August Vacation

[Jimmbrooks]

Hello all,

I'd like to introduce myself. Long time browser of the forums but my first post here. I want to thank everyone so far for their contributions to this forum. Ive gained plenty of information in the amount of time I've been reading here. Now I have a few specific questions.

I've been a long time boater (15+ years) and have navigated the entire Long Island sound coast. I live in CT just near the casinos on the Thames river. Up and down the river, out to the races in the sound, and trailered to local lakes. I have charts for every available waterway I traverse.

I have ordered the Bizer chart and will pick up lakewinni app for my phone as a back up. What I would like to know before reading the charts and planning routes from one side of the lake to the other is if there are any special conditions ( ie. obstacles, specific routes) to take note of. I am renting a house on Whortleberry Island, and putting in at pier 19. I have plans on visiting all parts of this beautiful lake. What I would like from those that have more knowledge than a chart can provide, is any information relating to my trips between the pier and the island, and the island and other popular places on the lake.

Going by the charts will be easy enough, but I'm hoping I can gain as much info as I can to have not only a very fun vacation by a very safe one as well, not just for my family but everyone else enjoying the lake.

Lived in NH for 10 years so I know how helpful and courteous we can be. Looking forward to hearing from you all.

[Rich]

welcome!

I still remember my first day on the lake, wondering about those submerged rocks and things.

The one area that I think needs extra care is 'The Witches'. Just east of Governor's Island and south or south west of Timber Island. On a boat it looks like open water until it's to late!

Zoom out on this map and you can see the rocks under the water just waiting for you.

View Larger Map  |  Get Directions  |  View Bird's Eye

[Jimmbrooks]

Thank you so much, that's a great visual, I'm sure I'd have avoided it based on the chart but you can see on that map how sneaky those witches can be. Anyone else have info for me, maybe like my best route from Whortleberry over to the weirs.

[Gatto Nero]

If you're staying on Whortleberry the spot you may need to be most concerned about, depending on which side you'll be staying, is The Graveyard to the NE of the island. Also navigating completely around that island is quite a challenge as well. The N/NW side is an obstacle course.

[Jimmbrooks]

Thank you, I'll be staying on the east side of the island almost opposite the pier, would the best thing be to (if trying to get to weirs) go east back towards the pier , then head southwesterly, until in open water then cross the broads? I'm sure when my chart comes in ill have a better idea, just trying to get some locals that know the area to possibly give a route.

[Jimmbrooks]

Oh and on another note, it's not just NH waterways, I'd have to say without exaggeration that 80% of people no longer wave. I had a woman have her son stop waving at my wife and daughter, then shoot a mean look back. I don't get it, we are some of the lucky ones to be able to enjoy the water in this economy and a friendly wave never hurt anyone, when I'm up there in August expect a wave from me, as ill be keeping the tradition alive.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

We always wave on the lake and most wave back. Sometimes I don't think people see the wave because the sun is blocking a clear view.

[Gatto Nero]

I'd go thru "Hole in The Wall" which is between Little Bear and Cow
then between Long and Sandy (Don't forget to go around the red marker #77) Across the Broads and between Jolly and Little Camp
Then between Mark and Round then head West between Mark and Timber
From there it's a straight shot to Governor's. Go between it and Eagle.

[Jimmbrooks]

Thanks Gatto,

I will plot that course! Anyone else agree or have a different route?

[jrc]

Since you are an experienced boater, I'll stick to the NH/Winni stuff:

150 ft rule - stay 150 feet away from boats, shore and swimmers or slow to headway speed.

The markers are different here. Go north or east of black markers and south or west of red. Use your chart the correct side is not always clear by compass alone.

You need to heed the markers. On the ocean sometimes the markers are for big ships and small craft can cheat them. Here you really don't want to cheat.

The rocks are just the other side of the markers. Sometimes the markers are on rocks! Most shallows are rocky, not a lot of forgiving sand.

No rafting zones - are design to reduce crowds in popular areas. No tying more than two boats together, 25 between anchored boats and 150 between an anchored boat and shore.

Have fun, with your experience you won't have any issues.

[jrc]

Another thing, all the public town docks are uncontrolled and first come, first served. There are no harbormasters or anyone else to call or help you dock. Some town do sporadically enforce a time limit.

If you see a crowd of boats when you arrive at the public docks, they are waiting. Take note of who is there and wait your turn. Weekends are much worse as you would expect.

On last thing, no overnight anchoring. Back to your dock at night.

[chasedawg]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

I'd go thru "Hole in The Wall" which is between Little Bear and Cow
then between Long and Sandy (Don't forget to go around the red marker #77) Across the Broads and between Jolly and Little Camp
Then between Mark and Round then head West between Mark and Timber
From there it's a straight shot to Governor's. Go between it and Eagle.

When going to the Wiers, Gatto Nero is correct. You can go through the "Hole-in-the -wall or go North of Little Bear than head down to Sandy light to make your turn to the West. It then is a pretty straight shot. Should be your shortest route. When you arrive send me a PM I will show you the different areas of concern and the best route to many places on the lake.

[Jimmbrooks]

Thank you chasedawg,

Ill do that, that's very courteous of you. So excited for this vacation, wife and daughter have no idea. A week on the lake is better than a year at the desk! Again thanks to everyone who's responded so far, can't wait to see you all on the lake.

-Best
Jimm Brooks

[Jimmbrooks]

I was also wondering if anyone had any input on places to take the family. We are down for anything. Just wondering if there are any must do's, ie. you've got to go here, you've got to see this, you've got to eat here, etc. there will be 6 adults and one child, don't feel as though you have to suggest child friendly activities as I'm sure the group will split up during the week.

