The Magic of Grafton Pond

Istopped paddling and let my kayak drift on the calm waters behind one of Grafton Pond’s pine- and blueberr y-covered granite islands All I could hear was the sound of water gently dripping off my paddle and the flutelike songs of wood thrushes and veeries If peace had a soundtrack, this was it

My meditative float in the fading daylight was abruptly interrupted by a splash to my left I spun my head and saw the unexpected: a deer was swimming less than 100 feet away from me! Eventually, it stopped swimming and stood in the water beside a tiny island It wasn’t my kayak that gave it pause, but instead a loon had caught its attention. The two creatures watched each other for a few minutes until the loon calmly swam away To my surprise, the deer resumed swimming toward me before emerging from the water onto the island nearest my kayak where it disappeared into the bushes

Granted, these magical moments don’t happen every time I paddle Grafton Pond, but its wild, undeveloped character increases the odds of them happening here compared with other places I have explored. Much of the surrounding land and shoreline is protected as part of the Forest Society’s 930-acre Grafton Pond Reservation. At 1.5-miles long by a half-mile wide, covering more than 300 acres, Grafton Pond is technically a lake despite its name It is small enough to be beginner friendly yet big enough to attract experienced paddlers looking for an all-day adventure

As I paddled back to the takeout, I passed by several small islands that are ideal nesting habitat for the common loon between May and July. The threatened species thrives here amongst other wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, beavers, and even moose If you are lucky enough to encounter loons, be sure to follow regulations and stay more than 300 feet away from them Respect and patience can lead to wonderful experiences as it allows the loons to behave normally. One time while I was photographing them from a distance, one of the parents popped out of the water close to my kayak with a crayfish in its mouth Staying still and not harassing it afforded me this special moment of watching it swim over to feed its chick that was riding on the back of the other parent. So, maybe magical moments do happen every time I visit Grafton!

On every paddle, I’m sure to practice Leave No Trace principles

The first tenet is to plan ahead and prepare. Packing the right gear is essential so is checking the weather forecast I pay particular attention to the wind forecast and if thunderstorms or

Tranquil and serene, Grafton Pond offers solace in its still waters Deer gracefully wander along its shores (and sometimes in the water!) while loons call out their haunting melodies A sanctuary for wildlife, this hidden gem embodies the harmony between nature and its inhabitants.

For more details about Grafton Pond, turn to page 13.

precipitation are predicted. High winds can kick up waves that can make paddling difficult or even capsize your boat and water temperatures can be cold enough for hypothermia to be an issue, especially early in the paddling season from April to June

Although there is no need to overpack, there are some items I always bring for safety and comfort

First and foremost is a life jacket New Hampshire state law requires all vessels, including kayaks and canoes, to have a life jacket for each person on board, and children 12 and under must wear an approved PFD I’ll also bring a first aid kit, whistle, map, water, and snacks Packing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants are also a good idea Cell phone service is inconsistent on Grafton Pond, but I always pack one (and a dry bag to protect it and other valuables) just in case

Another thing I plan for is the day of the week and time I’ll visit. Grafton Pond can be busy on the weekends, so I try to arrive early or late for more solitude or visit on a weekday instead Gas-powered boats aren’t allowed at Grafton, which does help reduce some of the traffic and audible levels on the water. To protect the wildlife and the surrounding environment be sure to clean, drain, and dry your boat before entering the water to prevent the accidental introduction of any invasive aquatic or insect species to the waterbody. This is one step that ever y paddler can take to ensure New Hampshire’s waters remain clean, clear, and free of invasives.

After hearing about my experiences at Grafton Pond, my wife and three elementaryage daughters wanted to see it for themselves We visited on a roasting hot day, which drained everyone’s enthusiasm until I suggested that we land on one of the islands and go swimming We found a nook with a perfect, shallow gravel bottom and took a refreshing swim in the cool waters. My wife and I kept the kids close since swimming is at your own risk, and we did find some broken glass that served as an unfortunate reminder to pack out all trash. But, by taking some common-sense precautions, the swim became my kids’ favorite memory from this outing OK, maybe magical moments are a thing at Grafton Pond! Whether you head out as a family or alone, I hope you are inspired to check out one of the finest wild lakes in New Hampshire and find the same peace and magic that I have found paddling there

John Welch is an educator and photographer who resides with his wife and three children in central New Hampshire To see more of his work, visit jwelchphoto.com.