Lighthouses on the coast

Did you think I wasn't coming back? I wasn't so sure either. Lately every time I post on my blog I wonder, "will this by my last time?". December has taken a toll on me and it seems when ever I sit down at the computer to look at my photos I just go blank. Sorting them, deciding which ones to use for a post, editing, trying to find the words ... nothing seems right. Hopefully the new year will give me some renewed energy because right now I'm sorely lacking.

Though I normally photograph something almost every day, lately my camera usually sits on the counter, all by it's lonesome. My new job is still causing me some insomnia so I imagine that's not helping the situation.

Anyway, enough about all that. Last week, on my way to go Christmas shopping, I decided to take a detour and head to New Castle Commons in hopes of lifting my spirits. The view was so lovely but it was so cold at the same time. I stayed inside my car for all of the shots below.

No, this home isn't located at New Castle Commons but it was so quaint I had to pull over and take a shot or two. If it's this adorable on the outside don't you wonder what it looks like on the inside? I do!

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

It was a good thing I took these shots when I did because the snow had all but melted in the next couple hours.

Immature Ring-billed Gulls just chillin', literally

Whaleback Lighthouse

Like the most of the east coast we received a pretty decent snow storm last night into today. It was supposed to be a blizzard with 10"-18" but with all the blowing and drifting I don't know if we even had 7". For those of us expecting 'the big one' it was a rather weak storm. It's probably just as well seeing as how my daughter has to drive in it.

Do you have plans for New Years Eve?

Sunset/Lighthouse Cruise ~ The End

And so we journey to the end of a wonderful evening cruise. By this time is was getting pretty darned cold and I think most people had gone down onto the lower deck to try and get away from the wind. Once the sun finally set, all the photographers went down there as well.

Around this point there was a photographer frenzy on the boat. My husband said it was pretty intense. LOL! I just shot what I could and hoped for the best.




Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Constitution, formerly known as Fort William and Mary




Whaleback Lighthouse ~ 1872








The sunsets behind Wentworth By the Sea hotel




Approaching Rye Harbor my husband looks out at the remains of an incredible sunset. Besides us, the people behind us were the only ones left on the upper deck, and they were wearing jackets.

Thank you for coming along with me and leaving such wonderful comments. In real time the trip was 2 1/2 hours long. In blog time it was much longer! LOL!

Whaleback Lighthouse

Built in 1872, like most other lighthouses Whaleback is automated and has been since 1963. It's definitely a photographers favorite. Conditions are constantly changing on the ocean and in the sky but it's a wide open view so you're almost always guaranteed a good shot no matter the weather, except fog of course.

Though Whaleback can be seen from several vantage points in the seacoast area, on this particular day I happened to be at Great Island Commons (aka: New Castle Commons), the easiest and most accessible place to view Whaleback Lighthouse as well as Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

Both of these photos were taken during a sunset (behind me) on December 30, 2009, just a day before the full Blue Moon on New Years Eve. It was rather cold, and though you can't see it the moon sits in the sky just off to the left. Also located on the left hand side of the horizon is the historic and defunct Wood Island Lifesaving Station.

Great Island Commons, and in and around New Castle remains one of my favorite places for photography. The views of the ocean, historic homes, and quaint yards are picturesque no matter what time of year. And that tiny one-horse-town post office of theirs is adorable!

* The Sweetest of Days

I hope you'll stop by!