Today’s self assignment:
The Great Marsh is a long, continuous saltmarsh in eastern New England extending from Cape Ann in northeastern Massachusetts to the southeastern coast of New Hampshire. It includes roughly 20,000-30,000 acres of saltwater marsh, mudflats, islands, sandy beaches, dunes, rivers, and other water bodies.
Trillium is one of my favorite spring woodland wildflowers. Encountered this one in Bridgton, Maine. Look for trillium in shaded forests, late May to mid-June.
I’ve been thinking about a solo trip I took to Glacier National Park about 10 years ago. There were no more than 25 glaciers to see and identify; a small fraction of the 150 or so glaciers estimated to have inhabited the park about 100 years ago Some scientists are predicting that the number of measurable glaciers in the park will be zero within our lifetimes. To deny the existence of global warming is criminal. Government and business leaders who ignore the warming planet should leave their posts, willingly or not.
I live 3 miles from Lake Quannapowitt, where maples, apple trees, and birches are hitting their peak color for the season.
When you’re fed up with shoveling, leaky roofs, 10 foot piles of snow, the total breakdown of mass transit, and closed schools…its time to go snowshoeing.
Today I photographed the Saugus River in Massachusetts from the air. The river meanders 13 miles from its source in Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield through the towns of Lynnfield, Saugus and Lynn to Broad Sound in the Atlantic. I enjoyed several flights in a single-engine, top-wing Cessna over the past few years. On this occasion the pilot was very specific in his instructions to me. He said, “If something were to happen to me, please take the controls and land on the nearest flat surface. It doesn’t have to be an airport. If we are near Logan airport just follow their instructions. Push this red button so you can talk to them. If we need to land in the water we will probably flip over. You’ll need to unlock the door before we land so we can open it after hitting the water. Can you swim? The barf bag is here. And, if you would like to drive a little while on the way back that would be fine with me.” I did, but not very well.
Last weekend I joined many old friends to honor the life, friendships, and outdoor accomplishments of the late Dave Duncanson. Two years ago Dave skied approximately 100K of the groomed trails of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in Jackson NH — in one day! Last Saturday, most of the 40 to 50 folks who showed up, followed more modest distances on the track. The weather and the snow were ideal (V40 wax) , and the grooming at Jackson was immaculate. So what else is new? This little angel on skis was probably not among the Duncanson celebrants but she was worthy of a photograph for her outfit, rosy cheeks, and terrific ski skating technique. If anyone can identify her please let me know!