Fishing Shack in Kittery, ME 10-25-11Kathryn and I left Fort McClary and drove down through Kittery, ME. We found a spot along the Piscataqua River where we could see Portsmouth, NH on the other side. A dock with a fishing shack covered in lobster buoys was the perfect photo op! Doesn’t get much more “Maine” than this!
We crossed into Portsmouth on the rout 1A by-pass and the route 1A bridge across Badger Island is still closed. It’s been that way ever since I’ve moved here and I do not know when or if they ever plan to reopen it. I had never been in Portsmouth myself but we did not stop. we drove through the quaint little town and found route 1B which took us to the coastline.
Whaleback Lighthouse, Kittery, ME as seen from Great Island Common in New Castle, NH at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor 10-25-11We soon found ourselves on Route 1A in New Hampshire where we drove into a public park called Great island common. though the sun shone brightly the wind just wailed and gusted. It whipped our hair and coats and tried to tear my hat from my head! I grasped the cord holding it onto my head with one hand and my bins and camera with another. It sure made it tricky to take pictures trying to hold onto everything like that, but what a view!
Rocky beach of Great Island Common, New Castle, NH
American Crows Great Island Common
Great Island Common, New Castle, NHOur journey south followed Route 1A all the way down along the coastline of Hew Hampshire. I have never done this drive before and I was amazed at how close to the coast we were able to get and how pretty it was.
House along Ocean Blvd/Route 1A in Rye, NHWe stopped at one of the pull-offs in Rye, NH where not only did we find yellow-rumped warbler picking in the seaweed along the ocean, but we also saw this pretty house across the street. I love the architecture of it and I wonder if it is a private residence or a Bed and Breakfast or Hotel. I must say that I did not notice a sign out front and besides, I was too busy enjoying the scenery and looking for birds.
Does anyone know the story behind this sculpture or its name?This sculpture was right near the house in rye and though I tried Googling it many different ways I could not find anything about it. If you know who sculpted it or what its significance is, please tell me!
Hampton Beach looking southWe followed the road to Hampton Beach where I took my kids and grandkids swimming this summer. After seeing all the crowds back then It was quite different to see it so empty like this!
Hampton Beach Looking north
Salisbury Beach boat launch on the mouth of the Merrimack River Eventually we made it back to the Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Salisbury Beach is on the north side of the Merrimack River. Across the river we could see the northern tip of Plum Island. So close, yet so far away. We scoped the shore line for birds, then headed back to North Andover for one last meal of seafood from Joe Fish. Kathryn started and ended her visit here at this restaurant. One of our favorite days was a trip to Boston, but that story will have to wait for another day. I have yet to process those photos.
Greater Yellowlegs at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, MA I don’t know if I will ever be able to take Kathryn to Plum Island, but we certainly got her to most of the places she wanted to visit while she was here. We had a great time and saw all kinds of birds in all kinds of places. We got our fill of history and scenery and seafood galore. Next time I hope to visit her in Utah, a place I have not been back to since moving away in 2007.
Here’s what we did day by day:- Tuesday, October 18, Kathryn arrives, we east at Joe Fish
- Wednesday, Birding at the Geremonty Marsh in NH
- Thursday-Drive to CT for Mom’s surgery
- Friday-birding at Hammonassett State Beach
- Saturday-Minuteman Monument and Old North Bridge with Gus in Concord, MA
- Sunday-Birding in Gloucester
- Monday-Birding at the bog and a trip into Boston
- Tuesday-Ft McClary State Historic Site; Drive along the coastline
- Wednesday-Kathryn goes home
Just found your new blog. Seems to be a lot of new blogs among people I have followed. What gorgeous scenery! I love that house and the statue. I noticed that you have left comments on John Thebarge's new blog. I can't figure out how to leave one and want to congratulate him on his winning photo in National Wildlife. Is there some secret to doing it? I click on the comment spot and it goes away. You can delete this comment if you don't want it on your blog...sorry!
ReplyDeleteReally nice scenic images Kathie. A lovely area to visit.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!! i tried googling for info on that sculpture too...but nothing found! oh well...
ReplyDeletei LOVE the picture of Hampton Beach looking north! wow!! it's like a painting! the water is gorgeous...such a deep blue!
Kathie, your photos are so pretty and the scenery is just lovely. What a great place to visit. The sculpture is beautiful. I'm sure you and your friend had a great time. Wonderful post and photos. Have a great weekend and happy birding.
ReplyDeleteMary, Welcome back! I am so glad that you found me again!
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since I have visited John's blog and now I can't find it or remember its name! I suspect it may be a setting on your computer that won't allow pop-ups or something like that. I have had trouble before with blogs that have the new pop-up format with the word verification popping up AFTER you write your comment. What is the name of his blog again? Also, if he has an email address posted you can try emailing him and see what he says.
Anyways. I am glad you found me once again. Thank you for coming to visit me!
Roy, it certainly was!
Laura, I tried googling that image so many different ways but could find out nothing! I'm still hoping someone else will know! Or else, I may just have to take a drive back up there and do some investigating myself!
Eileen, you are so sweet! You are always so cheerful when you visit here. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you had a great weekend also!