This guy seemed to be saying “One if by land, two if by sea” to guide our way through the fog.

This post if for my sister Mary Jane.

The 1917 Gloucester City Directory indicates the hours the Post Office is open: 6:45 AM to 8 PM (!!!!) AND on Sundays 2-4 PM.  No wonder there were so many clerks and carriers.

Also,  5 mail pick ups per day!

These appear to be mailboxes perhaps from those years, still in use today.

Those were the days, we might sigh to ourselves. However, upon reflection, I begin to consider that technology has allowed 24/7 online access to a number of mail or shipping options.  Technology has also allowed for text messages and emails to overtake physical letters, notices, bills etc. in speed and convenience.  What a difference this past century has made!!

I like to drive around town just to see the sights.  These are some I saw on a recent day’s drive around the Cape and beyond.

A favorite stop to catch some boats at rest Harbor Cove

Also at rest, but on the Annisquam

Scary leftover winter damage and erosion at Salisbury Beach (yes, I leave the island now and again)

It does pay to look up once in a while.  Perhaps a juvenile red tailed hawk.

Two of the three swans I spotted at Parker River Refuge

Ipswich lines and reflections that enchanted me that day

Enjoying the breakwater on a recent spring day:

Bikers on the breakwater:

This small cemetery along Western Avenue caught my eye especially as the forsythias began to bloom and I realized the cemetery was embraced all around by these beautiful yellow blossoms.  A little research shows this private cemetery is called Washington Cemetery and was established in 1839. It was quite a lovely stroll in the early morning light on a recent spring day.

I had seen the Cressy memorial and nodded a bit to myself since Cressy’s Beach is in the vicinity.  Built to honor Eva Cressy Pebworth, who died a mere two years or so after her marriage to Richard Russell Pebworth.  I wonder if forsythia were a favorite of Eva’s.

Thanks for the input! Please note: Oysters are $1.25 at Capt. Carlos.  Also Franklin Cape Ann has added Monday nights from 5-6:30PM regularly!

Updated May 1.

I was fortunate to be on Saturday’s 7 Seas Whale Watch where there were multiple sightings of at least 4 whale species: humpback, minke, sei and fin. They were demonstrating their feeding habits which the naturalist, Jay, narrated competently for us. I must also mention all the seabirds we also saw, in particular the gannets and their aggressive diving for food, creating a spray that from a distance, I mistook sometimes for a whale blow.

I have been on a number of marvelous whale watches from the various companies around town, but never before one on which there were more than could be counted. Although naturalist Jay told us there is no better time of year for a whale watch than another, I am now convinced early spring is the best! All those hungry whales trying to fill themselves up was an amazing learning experience.  If you haven’t been, I suggest you go. There are lots of deals to be had with a little bit of homework, so just go!

Capt Bill & Sons opens season May 19 http://www.captbillandsons.com/

Humpback breaking the surface to find greedy gulls

You can see the baleen on these whales which filters their food.

The fog crept in and out very quietly yesterday morning. I could see it racing across the fields at Stage Fort Park, but could not capture the movement with a mere camera. I’ll leave it to your imagination.  Fog shrouded the harbor though and it reminded me of Carl Sandburg’s poem:

When I know that Seaport Grille is at the end of my long drive from New York, I feel as though I found that legendary pot of gold.  Especially fond of the Seaport Coffee, which I may have mentioned in the past…….  Anyhow, yesterday’s stop at Seaport Grille was improved immensely by the fact that my cousin and her girls were also there for dinner! It so happened that I was led to the next table and there was my cousin! Serendipity in action. I could have been seated elsewhere.  She could have decided to go elsewhere. Instead, we were able to share a great meal. I am very happy to be back home.

I returned to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to show Jim the delightful sights.  It was another great experience. Here are some of our new friends.

Spring’s late arrival this year put my mind back to the previous “shoulder season”, fall 2017 and I realize how much has changed around town since then especially at the beaches. Fall was very nice this year and brings some sweet memories.

