By Ron Watson
Cover Photo: Spring sunrise over Periwinkle Cove, Rye NH
I have always been an early riser. The first rays of sun peeking over the horizon fill my being with excitement. Many who retire sleep in after years of rising early to start the work day. Not me – I wake up earlier. I want to be on the Seacoast when it wakes up.
We are lucky in New Hampshire. While our 18.57-mile coastline is the shortest ocean coast of any state in the U.S., it is one of the most accessible. Publicly owned land (state and town property) comprises approximately 78% of our coastline. The access to our coast is what makes me excited, along with unsurpassed sunrises.
There are many locations where one can pull off Rte. 1A to sit and enjoy the views . The times when the ocean is tranquil and reflective can be cathartic, but for me the ocean’s power is the draw that gets my adrenaline pumping. The power of a Nor’easter and wind-driven waves breaking against New Hampshire’s rocky shore is a thrilling sight.
February 2018 Nor’easter viewed from Odiorne Point State Park 
Day after a summer Nor’easter looking towards Pinnacle Rock with Pinnacle Rock tower in the background
Ron Watson is an outdoor enthusiast who has spent most of his life working and playing in and around the ocean. Ron was diver and naturalist for the New England Aquarium and most recently, a Facilities Maintenance Coordinator and Naturalist at the Seacoast Science Center. Ron continues to be involved at the Seacoast Science Center as a Marine Mammal Rescue volunteer.
This post was originally published in February, 2019 by the Seacoast Science Center, a proud partner of the Every Drop Alliance.
And see more of Ron’s photographs on his Facebook page @ronwatsonphotos
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