Author: Nichole S.

Sometimes, getting stuck at the bridge isn’t so bad.

Come over for some great music!

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.”

A Beacon for the Lost. 11:20 PM, Saturday January, 31st. All of Gloucester’s Fishing Fleet with their lights on to help the Lily Jean’s lost souls find their way home. #gloucesterma #lilyjean #fvlilyjean #fishingfleet

A friend on a group text thread said it best, “Downtown was paralyzed today” as word spread of the F/V Lily Jean. Gloucester is defined by its deep-rooted, perilous, and enduring fishing heritage…. a town that breathes the sea, where people know intimately the dangers faced by those who work on the ocean. As the Fishermen’s Statue reads, “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.”

The loss of a fishing vessel and potentially its crew is felt by the entire city……those who are from here, those who live here, those who visit the waterfront…… and those who enjoy this beautifully special place. Certainly those whose families have worked in the industry feel it the most…..they feel it to their core….they live it, breathe it, and have feared it themselves on more occasions than they’d like to admit. But, even those who have no ties to the industry, have a quieter respect for those roots. They understand that those fishermen are, indeed, Gloucester. Graduates pose in front of the Fishermen’s Statue, our hometown sports teams wear the fisherman logo proudly, children are raised listening to books about boats, and fishing, and salty legends….. Nods to the city’s fishermen are everywhere. It would be impossible to enjoy time on the water or days on the waterfront and not appreciate those who work, tirelessly, to fight to keep Gloucester’s industry and maritime heritage alive.

I do not know the crew of the F/V Lily Jean, but I hope more than anything that their family and loved ones can feel the the tide of respect and gratitude rising around them. As they face this heartbreaking uncertainty, I hope they know that the work and the courage of their loved ones are honored by every one who calls this coast home….and the city’s thoughts and prayers run deep.

I do not know the crew of the F/V Lily Jean, but I know Gloucester. And Gloucester will hold these families tight.

Chris Langathianos said it well, “when you live here, and when you spend your  summertime on the water, it’s different. We eat, drink, and hang at the same places. You know each other even if you don’t.” I took the first photo I posted below of the Lily Jean while on Chris and Jamie‘s boat last summer. We were out enjoying a day on the water, hoping to see some whales or sharks…. while their crew was, as always, heading out for a hard day’s work.  We all share this city. But, they are this city. 

Childhood memories of the Blessing of the Fleet, breaking champagne on the bow of my godfather’s fishing boat, The Italian Gold, and spending holidays and weekends with my father’s friend’s family who fished the American Eagle….(and had a home full of italian cookies and a sign by their pool that read, “We don’t swim in your toilet, please don’t pee in our pool”) no doubt impacted how I raised my own boys with salt in their veins. Both boys who now work on the water. I have watched vessels leaving the harbor in the cold, dark winter months for decades with such respect….and sadness. And now wake up, look out my living room window each morning, and watch in awe as the State Fish Pier hustles and bustles and boats come and go on the coldest of days.

Fishermen don’t fear the elements, they fear the silence after a boat doesn’t come home.

I do not know the crew of the F/V Lily Jean, but I know Gloucester. And Gloucester will hold these families tight.

After a long storm, the Beauport was the perfect place to sit for a Hugo Spritz and a bowl of lobster bisque by the fire. As an added bonus there was live music as well.

We hope that you all withstood the storm safely. Here’s this week’s music schedule. Sunday is also our annual Rib Off Contest at 2:00. See you there!

We sat at the bar at 525 last night in Magnolia and enjoyed a really great dinner. Big portions, tons of flavor, so well executed. Definitely swing by if you haven’t been in a while!

I get that ducks “stay warm” in the winter thanks to all sorts of design features such as waterproof outer feathers, a down layer, and even some cool heat exchange deal in their legs but, you’ll never convince me not to be sad when I see them in the ice cold water. And, yes, I realize they’d get out of the water if they were truly miserable………

Here’s this week’s live music schedule at the Rhumb Line. See you there!

My new view will never get old, but this time of year I watch the assorted boats and fishing vessels head out early and come back in late with a different level of respect. The harbor is rarely completely still and the state fish pier is always awake.

So much great music this week! Pick a band or two and come on over.

Day #1 of my bridge construction experience was fairly seamless. I dropped Finn off at Gloucester High School (just a few more weeks until he has his license!) and sat at a red light for just about a minute before being able to turn left off the boulevard to the HS. Leaving the HS traffic was backed up on Centennial just a bit….but again, no big deal. As my luck would have it, the light turned red again just before it was my turn to turn back onto the boulevard so that the one-way traffic headed over the bridge could commence for those waiting on the other side. I had to sit again for just a couple of minutes and then continued on my way. I need to remember to reroute myself going forward and I’m guessing things will be worse on other days and at other times….but, so far so good. And, you can’t beat the view while “stuck.” Given that we’re all used to sitting at the bridge all summer long, this is just par for the course….for drivers anyway. Boat traffic is a different issue.

Several of us had a delicious brunch on Sunday at the Grove in Rowley. The Grove is located at the Briar Barn Inn. It is eloquently rustic and everything was wonderfully delicious. All necessary information can be found on their website here: https://groverowley.com/

GHS hockey is raffling off two tickets to the Boston Bruins Game and Zdeno Chara Number Retirement Ceremony that is taking place on 1/15/25! The winner will also score the amazing Bruins Sail bag made by Regina (photo below in post).

GHS HOCKEY RAFFLE TIX are $10 each. You can Venmo @Melissa-Francis-29

The winner will be chosen this coming Saturday, January 10th and the winner will be notified.

Take a chance!

Winter on Main Street. Frozen solid. I think we can all relate to this photo right about now. This is exactly how I’ve been feeling the past couple of days.

Merry Christmas from everyone at The Rhumb Line

I was happy to celebrate some festive fun at Fleur Cuisine in Rockport last weekend. Some delicious food and cocktails before walking around to enjoy some holiday shopping.

https://www.fleurcuisineharborside.com/