lake winnipesaukee, part 1.

Driving up to this lake, and then catching a first glimpse as we round Route 11 to drive alongside it. She’s undeniably beautiful, serene, full of peace. Its name is disputed–is it The Smile of the Great Spirit or Beautiful Water in a High Place? I think I prefer the first, though either will do. What is certain is how much the Hunt family loves it here. How something inexplicably settles in your heart when you let go at the lake. And letting go is easy.  We rented a place that we’ve not rented before, on an island (the owner has since taken it off the site, so I can’t link you to it), which brings both an extra sense of calm, and an extra need for planning. No hum of cars for two weeks straight, but if you need some more diapers, it’s going to take a bit of planning. The house was perfect. Sturdy bunk beds, high ceilings, loads of deck space, and views, views, views.  Every morning, my Dad would click the coffee on, and I’d slip out of bed, kids still sleeping, and meet Steve, my Mom, and my Dad on the deck for coffee. It became a favorite routine. It lasted an hour or so, then we’d disperse to follow the sun with a book, to eat breakfast, eventually shedding pajamas in favor of a bathing suit when it got hot. The boys eventually arose and perched themselves somewhere outside with a bowl of cereal. The mornings were always cool, requiring a sweatshirt, and by lunch time with the sun right overhead, we’d slip away into the shade again. Chasing the sun and then retreating from it all day long. I don’t think this boy wore real clothes for two weeks straight. Pajamas, bathing suit, repeat. Life vest, check. Sometimes we’d boat to Wolfeboro–one of the cute towns on the lake with a public dock to tie up at. Bridge Diner quickly became a favorite. Their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich was delicious and it had the perfect ambience. Old time diner, very few booths, long row of swively stools at the counter, quick turnaround, and waitresses who’ve been working there a long time. A two minute walk from the docks, it was perfect. At night, if we had the energy, a boat ride to ice cream, or just to see the lake in a different state. Nighttime on the lake is altogether different. The stars! The glassy water. Steve turns the boat off to just idle in the middle of the darkness. Look up and out and try to remember it all.His on cue smile doesn’t quite communicate “I’m happy!” yet.Lindsey arrived a few days into our lake vacation straight off the plane from Germany. She’d been there for three weeks with a German exchange program run through our local high school. We had an exchange student for a few weeks in the fall, then she went to their home. She also visited Colmar, France on her last day which looked like absolute magic!
Me water-skiing! It’d been two years, and I’m happy to say I got right up. However, afterwards my arm (the one that I broke awhile back) felt a little off afterwards. Put me right back in my place.  Steve!Oh this. THIS. The boat puts Anders right to sleep, particularly with a very loose bedtime routine that we had while there. And wherever he’d be on the boat, he’d come to find my lap when he felt sleep closing in. He’d settle in, close his eyes, and off he went. It was such a gift.Blankets come out for nighttime boat rides. And sometimes we have dance parties on the lake too.