Author: Pat D

The whale watching season is rapidly coming to a close, so I took my last trip of the year with Cape Ann Whale Watch several days ago. What a great season they have had this year! My favorite times to go are spring and fall. This fall trip did not disappoint although it took longer than usual to find them on this trip. As always, Capt John C and naturalist Tina demonstrated great tenacity in finding wildlife for the passengers. We ended up seeing around 10 whales including Owl, Grommet, and Fan. We also watched an active pod of Atlantice white sided dolphins hanging around with a pair of humpbacks. I was a little surprised to see a NOAA research vessel chugging along out there given the shutdown, but they were kind enough to point out a pair a breaching whales WAY OFF in the distance. Thank you Capt John, Tina, Joth, Jax, Sierra, Ryan and Rock for another great trip! It’s not too late but time is running out on this season.

The 5ht Annual Magtoberfest is tomorrow on Lexington Ave in Magnolia. Car show 10-2 behind 525; Cape Ann Makers Market at the Library and Community Center 11-5; fun in the streets all day! **NOTE outdoor activity plans may change due to weather BUT the Cape Ann Makers Market in the Magnolia Library WILL BE HELD rain or shine.

If you see this guy today, wish him a happy birthday! It’s one of the big ones that ends in zero…….

Pat D’s Photos will be in the shop tomorrow Friday Oct 10 from 11-3 and Monday (holiday) also from 11.3. On Sunday Oct 12 we will be at Magtoberfest in the Magnolia Library from 11-5. We have a special offer on our large 28″ x 42″ double sided ready to hang durable vinyl flags throughout the rest of October. Buy one ($35 plus shipping or free local delivery) and get 4 puffin holiday cards free until the end of October. Now that your summer flowers have faded, it’s time for some new color at your place! These make great gifts. See you at the shop Friday or Monday and at Magtoberfest in Magnolia Sunday! Reach out in comments if interested but you can’t stop by. While supplies last.

The West Gloucester Trinitarian Church on Essex Ave is once again offering their Pumpkin Patch for your delight and perusal. They are open family friendly after school hours and on the weekends. There are SO MANY available in sizes from small to huge; colors white to…well, … pumpkin. Great opportunity for photo ops and purchases. There’s something about a sea of pumpkins.

Construction seems to be moving along at the former Zeke’s Restaurant on East Main St.

The Magtoberfest Car Show is coming up Sunday Oct 12. Pat D’s Photos will be in the Library Community Center from 11-5 along with many other of your favorite vendors. Be there or be square.

Stop by the Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Road and browse the wonderful local vendors at their booths out in the parking lot (weather permitting). Pat D’s Photos will be there along with several other of your favorites including Donna Ardizzoni and others.

As you know, I’ve been away for several days so upon return, I was craving a cozy meal in a location where “everybody knows your name”. The 525 Tavern on Lexington in Magnolia fit the bill perfectly following an afternoon at the shop. I ordered a margarita and Jim got some wine. We had chicken parm and shrimp scampi done to perfection. (Look at those shrimp!). Tammy and Larry told us they are currently changing over to a fall menu so we’ll be on the lookout for new items. I also had the 525 coffee for my dessert…..yummmmm. Thank you Phil for being a great server and thanks Tammy and Larry for another wonderful dining experience.

We stopped by Russell Orchard on Argilla Rd in Ipswich for our annual fall visit and were not disappointed. There happened to be several preschoolers there for what looked like a story hour. Bonus cuteness points! Apple picking is in progress, pumpkins plentiful and cider donuts are fresh. We love swinging by there and never fail to pick up some yummy treats.

We were visitng Rockport last weekend with family visitors and I noticed that Rockport has gone “all in” on fall! Despite the warm weather, the fall accents are appreciated.

From the City of Gloucester Facebook page:

Pat D’s Photos will be offering any 4×6 refrigerator magnet in exchange for a donation of any size to support young Patrick and his family. All proceeds will be given directly to the family to support them during Patrick’s medical battle. Patrick is a 9 year old boy living in Hamilton (you may know his aunt Kate C) battling an aggressive brain condition. Pat D’s magnets will be offered for donation throughout October at 44 Main St or at the Gloucester Elks Fall Craft Fair Sun Oct 5 from 10-3; Magtoberfest in Magnolia Sun Oct 12 from 11-5; or Essex Clamfest from 11-4. Here are some sample magnets and new ones arriving soon! Stop by or reach out if interested.

This will be my last travelogue post (maybe….) and it features the elks of Yellowstone behaving as elk do. If you have ever considered a photography trip, I recommend that you take a look at Slonina Photography. I have taken several trips with him. I like the small groups, individual attention and especially the attention to detail for the featured area to support photography skill building. Each component combines for a wonderfully successful adventure.

And here are the elk for your enjoyment….

As amazing as the wildlife was in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, the scenery rivaled for breathtaking beauty. The foliage was mostly at or near peak, a bonus I was not expecting. Rivers, waterfalls, large fields with towering mountains all made for stunning landscapes. It’s quintessentially American.

You may know I have just returned from a photography tour to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I’ve barely had a chance to really go through my photos but here is a sampling of some of the wildlife we saw along the way. The words that best describes the experience are amazing and humbling. The land is vast, much of the wildlife is enormous, the sky is as big as they say it is. I felt small amongst it as well as humbled. At the same time, there are also huge crowds full of such a variety of groups and cultures. Most were polite and engaging so I also felt part of something much bigger than any of us.

These are just a small sampling of the wildlife we were able to observe. If you ever consider a photography tour, I highly recommend Slonina Photography. The groups are small and the guides well versed and prepared for the location. I have gone on a number of tours with him and will be going again! More photos to come. Stay tuned to Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook for additional photos and stories.

The Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Rd will be holding their Fall Craft Show Saturday Oct 5 from 10 am – 3pm. Pat D’s Photos will be there along with many other fine local vendors. It’s always a great show! Save the date.

As their season begins to wind down, we returned to the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn on Atlantic Road for breakfast at their lovely cafe. It’s a beautiful setting for a relaxing breakfast. The menu offers a great variety of your breakfast/brinch favorites. I was intrigued by the cheddar biscuits that same with the Country Breakfast, so I ordered that. The biscuits did not disappoint! GMG Jim got the famous pumpkin pancakes. We enjoyed our late breakfast very much and regret not visiting more often over the summer months, but you still have through October to make your visit.

Christmas is in only 3 months! Some of our other winter holidays are even sooner so maybe it’s time to start planning so you aren’t facing a last minute panic (remember you promised yourself that wouldn’t happen again?) Here are some examples of the ways that Pat D’s Photos is trying to help. We have a variety of holiday cards available now and the inventory is healthy. Get your cards early!

As you know, I’ve been away on a photography trip but will plan to be back in the shop Sunday from 11-3 as well as Thursday-Saturday next week (Gloucester Elks Fall Show Sunday Oct 5) so stop by and see what’s new with Gloucester Apparel and Pat D’s Photos at 44 Main Street.

I recently picked up my newest notecards from Cape Ann Giclee (recently moved operations to 127 Eastern Ave Suite A in the Cape Ann Marketplace) and I am thrilled to share them with you. I always trust my paper printing to James at Cape Ann Giclee! If you’ve gone to the drugstore to buy your cards recently, you know Pat D’s Photos notecards offer a great value at $3.50 each or $3 each for 4 or more. I’ll plan to be back in the shop Sunday Sept 28 from 11-3 and will be excited to share my photography trip stories with you.