2023 Year in Review, White Mountains – Another year gone! Here in the White Mountains, the weather has been some of the strangest we have seen. As of today, there is just a dusting of snow in our front yard, and the White Mountains region is recovering from a major rainstorm. All the snow that was at the lower elevations melted during the rainstorm. At this point, we need a blizzard.
I spent most of the year working on a long term book project that focuses on Franconia Notch. In the next few months, I will be sharing more information about this project. Without a doubt, Franconia Notch is the most interesting notch in New Hampshire. From natural curiosities to endless hiking adventures, Franconia Notch has it all; if visiting the White Mountains, make a point to visit this one of a kind notch.
Because most of my time was spent in the Franconia Notch area in 2023, I was able to continue working on a number of smaller projects that I have been working on over the last few years. One of these was to continue documenting the Profile and Franconia Notch Railroad (1879-1921). Beginning along the Mount Washington Branch of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, this narrow gauge railroad serviced only the Profile House in Franconia Notch. Read more about Profile and Franconia Notch Railroad here.
– When it comes to railroad history, documenting and researching the many abandoned railroads in the White Mountains never really ends. There is always something to explore, research or verify. –
Found in the area of the old Flume Reservation in Franconia Notch, the piece of Charles Meakin Royal Ironstone China pictured above is one of the more intriguing artifacts I photographed in 2023. Based on the marking, this Charles Meakin china was made at the Burslem works in England from 1870-1882. This is how the artifact was found; artifacts are protected and should be left how they are found.
The plan for 2023 was to write a number of articles about the New Hampshire 52 with a view hiking list. But because my work has gained the attention of a content thief, I decided to only make a few of the write-ups public. One of my more interesting write-ups in 2023 is about Cherry Mountain. Consisting of two peaks, Mount Martha and Owl's Head, Mount Martha is the highest of the two peaks and one of the mountains on the 52 with a view hiking list. Cherry Mountain has an interesting history, which you can read more about here.
As we move into the new year, I want to thank everyone for your support and for following my work. Being able to help you with your book and photography projects, introduce you to new places to visit in the White Mountains, and sharing the history of the region is why I am a photographer and writer.
If you are exploring the trail system during the holidays, stay safe and be sure to enjoy the mountain air. The White Mountains are an incredible place. To see a full list of every write-up I did in 2023, click here.
Happy New Year!
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.