingly called Miss Meredith, this speed
boat’s claim to fame resides in another name. It was once owned by Madame
Chiang Kai Shek who summered here. The
Americans instantly took ownership of her precious vessel when the Chinese
refused to side with them after the bombing of Pearl Harbour.
They also booted her out of Meredith where she homed every summer. Miss Meredith
smoothly made her way towards Governors Island
where splendid mansions had us gushing with envy. They collectively seem to
embody various lifestyles of the rich and famous. Sumptuous yachts docked
beside throne-like deck chairs, and ornate facades with12-feet-tall cathedral
windows looking out from on high made us feel very small. So much for Miss. Meredith!
Cottages
goers and residents who live on some of the lake’s 258 islands need never worry
about missing the mail - thanks to the (M/V) Sophie C. that leaves Weirs
Beach weekdays and Saturdays. Since 1892, she’s been delivering mail to families
who home here year-round. Purchase your
ticket at Weirs Beach; then hop on board the oldest
floating post office on the continent.
You’ll see how it all happens as Sophie approaches several islands where
residents wait to get the mail dropped to them on their docks. Sophie also hands out ice cream and all kinds
of snacks to everyone, including all hands on deck tourists.
The Squam
Lakes Natural Science Center gives you incredible views into our world via its
magical immersive exhibits. It’s just across from the loon cruise pontoon. If your
feet long for land grounded in history, then tread back in time by visiting the
abandoned 19th-century Canterbury Shaker Village nearby. Guided tours every day.
For
information on this region, visit: www.lakesregion.org
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