Author: Pat D

It was VERY exciting to see the Schooner Adventure finally out from under cover! It bodes well for the upcoming season. Although I do not yet see an opening date for them, I do take note they are hosting an online fundraiser and auction April 30. Details here. So happy to see you Schooner Adventure!!!

Just a few hours after the red tail hawks were hanging around in our Magnolia backyard, we noticed an eagle in the nest again. It was just one eagle and we did not spot the partner. It left the nest twice to get sticks for nest maintenance. It took a little poop break between trips; did the nest-work; and took off toward the harbor. It was a spectacular spring afternoon show! I have missed a couple of their recent visits so this was a great treat for me to be able to record it for myself.

I reflect on how fortunate I am to be living here, not only because it is the city of my ancestors; not only because of the blessings of the ocean and the light; but also to have my spirit bird hanging around right in my backyard where I can photograph them sometimes without leaving the house…….WOW.

They are back and tending to the nest behind Lobsta Land! The osprey pair was spotted yesterday together in the nest. One flew off and returned with nesting material while the other worked on nest maintenance. This happened a couple of times in the half hour or so that we watched. We may also have observed some courting behavior. The nest is just a little out of reach for my lens, so I have sacrificed some clarity for closeness. They are so fun to watch. Lucky for us, the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam makes it easy to watch live. There is a current nest photo on the site but I am not sure the camera is live yet. Watch it here for clearer footage: https://ecga.org/Osprey-Cam

We almost missed brunch in East Gloucester yesterday. Darn deer eating new spring growth right along the street. These are obviously taken from the car, but 3 deer were having themselves a spring feast.

It appears a deck is being built behind Lobsta Land in preparation for their scheduled opening April 22. Awesome view. Cannot wait!

These have been updated as of April 8 2021. You will notice a few new opening dates and updates! Thank you Bex Borden for the assist here (most of the work actually!)

Take yourself up to the new YMCA on Gloucester Crossing Road and check out the job fair Monday April 12 5-7 PM!

We hadn’t taken the walk out to Rafe’s Chasm in a while. A beautiful afternoon encouraged us to return to this beautiful spot for a little reflection time. It’s a short walk from the small parking lot and the path is nicely cleared. There didn’t happen to be anybody else right there on the rocks with us, but several teens were exploring the area near the chasm. One even belted out a Disney song ( A Whole New World, if memory serves.) which echoed off the rocks in a beautiful way bringing a smile to my face. Welcome spring!

Cape Ann Handywoman Bex Borden shares the spectacular sunset she captured this week. WOW

I was irrationally happy to see the pansies being planted by our Generous Gardeners yesterday. These hardy annuals are a sure sign spring has well and truly arrived. They didn’t used to be my favorite flowers, but now I recognize their resilience despite their fragile appearance. So I have come to appreciate them, especially as a welcome back to spring. Thank you once again Generous Gardeners! You can help them here.

I love sending visitors to Harbor Loop when they ask where they can go to get a feel for Gloucester. And then I remind myself to stop down myself once in a while. Some scenes from the Harbor Loop on land and on the water:

Some fog created a moody view at the Paint Factory recently.

Sing it with me…..I know you want to…..Anticipation, anticipation….is makin’ me late…is keepin’me waiting….

Did you get new duds as a kid for Easter? We did for sure and we lined up for church all spiffed up in fancy Easter hats, dresses, suits and rosary beads! Here are some views from Gloucester in the Gloucester Daily Times March 1956. Similar to this year, Easter was in very early April and the paper was full of fashion and food. It’s fun to reminisce….. Blessed and Happy Easter to you all!

I never noticed this “Ye Olde Towne Landing” signage at the Frenchmen’s Pier parking area. We stop by there regularly and yet I still find something new. It’s so pretty there anyhow and a great bird watching spot.

Updated list of seasonal reopenings as of April 1 2021. Submit additions or corrections in the comments. Thanks again Bex Borden for the assist!

We stood to watch the fog roll around the harbor one day recently and got all these pictures within an hour or so! Quickly changing conditions but the boats are still at work like the Allison-Carol, USCG, Orion, Karoline Marie, and Nicole Jean.

As you know, we have been watching a pair of eagles in our backyard in Magnolia spending time in a nest nearby. We had been hoping they were going to make it their home, but it’s getting a little late in the nesting season and our hopes are fading. They still come by and sit very prettily for visiting photographers. I heard from one recently who shared a much better shot of “our” eagle than I’ve gotten in their nest. He gave me permission to share, but didn’t want a name credited. I appreciate the sentiments and LOVE the photo! Thank you, generous photographer! Isn’t it wonderful?

We had a very moody, foggy day in Gloucester recently. It was fascinating to watch. I just love this place!

Here’s a great deal for you as advertised on Instagram and other social media for the Mile Marker Igloos: igloo fee waived for breakfast or lunch Wednesday-Friday. Reserve your igloo online