Mysterious Old Tree Roots

Bob and I visited The Flume at Franconia Notch State, Park last Memorial Day Weekend. We picked a really nice day, it was sunny and cool great for hiking.

One of the Flume's attractions was finding old tree's root growing over boulders, surviving even when the ground washes away beneath the roots. The roots have a mysterious feel, my conversion to black and white adds to that look. I wish there was fog for a final touch.

New Hampshire's State Flower "Lilac", Wildflower "Pink Lady Slipper"

Purple Lilac

Pink Lady Slipper

How lucky we are to live in a state where Lilacs grow. New Hampshire adopted the Purple Lilac as our state flower in 1919. Spring is the time of year when the radiant fragrance of the lilacs grace our yards. Lilacs come in white, violet, blue, lilac, pink, red, and purple, grow best in full sun.

Did you know New Hampshire has a state wildflower, Pink Lady Slipper "Cypripedium acaule" you will find growing in the acid soils of pine/oak woods.

Sulphite Upside Down Bridge Restoration

Railroad track on top of the Sulphite Upside Down Bridge

Photo of an original painting of the Sulphite Bridge during it's operation.

I tried taking a photo but the trees and brush made it hard...we hope to clear this area in the future.

Black and White Copy with title

Over the years, living in NH, I discovered a love for photographing covered bridges. Bob (my husband) and I have located, photographed, all but three covered bridges in the state of NH, the missing bridges are locate in northern NH, I hope to photograph this year to complete my collection. During our tour of the covered bridges I have found bridges restored, a few needing repair. One of the unusual bridges I have come across is Franklin's Sulphite Upside Down Bridge

This unusual bridge, built by the Bridge and Building Department of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1896, appears to be the only deck-covered railroad bridge left in the United States. It was named Sulphite because of the large amounts of sulfur transported over the rail lines for use by the giant pulp and paper mills not far from the bridge. It is also known as the Upside Down Covered Bridge because the railroad track crosses over the top of the structure rather than running through its center.The Sulphite Bridge was believe to have been set on fire Oct. 27, 1980.

Recently I discovered, Fay Mahoney had a class reunion last year, part of her reunion her classmates hiked the Riverview Trail locating the bridge. After viewing the bridge, Fay decided it was time to restore a piece of history and has started a committee to earn funds to restore. Fay also mentioned, Upside Down Bridge is the only left in the world. The restoration could cost up to 500,000, huge undertaking but worth the hard work and effort to restore a piece of history. Funds are to augment money for grants. To receive grants the City must show an effort for this project by augmenting grant money with a percentage of funds from the city/bridge committee.

If you are interested in helping with the restoration of The Sulphite Bridge, you can write or email. The Sulphite Bridge, P O Box 319, Franklin 03235-0319, Email address: restore1896bridge@yahoo.com

My Meeting With Moose Man, Rick Libbey

Moose Antler

Nature Photographer, Moose Man, Rick Libbey

My first bull moose photo

I would like to share a little information about my lack of wildlife successful photography. I have searched for moose for almost 16 years to photograph. Two years ago I finally found not one but three moose in one day thanks my wildlife/bird photographer friend Donna. Bird photography I am becoming better at, a good lens helps 100-400 Canon.

Last weekend we read an article in a New Hampshire magazine about the Moose Man http://moosemannaturephotos.com/ including a few of his awesome moose photos. As luck would have it, he set up a booth at Franklin's Spring Fling Day. Talk about excitement, I could not wait to meet him!!! Someone I could finally talk to about photographing moose, a professional!!! Rick Libbey was so nice, spent time talking to me, sharing a local spot where I might find moose, information about Moose, what to look for, feeding spots, how not to scare the moose away once you spot.

Check out his site for his pictures (outstanding), note cards, jewelry and book are for sale. Men have a pin up calendar, I have Rick's moose calendar hanging up in my office <<>>.

Macro Buds and Blooms...."Finally"

Yellow Broom Shrub


Crabapple Tree Buds

Cranberry Ice Dianthus

Flowering Plum Tree

Pink Pussy Willow and Black Ant

Finally I am starting see life in my yard, budding and blooms on my flowers, plants and shrubs. I have been wanting to shoot macros, today was the day!!!

This past weekend Bob and I planted and cleaned up the yard, we have a lot more to do. It was just so nice to get out there and see plants poking out of the grown.

Paradise Road, Bethel, Maine After the Storm

A few weeks ago we were meeting my photo group at Grafton State Park, Maine. Bob and I decided to go a day earlier and explore the area, Bethel is beautiful mountain town.

We found Paradise Road, views surrounded both sides of the road, prime real estate, I would love to own a home on this road. My pictures were taken after a storm was lifting.

After our tour we found Gideon Hasting House, 22 Broad Street Restaurant and Inn located in Bethel, ME. A restored beautiful place, homemade Italian food. John Amann's owner, sister gave us wonderful service and delicious meal. We certainly will return to Bethel Maine Bed and Breakfast Italian Restaurant Bethel Maine Bed & Breakfast B&B Lodging