Oddities in the Woods: Amesbury, MA

It's the beginning of the New Year and winter feels as if it has just begun here in Amesbury. On a few wintry walks I took some photographs which could be summed up as oddities in the woods.

We are all used to seeing vertical trees standing strong and tall. What I like about this first image is that it bends our expectations. This fallen pine tree brought the earth with it and challenges our perception of which way the trees should be reaching.

Although the snow crystals and the mushrooms have similar forms, you can sense their difference in texture. While the mushrooms are organic, vibrant and soft, the snow is geometric and lifeless. The beauty of the winter woods often lies in the small bits of colorful life that can be found in unexpected places.

As the daylight turns to delicate gold, the snow melts slowly off of mossy bark.

In the shadow of a snowstorm, a vine climbs up this tree like a snake, stopping the snowy wind in its tracks.

In Celebration of the Conservation of Whittier Hill

Although it is still winter, I wanted to post these photos from early fall. I took these on a walk with my husband up Whittier Hill in Amesbury, MA. Today I am posting them in celebration of the conservation of Whittier Hill by the Essex County Greenbelt Association!

Whittier Hill was Amesbury's last unprotected ridgeline which overlooks Woodsom Farm.

The land that has been conserved will now connect Amesbury Town Park to Cashman School and the soccer fields at Woodsom Farm.

This will be a lovely area for Amesbury residents to enjoy for generations!

Near the Tidal Pools at Low Tide