Squam vs. Sunapee vs. Winnipesaukee

[mcdude]

Winnipesaukee vs. Squam
click for Union Leader article
“wealth porn — a glitzy in-your-face kind of exhibitionism.”
Winnipesaukee vs. Sunapee
click for Concord Monitor article (click on the page 2 link to the left)
"Lakes can spur heated rivalries. And like many others, the Sunapee and Winnipesaukee feud is fueled as much by stereotype as by direct observation. Broadly speaking, the impressions boil down to honky-tonk vs. country-club"
I'm not rying to stir up the pot.....but I thought the comparisons were interesting. Here is a special section containing a series of articles r.e. the Lakes Region that provides some perspectives and which some may find interesting.
Summer on the Lakes

[SAMIAM]

Winnisquam is getting it's share of trophy homes,but mostly,older camps dot the shoreline.There are still miles of undeveloped shorefront to enjoy without risking your life.The old state school property has a beautiful secluded beach and beautiful granite cliffs that drop into sandy beach.Durring the week ,even in midsummer,you can waterski without fear of being run over by an offshore boat(nothing against them) Now,if only we had a good restaurant on the water.

[Grant]

I can remember my grandfather telling me how sparsely-developed the Winnipesaukee shoreline was when he was a boy (he would be 93 now). Now, at age 43, I find myself telling my kids the same thing. The pace of development and the advent of "tear-down" cottages and McMansions has been rather startling over the past 20 years.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Grant

I can remember my grandfather telling me how sparsely-developed the Winnipesaukee shoreline was when he was a boy (he would be 93 now). Now, at age 43, I find myself telling my kids the same thing. The pace of development and the advent of "tear-down" cottages and McMansions has been rather startling over the past 20 years.

Aaah gentrification (Aspenization if you wish). Problem is that like SAMIAM above we all want the calm water to carve the perfect turn but then want to take the boat to the pierside restaurant for dinner. The latter of course can't financially survive w/o enough traffic which in turn uncalms the water. Same thing with landside amenities (give me pizza delivery and cold beer) and people, thus housing, to financially support them. Once a good balance of the above is achieved then it becomes "paradise" and of course we all know what the Eagles sang about paradise .....

[LakeLover]

To SAMIAM: Let's try to keep this Winnisquam thing a secret!

[madrasahs]

Originally Posted by Grant

I can remember my grandfather telling me how sparsely-developed the Winnipesaukee shoreline was when he was a boy (he would be 93 now). Now, at age 43, I find myself telling my kids the same thing. The pace of development and the advent of "tear-down" cottages and McMansions has been rather startling over the past 20 years.

Twenty years ago, I returned to Lake Winnipesaukee after a ten-year absence.

Gee! -- They've built houses on the mountains....
Gosh! -- You can't drink the water anymore....
Look! -- What's that noisy, irritating little boat putting out all that spray out the back?...
Hey! -- The water's not as clear any more....
Golly! -- You can see the lake from the highway now, they've cut down all the trees....
Jumpin' Juniper! Did they repeal the 150'-rule?
Gad! -- I get a patchy, wet, red, itchy rash from swimming now....
For the Love of Mike! What's E. coli?
Good God! -- Has a Bed & Breakfast replaced the Davis's camp? What's a McMansion?
Boy! -- Where've all the polite boaters gone?
Holy Cow! -- There's so much plastic junk floating on the water....
Leapin' Lizards! -- They allow those boats on protected lake waters?
Bummer! -- Don't they require mufflers on boats any more?
By Jupiter! -- We have to buy a registration for an unpowered sailboat now?
Holy Schmoley! -- Don't bikers have to have mufflers any more?
Hmmm!-- I haven't heard the song of a wood thrush this year....
Man! -- What's happened to our old camp's shoreline?
Why oh why! -- Is there so much algae off the dock now?
Oy! Where there was one lawyer...there's ten!
Jiminy Christmas! -- Why are all the drivers in town so frantic?
Great Caesar's Ghost! -- Why are drivers with New Hampshire plates driving like drivers from a certain neighboring state?
Holy Moley! Does our town really need eleven realty businesses?
Jumpin' Jehoshaphat! -- The lakewater smells funny.
By Jove! -- There's not a single tree left on those Mini-Warehouse lots.
Wow! Is that a residential burglar alarm? And has it been warbling for a full hour?
Gadzooks! -- Winnipesaukee's lost its Class-A quality rating.
For the Love of Pete! -- They're fishing the bass beds!
Holy Mackerel! -- That fisherman just hooked my new $1500 sail!
Jeepers! -- To bass fishermen, we're potted plants!

