Oyster River Swans

Happy Monday!

I know there were a few of you who said you were looking forward to my Fall photos. Well, unfortunately between work, the rain, and a lousy cold, I still haven't had time to get out and do any photography whatsoever. That being the case I thought I'd go through my mass amounts of photos and post some you've never seen before! And believe me I have plenty!

These photos were actually taken 3 years ago along the Oyster River in Durham, NH on an overcast afternoon.

I had been shooting up by Mill Pond Dam when suddenly a swan flew overhead, across the road and towards the river. Curiosity got the best of me so I drove down route 108 for a better view. As you can see the Swans were quite a ways off in the distance.

No matter how far away, their beauty is unmistakable. 

Autumn, such a glorious time of year!

Sim Farm

I love this farm, and yes, it's owned by the Sim family. All of the following pictures were taken this morning.



Right now I'm very infatuated with Jon Olsens winter landscape photography collection. Though my photos are much brighter than his, I still find his work inspiring.

On Sunday morning I shot this farm during the snow storm. You may be seeing those pictures on my blog in the very near future.

We had a wonderful week-end of non-stop snow. It started on Friday and kept on snowing right through Sunday night. It made for beautiful New England winter scenery.

After a week and a half off the girls wished they didn't have to go back to school this morning. We all enjoyed our time together, Christmas was wonderful, and my oldest daughter finally got her license. She was thrilled. Now all I can do is try not to worry ... but you probably know how that goes.

Tomorrow I'll have all the Christmas decorations put away, finally. For some reason the new year is making me feel energized, something I don't normally feel in winter. Think I'm going to run with it!

I hope the new year is making you feel the same!

Mill Pond View

There's a friend headed our way

Oops! Where'd he go?

There he is!

Oyster River and Mill Pond Dam

As in my previous post you can see it's quite overcast with brightening here and there. A tough shoot I thought.


I wish we still had this much color, but besides a random tree here and there, it's pretty much gone

In the above photo you are able to view the reddish/orange balls attached to the lines to help keep the Swans from hitting them as they fly over from Mill Pond into Oyster River. In years past it's happened several times and the Swan would fall to it's death in the river.

By clicking on the above photo it will enlarge, showing more historic detail of the area

Unfortunately there is talk of removing the dam. Like most other historic dams in the area, it's old and not really needed anymore. Removal costs about half the price of replacement and since the dam is no longer used the town feels it may be more economically feasible to remove it.

Though I'm not a resident of Durham, I can't imagine not having this view. Many other people in area feel the same way. Evaluation of the dam, the water, and it's surroundings are expected to be completed by the end of January. After that I imagine a decision will be made. If it's for removal you can best believe there will be an uprising to save it.

*I'd like to thank everyone who left such heartfelt and sincere comments for my mom and I. Some of you even taking the time to sending personal emails or share a story about your mother. I can't tell you how much it's meant to read each word.

My mom was sent home from the hospital last Saturday and rushed back via ambulance Sunday morning with terrible dehydration. On Tuesday she came home again. The first two days home she over did it and I thought we'd have to take her back. She thought if she just went upstairs and took a shower she would feel so much better. Trying to do so when no one was around was a BIG mistake! My dad came in the house and couldn't find her. There Mom sat upstairs in the bathroom, unable to move.

I think after the stairs incident my Mom is resigned to waiting it out until her body heals a bit more. Having just had major back surgery and has been a tough thing to face. Plus she will absolutely have to have help the next time she attempts stairs or taking a shower. My dad and I have stayed close just to make sure she follows the rules! At 114 lbs. she's a tough and determined lady.

Oyster River Landing, Durham, NH

Living in the area all my life I drive through here quite often yet seldom think much about it. The fact is, Oyster River Landing is a beautiful and historic place. Seeing it as I drive over the bridge and seeing it up close are two different things.

Walking along side the river you can feel the history. Looking around at the old trees and historic homes built in the 1700's you know this was once where the action was. At least as much action as Durham had 200 years ago, which for a small community probably wasn't much.

A charming home that's seen it's share of renovations, I'd say.

This location hasn't been the center of town for many, many years. The center of town now resides where the University of New Hampshire is located, up the road a piece.

Oyster River Landing is far more appealing.



Looking at the map on the sign we're standing on Old Landing Road (letter I) near Newmarket road and the Mill Pond bridge


View Left down river

A favorite spot for ice fishing in the winter

View Right toward the dam and more historic homes

In my next post I'll show you a few more views of the immediate area. Foliage was just about to let go during my visit but the colors were still impressive and brilliant. It was an overcast day but the clouds did nothing to hamper the beauty.