Photography Pursuits

The day started yesterday with a heavy fog, a soft drizzle, and warmer-than-seasonable temperatures. I was groggy after what felt like too-short a night, so after making my first cup of morning coffee, I settled into the recliner, and turned on the local morning news. Reports abounded about the strange weather for January, and the Dense Fog Advisory. As the caffeine worked its magic in my system, the creative possibilities that kind of weather can bring to a girl like me began to break through. I then set to making my second cup of coffee, and a plan.

A half-hour later, I was out the door, camera in one hand, coffee in the other, and a smile on my face.

I headed north, taking the chance the the higher elevations would bring a more dense fog. I have some favorite spots that I've always wanted to photograph in misty/foggy conditions, and I was hopeful I would get that opportunity. Well, twenty miles outside of town, and I broke through the fog, crushing those hopes. So, I took a sip of coffee, and altered the plan.

Forty minutes later, I was turning onto Route 112 -- The Kancamagus Highway. This highway has always held a special place in my heart. I can remember driving it for the first time as a child, on a family outing to Lincoln, NH -- a quaint, mountainside town, with shops, outdoor-related activities, and a 20ft tall statue of Paul Bunyan. While driving along what the locals lovingly refer to as "The Kanc," I was enthralled with the twists, turns, and tumbles of the Swift River, which the highway follows for a large portion of the drive. Of the whole family stay, the drive became the most memorable part. Well, that and my torturous older brother's body-encompassing case of Poison Ivy. I was five, and his misery brought be a great deal of joy :)

In the years since, The Kanc has been where I've gone when I've needed to head for the hills. I've photographed it numerous times, but it seems I've never been able to do it without freezing my butt off. But yesterday it was nearly fifty degrees. Couldn't ask for a more fortuitous January thaw.

And I am deeply pleased with my pursuits... Below, one notable photo from the trip :)