Fronteir Woman, I Am Not

I like to be outdoors, and spend my summer on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest of the New Hampshire lakes. I would not call myself “outdoorsy” but I am really enjoying nature this year. 

Almost daily I sit on the beach, getting vitamin D from the sun, listening to the waves crash, and swimming. I have seen several types of fish, including the odd looking catfish, and today I saw a fish jumping in and out of the water near where I was floating on my inner tube. 2 damselflies have taken to landing on me and spending time with me whenever I am in the water. Today 2 different kinds of dragonflies joined them. I call the damselflies my pals. Last week, while Eddie and I were in the water, I was telling him about my pals when a dragonfly the size of my son’s remote control helicopter dive bombed my head. “I don’t want to be your froend” I exclaimed. “Holy shit, that was the size of a bird” was Eddie’s reply. I decided to get to know my dragonflies. My pals are blue damselflies and they are probably laying their eggs on me so I can get them in the water for them where they will grow in the sand at the bottom of the lake. The blackhawk that nearly took me out is a dragon hunter! These feed on damsel and dragonflies! Although I am usually icked out by bugs, I enjoy the dragonflies that have decided to hang out on me. 

I have also seen a bald eagle several times, which to be honest, feels like an honor. He is majestic and regal, soaring over the lake, hiding in the palm trees and diving into the lake. One day I saw a small bird fiercely chase him out of her tree. I can only assume she was a mama protecting her babies. 

I have seen two kinds of ducks, and our lone seagull friend, Jomathan Livingston Seagull. Nearby, there are turkeys and deer. I have not yet seen the bear that sometimes wanders our campground at night, nor have I seen moose in this area. A fox crossed in front of my car recently though, and we have the usual chipmunks, red squirrels and squirrels. 

I am really beginning to enjoy all the flora and fauna of the lake. Particularly, my personal favorite, the loon. Her beautiful night song is like a siren’s call. You can watch loon activity and learn more about loons at loon.org. They are truly special birds. 

Walking daily around the area, swimming daily, floating blissfully in the lake and sitting on our quiet beach has both spoiled me and taught me to appreciate nature. But I still like to curl up in the cabin with a good book and air conditioning. I would not say I am outdoorsy...yet.