Author: Pat D

My favorite times of the year to take a whale watch are the spring and the fall so we scheduled one for last week hoping we’d experience success similar to previous trips aboard the Hurricane II of Cape Ann Whale Watch. Once again, we were not disappointed!

Trips are available most days in October and this is a great time for a trip. Discounts are available and capacity limitations allow for a little more “elbow room” throughout the trip. Staff and crew are friendly and knowledgeable. It’s quite inspiring to see these big beautiful creatures in their home habitat. We were treated to two pairs of mother/calves hanging out together, and lots of calf activity. You will be able to see that the whales were VERY close to the boat on this trip! Very exciting.

We stopped by the Laneside Pub and Brewery at Cape Ann Lanes on Gloucester Ave recently to try their brew. Although I am typically not a beer drinker (except for the occasional Guinness), I ordered the Trophy and enjoyed it VERY much. As advertised, it was light and tasty. I would agree it’s perfect for bowling! I also tried the BLT. Jim ordered the loaded tater tots. The fare offered seems quite perfect for bowling in their beautiful lanes. Welcome to the brew game Laneside. Give it a try!

My heart just sings when I see eagles. I needed an eagle fix, so we went to Mystic Lakes State Park in Medford because we can usually find them there. Disappointingly, we had no luck near the Medford Boat Club and decided to go look at the swans instead. We found ourselves enraptured by the variety of wildlife there and were just stunned to see an eagle coming from across the water directly to us. She flew straight overheard as if to lead us back to the Boat Club where we spotted two of them!!! Great day. We had kind of given up on the eagles, but she came to us instead……

Looks like some work is being done at the WWII Memorial to spiff things up. Looking forward to the finished work on behalf of my Dad, a Gloucesterman who served.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I was taking some photos of the waves over the breakwater yesterday and had some company: a young buck checking out the neighborhood intruders.

The waves yesterday morning were pretty fierce against the boulevard wall and along the breakwater. The sky got a bit intimidating then beautiful. We are so blessed.

OK, not Golden Pond, maybe not even a pond, but after we thought we struck out at the eagle sight in Medford at Mystic Lakes State Park we stopped a little way up the road to watch the swans. It turned out to be a great decision as we watched swans, ducks, kingfishers, and others being very active on this nearby waterway. We met a woman who has been watching the swan family all season and apparently one of the young ones has gone missing. We saw what appeared to be a family of 5 happily feeding. It was a rich environment for those who like to bird watch or just watch nature unfold its stories. There actually was an eagle that greeted us here, but that’s a post for tomorrow because it’s worthy of a separate story for sure.

Beautiful Niles Pond cloaked in fog recently drew my attention.

We were able to visit Crane Beach a few days ago. It was one of those days when there was lots of wave action, so the kids were having a grand time in the water under the watchful eyes of their parents. It’s been a bit difficult to get one of their daily passes this summer even with a membership and parking pass, so I was gratified to note members are promised an additional three months next year upon renewal. Very clever! And appreciated.

I put my feet in the water; it is so soothing, I can’t help myself. I looked back upon my own footprints in the sand.

“Sometimes even a thousand waves hitting the shore continuously one after the other also can’t erase few footprints on the seashore.”
― Akshay Vasu, The Abandoned Paradise: Unraveling the beauty of untouched thoughts and dreams

We had dinner at the Village in Essex recently and it was very nice to be back there again! There’s a smaller menu, but the food remains delicious and the staff efficient and friendly. The tables are seated with distancing in mind. Seating is available inside and outside. It was a beautiful evening and the restaurant was lively. Several customers were greeted like the old friends they obviously are. It’s comforting to be in such a warm atmosphere.

I started with French Onion soup, one of my “ test dishes”. I like to try it everywhere I can to see how each kitchen makes it. This was as yummy as it looks. It was nice and hearty. I a

So tried the special Black and Bleu Steak. Jim had another special with a variety of broiled seafood. None was left to take home! No room for dessert, but it would have been key lime pie……

We took advantage of the opportunity to get a timed entry pass to the grounds at Castle Hill this past week. Beautiful at any time, but this time the Rose Garden was open and boasting several monarchs in addition to a relaxing landscape. You never know what creatures you might meet! Information available here.

The Parking lot at Stage Fort Park is temporarily closed today Friday Sept 25 until 3 pm for an event. It appears to be a police training. Make alternate parking plans for Stage Fort Park until 3 pm today.

We stopped briefly at Plum Cove to see how she’s displaying her fall pride. I’d say it’s looking good! Mostly birds and bird watchers on this day, and each were busy tending to their concerns.

We supported a couple of small local businesses in recognition of Small Business Week (ok, we were going to these places anyhow because we love them and it just so happens to be Small Business Week……) Lunch at Sherry’s with our friend Donna Ardizzoni and husband Rick: wonderful and cozy as always! Then off to Russell Orchards to see what’s new for the fall. We came home with quite a treasure trove of goodies including cider and donuts. But it’s also apple picking time so there were lots of families. Pumpkins are plentiful so we know autumn has arrived. We also brought home a variety of New England Hard Ciders and will report on those in a few days! We;ve seen the Darryl Length advisement previously, but it’s well worth repeating.

I stopped by Wingaersheek Beach on a nice calm morning last week 9no hurricanes in this post, sorry). School is in session so mostly there were very young children there with their families enjoying the post Labor Day peace.

The Cape Ann Chamber announced Sept 21-25 2020 as Small Business Week, designed to support and recognize resilience and creativity in this difficult economic period. Their blog post has further information and is available here.

I participated by visiting The Bookstore on Main Street in Gloucester. I was seeking some books for my grandson as well as for myself. Arwen was minding the counter and was helpful in assisting me. I happened to be the only customer, but a few more are allowed at a time as per COVID protocols. Use of sanitizer is encouraged and I felt very safe. Thanks to The Bookstore and Arwen for providing services in this time of need.

It is unusual to spot an osprey right in our backyard near Dolliver’s Neck, but we were treated to this surprise visitor yesterday. I was even more delighted to see he brought his meal along with him! You can see him gripping it even in the tree branch. An appropriate way to end summer, I guess. You are welcome back anytime, buddy!

We are excited to see this news from Charlie’s Place Facebook page:

Charlie’s Place is happy to announce that we will be opening for INDOOR dining on Thursday, September 24th at 11AM for lunch and dinner in accordance with CDC guidelines. We look forward to seeing everyone then!!

We look forward to returning soon. A recent menu board borrowed from Charlie’s Place Facebook page:

We returned to the Antique Table in Manchester by the Sea for the first time since January. It felt very much like a before/after COVID scenario. We loved it the last time we were there, but got caught in the pandemic before we could return. It was equally wonderful, even with necessary protocols in place.

Jim had Gnocchi Basilico and I ordered Haddock Francese. We each cleaned our plates and would reorder the same except for the other tempting menu items. The bread and drinks were lovely additions to a marvelous dining experience. The atmosphere is welcoming including the background music! Special shout outs to our server Laura and Oscar for their friendly attentiveness. I left feeling very happy and satisfied. It is definitely worth the short ride. We will return soon!

Stunning day yesterday. I hope these brighten up your Monday.