Author: Pat D

I just felt like an easy lunch and to watch the water so I got sausage and peppers and a milkshake at The Cupboard in Stage Fort Park. I walked across the lawn and set myself up above Cressy’s Beach. It was a lovely day and people distanced themselves admirably. Great summer afternoon activity! I’ll miss this in December.

I was hoping to see the comet from Lame’s Cove but instead met some new people. It’s quite a gathering place for photographers as well as seekers of fun and water. A nice couple from South Carolina left their crystal ball behind accidentally so I loaned them mine. “Dusty” helped me with my own CB shots by lying across a boat bow to position her for me! Well done Dusty! The comet may have disappointed, but the sun and sky did not.

It was way too hot to cook, so off we went to Turner’s Seafood on Smith Street for the prepared fish and chips we kept hearing about. Available from noon to 7 pm (call ahead to make sure it’s available that day) and made fresh upon ordering, it really hit the spot! Delicious fresh fish, lightly battered was perfect for us. Check them out at http://www.turners-seafood.com for updated information.

Topsfield Fair officials announced today on their Facebookpage and webpage that the Oct 2-12 2020 event has been cancelled due to pandemic concerns. This is disappointing, but understandable. From their announcement:

The Essex Agricultural Society, the organization that runs the Topsfield Fair, announces that for the safety of fairgoers, staff, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, and sponsors, it has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Topsfield Fair

Stay safe all! We will get to the other side……

Image borrowed from Topsfield Fair website:

This might be the sweetest video you see today. One of our hummingbirds also need a break from yesterday’s heat and came to take a shower on our deck. She also dipped her tail feathers!

Lane’s Cove sunflowers at sunset.

We returned to one of our “regular” stops on Main Street for dinner at Oliver’s Harbor. Masked servers happy to assist, great view, safely separate seating made for a lovely evening. The lobster carbonara was very good, lightly sauces and full of fresh peas and bacon. Jim had the Cobb salad with chicken which he enjoyed very much. Always a treat. Thanks, Oliver’s Harbor!

This was such a quiet calm reflection from Rocky Neck that I just had to share.

I was watching the Lobsta Land ospreys online and was excited to see one of the chicks exercising its wings shortly after one parent left the nest. You can clearly see all three chicks looking much more like ospreys now. They are expected to fledge soon, usually about 2 months after hatching ( which was around June 13/14). Check out the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam at http://www.ecga.org to keep up with the actions and antics of Rusty, Vivi and Liz and their parents Annie and Squam. Screenshots from the webcam:

It’s a scorcher today and many are finding relief at Stage Fort Park. By the time we reached the bridge, outside temperature “only” 92!

We enjoyed another meal from Fox Creek Tavern recently. We reserved an inside table online at their website and we heartily greeted by Cecilia, the manager. We had a lovely relaxed meal. Honey bacon scallops as an appetizer, fish and chips and seafood sliders served by Alex in a friendly and efficient manner. Tables were distanced, customers and staff safely masked. We had eaten there shortly before quarantine, got take out during and now returned to inside dining. Each time we have enjoyed the food and the helpfulness of the staff. See you again, friends!

From the Mile Marker One Facebook page: (their image and info)

Painkillers, Bloodys, Mai Tai’s and more available for take out and Delivery

Book your table and additional info at their website here.

Coming home through the fog. The lighthouse is doing its job.

Big and small, hawks and hummingbirds in the backyard before the storm.

Thanks to Capt. Joe and Sons for the yummy lobster! (Video sound probably not suitable for children)

As much as I enjoy watching the water that surrounds us, I have come to appreciate the artistry that the sky and clouds add to the beauty we are blessed with.

Couldn’t help but notice this beauty docked at the Paint Factory.

Beach parking this weekend in Gloucester will be open to the public at Stage Fort Park and residents plus a limited number of non residents at Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek.  Parking rates and sticker policies remain in effect, though 2019 Gloucester beach stickers will be honored only through the end of July.

Parking restrictions for the upcoming weekends will be announced on the prior Wednesday. Updates will also be posted on Gloucester Beaches. 

Quiet fog at Good Harbor recently:

Another encouraging sign is that the Gloucester Visitors Center at Stage Fort Park is set to reopen this week. This follows reconstruction of the porch/deck that was recently completed. Boy, it’s gorgeous! Wonderful job. Take a walk up there just to admire the view! Center open Thursday through Monday 9-3. Stop by and say hi to the volunteers. Safety protocols in place right alongside local information. Special shout out to Carol Mondello for her efforts to get the place ready and safe for use!!

An update from the City of Gloucester website:

CITY HALL REOPENING TUESDAY JULY 21:  Gloucester City Hall and the City Hall Annex will reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 21, after closing to the public in March due to COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to continue to conduct city business online where possible or to call ahead for an appointment. Due to staggered staff schedules and limited office occupancy, wait times may be significantly increased for in-person services. Depending on volume, socially distanced queuing may be required outside of the building. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will be given priority. All visitors will need to check in upon arrival and provide their name, phone number and the department they are visiting. If needed, this information will be used for contact tracing efforts. Visitors will also be asked to use hand sanitizer before proceeding to a department for service.

Additional notifications regarding 2020 beach stickers and Vote by Mail also listed there, so check them out.  Small steps moving forward. Keep up the good work with masks and distancing.