Seacoast Photographers Group (Exeter, NH) - Meetup Laconia Beach Sunrise

One of my photo groups  Seacoast Photographers Group (Exeter, NH) - Meetup met for sunrise photo shoot.  We started out at Laconia Beach, Laconia.  I decided to scope out the area the day before, adding a few day light photos.

January's First Photo: Winter's Sunset in Laconia, NH

I was a little under the weather for the last few weeks.  FINALLY  I was able to get out and do a little shooting.  Took pictures of a beautiful sunset in Laconia, NH.

The Wings of Freedom Tour at Laconia Airport

Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft"

P-51 Mustang "Little Friend" (My husband Bob's photo)

Earl "Smitty" Smith

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine"

P-51 Mustang "Little Friend"

I had marked my calendar to attend The Wings of Freedom Tour at Laconia Airport to see the planes and take some pictures. I was excited about it. On display were two historical fighter boomers: a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine, and a B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" with an escort fighter, North American P-51 named "Betty Jane."

I was able to actually tour the inside of the bombers, and found that the interior conditions were very tight and cramped. The crew, I was told, numbered 10 or 11. In that special place I could feel and imagine our brave flying crews bombing their targets during WW2...the dangers they experienced. Attending the Wings of Freedom Tour made me realize how brave our servicemen have always been, fighting for our freedom.

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Earl "Smitty" Smith, who flew on the B-17 as a gunner in the belly turret. My husband mentioned to me that flying in the belly turret was the most dangerous place to be in the bomber. If they lost their landing gear, the gunners who flew in the belly turret would certainly lose their lives when the plane landed.

As I walked around I could hear several stories of flights and missions. There was a young woman there who knew all about her father's missions. He had been captured and made a prisoner of war. She had all the dates and research with her and proudly shared her story with a man who was most impressed with the extent of her knowledge about her father's tour of duty.

I had gone to Laconia Airport to take pictures but came away uplifted by a patriotic feeling that made me proud to be an American.

Interesting Find Today: 400 Year Oak Tree

I was out today looking to showcase after fall peak, still beautiful in NH. Bob noticed a beautiful old tree, we had to turned around allowing me to take pictures and I am so glad we did. Perley Pond Conservation Area is located in Laconia, NH.

Thankfully they had a sign with the history and information of the 400 year old oak tree. The circumference is 10 feet. Age 400 years old.