Thanks again to everyone

~Jimm

Edit: don't feel like it has to be by boat either, we are going up to kittery Maine one day too

[Phantom]

Lunch or dinner at the Town Docks Restaurant in Meredith ... kinda cool


.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Jimmbrooks

I was also wondering if anyone had any input on places to take the family. We are down for anything. Just wondering if there are any must do's, ie. you've got to go here, you've got to see this, you've got to eat here, etc. there will be 6 adults and one child, don't feel as though you have to suggest child friendly activities as I'm sure the group will split up during the week.

Thanks again to everyone

~Jimm

Edit: don't feel like it has to be by boat either, we are going up to kittery Maine one day too

Drive by nipple rock, kinda fun for the adults. Oh, don't forget to tell everyone that they get 5 years of good luck for anyone that show's the rock their nipples.

Becky's garden, print a copy of the legend, and then read it while you're visiting: http://www.nhtourguide.com/legends/beckys_garden.htm

Visit Wolfeboro and let the ladies shop.

Breakfast in Meridith (or just stop for an ice cream).

Swimming at one of the sandbars (there are several).

Drive up to Castle in the Clouds, a nice view of the lake.

[Jimmbrooks]

Originally Posted by Rich

Drive by nipple rock, kinda fun for the adults. Oh, don't forget to tell everyone that they get 5 years of good luck for anyone that show's the rock their nipples.

Becky's garden, print a copy of the legend, and then read it while you're visiting: http://www.nhtourguide.com/legends/beckys_garden.htm

Visit Wolfeboro and let the ladies shop.

Breakfast in Meridith (or just stop for an ice cream)

Swimming at one of the sandbars (there are several).

Drive up to Castle in the Clouds, a nice view of the lake.

That sounds like a bunch of awesome ideas, where might the sand bars be located? Ill have to mark then on my chart when it comes in

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Jimmbrooks

That sounds like a bunch of awesome ideas, where might the sand bars be located? Ill have to mark then on my chart when it comes in

Braun Bay is the most popular. There's another popular one by West Alton Marina, right at the mouth of the cove.

[SAMIAM]

Just curious, Jimmbrooks.....what kind of a boat will you be using? Occasional afternoon Tstorms spring up which require some caution. Also traffic around Weirs Beach can be a little crazy on weekends. Boats of all sizes and speeds coming from 5 different directions cause some big swells and choppy conditions. Have a wonderful and safe vacation.

[Jimmbrooks]

It's a 21 foot jet drive bow rider. Thank you for mentioning the conditions on the lake. Safety is always my biggest concern for my family and friends. I believe I can mange with the lake, not sounding overconfident as I post this, but similar conditions arise frequently where I live on the ocean, glass like one minute small craft advisory in the same hour. I have ben caught in some squalls fishing in the sound. As long as you don't panic most seas can be navigated. Thank you so much for letting me know, as I can see most would assume glass lake conditions if you haven't been on winni before.

[jrc]

Sometimes you get a strong north wind blowing straight down the Broads towards Clay point. Then you can get some big waves building down there, I was out there once in my bow rider when they looked like they were over my head when we were in the trough.

Just be careful. Avoid those days or you will need your best skills.

[NH_boater]

Originally Posted by Jimmbrooks

It's a 21 foot jet drive bow rider. Thank you for mentioning the conditions on the lake. Safety is always my biggest concern for my family and friends. I believe I can mange with the lake, not sounding overconfident as I post this, but similar conditions arise frequently where I live on the ocean, glass like one minute small craft advisory in the same hour. I have ben caught in some squalls fishing in the sound. As long as you don't panic most seas can be navigated. Thank you so much for letting me know, as I can see most would assume glass lake conditions if you haven't been on winni before.

I had a 21' Yamaha jet up to a couple of years ago. Calm days with little traffic, no issues. Things can get dicey quickly though when the wind quickly kicks up or even in tight quarters with some cruiser traffic. I was nearly swamped in the graveyard once when a cruiser slowed to maximum wake speed as he approached my position in the middle of the tight space of the graveyard channel. Alone would have been OK but my young daughter was with me at the time. The low freeboard, high wake height and close proximity made for a white-knuckle moment to be sure.

I had many years of experience with the yami on Winnisquam and Winni. Most days were fun, safe and great. There were more than a few days when exiting a bay such as Alton when I simply turned around rather than negotiate the 'heavy chop' with the light weight, flat bottom and low freeboard of my Yamaha jet. This was mostly a comfort decision but occasionally it leaned towards safety.

Experience and good judgment will keep you safe and fun-filled.

[Jimmbrooks]

Les than 11 days to go and our vacation finally starts. Excited to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in New England and excited to meet some new friends in the lakes area. Hope to see you all out there.

[BroadHopper]

I would follow Gato's route to the Weirs in case the wind is coming from the North. A great place to take the kids to eat is The Pine Cones on 109 just outside of Melvin Village. Very reasonable price and a good selection on the menu, including great pizza!

Stonedam Island will be a great place for a family hike and picnic. Blanchard Island has a rock you can jump off of. I would strongly advise you to supervise this activity.

Mt Major is an excellent hike for the kids as well as Rattlesnake Mtn in Holderness. The Squam Lake Science Center has always been a favorite with my grandkids.

If I know jetdrive boats, they are gas hogs and they tend to have small gas tanks, I would keep the tank full before making those long trips.

AS for the famous 'Winnie wave'. The lake is divided, and you will know which side a person is on when he or she wave. Wave back!