Squam Lake

Back in high school, my best friend's boyfriend Cody introduced our group of friends to a place which, as corny as it sounds, I feel would forever change all of our lives. It started out as an excuse for about 10 of us to celebrate high school graduation by heading deep into the woods of Northern New Hampshire to drink (sorry, mom) and bond before we all headed off on our separate paths towards college, careers, marriage, babies, etc. It is a place that many of us have grown to love and see as paradise and a retreat away from home.

I have been fortunate enough to go up to the cabin on Squam Lake around 10 times since that first weekend in May of 2005. Last summer, Heather (one of my very best and dearest friends) decided to organize a huge group trip to Squam for all of our friends as a way to regroup and spend some time together now that we are all scattered throughout New England. The weekend included many of us going up from Thursday night-Sunday afternoon to hang out, relax on the lake, and rent a party boat to cruise around the lake on for the day on Saturday. We all loved and appreciated the much needed break away from reality, as we were all settling into the end of our first year as working or grad-schooling adults.

Why is it a retreat, you ask? Well for some, heading to the cabin on Squam Lake may not seem like a vacation at all. It is deep in the woods, there is no running water, and going to the bathroom requires a hike to an outhouse and/or becoming one with nature and just going outside. And while that may not sound ideal to many, the time spent with friends, the hospitality of Heather and Cody, the breathtaking views, and the ability to step away from reality, technology, and work for a little while is just what most of us look forward to by the time Squam Weekend comes around. This year, we affectionately named the weekend "Sweat Haven 2k11" for obvious reasons. Any way you cut it, it was a memorable weekend for all of us and I am so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends in my life.

The weekend started on Thursday with the 3 hour ride from RI to NH. It flew by, and soon I was spending time with my friends...including a night swim at about 10:30 pm. We slept in on Friday, cooked an amazing french toast breakfast, and "headed to town" where we hit up the Holderness General Store, as well as the grocery story in Meredith, right on Lake Winnipesaukee. I absolutely love the Holderness General Store, as it is a cute, family run business that sells tshirts, gifts, provisions, and also has an amazing deli. It really makes you embrace the idea of "supporting local" and provides an awesome tradition each time we go. After the errands were done, we spent the rest of the day floating on the lake, making a spaghetti and meatball dinner, and waiting for more friends to arrive.

A gorgeous view from the car of Lake Winnipesaukee



The Holderness General Store

 Saturday morning started early with coffee, breakfast, and the arrival of the last of our friends. The boat was picked up at 8:30, and we were headed out on the lake by 10. With pasta salad, sandwiches, lots and lots of beer ;), pool floats, and our 4 puppy friends in tow, the 11 of us headed out for a day of sun and relaxation on the lake. Cody's family, along with several other families own a private island on the lake called Yard Island. We spent the rest of the morning floating, drinking, and just enjoying life. Lunch happened in Rattlesnake Cove, where many of our friends jumped off the famed "Diving Rock"--(don't forget to get your "I jumped off the rock at Rattlesnake Cove" t-shirt in the Holderness Store!) and we spent the rest of the day floating around and exploring the different coves on the lake. Cody had to bring the boat back by 5, so a few of the guys went with him, while the rest of us got some much needed rest from the sun...my polish/french skin was SCREAMING at my by the end of the day. We grilled for dinner and then enjoyed sunset and more swimming for the rest of the day

On the lake. Surrounded by mountains. My idea of paradise :)

My best friend Amanda and I on the boat to Yard Island

Breathtaking.

My best friend Heather and I getting some much needed shade :)

A boat garage in the Squam marina

In the cove near the marina

Getting off the boat near the cabin. I believe this tree was featured in the movie "On Golden Pond."

Sunset



Before we knew it, Sunday morning was here, and time for another amazing breakfast, packing up, and a final swim before we all headed back home. It was an amazing weekend spent with even more amazing friends. It is weekends and experiences like these that truly make me appreciate and realize how fortunate I am so have such amazing opportunities and even more amazing friends in my life. I love each and every one of them so much, and cannot wait until next summer when we can do it all again. While we do get to see each other pretty often throughout the year, this is the one time where we can all just let go and enjoy. Hopefully next year Sean will be able to join in on the fun because this year he had to work! Don't worry...I had extra fun for him :)

The ride home. Don't be fooled, we weren't that happy.

Until next time.

Love and outhouses,
Cassie