Well, I've run out of exclamations, but I know who's to blame for not watching the store:

Nobody.

[dpg]

Maybe I'm missing something, I just do not understand what's so unattractive about a "Mcmansion" (a dumb name at that) as opposed to a 70 year old "camp." Personally I enjoy boating by beautiful (new) homes and checking them out. Then again I'd also prefer a new "Benz" over a Rambler!

[Grant]

Madrasahs... I do believe you've hit the proverbial nail squarely on the head with your list. Never thought twice about drinking the lake water years ago -- after all, it's what comes from the tap in our house. These days, however, despite the big filter in place, you *know* there's all manner of stuff not found in the city-supplied uber-chlorinated stuff that flows from my spigot here in Philadelphia. Oy vey.

[mets3007]

I have been going to lake Winnipesaukee since I was 7 years old. I love the area alot. Especially the area around Weirs Beach, it is probably one of the best areas in the Lakes Region. The view is amazing that water is cleaner than any water in NY and plus the people are friendlier. I love going to the Lakes Region every year. The surrounding towns are also beautiful, Laconia, Gilford, and Meredith. Yes there are negatives,but, les try to look on the positives. We have a nice lake to look at or boat in and a nice beach in Weirs beach it might not be the best but it will do. Lets cherish what we have and all the good things about Lake Winnipesaukee.

[madrasahs]

Originally Posted by dpg

I just do not understand what's so unattractive about a "Mcmansion" (a dumb name at that) as opposed to a 70 year old "camp." Personally I enjoy boating by beautiful (new) homes and checking them out. Then again I'd also prefer a new "Benz" over a Rambler!

McMansions are huge insults to the shoreline in that they try to "get a view from every window". Because of their size, they shed more rain water off their roofs, leading to more silting of the lake. (Good milfoil habitat).

Usually, the spec-builder cuts down most of the trees for a McMansion, but leaves a few small trees (often birches) for window-dressing. Those trees, no longer afforded the protection against storms by their surrounding forest eventually blow over, and are finally removed. How many McMansions have you seen "nestled in pine woods".

"McMansion" versus "Old Camp"
California vs. New England
Climate-Controlled vs. "Last One in the Lake..."
Interstate vs. Back Road
Roses vs. Pink Lady Slipper
Flamingo vs. Wood Thrush
Class "A" RV vs. VW Camper
Cellphone vs. Dial Phone
"Wealth Porn" vs. "Burning the Mortgage"
Passing Lane vs. Traveling Lane
Double Leaf-Blowers vs. "Horse-Shoes"
Concrete vs. Granite
Race Track vs. Moose Track
Enron vs. Budweiser
Moles vs. Chipmunks
Sunset from Offshore vs. Sunset from Canoe
Burglar Alarms vs. Unlocked Doors
Unknown Neighbors vs. Friends for Life

Originally Posted by dpg

Maybe I'm missing something

I believe you are.

[dpg]

Madrasahs...Hey, things change get out and enjoy it. Anyway, I hear there's some prime lots for sale on the northern end of Moosehead lake Who needs reception, stores, entertainment, town services or anything like that? Just give me the Chipmunks and an outhouse and I'm happy...NOT...

