Just got back from a great family reunion in New Hampshire. We were on Lake Winnipesaukee, where my son, AJ, also goes to camp. It’s a massive (about 71 square miles), northern lake with stunning clear blue water.
It has been an annual summer tradition to meet up with my whole family on the lake – my kids and wife, as well as cousins, nephews, nieces, my brother, my dad and his wife – and share some adventures together. We’re a pretty active bunch, so when we meet up our days are filled with activities like volleyball, soccer, and ping pong tournaments, but the main highlight is the kayaking. Every morning the hardcore people, myself, my brother, and dad (who’s 78!) get up at 6AM to paddle together. At that hour, the lake is totally calm and peaceful, and you can hear the unforgettable haunting call of Loons, the local native birds, echoing around us.
We started out our trip in Ogunquit, Maine and explored some of the beautiful beaches where the water is freezing but worth the shock! We even found a cool inlet that during high tide the water will suck you out – like a lazy river ride – and at low tide will pull you back in.
Some other highlights are what we refer to as “Weihenmayer challenges,” where we get everyone to compete doing things like swimming out in the cold water to a buoy and back. It’s mostly been for the kids and as they get older it’s fun to keep it up mostly to annoy them. It’s not quite a parent’s torture on our kids, but it hits the mark on “what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way!” All kids passed the test.
Pensacola Weihenmayers meet up in New Hampshire with the Colorado Weihenmayers. They faced many “Weihenmayer challenges” that included kayaking against a strong headwind after a reconnaissance mission to the Pinecone Cafe.
As much as I love big mountains and epic adventures, nothing quite beats the simple joy of hanging out with family and enjoying a summer afternoon by the lake.
