Category: Uncategorized

Petrified Forest on the Coast

I want to introduce you to a hidden treasure. When I say hidden, I mean hidden. You will never know about it unless you are at a beach during extreme low tide. This is a petrified forest. There is a sign along Route 1A that talks about the petrified forest along with the communication site between the United States and Europe. Even on the beach at low tide, unless you know what you looking for, you may not recognize it.

During the ice age, the ocean water level decreased by several feet. This allowed a forest to grow in an area where there is now water. The ice melted enough to raise the ocean water level to where it is now. This covered the trees and in time the trees became petrified. It is definitely hidden. A side note is some people has seen the wire that allowed communication between the United States and Europe running between the petrified trees. This was before wireless communications.

I have seen remains of the petrified forest on almost all the beaches. Unless you look for signs, you will not recognize it. Here is testimony on YOUTUBE that can provide better information in a manner than I can give. Here it is. https://youtu.be/SgLIAJg1vbg and https://youtu.be/5Rn16SJp3uo.

I found this incredibly interesting. I had lived here for 30 years and did not know what to look for. A side note – My daughter Allison opened my eyes on the hidden treasure. She does Geocaching and there is a Geocache side involving the petrified forest.

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Awcomin Marsh

Awcomin Marsh is a strange name for a marsh. I have no idea where the name came from however it a place that is worth going to. The entrance is about 200 yards to the south of Rye Harbor across the road on route 1A.

Sign at the entrance of the marsh

I do not know where the name Awcomin come from. There has to be a good source. This is a conservation marsh land that attracts birdwatchers. In fact if you go to this website http://ebirdhotspots.com/birding-in-new-hampshire/usnh-rockingham-county/usnh-awcomin-marsh-rye/ you will see the type of birds sighted by bird watchers. When you go to this web site, there is a link called hotspots. There will be a list of birds sighted there. This website will let you see what birds are sighted all over the state.

This area is a wonder for marsh restoration. To see what was done go to websites https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/cp/documents/cp-11.pdf and https://www.newetlands.com/awcomin. For years this was the dumping grounds for material dredged in Rye harbor. That made a mess of the marshland including introducing invasive plants. It is incredible to see what it looks like now. The invasive plants are gone.

The entrance is about 200 yards south of Rye harbor on route 1A. One can either park at Rye Harbor for a small price or park at the entrance of the walkway. There is limited parking there. The entrance is not marked well so you can easily pass by it. Take the path. It will split into 2. The way to the platform is easily marked and short. There is another path that takes one to a piece of land that takes you to a strip of land that goes nearly to the center of the marsh. This path is not well marked. I passed by there the first time without seeing the entrance to the path. This marsh is well worth the visit. Just like going on any trails in New England, check for ticks later after completion of the visit. Here are some pictures.

Trail to platform
The platform (It is close enough to the road to brink a light folding chair)
View from the platform

Adventures in the New Hampshire Seacoast area

There is so much to do in the New Hampshire seacoast area. The list of things to do grows every year. Towns are buying/inheriting conservation areas for an easy scenic walk. There is more than beaches and good restaurants in the area. This blog is to present these activities. I will also promote historic places. There is more history than people can imagine. There are concerts playing all summer long. I can go on describing what to do. You can read the posts. The posts will include hiking paths, historical sites and other sites. Here we go.