The Glory Of A Lakes Region Sunset
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
“It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.”
– Bernard Williams
Many boaters say there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun set over Lake Winnipesaukee. In this, they would be correct. There is something about a glowing, bright orange or soft pink sunset over the lake to nourish the soul with its fantastic beauty.
There are many places to see the sunset, whether by boat or on land. According to local photographer Jeremy Noyes, there are many places to look for a pretty sunset.
Noyes should know because he is an avid sunset (or sunrise) chaser and captures some breathtaking shots of those special times of the day. His photographs illustrate the beauty that occurs when the sun sets over the lake or in the early mornings as the brilliant orb arises. Some images are from spots on private land, where Noyes has permission from the property owner, but most are from public places around the Lakes Region, with the water nearby.
Noyes loves the lake and says it creates a beautiful mirror effect, with a double image of the brilliant colors of a sunset reflected in the water. “I am drawn to sunsets because of the colors and the overall feeling of witnessing the beauty of a sunrise or sun setting over the lake. It gives me a sense of quiet and harmony.
“I typically find places without a lot of people around. The best gems aren’t all that difficult to find, but you must put in some time to seek them out,” he says.
“I like to photograph in places without a lot of people. These areas are best spots. Some popular places the public can be assured of good sunset shows are the Wolfeboro Town Docks, anywhere near Meredith Bay, at Trexler’s Marina in Moultonborough, and 19 Mile Bay in Tuftonboro,” Noyes says.
Although possible to do, Noyes explains that he rarely photographs sunsets from a boat. Indeed, he has done so only once because the simple fact is a boat is moving, and this makes it harder to capture the intensity of a sunset via a photograph.
“There are more ripples in the water, and it isn’t a still view because the boat is moving,” he explains. “From land, I can keep the camera stationary to get a longer exposure.”
Among his go-to sunset locations, Roberts Cove in Alton is at the top of the list for Noyes. “It is my favorite place; I find the most beautiful sunsets there. I can see some of the islands on the lake and water reflections.”
Some spots Noyes loves to capture sunset photographs are places with a dock in the foreground. “I call myself a light chaser,” he says. “I just find the sun setting over the mountains or the water stunning; I am particularly interested in sunsets.”
To see the beautiful photographs of Jeremy Noyes, visit his gallery (Jeremy Noyes Gallery) at 23 Main St., Unit #3, in downtown Meredith. The gallery walls are full of photos Noyes has taken that capture scenes of nature, including his favorites, the beloved Lakes Region sunsets taken in various seasons.
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call 858-761-2504 or visit www.jeremynoyesphotography.com.
When polled, Lakes Regioners have individual thoughts on where their favorite sunsets might be. Nancy Merrill of Alton says, “A great sunset location is definitely the water bandstand in Alton Bay!”
Although not near the water, Steele Hill in Sanbornton rates at the top of the list for Kristin Gage, a resident of that town. Steele Hill is high on a mountain with sweeping views of the area.
For realtor Shannon Casey, the Grand View Motel & Cottages at 291 Endicott Street North in Laconia is her top-of-the-list spot. The Grand View lives up to its name with views of the lakes and mountains from the porch.
Nothing in the Lakes Region beats the mountaintop Castle in the Clouds patio at the Carriage House for dining with a great view. Guests love to have a meal on the patio and enjoy unbeatable views of the sun setting over the lake and mountains with the sweeping landscape far below.
Some boaters say the sunsets near the Margate Resort on Lake Street in Laconia are one-of-a-kind. Take a boat or pontoon with a group of friends and family and head out on the water for a chance to see an intense sunset. Drop anchor and relax while the sun goes down and provides a glorious end to a hot Lakes Region day.
If you are coming from an island on the lake, you are obviously on a boat. There is much to be said for viewing a beautiful sunset from the water, and Little Barndoor near Parker Island is a popular spot. One commenter on the winnipesaukee.com website says, “I’m voting for the west side of Barndoor Island. The sunset varies from straight up the Broads to Rattlesnake and eventually to Belknap Mountain.”
A sunset photo enthusiast wrote on the winnipesaukee.com forum, “Over the years, I have shot hundreds of sunsets from this spot (the parking lot of O Steak and Seafood), and no two sunsets are ever really the same.” The restaurant is located on Doris Ray Court in Laconia, and the sunset shots are over the water near the eatery.
Many agree that sunsets from a beach at any location around the lake are spectacular, and some great beaches are Ellacoya State Park in Gilford and Carry Beach in Wolfeboro. With the mountains in the background and sand between your toes, the serenity of a sunset from a beach is unbeatable.
A Lake Region boater shared a final opinion of where a viewer might find the best sunset: “Any place is a perfect place to see a sunset on this lake.”