Camp Life in Northern New England

For those who are not native New Englanders we need to start out with a brief lexicon. When we say 'camp' we don't mean a place where one deposits the kids while Mom and Dad go off to do their thing. We're talking CAMP life, as in spending the summer in a cabin preferably on a clear, spring-fed, lake in the mountains of northern New England surrounded by family and friends.

Picture this....you slowly wake in the morning hearing the call of the loons echoing across the lake. As you rise all is still quiet in the cabin. Soon you have made a steaming mug of coffee and with a sweater thrown over your shoulders you emerge from the cabin and wander down to the dock and look out over the peaceful lake. The cool morning fog is slowly lifting as the two loons and their baby glide effortlessly by leaving an ever-expanding trail on the water's surface. Further out a small mouth bass breaks the lake's surface as it snaps at an errant unsuspecting water strider. You sit on the rough-hewn bench, still damp from the dew, and are at peace with your surroundings. Soon the rest of the crew up at the cabin will be up but for now you are in your own world far removed from the cares of everyday life. You're at a cabin on a lake in the mountains of northern New England, enjoying life as it ought to be. No newspapers, no TV, no cell phones, no Internet......just you and your thoughts communing with nature.

Shortly after draining the coffee from your favorite moose adorned coffee mug you become aware of the aroma of cooking bacon and head back to the cabin to give a hand with cooking and setting the table. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, orange juice, fresh fruit, coffeecake, did I say sausage? Family and visiting friends wander into the eating area from the loft, nooks, and crannies where beds and sleeping bags are arranged on a weekly basis depending on how many are there. The pace picks up as someone asks whether the blueberries picked yesterday are going to end up in pancakes for breakfast or pie later on or is today a cinnamon toast and scrambled eggs kind of day. The teens chatter about the awesome maneuvers they accomplished on water skis the previous day. More then one fish story about the one that got away is traded while the meal is prepared. Since meals are a communal affair in terms or preparation and cleanup there is no lack of willing hands as everyone willingly pitches in.

Following the leisurely meal the adults will enjoy their second, or even third, cup of coffee or a latte while the kids, after completing their assigned chores, scatter outside some playing in the makeshift sandbox, sailing high on the aging swing that has seen generations grow up, playing badminton, croquet or going on short hikes in the woods. Teens might discover it is fun to go canoeing on the lake, hiking, and rock climbing or taking the kayaks out to visit some friends whose parents have rented a cabin down the way. On cooler days some teens have been even known to pick up a novel from the well-stocked bookshelf! Television is not an attraction here since in the mountains an antenna collects multiple echoing signals making it look like TV reception in the '50s. Jig saw puzzles are a perennial hit with all ages.

Eventually one family rounds up their kids, grab the sunscreen and head off for a daylong road trip to the mountains or maybe the coast. Others may head into the nearest small town for a few groceries and perhaps a quick look at the local crafts in the cooperative or check out the menu posted in front of the inn. The town is a classic picture book New England village with older large homes, mostly with white clapboards and green shutters, and often an attached barn now used as a garage. A boarding school and a real town square with a bandstand make it even more beautiful. Others may be making a run to the town dump to make a necessary deposit and, on occasion, find a treasure or two for the camp in the swap shop. Also let's not forget those fish out there in the lake just waiting to test our skill.

As lunchtime approaches hungry people magically appear from all points of the compass and all enjoy an al fresco luncheon served out on the deck overlooking the beautiful blue lake and the mountains beyond. Numerous comments are heard about all this fresh air creating a huge appetite. The magic of laid back camp life at work.

Sunny afternoons are often reserved for water sports such as canoeing, sail boating, and maybe a trip or two behind the motor boat on water skis for the athletically inclined. Being towed on the inflatable lake tube is always a big hit for the kids. Some might drift off for a nap in the hammock or on the glider swing while others might use a bed or couch claiming, of course, that they have to stay near while the baby naps in case he or she wakes.

As the afternoon winds down the adults may be found relaxing and enjoying their wine, beer, mixed drink or soda on the cabin deck along with some of the specialty cheese and crackers purchased during the morning outing or maybe some crusty French bread and seasoned olive oil. All too soon the afternoon eases into evening as the grill is fired up and some steaks or burgers, brats and dogs are grilled to perfection. Sugar and gold corn is in season and is a great addition to the meal as are the fresh strawberries picked during the day. The road trippers reappear and join the group animated stories of the day's adventures are shared by all. In the evening the Trivial Pursuit game appears along with the cribbage board and numerous other board games. Often its early to bed for most as they soon learn that 'all this fresh air really makes you tired'.

At camp each day is not overly planned although some events such as the weekly outdoor concerts at the town bandstand are often attended. The lawn you sit on overlooks a scenic panorama of mountains in the distance. Other attractions such as summer theater can be found a few towns over or perhaps an outdoor art fair will be coming up. Several times a summer there are major events such as the July 4^th celebration complete with a parade where candy is tossed to the kids from the volunteer fire department truck, and an assortment of craft booths, fried dough and cotton candy. Tomorrow evening maybe we'll dress up just a bit and go to the Inn. Well that's about it for tonight.....did I tell you how tired that fresh air makes you feel? The Good Life......memorable moments making memories forever.