back

Zip Trip up the Merrimack River

George planned a spectacular tour, that started with a row around an island which was a golf course in the 1920's. Under bright sunny skies we then traveled down river towards historic Rock Harbor, stopping along the way to watch a trio of bald eagles swoop and soar. The twelve mile tour ended with a delicious cook out at the home of George and Ginger. An outstanding time was had by all!
Our group rounding an island that was once home to a Golf and Country Club in the 1920's	View Zip the Merrimack in a larger map

Such a thrill to watch a trio of bald eagles soar over the river. In this photo you can see one perched on a tree limb.	Stopping for a rest at historic Rocks Village.
Blake and George	Kathy, Bette and George the gracious.
The abandoned hull of the original Nantucket Lightship, 1855 Note the trees growing through the wreck!	Close up detail of the Nantucket Lightship Wreck. Learn more about her history and how she ended up here .

Directions:

From 495
Take Exit 50 and proceed to the east on RT 97 toward Haverhill. Once you get into Haverhill, Rt 97 jogs right then left (at lights by a little part on right)...you will then have a good view of the Merrimack ahead and on the left...from that point you are about 5 minutes away....DON''T cross the river...

From Rt 95, South - Massachusetts
Take Exit 54B to Rt 133/E, Main St
Rt 133 becomes Rt 97 in Georgetown Center
Take a sharp right, after you cross the river, at Coffin Ave

From Rt 95, North - New Hampshire
Take Exit 57 to Rt 133, Main St
Turn right onto Rt 97 to cross the bridge
Take a sharp right, after you cross the river, at Coffin Ave

About the Nantucket Lightship: Bulit in 1855 at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, the 275-ton oak vessel was 103 by 24 feet and carried two lamps atop each mast. Most wooden lightships built afterwards generally followed her lines and design, establishing the first "standard" for American lightships. Rigged as a schooner, the staunchly built vessel lasted on the rugged Nantucket station from 1856 until 1892, last serving off Savannah, Georgia until 1930. Sold to the Groveton, Massachusetts, Sea Scouts, the former lightship was grounded in a 1936 flood and stripped. Today, the 130-year-old hulk remains visible on the bank of the Merrimack River.

From - Lightships in the U.S. http://www.nps.gov/maritime/ltshipnhltheme.htm