There was unseasonable warmth on the first day of December, the first day of meteorological winter in the northern hemisphere. While there was a slight threat of rain, it felt like a good day for a walk close to the coast.

I chose to walk along the Merrimack River in Newburyport, MA.

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I started in Cashman Park, a convenient place to leave a car and to start my walk.

It was about an hour after high tide when I arrived. The temperature was in the low 60s (F) and while the river water was smooth when I started the wind kicked up pretty quickly.

I shared my walk with sea gulls.

The river changed from smooth to rippled.

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photos.smugmug.com

You can see the active bridge carrying route 1 with the remnants of the structure of the old bridge sitting behind it.

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Sea gulls and ducks shared the space with me.

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photos.smugmug.com

A sculpture garden beckoned.

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A sculpture of an eagle carrying a fish sits near the water.

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An old sign was tacked to a fence surrounding a utility.

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And what appears to be a junk shop had some interesting items on display.

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photos.smugmug.com

photos.smugmug.com

The sun started to emerge from the clouds towards the end of my visit.

photos.smugmug.com

photos.smugmug.com

There is so much outdoor beauty in even the bleaker months! Thanks for sharing it with us.

When I went to Boston last year (and had lunch with you!) I had the best time walking the shorelines and neighborhoods with houses so close to the sea. I could live there and be a very happy man.

It's funny, there are times when I think about living elsewhere but the proximity to the sea here is awesome.

Great pics, next time I go to the states I must try add a visit to Boston, and the North east coastal areas.👍

It's a great area to visit! Let me know if you need any ideas of spots to visit.

Thanks.