Day: February 2, 2026

DUNFUDGIN While I know others have posted about this before, it has been a while….and as I took this photo the other day, I thought some might be interested. I found this information on https://www.fitzhenrylaneonline.org/historical_material/?section=Done%20Fudging#:~:text=The%20name%20refers%20to%20the,a%20peaceful%20and%20verdant%20place.”The name refers to the poling of river craft often necessary in the narrow river because of unfavorable wind or tidal flow. It’s a muddy bottom all along the Annisquam River, and poling a boat was called “fudgin’.” There is a strong tidal current coming from both directions, from the south and Gloucester Harbor through the Cut and down the river from Ipswich Bay to the north. The tidal flows meet at Done Fudging. If you were “fudgin’” south against the tide draining into Ipswich Bay, when you reached the area of Done Fudging, the draining tide would change direction and carry you effortlessly out to Gloucester Harbor. Or vice versa, either way when you reached that point you were “done fudgin’.” The river also broadens out at this point so at a full tide with a decent wind, sails could be raised and the fudgin’ poles put away, at least for a while.”