Shari G Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 (edited) Despite rumors of questionable weather and an approaching hurricane (still safely south of us), 11 hearty souls launched from Piper Cove on Squam Lake, NH (Gary, Peter, Janice, Sherry S, Mike H, Dan F, Beth, Dave M, Yong, Liz N, and Shari G). We were met by mostly sunny skies and a NW headwind as we paddled loaded boats out to Moon Island (~2 miles). The NW wind became the steady theme for the weekend, but sunny skies prevailed.After setting up camp, we opted to paddle south around Great Island and into Dog Cove, where we explored other campsites in Heron Cove. The lake was almost completely empty of other boats. Instead we had numerous loon sightings and watched a hunting bald eagle at close range.While our Friday evening campfire got underway, our first pot-luck dinner was set up along Yong's tent platform, buffet style. I believe we surpassed the standards of the NSPN "foodies" with a variety of cheese/crackers, veggie chili, cornbread/biscuits, chocolate mocha cake, cookies, and even apple crisp a-la-mode! Nighttime dipped into the high 30's but all reported being toasty in their bags.Saturday greeted us with NW wind driven chop and white caps. We chose a lake crossing over to True Cove, where we landed and exchanged drysuits for hiking gear. From there we left an impressive pile of colorful gear behind and hiked up West Rattlesnake then over to East Rattlesnake Mountain (elev. 1200 ft). We made several stops at stunning vistas overlooking the lake and islands, returning to our boats just over 3 1/2 hours later. We then geared up and headed back to Moon, by way of Chocorua Island (aka Church Island, named after the small outdoor church used during the summer). We had following "seas" at a quartering angle which provided some challenge, especially after hours of hiking. Our tired group landed back on Moon and barely discussed that we would not be making a night paddle over to Walter's Basin. Instead, out came another evening of campfire gourmet featuring Peter's fresh Chicken Mushroom goulash, Janet's Butternut Squash Leek soup, & tomato basil salad. Dessert followed with brownies, cookies and Liz's Hot Buttered Rum concoction!Sunday morning a small pod departed for home. The remaining 7 of us paddled out to the Yard Islands; a grouping of small islands with white sandy coves, surrounded by interesting granite arrangements. We had lunch, enjoyed the view of Mount Chocorua, and soaked up the sun. We made a bee-line back to Moon Island with the wind at our backs and an almost effortless paddle. After packing up and returning to Piper Cove, we ended the weekend with dinner at Walter's Basin. Thanks to everyone for making this a great trip, despite our being about two weeks early for peak foliage (as advertised)! I will attempt to attach photos below! Clicking on thumbnails will enlarge photos. Edited October 5, 2015 by shari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prudenceb Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Lovely! Thought of you guys from the ocean as I was teabagging in the wind and sporty seas for the 4 star assessment. As it is now a few hrs before supper, just reading your report makes me hungry!pru Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shari G Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Wow, you are one busy lady Pru!! shari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave M. Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Great report Shari. It was a great weekend with conditions to enjoy.Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katherine Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Glad you all had fun & stayed warm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhabich Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 You'd never guess from the pictures, but I was smiling the whole weekend. Thanks everybody for the great company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Foster Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) A few more photos of a great weekend on the water: Edited October 6, 2015 by Dan F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave M. Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 https://picasaweb.google.com/102821386556038093669/SquamLake2015More pics if link works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyork Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 i consider myself fortunate to enjoy good friends, good food, and warm fires, as we did.More pix: https://plus.google.com/photos/104527482892165688266/albums/6201961787038350385?banner=pwa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcotton Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 It was a wonderful weekend. What a great group of people to camp and paddle with together. I'm in for next year! Thanks Shari and Gary for all your work and everyone for making it a great weekend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shari G Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 Here are a few more photos sent to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave M. Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 https://picasaweb.google.com/102821386556038093669/SquamLake2015?authuser=0&feat=directlink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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