About

New Hampshire winters bring with them a world of frozen possibilities, and one of the most fascinating traditions I’ve learned about since moving to Derry is how the community embraces the ice-covered lakes. My daughter’s friend, an avid snowmobiler, often talks about his adventures gliding across frozen lakes—a concept that’s thrilling and a little nerve-wracking for someone who didn’t grow up around such activities. But beyond snowmobiling, I’ve been amazed at how much life happens on these frozen lakes. From ice fishing to skating to incredible charity events, these lakes transform into community gathering spots during the winter months.

One event that particularly caught my attention was a polar plunge held on Beaver Lake. Watching the community come together for a cause, cheering each other on as brave souls dove into the icy water, was an experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Derry. It’s a testament to the love and commitment this community has—not just to each other, but to their traditions, their history, and their land. There’s something inspiring about seeing people take on such a wild and frigid challenge, all in the name of charity and camaraderie.

This sense of adventure and humor inspired a comic featuring Mik and Nik. In the strip, Mik encourages Nik to join him for a “refreshing” dip in the icy water. Nik, understandably hesitant, chickens out at the last minute, shivering at the thought of how cold it must be. Mik, ever the daring and slightly overconfident bear, scoffs at Nik’s reluctance and dives right in, eager to prove himself. The twist? The water is so cold that even Mik can’t handle it! He scrambles out, shivering from head to toe, muttering, “Polar bears make it look so easy.”

This comic is my playful nod to the adventurous and humorous spirit of Derry’s community. It’s a celebration of the willingness to take on challenges—sometimes with more enthusiasm than preparation—and the joy of laughing at ourselves when things don’t go quite as planned. Mik and Nik’s antics reflect not only the lightheartedness of these winter traditions but also the warmth and togetherness that make this community so special, even in the coldest of seasons.