Winter Waves: Seeing Another Side Of Salisbury Beach

Posted by Meg Brown, guest blogger of http://www.missmegabug.blogspot.com/

Salisbury Beach is a populated place in the summertime, offering camping and a variety of arcades as well as the typical beach cuisine of fried dough, pizza, and ice cream.
Winter lends a different feel. Beachgoers don coats instead of bikinis and boots versus flip-flops while patches of snow blanket the sand. It’s more peaceful in the winter, the crowds kept at bay by the chill. But for those willing to brave the temperatures, it’s a rewarding experience.

Photo: Waves lapping the shore by Meg Brown

Photo: A snowy beach path by Meg Brown

Seagulls still comb the shore in pursuit of breakfast while dogs dive happily into oncoming waves. Crabs are washed ashore with the incoming tide while treasure hunters scan the surface for booty down below. Similarities between the seasons add familiarity, but the differences create a whole new experience.
To go to the beach in winter is to see the ocean in a relaxed state. The colors pop and visitors take their time strolling down the shore. It’s a slower time of year that causes many to withdraw into the warmth of home or hit the slopes, but for those adventurous to brave the beach, it’s a rewarding experience.

Photo: Observing the ocean by Meg Brown

Although a New Hampshirite, I grew up visiting Salisbury Beach—many times in the winter. Summer was full of skee-ball and rushing gratefully into the waves, but winter has always been my favorite.
My grandparents live a few towns over and a walk on the beach is always on the agenda when I visit. As a photographer, I’ve found that the colors are bolder and the lighting more appealing with the cooler temperatures and overcast sky. It’s also relaxing to be there.

Photo: Tall grass by Meg Brown

One of the quirks when I visit involves the “sigulls,” as my grandparents call them: Nanny, my grandmother, always brings leftover bread. It’s as if they know her van by the way they immediately swarm when we arrive.

Photo: Feeding the “sigulls” by Meg Brown

Photo: One of Salisbury Beach’s more quiet residents by Meg Brown

Along with the “sigulls”, Nanny and Grandpa have also made friends with the beautiful snowy owl who has recently taken residence in the area. He has drawn many birders and photographers alike, and he’s not afraid to pose. If you swing by, you just might catch him. Yet another reason to visit Salisbury Beach!

Photo: Gulls in flight by Meg Brown

A writer/photographer from Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, Meg Brown was born in Newburyport, MA and visits her grandparents in Massachusetts whenever she can. As owner of MegaBug Photography, she enjoys visiting new places and documenting her journeys. For more on Meg, life and travels, visit her blog at www.missmegabug.blogspot.com.

TOPICS: Salisbury Beach