on the Hellcat Cross Dike

The Hellcat Cross Dike in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is open for walking one week a year - and that week started today.

I walked the dike this morning, enjoying the scenery under cloudy skies.

And yes, if you look closely there are tiny specs in the sky; it was full of flying tree swallows.

sneezeweed

This bright yellow wildflower is "Common Sneezeweed".

I saw it yesterday in the gardens of Long Hill in Beverly, MA. It has heavy pollen and relies on insects for pollination, no sneezing!

partially open

When I checked the status of the beach closure at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge I was delighted to see this message:

Parker River NWR is pleased to announce that the refuge beaches at parking lots 2 & 3 have now reopened. Access to the refuge beaches is currently from parking lot 1 to the south border of parking lot 3. Help keep the remaining nesting threatened and endangered birds safe and thriving.

While low tide was pretty early this morning it wasn't too early for me to enjoy a walk on the beach.

It's good that the beach is closed for the piping plover nesting season each year but I'm always happy when the birds allow humans to return.

by the sea

Walking by the ocean brings me a sense of calm.

This morning I headed to the New Hampshire coast. I stopped to walk, capturing beauty with a photo whenever something caught my eye.

...wild roses, rose hips, and green leaves, a rocky coastline, blue ocean and sky...

photos! Fuller Gardens

Wandering among roses and dahlias was a perfect way to spend time in Fuller Gardens during my visit last Saturday morning. While the garden is primarily filled with roses my gallery shows more dahlias than roses. That clearly shows my bias.

Photos can be seen in the gallery Fuller Gardens :: 2026.

Click here to jump to the gallery.

roses & dahlias

I visited Fuller Gardens in North Hampton, NH today.

My timing was good; both roses and dahlias are in bloom and showing wonderful color.

gladiolus

This year's garden in Prescott Park (in Portsmouth, NH) includes a bed of gladiolus.

I'm fascinated by the colors and shape of these beautiful flowers.

rocky coastline

Saturday morning gave me the opportunity for a wonderful coastal wander. I headed to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, MA for a walk around Babson Farm Quarry and some careful stepping on the granite at the ocean's edge.

The park is just under 25 miles from home as the crow flies; it's 14 miles further when forced to use the roads. Accessing the beauty of Halibut Point is worth the drive.

lavender

The lavender flowers of a Hosta plant stand before red background blooms.

I like the contrast of the colors.

changing sky

My walk in Odiorne Point State Park yesterday was timed perfectly. The sky was blue decorated with white clouds for much of the time; just before I reached the end the sky changed and I started to hear thunder. I was very lucky; heavy rain started right after I jumped into my car for the drive home.

Interesting... only 23 minutes separated these two photos!