Trip report

Squam Lakes Island Camping

Camping DATE: 08/05/2016 - 08/07/2016

Trip/Event Location: Holderness, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): Richardg

Max # People: 12

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: Yes, but only to cover shared expenses, and I too am paying

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Join us for a summer weekend of camping, canoeing, swimming, campfires and camaraderie on Squam Lake in Holderness, NH.  This trip requires previous paddling or kayaking experience.  The

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We will meet at the SLA Resource Center on Route 3 in Holderness, NH at 1 PM to meet our canoe buddies, pick up canoes and organize gear for the group paddle to Bowman Island.  Please be prompt for efficient departure to the site.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

On one of the most brilliant of summer days Rich, Mike, Jon, Paul, Bruce, Clarence, Steve, Dave, Rob and Joe assembled at Sqam Lake Association to pack up our canoes and kayaks and head out for the weekend to Bowman Island for fun, sun, swimming and paddling.  We couldn’t have asked for a better day, a better weekend nor a more fun group of guys – hear hear!

Rob and Joe were the last to arrive but quickly packed their canoe and strapped in their gear.  We departed the shore line a short time after 1pm and paddled our way, roughly one hour, to the dock of Bowman Island.  The open waters were relatively calm, a little choppy at times with a modest breeze and a reasonable mix of sun and clouds – a great start to the day – happy to say no one capsized!!

Upon arrival we took turns unloading and we quickly carried our supplies to the campsite.  It was perfect – it became very apparent we had the best spot on the island.  We had a private dock, early sun, afternoon shade and all the privacy nature has to offer.  We were sharing the island with 3 other tent sites but they were on the west side while we were facing east.  You would never have known… we all were very much immersed in our own time and space, soaking it in.  Our campsite was under an abundant leafy canopy that allowed for filtered sun.  The three tent platforms easily accommodated our group – we set up in no time and quickly settled into the weekends festivities.  Early on we assembled around the campfire ring where we formally made introductions and bantered for a bit.  Shortly after that some of us took a walk to sunset rock… some took a refreshing dip… others fell into a deep sleep for many hours (ok, ok, Rob had a tough week at work… give him a break already….)… and others jumped into canoe’s and paddled across the bay to visit the “On Golden Pond” house and check out natures best scenery.

Friday night was all about sharing snacks, a fire, dinner and spirits – all in good fun.  Some folks headed back to Sunset Rock to catch the declining day… others stayed at the tent site while others took a refreshing dip off the docks.  It wasn’t quite midnight swimming but it was well after sunset and it was AMAZING to say the least.  Not a care in the world, just the best.  The loons were the highlight of the weekend… well into the evening you could hear the characteristic call … it was beautiful… nature’s music… cascading across the open waters and appreciated by all whose ear captures the purity of the moment…

Bit by bit folks called it a night… with nowhere to go… with no place to be… with not a care in the world we trickled into night time…  Saturday was to ease its way in…. much the same way we retired… when our bodies told us it was time….  Some got up to catch the sunrise… others got up to go swimming and others just got up, lol.  We made coffee, had breakfast, more swimming, more fun and soon began preparations for a day on the lake.  The plan was to canoe out… no particular direction, and cast our eyes onto points of interest and appreciate our surroundings.

We left the campsite around 10:30am… four canoes and two kayaks… we made our way to Chocorua (Church) Island.  This historic site was first a summer camp but today is an outdoor non-denominational church where weekend Squam Lakers go to worship.  Many weddings and other celebrations are often held on the island.  From there we paddled across the lake to Five Finger Point where we came ashore and decided it was time for a water dip.  The sun was hot and blazing down on us while we paddled – time to cool off!!  We met up with some day hikers who were coming down from the Rattlesnakes for a swim, two dogs in tow!  Soon thereafter the group broke into two parts… those who wanted a more relaxing day on Bowman and those who cherished the rough waves of the lake for more exploring.  Bruce, Paul, Clarence, Rob and Joe canoed back to camp while Rich, John, Mike, Steve and Dave braved the increasingly rough waters to check out the popular Jumping Rock and paddle around Hoag Island with delightful calm water.  As they finished their near circumnavigation of the island they took a breath and saw the ocean like swells ahead of them in order to get to the Yard Islands. Using upper body muscles, everyone got across safely and were relieved when they pulled ashore and spent some quality time enjoying the emerald green color of the water, swimming, eating and enjoying each other’s company.

Back at the island Joe grabbed his hammock and settled in at Sunset Rock for an afternoon siesta, Rob went swimming and Bruce and Paul settled in for a nap of their own.  Rob wasn’t far behind… and fell into a few hours’ sleep.

Sometime around 4pm the adventure explorers returned validating the waters choppiness and challenging paddle but they had an awesome time!!   As day turned to evening we sparked the flames and set about building a fire, sharing snacks and preparing dinner.  We all had more food than we could consume and we all brought more to share than could be eaten – well done gents!!  We were forewarned that the island had a raccoon that the rangers were attempting to trap so we had to be mindful of packing up our food stuffs at night.  All of us were just a bit more tired than the night before (except those that napped!!!) and so we assembled to catch the sunset… star gaze… swim and enjoy the solitude of the evening among the calling of the loons.  Mike and Jon topped the evening off with CRAZY YUMMY truffles…. they were gooooooooood. 

Bit by bit we retired… again with nowhere to go, no place to be and no appointed hour to rise… we drifted into sleep.  Sunday came and we all slowly emerged from slumber to greet the day at our own pace, on our own time.  Rob got up to catch the sunrise… enjoying that brief moment with Steve while Joe was snuggled in his hammock.  Steve headed back to camp and Rob made coffee dockside to enjoy his coffee while swimming.   Shortly thereafter being joined by Clarence, Rich and others coming down to get water for breakfast preparations.

The weekend was a top ten summer day and we’ve had many this summer– a brilliant blue sky, some passing clouds, but not a drop of rain – not a hint nor a threat – stunning.  We were an amiable bunch, we caught up with old friends and made new ones – with high hopes to catch up again sometime soon on a trail, on a swim, paddle or bike ride.  Thanks Rich for organizing this amazing weekend – hats off to you mate… you rock!!

 

Trip Report (Robert L.)

Trip Photos (Mike B./Jon N.)

Members That Participated

Richardg

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


NYC/Hudson Valley, NY


United States
DaveSchumaker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Manchester, NH


United States
Mrwritenow

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Boca Raton, FL


United States
Yak-n-Biker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Warner, NH


United States
JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
Robert.L

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Bowdoin, ME


United States
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