With little over a week left, my AmeriCorps Service term is coming to an end. When I arrived here at Squam Lake in May, I told myself that it would fly by and I was right, even though some days seemed a bit slow-going (i.e. trail hosting/lake hosting.) I’m reflecting on all my experiences this summer and fall; what were my favorites, least-favorites, surprising moments, and what I would have done differently.
One of the things I will miss the most are the quiet times I had alone on the lake. Quiet nights and peaceful early mornings while I was camping on weekends were great for me to relax and listen to the wildlife around me. I could sit on the dock and listen to the water lapping up against the shore rocks, the loons calling to one another, and look at the stars or the sunrise. My favorite times on the lakes are when I got to do what we call “Islands.” This is when we drive the boat to all the campsites we maintain on Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest and Moon and Bowman Islands. We check in campers and restock firewood, and if you are lucky enough to get this duty on Wednesday, you get to clean the bathrooms as well. But what I love so much about this particular day is driving the boat alone between sites. Driving the boat is a lot of fun and I feel very important being the captain and sole crew member of my little ship. I am very fortunate to have had these opportunities, knowing that not everyone gets to experience them and it might be a while before I get to again.
Maybe surprisingly, I will also miss bundling wood. It was relaxing for me to make the most perfect bundles. The challenge was to make the bundle as circular as possible, as if I was recreating the trunk it once was. It was one of the more simple tasks from this summer, but I found it to be entertaining. Carrying them to the boat and the campsites, however, was a different story.
After reflecting on my experiences, I figured I’d create a list of tips and advice for future LRCC members coming in.
Always bring extra layers (including socks). For the hot summer days, you might be out on the water all day and you will most likely get wet. For the cooler fall days, you will get cold.
Put the cell phone away before you leave. Otherwise, you'll end up with three in your backpack by the end of the week.
Drink lots of water. If you think you’re drinking enough, drink more because you’re not.
Premake your dinners for the days you are camping. Then you just need to warm them up.
Bring s'mores supplies. You think you can go without it but you can’t.
Always wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. Trust me.
Put your pants in your socks on trail days. Yes you will look silly, but you will make the ticks angry.
Put that thing you need for tomorrow in your bag the night before. You will not remember it in the morning, despite what you tell yourself.
Did you pack your toothbrush for camping? Are you sure? Double check always.
Check the connection on anything you put into the water before you put it in the water. For reasons.
One thing I know to be true: Change is the only constant in life. When I leave SLA, my daily life will be much different than what I got used to this summer. For the last few years, I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone as much as possible. I think new experiences help dispel fears and discomforts, and prepare me for what life may throw at me in the future. This summer/fall had a lot of opportunities for me to try and learn new things and work towards that goal of leaving my comfort zone. I don’t know what’s next for me or what the future will bring, but I’m ready.
Rachel is known at the SLA for being very balanced and having a sharp eye. You can learn more about her here!