Author: Pat D

The full Harvest Moon this week seemed to be celebrating the arrival of the fall equinox which is today Sept 22 2021. In case you are interested in the equinox, here’s a link with some interesting info. I think I am ready to move on to autumn, how about you? We visited friends Susan and Leo who have a spectacular harbor view to celebrate the full moonrise. These are sample of the varying moon moods as it rose this week. Susan LaRosa nicely provided some of the photos seen here.

Cape Ann Whale Watch did it again and produced an outstanding experience out on the water with the whales yesterday. The boat was full to capacity and the day was just about perfect. Several other boats were out and about nearby but Capt. John did a great job maneuvering us to the whales and out of their way (though one seemed somewhat determined to cross us up). It is not too late in the season for a spectacular whale watch but the close of the season is drawing near, so if you mean to take this trip, September is a very good choice. More photos on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures.

As seen from our friends’ yard (thanks Susan and Leo!), Eastern Point Light shining.

What a fun way to spend a Sunday in September! Congratulations to all the Fish Box Derby contestants, crews, volunteers and families for a great event. Here are some scenes from the racing, the spectators and the volunteers (the unsung heroes being the cadets and crew hauling the cars back up from the finish line). **We understand Master Jack Frontiero in the number 8 car (seen here with team members in the background) is this year’s winner!*

What a perfect day to talk a little post-season stroll on Plum Cove Beach.

We were treated to some pretty mighty wave action recently, the kind that are just right for gazing upon and/or surfing through. Here are some scenes from Good Harbor Beach taken several days ago.

It’s not over til the hummingbirds leave, I guess. They are still hanging around in our yard as the summer starts its wrap-up party. It’s been a joy to have them around but I imagine it won’t be for much longer, so I will enjoy them while I can until next year.

These are what I imagine weather forecasters would use to demonstrate “Cloudy with a chance of meatballs.” Another stunning day in paradise.

All this talk of fall and cider donut maps brought Russell Orchards in Ipswich to mind. I had not made a visit in a while and one of our crazy castaways kind of loves those donuts, so off I went for a ride. It was a weekday morning and several families were there with toddlers and preschoolers, including our neighbor Owen! I did not pick apples, though the orchards are available for that. I do recommend bug spray as they do too because the bugs are biting out there! But it’s always a pretty spot with interesting stuff going on inside and out. I got some apple rollups, cider, cobbler and donuts……perfect starts to the fall season. It is a fun trip…..next time maybe I take GMG Jim.

We have a wonderful time at the Boston Lights Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo a few days ago. After studying sunset times, we purchased tickets in advance online for 6:30 PM which worked out very well (except for the traffic on the way there due to rush hours and Red Sox game). It was just getting to be dusk and there was ample parking and fewer people as the sun began to set. When we left an hour later, the parking lot was jammed and people were pouring in. The traffic on the drive was no fun but it was still a very worthwhile visit. Additional pictures and details can be viewed at my Facebook page Pat D’s Photos and Adventures.

The light displays were awesome in their variety and entertainment value. Some move and/or make noises and all are pretty spectacular. As GMG Jim noted: “It is not lame”. Very popular with families and tickets appeared to be available upon arrival as well as by presale. Most of the zoo animals were not out at that time of day so don’t expect to see many if you are going for the light experience. Food, drink and snack stands were open for business.

If you aren’t up for the trip to the zoo, here are some samples of the sights for your enjoyment. Next time we go (and we will go again another year) we might round up some children to take along to add to the fun. The show goes on until Oct 11 2021.

Despite appearances, there was more going on in the harbor recently than schooners! Hard at work: Capt. Joe, Claudia Marie, Griffin, Dog & I, SS Melon III, Jupiter and Lynn & William.

On Tuesday Sept 14 at 11 AM, a memorial dedication ceremony will be held at Calvary Cemetery to honor the life and service of Gloucesterman John Handran. In his short lifetime, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in rescuing fellow Navy men after they were swept overboard in Portugal in 1876. He returned to Gloucester after his two terms of service and started a family. He was lost in the wreck of the Schooner Cleopatra in December 1885 leaving behind a wife and 3 very young children. He has never been recognized for his Medal of Honor and several years of work by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a plaque has been placed at his widow’s gravesite in Calvary Cemetery. Tuesday’s ceremony is intended to dedicate that plaque and honor his life. All are invited to attend. Several descendants of John Handran plan to be in attendance.

Cape Ann Veterans Service has been instrumental in planning this ceremony. As a member of the Handran family, I am grateful to Adam Curcuru and Vee Chipperini for their assistance and support. We encourage you to join us and remember this Gloucesterman’s incredible story.

How sweet to be a cloud. Floating in the blue! A.A. Milne seemed to have seen these beautiful skies recently.

Come on down to the Gloucester Harvest Music Festival at 65 Rogers St. today. Free admission! Food, drink, entertainment and friends. Can’t lose.

We recently had the chance to stop at Stones Pub on Main Street and check out the new interior changes. The changes include a new side room which is set up with comfortable lounge style seating and a new window open to the street. They also now have outdoor seating available though it wasn’t in use during our visit. We had a great lunch of grilled cheese with tomato and apple and the Southwest Burger. The friendly service remains though the interior is improved. If you haven’t been in a while, I suggest you put Stones in your rotation!

I hadn’t been down to the salt marsh at the Jones River landing recently so I took a ride on a pretty day. It’s very peaceful and pretty there. Lots of bird activity which reminds me that I had posted some cormorants a while ago and called the ducks. Peter of Rockport wrote to let me know cormorants are their own species and are not ducks. I appreciate knowing this, especially since we are not birders as you all now know! I could not resist taking the “JimBoat” picture for our GMG Jim.

We noticed a new sign in the window of the former Larsen’s Shoe Store confirming that Bravo is coming to Main Street in Gloucester! There were a couple of guys sitting out front as I stopped to take the pictures. They commented that they understood there would be ice cream there too and that a November 1 opening date is planned. I can be patient until November, I guess……

We came upon a lovely Rocky Neck garden which had attracted several monarchs. I have not seen so many monarchs together like this in quite a long time so it was a heartwarming surprise sight. Monarchs flitting back and forth between several tempting blooms as if they knew I had a camera:

We went to Cala’s on Beach Street in Manchester to celebrate Margarita Monday last week. Labor Day is the last official Margarita Monday of 2021 but there’s a fair chance more margaritas will appear in the blog posts before the snow flies! This time, I had the Jen-a-rita which will be on the Favorites List from here on out. Jim had street tacos and I had the bleu cheese burger. Each was tasty and may also become favorites. It was late afternoon on a Monday when we were there so it was a little quiet but the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. *The next day, Manchester changed their mask requirements which is a good reminder to check ahead whenever you are heading out these days. Things are changing fast.* BONUS TIP: Cala’s is in the Serenitee group, so you can accumulate points here too! Win Win!