Doin' Stuff - Portsmouth, NH

The Memorial Bridge, Portsmouth NH

I am a geek for bridges and Memorial Bridge is one of my favorites.

A Memorial to the Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who participated in the World War 1917-1919,

the Memorial Bridge spans the Piscataqua River, bringing US 1 to Badger Island, in Kittery, ME.

It is#9 on the America's Most Endangered Historic Places list.

A rehabilitation project for the bridge was planned for 2009,

but the project has been placed on hold because the winning bid for the contract came in $15 million over budget. Whoops! those were commas? The stalled rehabilitation project together with proposals to demolish and replace the bridge were factors in the inclusion of the bridge on the endangered list.

^{This is a view from the Portsmouth side.} 

Constructed between 1920 -1923, the Memorial Bridge is a through truss lift bridge. It is open to vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. Because of the open-grate decking,cyclists must walk their bikes over the length of the bridge.

This is a view of the bridge from Prescott Park.

The lift span can be fully opened to allow large commercial vessels to pass.

During summer, the lift section is partially elevated every half-hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for smaller commercial and recreational boat traffic.
And no, you can't stand on the lift span while it is in motion.
I did ask.

The view from the far end of Pierce Island Park.

The gardens at Prescott Park

A view from the tree

This happened by accident but I just love it. 

It was "taken" in the garden.

Outside of the garden. 

 I thought the flowers next to the concrete, rust and chain link gave the picture a city mouse, country mouse kind of feel.

Fishing hole.

Mechanic Street, Portsmouth NH

Dock Railing in Prescott Park.

I just liked the way the wood, metal and rocks looked together.

Marcy Street, just outside of the gardens.

The sidewalks along Marcy Street.

Entrance into The Point Of Graves Burying Ground

Mechanic St, Portsmouth NH

Not exactly welcoming. 
And if you have ever seen "The Virgin Suicides" you know that these suckers mean business.

One of the older tombstones. 
Big difference from the kinder, gentler tombstones of today
But this is the Point Of Graves Burying Ground
It is what it is...

This fella was just chillin' in the burying ground.

Lobster shack on Mechanic St.

Right next to Geno's Chowder & Sandwich Shop

The best lobster rolls, anywhere.

Boats docked near Pierce Island.

Sign on The Pierce Island bridge.

The Pierce Island Immigrant Memorial,

Pierce Island Park
Obviously, a favorite hangout for gulls and other birds.

Hope you have enjoyed my little pictorial of The Prescott Park area of Portsmouth.

All pictures by Rene 2009