Author: Pat D

Three heats were held last night from Pavilion Beach to determine the 3 semi finalists for Saturday’s Seine Boat Senior Mens Race. Midnight Hammer/The Merger, Andys Gang and Kaos won their heats and will proceed to Saturday’s semi finals. The other teams included Impact, The Cut and Liquid 128. It was a great night for the competition and each team well represented their class and Fiesta tradition.

One interesting story from the night is that Tom Conrad from the Kaos team was rowing his 50th year with this race! That is unreal enough but he also found himself seeded against his son Greg in the Liquid 128. What a proud night for the entire family. Thank you to Tom’s wife (who did not share her name, sorry) for filling me in on this interesting aspect to the events of the night. The top two from Saturday’s race will compete again on Sunday vs last year’s champs ZFG. See you there!

We we honored to attend our first Novena Procession last night on a beautiful evening just right for this important kickoff event. Following please find a bit of a photo dump and link to a YouTube video you are definitely going to want to check out especially if you can’t be here yourself this time.

Hope to see you at Mile Marker tomorrow Wednesday June 25 from 5:30-7:30!

Despite the rainy launch last week, the weekly Tuesday Schooner Challenge kicked off from Maritime Gloucester. We were aboard the Isabella with Amanda, Rica and Tucker. Another goup was aboard Ardelle with Capt Burnham in his reenactment regalia. The point is to give the interns an opportunity to deal with customers as well as gain some sailing experience during the race challenge. I think it’s a great idea and opportunity for people like me to help with the education of future mariners as well as get some behind the scenes insight ourselves. I assure you, we had fun even though we got a bit wet. You see the most interesting things going on out in our harbor! You can book tickets online at Maritime Gloucester (**tip and reward for those of you reading to the end….check for a coupon code for a discount**)

From the Better Together Facebook page in case you may need to cool down today:

The James on Main St in Essex (formerly The Village) was our selection for Margarita Monday last week. It was a nice day for a little drive and we hadn’t been there in a while. We ordered the Irish Nachos (yummmm). Those nachos are one of the only way I will eat potatoes……I asked what kind of fruit margarita they could make for me and strawberry was offered. I eagerly accepted and it was deliciously refreshing. The atmosphere on a mid Monday afternoon was relaxed and friendly. I took note that Mondays are Burger and Beer night for them so you might want to try that yourself. Cheers!

We treated ourselves to dinner at Tonno on Main St in Gloucester recently. We made online reservations (easy-peasy) and were warmly greeted upon arrival. It’s always a treat to be served at Tonno as they are unfailingly efficient, friendly and informative. I can’t help but order the Chicken Milanese (an absolute favorite) and Jim ordered his favorite Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread. We had the panna cotta for dessert and it was smooth and delicious. Chalk it up to Tonno for another great dining experience. It was our choice for “Best Thing We Ate” that week. Thanks!

As I was going through my images from my trip to Maine, I noticed a theme developing. I took several photos in which eyes were the “focal point”. I do find eyes very intriguing. As you know, they are said to be windows to the soul. In the case of the eagle, I was fortunate to catch him with one eye closed, then open again. Looking into these eyes, I have no doubt about animal souls. Which is your favorite?

Gary the Gannet (Northern Gannet) is a regular to the nesting grounds at Machias Seal Island. It’s a pretty woeful tale of this male Northern Gannet returning to the island year after year to build a nest to attract a female partner with NO success…..year after year….all we can imagine is that he must exhibit some serious Gannet red flags to the ladies to go so long without a partner. It gives the term empty nest new poignancy. He seems quite majestic to me, but I’m not a Northern Gannet. More photos and story details on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures.

We made our first visit to the newly opened Shipyard Tavern on Main St in Essex (formerly Ripple on the Water and Periwinkles) and it was a lovely experience. We went early-ish on a weekday and the outside deck was open and sprinkled with other diners. We chose to eat inside. There are plenty of staff on hand and we were well served by Caity. I ordered a BLT and Jim got seafood chowder and a smash burger. As you can see, the seafood chowder was chock full and we both enjoyed our sandwiches. Naturally, I had to try dessert for the sake of the blog: key lime pie and strawberry shortcake. The key lime was nice and tart and the shortcake almost too much to handle! It’s very nicely done over and I think you’ll enjoy the atmoshere. Their motto is “Come For The Food. Stay For the Views” which proved wise since we even had a schooner sighting!

I felt very badly for the driver of this vehicle in a local parking lot…….if you’re having a bad day, remember you could come back to this……

When was the last time you took a good look at this shack by the Dunfugin boat ramp? It’s so full of character and color, I just love it.

We went to The Lobster recently with Joey, Chris L and Zach Sears for the Monday specials (seen here) and I realized it was Margarita Monday! I got a raspberry margarita along with the nachos. The nachos are OUTSTANDING and you’re going to want to give those a try. Jim had meatball sliders from the special menu which he enjoyed very much. Cheers to Margarita Monday!!

Happy Father’s Day out there to all the dads, step-dads, granddads, uncles and father figures in our lives. This is my own dad as a youngster in Gloucester being held by his father. My dad was a firstborn, as am I. This influences your life in many uncounted ways but the most often mentioned is that firstborns tend to be leaders. This was true of my dad. He grew up in the Depression years here in Gloucester and this also had a major impact on his adult life. So I remember him today and I hope you will take a moment to thank any dads in your life while you have the chance.

The Sugar Magnolias food truck is hoping to open soon. Who will prevail in the handshake bet thrown down on the podcast between Chris L and Joey? They hope to open June 19 on Rogers St.

We took the opportunity on a nice day recently to stop by 51 Rocky Neck for dinner. We were very pleased with the level of service and quality of the food and drink. It’s a nice little respite on Rocky Neck and the atmosphere is open and friendly. I tried the short rib appetizer (highly recommended even as a meal) and a chopped salad. Jim had a lobster bake. It was all done to perfection….but, oh!….those ribs……outstanding. We’ll be back soon!

The Lunch Lady is a new food truck presented by our friends at 5-Star Phresh Phood. It will premiere in the former Cupboard parking area at Stage Fort Park during the June 21-22 Bunker Hill Reenactment along with other favorite food trucks and continue throughout the summer weekends. Genius!!! Best wishes Lunch Lady! **Images from The Lunch Lady Facebook page**

As of this writing, 2 of the 3 eggs from Annie and Squam’s nest near Lobsta Land have just hatched! It’s very likely the third will have hatched by the time you read this. You can follow along yourself at the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam. Thank you David Rimmer and Essex Greenbelt for the privilege of following this pair and their offspring every year! When I tuned in yesterday, one parent (Annie I think) was watching from nearby as the 2 babies bopped around in the nest by themselves. She soon returned and settled in. I’m sure a meal is on its way shortly. Enjoy the screenshots.

Listen as Michael DeKoster describes a unique opportunity to sail Ardelle for the Bunker HIll Reenactment. MaritimeGloucester.org/rev250sail for tickets and info.

I love ephemera! So I enjoy browsing at 80 Main Antiques & Ephemera (on Main St in Gloucester). Sabine, the owner, is always friendly and willing to help. I’ve been working on a little project and she’s been key in the development. She’s a great resource for such things! Anyhow, the shop is nicely set up with a variety of interesting items, many local. There’s a collection of Fred Bodin’s work (this is his previous location) and a great deal more as you can see here. I am a sucker for Depression glass so this is great fun for me. Perhaps it will be for you too.