First, I would like to thank Ben Lounsbury for an objective and informative column about the variables of a healthy lake (“Will Lake Auburn suffer the China Lake syndrome?,” May 28).

As I was reading, I reflected about my youth, and our mom taking us for a swim at a local lake during an algae bloom … we didn’t stay long.

Then, I thought about my favorite aunt and uncle, who were retired and owned a rustic summer camp on Lake Auburn. They had us sleep over for a week each summer.

Although we couldn’t swim, my uncle would take us out fishing beyond the island. We would simply wet lines, and always get back to camp with a bucket of white perch that my aunt would fry for supper.

Their camp was right at the water’s edge. As we sat on the porch overlooking the lake, it felt like we were at the bow of a ship. Watching a late afternoon thunderstorm headed our way always created excitement.

And, I recall the limited plumbing in the camp, and having to cross the street to use the outhouse.

Boat rides to the IGA were a weekly event.

On one of those excursions, the lake was like glass with deep reflections of the shoreline forest. We cruised to a smooth docking. After completing our shopping list and carrying our bags back to my uncle’s 18-foot wooden boat with a 13-horsepower motor — all we could see were huge whitecaps all across the lake.

My uncle, whose past included working on major log drives, decided that we could make it fine. And, I do remember that this was the only time that he ever had me wear a life jacket. He put me in charge of the eggs.

My aunt made scrambled eggs for supper that night.

I could go on.

It was a magical place for a kid, and it would be nice if it was still in the family. But, alas, the camp and land were claimed by the water district.

The camp was removed, and today it is a thicket of native trees, bushes, brush and grasses — as it should be.

My family and I are grateful for all of the water district personnel in Auburn and Lewiston — both past and present — who have and continue to provide us with the precious resource … which we, too often, take for granted.

Marc Lavoie is a resident of Lewiston.