Snow Moon

February 26 - We went for a walk along the beach because of the warm weather (43 degrees). We saw a lone fishing trawler (Lisa Ann III) coming into port through the jetty. Having hiked about a mile along the beach, we turned around. It was dusk, and the sun was beginning to set. As we approached the jetty, we were surprised by large number of people gathered on the beach some with cameras. What was the big attraction? We looked out to sea and saw the full moon rising. This full moon is called the "snow moon." The sky had this beautiful purplish hue. We thought we would share a few photos.

 

Some White Winged Scotas were hanging out

 

 

 

Gulls were flying off to their evening roost.

(This was the natural lighting, the photo has not been enhanced in anyway.)

 

Jetty Update

Northeastern Massachusetts has so far experienced a mild winter for 2019-2020. Not withstanding, the storms which have passed through have kicked up some rough seas. The sands at Salisbury Beach State Reservation have shifted around dramatically. Sand has piled up against the section of North Jetty bordering the beach. Waves coming out of the northeast during the storms continue to batter the spur jetty displacing stones. the damage has become quite evident.

Sand has almost reach to top of the jetty along this section of the beach.

 

Northeast winds kick waves even on this nice day.

The spur jetty has taken a real beating from the storms .

 

A lot of stone has been tumbled off the top

A noticeable dip in the top has formed

Eagle Departs Portsmouth

On Monday August 5, 2019 I had the opportunity to photograph and video the departure of the U.S. Coast Guard tall ship Eagle from Portsmouth from onboard the historic Gundalow barge. The Gundalow put up its single sail but primarily ran on its engine. We headed up river to see the Eagle leave the wharf. Along the way we were treated to seeing the Memorial Drawbridge raise its center span to allow us passage. The group of kids onboard were all excited and waved to the bridge workers as we passed underneath.

We arrived near the wharf in time to see the tugboat pushing the Eagle gently towards the wharf so the mooring ropes could be castoff. The Eagle got underway while a small but appreciative group of spectators onboard the Gundalow and the Schooner Lynx watched. It was a different perspective to see the Eagle from the water rather than standing onshore.

The Gundalow unfurled its sail.

We passed the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

One of the giant cranes

Scaffolding around the tower of a submarine being serviced.

The exposed lower part of the pier indicated we were nearing low tide.

 A lobster boat is part of Portsmouth & Kittery's working waterfront.

Memorial Drawbridge

Bridge worker monitoring our passage.

Schooner Lynx joined us.

Tugboat pushes the Eagle toward wharf to allow the mooring ropes to cast off.

We passed the old Naval Prison

 

The Gundalow's canon may be small but it makes a big bang.

A 5 minute video of the Eagle's departure.

October 16-17 2019 Storm

I went down to the North Jetty to see the affects of the Nor'easter on surf. The wind was blow so strong I had a hard time holding the camera steady. Many of the photos are slightly out of focus because of that. The wind was blowing the spray of the waves backwards making from a spectacular scene.

 

The waves were rolling from left to right and covering the Jetty.

The wind was blowing the opposite direction of the waves causing spray to blow back.

 

 

Touring the Eagle

The Eagle was open for public tours over the weekend of August 3 & 4. We arrived shortly after it opened for tours on Sunday and found a long line already formed. Event organizers had anticipated this. There was a lady making swords from balloons to the delight all the children. Historical reenactors chatted with the crowd. Live music was being played.

Walking along the wharf, one is initially struck by the sheer length of this nearly 300 foot long ship. Then you look up at the tall masts and momentarily try to image yourself climbing to the top of all that rigging. If you have a fear of heights you will feel a bit squeamish.

The tour is limited to the deck of the ship but provides a good feel for it and introduces one to the various major operations. Cadets were stationed along the tour to answer questions about the Eagle and the Coast Guard service. Two educational stations were setup. The first station explained the principles of mechanical advantage provided by the block and tackle pulleys used on board to raise the heavy sails. The second station focused on the many layers of materials that cover the steel cables to protect them from the salt water and prevent them from fraying sails and ropes. The most impressive thing along the tour were  the triple wheels used to steer the Eagle. Normally it is manned by six crew people but in rough weather as many as 16 hands are needed.

Even standing back some distance it was impossible to get the whole ship in the picture.

 It was a bit dizzying just looking up to the top of the masts.

We found a couple of stowaways. They like to write about their adventures for the blog http://adventures-of-chippy.blogspot.com/

 

Bow and ship’s bell

Okay which rope controls which sail?

 

A small sampling of the numerous pulleys used.

The little wooden chipmunk who goes by the name of Merry practices his camouflage techniques blending in with the wood grain of the pulley.

The triple wheel for steering the ship

Modern engineering marvel as seen through a centuries old technology.

The next generation of Naval surface watercraft. Where are the sails?