2020 – Politics

There aren’t many Democrats in New Ipswich, but they managed to get together to meet the candidates on October 4, 2020. The event was held outside because COVID-19 cases were high in New Hampshire. Everyone wore masks.

2019 – Catnap

Paris grabs a snooze under an afghan.

2015 – New Boston Rail Trail

The New Boston Rail Trail is a wonderful venue. It runs along the Piscataquog River. When visitors come to New Boston, my sister and I often take them for a walk and conversation along the trail.

2009 – Pumpkin-Chunkin’

In 2008 I learned about a “Pumpkin-Chunkin” yearly event in Greenfield, NH. A local farmer and welder had fashioned an enormous trebuchet which he named the Yankee Siege. Every Autumn he would hurl large pumpkins at a metal castle that he had built on his farm. It was a sight to see. These are some photos that I took at the 2009

Mini-trebuchet

Compressed Air

Some pumpkin chunking is done with compressed air cannons. They have a greater range and more power but they are rather boring.

Yankee Castle

The Yankee Siege

First Step

Climb to the top of the trebuchet and attach the line that holds the pouch for the pumpkin (or prisoner, burning log, television, small car, piano).

Second Step

Draw down the throwing arm which lifts the counterweight.

Third Step

Get everyone clear and stop traffic in case it backfires (which has happened).

Off and Away

Retirement

The Yankee Siege no longer in service. It won first place in several chunkin’ contests in the trebuchet class. I was happy to see it in operation.