Category: East Coast

On The River: Reflections

January 20, 2012

It’s a beautiful day here on the river…

As I sit here at my desk, to my left I see the river sparkling with a fervent, intensely brilliant reflection of the sun. Not a cloud in the sky, with my desk facing south, the sun sits at 11:23 outside of my window.

To the right of my desk, outside of the bay window in which my desk sits, I watch as the ice floes float down stream, creating ever changing patterns.

Housebound as I am for a few more days, I am re-minded every day how blessed I am to live here on the river with my slivers of river views that constantly fill my heart and soul with love and gratitude.

The mighty Merrimack River is rooted in my body, mind and soul. As a small child I grew up along the river in West Newbury. At eleven, we moved to Newburyport and short walk to the Chain Bridge area.

It was one year after moving back to this area (a little over 3 years ago) when I realized that more than anything in this breathtakingly beautiful estuary, abundant in Mother Nature’s gifts, it was the river that most spoke to me.

She lifts me up, she carries me in her bouyant arms, like the mother and she lets my heart and soul float in her love.

(Photo: Winter On The Merrimack River ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

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On The River

January 18, 2012

Having your right foot in a cast is truly a pain in the a**. I’m not sure what is most annoying about it all, but not being able to drive is a big one. It’s tough being stuck in house and dependent on family and friends for supplies, etc…

I also sorely miss my hiking at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Maudsley State Park and along Point Shore in Amesbury. Before I started hiking a few weeks ago, a good drive along the river to Plum Island always served to clear my head.

Thankfully, my hiking partner came by to rescue me on Monday and we took a wonderful drive along the Merrimack River, from Amesbury, through Merrimack and Rock’s Village and then over the Rock’s Village Bridge and back along River Road in West Newbury (my early childhood stomping grounds).

We were looking for Bald Eagles which have been here in smaller numbers this season. The Bald Eagle proved to be elusive on Monday, but we treated to a sighting of 4 – 6 Eastern Bluebirds… Yes, that’s right, the Blue Bird Of Happiness.

Sadly, (more…)

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On The Parker River Path

January 17, 2012

A few weeks ago I joined the ranks of the unemployed and took to walking 3 – 5 days a week with a dear friend, to clear my head and get grounded. There’s nothing better for freeing your mind than a brisk walk in the cool winter air.

Most of my walks were spent exploring the many trails and pathways at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Hellcat Swamps trails have become a favorite, from the observation tower on the Parker River side to the 50 foot dune on the ocean side.

My hikes abruptly stopped on January 8, after a fall in my driveway left me with abrasions, bruises and a badly sprained foot. The following day I ended up with a cast on my right foot which needless to say has kept me from the hikes and trails. The cast is scheduled to come off on January 23 and I am hoping to get the okay from the doctor to start hiking again.

The photo above is from the observation deck atop the 50 foot dune mentioned above. (more…)

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Blue Whales Delight Whale Watchers in So Cal and Maine

September 14, 2011

I just had to share this video from NBC Evening News about the pod of blue whales that have been delighting whale watchers in the Los Angeles area.

The blue whales were once almost extinct but they have mande a huge comeback and NBC News reports that a blue whale was also “spotted by whale watchers just off the coast of Maine last Sunday.”

Maybe we’ll hear of sighting by one of the more local whale watching boats here on the North Shore sometime soon.