I came into my first term with the Squam Lakes Association only mostly knowing what I was walking into. You can read the description of your position as many times as you want, but it will never be the same as doing it. I knew there were going to be many things I had never done before. Trail work? Not a clue how to do it. SCUBA diving? Way beyond my level of expertise. Writing these conservation journals? I mean I used to keep a journal regularly, and this is not the same at all. The first few weeks were jammed full of training after workshop after on the job learning being pushed into my head to the point of bursting. It was, to say the least, a little overwhelming. The weeks started to run a little more smoothly following the training extravaganza, once we started to actually work and get a rhythm going, but the first few weeks felt a little but insane.
Coming into my second term however, I felt like a rockstar. It was like I was a senior in a class with all freshmen, and also best friends with the teacher. The amount of confidence I had was exponentially higher than it was when I had started in May. Running through the same or similar training(s) made me feel even better about myself, and my ability to aid the Squam Lakes watershed area.
Though I am longing for the warm days spent out on the dive boat, and a time when the sun hadn’t set by the time we were done for the day, I’m excited for what wintertime at SLA has to offer. Sure, I may not be able to see over the hood of our truck while driving it, but they’re still going to teach me how to plow snow! And no, I have not hiked in winter, much less snow, but I will be doing trail work and leading hikes this winter! What it really comes down to is my attitude about it. There are days when it’s going to be freezing cold, snowing, and I will have to go and shovel snow. It will be unpleasant, and I may be harboring some jealousy of the members not having to shovel in the moment. But the fun thing about New Hampshire winters is that it will snow again, and maybe next time, I will be the one being envied.
While we have already had snow this season, it did not stick. As I look out at the gray, rain drenched cove, I sincerely hope that it will be cold enough to have consistent snow this year. Luckily, we have been provided microspikes luckily, but I think that it will be much more enjoyable to explore a snow covered Squam range rather than an icy one. Most of my life has been spent in New Hampshire, so I know how nasty ice can be. For the sake of my co-servers from warmer climates, I want a white winter.
If you have been following this year’s conservation journals, you’ll recognize Virginia from her pervious service term at the SLA this summer. We’re excited that she decided to stay with us for another term! Learn more about Virginia here.