LOBSTER TRAP DEBRIS

September 26, 2015July 20, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Wreckage on the shore serves as a warning and reminder. The sea can turn violent in a moment. Another harsh winter’s ahead for all of us in these parts. And commercial fishing’s an especially dangerous occupation.

Just look at what it does to metal.

MOHEGAN ISLAND

September 15, 2015July 20, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 4 Comments

There’s a romantic allure to the idea of living on an island, and Maine has more than its share. Still, a day visit can be memorable.

LOAF OF SLICED BREAD

August 15, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

A boulder resembles a round loaf on a breadboard. Maybe it’s just there for giants in the night. The leaves on the ground give an idea of its size.

NOTTINGHAM SQUARE

August 11, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Quaker 5 170 — The town is proud of the governors who lived here, as well as its role in the Revolutionary War.

Hearing the distant sounds of cannon at the Battle of Bunker Hill to the south, local militia mustered here on Nottingham Square in New Hampshire and began marching to combat. It’s only an hour-plus drive today.

Quaker 5 176 — You can easily pass by the square at the top of the hill. Houses line one side; farms line two others.

An earlier Indian massacre is also remembered. — An earlier Indian attack is also remembered. In scenes like this, I always wonder about the American flags. Shouldn’t they be the Union Jack?

JUST DUCKY

August 8, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

Here are some quackers seen at a gathering of Quakers.

COASTAL SUMAC AND GULL

August 4, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 3 Comments

A stroll along the Atlantic offers more to see than just the ocean.

CONNECTING BARNS

August 1, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 2 Comments

Many New England farms traditionally had their barns connected to the farmhouse, no doubt because of the deep snow and vicious cold each winter. Sometimes the additions seem to run on and on.

CHAUNCY CREEK

July 28, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

A popular lobster restaurant is perched at the bottom of a cliff. Some of its patrons tie up at this dock. Most park in a crowded roadside lot above. Their oysters on the half shell, by the way, are unbeatable.

This lovely tidal channel links Pepperell Cove to a town park called Seapoint and sets Fort Foster off on its own island.

Kodak18 046 — At low tide, the rafts can be sitting on the rocks. The tidal changes are impressive.

Just a few hours later ... — Just a few hours later …

AVOIDING THE CROWDS IN SEASON

July 21, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 3 Comments

At the mouth of the Piscataqua River downstream from where I live, Fort Foster has long guarded the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor. It’s now a town park.

By purchasing a season pass each year, I’ve come to consider it my private patch on the ocean — one shared with some folks who’ve become sunny friends as we swim and then warm in the rays.

The rocky shoreline allows a fine introduction to tide pool life, while the pebble beaches have their own experience. There are also some sandy pocket beaches and a trail to meander while looking out over the cobalt Atlantic.