So much has changed since I wrote my last journal entry. Back in early March, there was still ice on the lake and remnants of snow on the ground. At the time, I thought the winter would never end, and I was buzzing with excitement for the warm summer days. I was still settling into my new home, and I knew there was so much more to come.
Fast forward four months, and today I’m seeing next week's forecast in the mid-90s. Without ice and snow, the landscape looks completely different, and I remember what the color green looks like. I have my commercial boating license, SCUBA and weed control diver certifications, and our summer duties are in full swing. I was warned that the summer is our busy season, and “busy” is putting it lightly. I might not know what day of the week it is, but seeing the SLA come alive with visitors who truly admire this place makes it worth it. When I talk to residents of the Lakes Region and see the countless Squam-themed license plates, I can tell there is so much love for this lake. This makes me grateful I have the opportunity to be on the front lines in protecting it.
Now, as we near the end of June, we are well past our halfway point for this service term. Where did the time go?! I’ve been mentally counting the remaining months I get to spend here more times than I care to admit. It starts to get scary when that number can be counted on one hand, because I’m not sure where I’ll be once my service ends. I know it's going to be tough to leave the people and things I’ve grown so accustomed to. These next 5 months, I’ll be making sure to spend a little more time savoring every drive through the mountains, every air tank I carry, and every meal I share with my LRCC crew.
I also wonder how much I’ve changed since I arrived here in January. Some weeks here are more challenging than others, but I’ve always believed that those challenges shape you as a person. The Lakes Region is a beautiful place, and if you give it the chance, it has a way of melting your worries away. Since arriving, it’s been my goal to experience as much of this area of New Hampshire as I can during the times I’m not serving. I’ve taught myself to snowboard, hiked multiple summits, run a 5k, camped out in the White Mountain National Forest, and I can easily say this is the most time I’ve spent outside recreationally. The outdoors is really one big playground, and I haven't spent enough time in it. When I do head back to New York, I hope to stay exploring the outdoors and discover new places that could be right in my backyard.
Alandra is serving with the Squam Lakes Association as a Watershed Resources Assistant. She is from upstate New York and holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology. This is her first time in New Hampshire, and she is looking forward to everything it has to offer. Learn more about her here.