August 11th’s guided hike was like no other. I woke up feeling more sluggish than expected, but I made my usual eggs, spinach, and toast and started packing for my guided hike. Turkey sandwich? Check. Bug spray? Check. Do I wear my hiking boots or take the chance sliding around in my Brooks? By the time I had my pack filled and weighing on my shoulders and had some coffee in my system, I was eager for today’s hike.
I was excited but nervous about the hike. Two participants canceled due to the recent rain and feared the trail would be too slick. I was worried the remaining participants would not show up for the same reasons. Fortunately, Nancy and Sue arrived, eager to hike and enjoy the beautiful day. However, they indeed had their reservations about the route we were taking. Pasture trail was in the original plan and is very steep, so with the recent rain, it was sure to be a slip-and-slide. A muddy and rocky slip-and-slide. I knew I would be fighting demons on the pasture trail, so I was thrilled to change the route of our hike and stick to Five Finger Point.
We all drove to the Col Trail parking lot and began our journey through Five Finger Point. Each step was slow, but it made for a relaxing morning and easy conversation with Nancy and Sue. There was a crisp breeze rustling the green leaves above us, and when we got close to a beach, we could hear the waves crashing against the rocky shore. It almost sounded like the ocean! The atmosphere was perfect, not too cold, but not too hot. Not a single bead of sweat dripped from my body.
The view of Squam from the Five Finger Point beaches was breathtaking. You could see all the trees, and hardly any boats were on the water. The cloud cover prevented harsh light, and the big wind gusts made the moments unreal.
As we walked around Five Finger Point, we heard children’s high-pitched and excited screams. A trail veered off to the right, leading to the source of the sceams. A seven-foot cliff hovered over the clear Squam waters. You could tell the water was deep, making it “safe” to leap off the rock. Besides the screaming children, we were not alone at the rock. Three boats with families and friends were anchored in the water to swim and enjoy the spectacular view of Rattlesnake cove.
Sue and Nancy looked at me and asked, “Are we really going to jump?” I laughed and said, “I will if you will!” “Okay, but you have to jump first!” I couldn’t help but laugh as Sue and Nancy giggled and were awed about jumping off the rock. I stepped forward on the rock, the ladies mocking me slightly: “Are you hesitating, Shannon?!” At that, I did not comment and jumped ahead, tucking my knees in to make a big splash as I hit the water. The water felt refreshing and cool as it flowed over my head.
Sue jumped next, and then Nancy. It was exciting to hear them encourage one another, and our company in the boats to cheer them on. As we exited the water and dried off, Nancy and Sue exclaimed, “I feel alive again!” Guided hikes like these remind me why I serve at the Squam Lakes Association. The Squam Lakes region and its beauty are home to adventure, friendship, and much more.
Shannon is a full-year member at the Squam Lakes Association, who finished service at the end of August. Learn more about Shannon here!