[Lin]

I've read the article and I tend to agree with it. I grew up on the lake in the 50's, 60's and 70's . My aunt had a camp compound on the lake near little Ganzy and we went there every summer for the entire summer. They had a nice camp with great porches. They've since been taken off and the house has been changed. I really appreciate the older "camps". Most had good size but I really think the larger buildings replacing them are more for show than for the good of the lake. But then that's my opinion and this is a loaded question/answer on what should replace the camps. I will say we took some boat rides at Squam and I really miss that atmosphere on Lake Winni.

[Lin]

madarash, I appreciate your campvsmcmansions. I loved it. It's great to compare.

[meredith necker]

Are Mcmansions seasonal? Camps are, pretty much. Camps have character, they are camps, not houses. They are for trying to blend in with nature and the surroundings, not make an impact statement. You don't spend much time actually in a camp because you are outside all the time and when the sun goes down you go to bed.

[dpg]

And all you folks could HONESTLY say if it were given to you, you'd choose a "camp" over a so-called "trophy home?" Come on now, be honest with me and yourself!

[Lin]

Originally Posted by dpg

And all you folks could HONESTLY say if it were given to you, you'd choose a "camp" over a so-called "trophy home?" Come on now, be honest with me and yourself!

Yep, that'd be us. Our main home is already a log home. I love homes that nestle into their environment rather than intrude on it!

[Zee]

I can HONESTLY say that if money was no object, my home of choice on the Lake would indeed be a moderate sized camp probably on an island or on the mainland on the quiet side of the lake. I'm not talking an outhouse here. I would want the modern amenities and probably 3 bedrooms. The McMansion would be built somewhere else where peace and quiet isn't expected.

The Lake has changed negatively since I was here as a kid in the 60's. You just have to look a little harder now for the peace and tranquility you used to find on any part of the lake except the Weirs. There are indeed "different strokes for different folks", because I avoid Weirs like the plague. And Funspot, I've never been there and have no desire to go there. I am always amazed when visitors to this site ask "what is there to do at the Lake?", people actually suggest going to the Weirs, Funspot, NASWA, etc. instead of canoeing or kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing. Yikes! Maybe the problem now is that people need constant visual and sensory stimulation to feel alive. For me, I get all the stimulation I need sitting in an adirondack chair on the waters edge, putting my head back, listening to the birds and the sound of the water. [until one of those d--- offshores goes by]

[dpg]

Zee, easy for you to say. Do you go up weekends or weeks with little ones - kids that is? They can only be entertained by the water so long. Your right things have changed. When I was small a bike and ball kept me busy for hours. Computer, what's a computer? Hey wait a minute, just how many posts are YOU, yes YOU up to now on this site?? See what I mean?

What kept (us) entertained years back just doesn't cut it today. Would your "moderate" cabin have a P.C. in it? I know there are people out there who will respond and say their kids swim for hours on end but not my teens.

Price not being an issue, anyone who would NOT take a massive house is nuts!!!

[Rose]

While I agree many kids these days are easily bored, the two boys (11 and 13) who live next to me are ALWAYS outside as long as the weather permits it. Seems to me perhaps some parents should just kick their children's posteriors out of the house...but that's easy for me to say...I have no kids

[islandAl]

dpg, I perfer "camp", if you want all the "other" things, thats fine; but please do not assume that everyone else must like what you do. If you require all those things to entertain you, maybe this is not the place for you.
I enjoy the quiet. No, I would not like a mega mansion. Too much work. I have no gutters to clean, no grass to mow, but do have two canoes. Grandchilldren are learning nature and the beauty of it. No computers, no cable, no xbox or the like. My wife and I, sons and families all go up to Winni to get away from all those "modern" things.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I would certainly go for a small camp over a McMansion. Here at the lake we have a place one-third the size of our home in Hollis. We are a very close family and have gotten even closer with the smaller place. It is so much easier to clean too! Bigger isn’t always better.

[harbor guy]

I think the term "McManson" is the best!
As for me and the folks place, well two bedroom and a big loft.
Not quite what one would call a trophy home.
In any case, haven't seen anything yet that I would trade it for.
Guess that qualifies me as nuts!

