A Near Death Experience

Saturday, June 30th 2007, Wake up time 6:00 am 


The day began with an early wake up call as we had to head out on to the road for the Lake. The place we were staying on the Lake belongs to Bev and Ralph's friends Pete and Kath. We set off on the road and before we went too far we stopped off for a snack at one of America's many chain food places. Dunkin' Doughnuts. A truly wonderful establishment. I had a Boston Creme doughnut to eat. (You wouldn't believe the variety that was available!) The road trip took about two and a half hours but I passed the time by listening to my MP3 player or chatting with Claire or Lyle. While we were driving, I took my first taste of iced-tea which I had never had before. It was truly disgusting! I believe it was lemon flavoured but it sure was gross :/ I quite like a cup of tea but iced-tea is...not my cup of tea! Hah, I am so witty. 


After the lengthy ride, we finally arrived at the place where we'd take a boat across the lake to the cabin on the island. It was a beautiful stretch of landscape, truly marvellous. We piled our bags onto the motor boat and got ready to set off...and the boat wouldn't start. We were all very bored at this point after the long journey and wanted to get to our destination as soon as possible. However, Ralph being the handy man he is, got it working. So we set off for the cabin. It was nothing I had ever seen before! It was a large, square cabin with a wooden roof, and surrounded by lots of trees. There was also a hammock stretched out front. I haven't ever encountered anything like this in England! 


We went into the cabin, which was quite spacious, and unpacked our things and got settled in. Me and Lyle shared a room. Being right by a lake there was only one thing we wanted to do, especially as it was so hot. That's right! Swim! We stripped off and changed into our trunks and then  ran and jumped in the lake. There was a pier which went out into the main body of the lake. It was...in two words, bloody cold. Like unbelievably cold. We didn't stay in very long for obvious reasons. It was a cooling feeling after the hot weather but a bit too cold that there was no desire for prolonged exposure to the water...


We exited the water and quickly dried off. Me and Claire passed some time by getting out a chess set. I'm not a huge fan but I wanted to play a game and it was the best thing we could find. I can't remember who won. I'm pretty sure we got bored as neither of us were very good and just quit about half way through. I suggested we take another swim in the Lake, and get used to the temperature. While slowly swimming about, I saw a Loon, which is a bird native to the area, and heard its call! I have provided a cool little video of a Loon, just so you know what I'm on about. 


A Loon


Claire and I got out after a while and ended up messing around with some action figures we had found. As you can probably tell, I was a little bored. The Lake was a beautiful place but there wasn't a whole lot to do. Luckily, Bev saved the day by informing us that we were going to a friend of hers who was staying at another cabin a little way across the Lake. That's what Lake Winnipesaukee is, a cluster of islands which people have bought Cabins on and spend time fishing and swimming. We headed over on the boat...but disaster struck! As the boat was pulling away, I almost fell into the lake. I was hanging over the edge of the boat, my camera hanging very low around my neck! Luckily, Claire grabbed the camera before it fell in and I was hauled back into the boat. I was very grateful and after the initial shock we had a big laugh about it.


Following my near death experience, the boat set off towards Dave's cabin. As we arrived I met Dave and his wife Janet and their friend...also called Janet! Popular name I guess...These people were so friendly, as was almost everybody I met during my stay, and as an added bonus, they had the cutest dogs! There was Jake who had white paws, Boo and Winston (named after the man himself, Winston Churchill.) We talked for a little while and they asked me questions about my time in England. We decided to have dinner at their place and so headed back to get our own food! After we returned, we waited for the food to be cooked. Claire, Lyle and I took Ralph's fishing equipment and I had my first hand at amateur fishing. I'd just like to point out animal lovers, that Ralph always returns fish that he catches. I caught zilch but Claire caught a fish! It wasn't a bad size either. I guess I just didn't have the patience for it. 


After dinner, which was some lovely hot chicken wings and breasts, we played cards. The game was President to be precise, which you can also google if you want the rules. http://www.ehow.com/how_4466190_play-card-game-president.html Aren't I kind? I also wish I could remember who won. I'm pretty sure it was me as I had just taught Claire, Lyle and Bev the game, and whenever you first teach people something, unless they're a natural, they don't ever do as well as you. Following on from this game, I tried again at fishing and caught nout...I clearly was not any good! Good thing I've never taken much of an interest in it. After all of this, we set off back to our cabin for the evening.


Before bed, we all sat down in the main living area of the cabin and Bev read to us from the story "Al Capone Irons my Shirts." I never did finish that book and now I've remembered, I will try and get back to reading it one day! Right after my long list that I've set myself this summer! Bev read us a couple of chapters and it was getting late, so she finished and we just talked for a while. The conversation turned to jokes and we all shared various ones we knew, some obvious, some long and amusing. Once again, the difference between the sense of humours kicked in as Bev and the rest of the family didn't find some of my more offensive jokes funny at all! Well you can't win them all ;) 


Thanks for listening.