No one saw him leave, but sometime during the late hours of May 2nd, 2003, the New Hampshire State symbol known as The Old Man Of The Mountains succumbed to the rigors of gravity, nature and time. After a three day period of torrential rains, the temperature plummeted, freezing the water which filled the cracks. The expansion that resulted put an enormous strain on the cable and turnbuckle system that had been responsible for holding several key blocks of granite in place.

It has been determined, by engineers, how it was the smallest and most crucial stone of all, the Adam's Apple, which fell first. The additional weight, on the cliff face, proved to be too much and whether it happened in stages or all at once, the massive pieces of ledge fell into the skree pile at the base of Cannon Mountain.

Some of us were fortunate to live in a part of the state where we were able to see the naturally formed visage on a regular basis while others only had a chance to pass through Franconia Notch on rare occasions. There were countless visitors, from other states and foreign countries alike, who stood in the viewing areas below and gazed upwards in awe and amazement. Children asked questions about how "he" stayed up there or who put "him" there. Their parents answered with traditional responses, but, inside they, too were trying to figure it out for themselves.

He's gone now and those of us who loved him best will miss him. I was fortunate to be able to photograph him during all four seasons. I'd like to offer these images for your consideration.