[dpg]

O.K, o.k., you guys win. I'll let it be. You'd still find ME in the huge house if it was "do-able"

[dpg]

o.k., o.k., you guys win, you've beaten me down! However, I'll still take the monster home anyday.

[Merrymeeting]

dpg,

You might want to listen to those who have done it. Like Rattlesnake Gal, we have a large full-time home, and a cabin at the lake. If we had it to do again we would not build as big a house for home. And yes, we have 3 kids who somehow manage to keep themselves better entertained at the small camp than when they are at the big house.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Amen to that Merrymeeting!

[Yes Tor]

If the question was, which lake do you like better, Winnipesaukee will always win with me. Lake Winnipesaukee is heaven to me and although I only make it up there two weeks a summer these days, I wouldn't trade those two weeks for anything. True, the Lake is being heavily developed and used these days, and will never be the Lake of our childhoods, but it is still so beautiful and big! Squam and Sunapee are very nice, especially Squam, but don't have the variety you find on the big Lake. I wouldn't trade Winni for the world. Note to anyone, I will take a donation of a camp, McMansion or shed anywhere on Winnipesaukee. Feel free to email with details if you do feel like donating!

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by dpg

And all you folks could HONESTLY say if it were given to you, you'd choose a "camp" over a so-called "trophy home?"

I think my wife would like a "trophy home" but my choice would be an enclosure that doesn't leak in a rain storm and lets the breeze through when it isn't raining. It needs a place to sleep, a place to cook and a place to put a deck chair when not sleeping or eating. Indoor plumbing would be a modern "upscale" requirement. The "perfect" place at The Lake (for me) would not require mowing, painting, planting, maintaining and have enough trees to give me shade on a hot sunny day. McManson sounds like a lot of work and not laid back and relaxing. I guess a "camp" is what I would honestly prefer. McManson is sorta like New York City, nice to look at and visit but I really would not be at ease living there. ...hmmmm... That log home that Lin mentioned sounds inviting. If it had a porch big enough for a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table to put my iced coffee I would be in heaven.

[meredith necker]

I too prefer a camp over a McMansion; I enjoy cozy areas; I like to relax without "boundries"; to quietly become one with nature; to allow my mind to drift and dream; to be free from "shoulds and oughts" and responsibility. I will admit that indoor plumbing is preferable and maybe tight construction so there"s a minimum of critters inside (although I must say my dog, cat and I spent a very nice summer on the lake with a "wild" mouse and we all got along fine. The mouse even talked to me.

[Kona Bay Girl]

Even since the 90s, the lake has changed dramatically. I myself went from visiting my great aunt's in Meredith for one week in the summer to renting in Moultonborough and then having my family buy a house in that general area. I won't lie, it's a house, not a camp. However, we're not on the waterfront so I guess that's all right. The house was originally going to be someone's retirement home, but if my family had it our way, the place would have the wooden walls and the linoleum floors. The feeling is certainly different, but once I get out to the beach (very small lakeside association), I still feel some of the old lake.

The traffic in Meredith (boat-wise) has gotten horrendous. I don't believe I've seen an offhsore until a few years ago, and have just heard of the Fountain line this year. It's not just the offshores, though. Our 19-footer can cut through the wakes like nothing. It's also the massive cuddys and cabin cruisers who are large both ways and while they're not fast, when that hull cuts through the water it bounces, making some of the most unmanagable crosswakes of the lake. It's the speedboats not giving the right-of-way, the PWCs and jetboats not slowing down a tad, the canoe with the swimmers in no lifejackets beside it trying to cross a busy channel. I can't say anything for the sailboats. It's the overpopulation during the summer that creates the traffic.

Has anyone noticed that the bigger the house is on the lake, the less it gets used?

Still, Winnipesaukee is still a gem. When all the day-trippers are driving up and the one-time-tourists are still asleep, head out into what should be the busiest part of the lake and just appreciate the silence.

Appreciation can go a long way.

Oh, and from personal experience, the water WILL keep us busy for quite a long time, just give us a frisbee, ball, and maybe a paddleboat.