Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Confluence of Merrimack and Nashua Rivers


My goal this morning was to experience the confluence of the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers in Nashua, New Hampshire.  I launched into the Merrimack River at the Greeley Boat Ramp and headed downriver.  The Rt. 111 bridge, passing over the Merrimack, can be seen in the photo at left.  It is located just a bit downstream of where the Nashua enters from the right.

On the approximately one mile paddle down to the confluence, a belted kingfisher and Baltimore oriole were seen...


On river right was this old automobile? rear end...
Several old engine blocks were nearby as well as an old Coca-Cola bottle having a patent date of December 25, 1923 with Salem Depot, NH embossed on the bottom.  Perhaps someone tossed it out the window of an old Model T as they drove over the riverbank.

Upon reaching the confluence the sun was gaining ground...
The above view is looking north with the Merrimack to the right and the Nashua to the left.

Paddling up the Nashua required a bit of work in order to push through the riffle under the railroad trestle.  Just above the trestle, this family of ducks told me they never doubted that I would make it...

My ascent of the Nashua stopped at this bridge which I believe is Bridge Street...

After turning around, it was a quick and effortless trip back to the confluence.  Passing through the riffle under the RR trestle was much easier going with the current...


Lunch was enjoyed on a small beach at the confluence.  The same beach contributed some 24 beer cans and 3 plastic bags to my day's catch...


Of today's 81 pieces of trash, all but 20 were rounded up in the Nashua River not far from the confluence.  The Merrimack itself looked surprisingly trash-free. 
There were 35 recyclable containers (no redemption in NH) and 46 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags, a mylar balloon, styrofoam, and it looks like someone was given the boot.  YTD = 2682




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