It was monarchs before it was Snowy Owls

The boardwalks and the footbridge hadn’t been beaten up by the vicious storms yet:

Trees were still standing and holding tight awaiting harvest done by hand and not by wind

AHHH.  Sweet memories only 6 months old.

If you have ever considered having a DNA test done, this is the time to do it.  Ancestry’s DNA test is only $59 until April 29. The regular price for this test is $99.  This is the best deal I’ve seen for this test so if you’ve been thinking about it, I suggest you take advantage now by going to Ancestry.com

There are other testing companies to consider, so do your homework but this is a really great deal.  I am not benefiting from this unless I gain a new cousin from one of you!

We recently spent a relaxing afternoon at the Boat House Grille Bar on Rt 133 in Essex.  GMG Jimmy ordered the meatball appetizer — the meatballs are huge! I thought he had a meatloaf on his plate.  The bartender was friendly and helpful in just the right amounts.  They serve white zinfandel, so that’s a plus for me.  We will definitely be going back.  I suggest you join us.

I noticed they are hosting a number of fundraisers, one coming up soon on May 8.  I’ll be keeping my eye on these events also.

If you’re wondering what to do, the 1918 City Directory listed a few ideas:

Around the Big Heater????

Lobster traps are stacked in piles large and small all over town and remind me of building blocks.  Children’s building blocks come in all shapes and sizes; the same is not true of lobster traps.  They are certainly not toys, but rather much more like the blocks used to build foundations.  These traps are the foundation of livelihoods, families and the culture of the area.  They are beautiful.

Alice May Brotherton Campbell 1887 – 1916

A while ago, I read a book called The Black Flag written by Barry Stacks of Gloucester and enjoyed Gloucester as a main character in the book.  The Black Flag refers to ships returning to harbor flying a black flag indicating a death on board while at sea.  It’s an interesting coincidence that for my family history research, I’d been trying to verify that a William Campbell who died at sea aboard a Gloucester vessel in 1905 was the Campbell in-law that I was looking for.  My search led me to a new cousin and a new “view” on what the Ryans looked like back in the day.

This is Alice May Brotherton, daughter of Mary Ryan and John J. Brotherton.  This young lady is just beautiful!  Unfortunately she died at a very young age due to kidney problems.  She did marry C. Angus Campbell whose father William is the aforementioned death at sea I was attempting to confirm. I got this picture from a cousin who is a descendant of Angus and Alice Campbell.

This cousin, Pam, was able to verify that the William Campbell I’d found in the newspaper as having died at  sea aboard the Schooner Senator was indeed Alice’s father-in-law.  Pam was tickled that I could provide her with the verification of his death at sea and I was very pleased to obtain this picture–especially since most of those old Ryan ancestors weren’t overly fair of face. I’m certain God blessed them with other qualities.

A recent stroll through Rocky Neck produced some evidence that Rocky Neck Rocks!

I didn’t notice her hair until much later.  Not sure what’s happening here, but I love it!

Fierce.

Opening soon I hope! 1957!!!

I think Rocky Neck is already pretty great. Pretty soon it will be hopping busy with visitors looking for beauty in all forms.

As promised, GMG Jimmy and I drove ourselves all over the Cape seeking $1.50 or less Oysters for you faithful readers.  Here’s a handy chart.  ONLY Oysters that are $1.50 or less are included when they are offered consistently on a particular day of the week.    NOT occasional specials if you can’t depend on what day of the week oysters might or might not be offered.

This chart includes only $1.50 or less Oysters  offered on specific days of the week on a regular basis

Update from Short and Main–shortandmain@captjoe06 yes, we have it regularly every day! We currently have dollar oysters every day from 5-6PM, and again from 9-10PM Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10-11PM Friday & Saturday. Closed Tuesdays

Restaurants for oysters click here for Word document

We had a good time visiting with the various wait staff and bartenders.  Thanks to all for their input!