Author: Pat D

It was a half day of school for the Gloucester kids on Tuesday so we accompanied some of our favorite Gloucester schoolchildren on a trip to Russell’s Orchards in Ipswich to do some apple picking.  Now, I’ve never picked apples at an orchard.  Sad, but true.  I HAVE picked dead squishy apples up from the ground so my Dad could mow the lawn, but I don’t think that counts as apple picking even though we were paid the princely sum of a nickel per BUSHEL.

It was a lovely day to be outside and Russell’s has a great set up.  There’s a small per person charge to enter the orchard (which is credited toward the cost of the loot you bring out of the orchard) and an easy walk up to the trees.  The trees are well marked and LOADED with several varieties.  It took us very little time to get the apples we wanted, so then it was time to look at the pumpkins.  Kids and pumpkins.  You can’t really go wrong.

As we were checking out, I got an “emergency” call in request for a dozen cider donuts to be delivered to the dock upon our return to East Gloucester.  The store area was full of tempting aromas and the donuts were still warm when I purchased them.  I was there solely for the apple crisp, but – just my luck – none was available for the rest of the day.  Lucky for me, this means another trip to Russell’s in our near future.

Today we went on a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry at Halibut Point State Park with John, program coordinator. If you’ve been there, you know those massive pieces of rock that you walk by???  Well, John gave us a lot of insight as to their origins and the history of quarry mining in this area.  First and foremost, he told us the original name of (what we know as ) Halibut Point was Haul About.  This phrase apparent evolved into Halibut.  Go figure.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

The main quarry area at Halibut Point State Park is 65 feet deep and I have no idea how far across, but it’s a darn big bowl of granite.  Any waste from wildlife or 2 legged creatures has never had a chance to be removed, so it’s not a safe place to swim or for other recreation. (You’ve been warned)  Smaller mining areas, called motions, are also easily visible at the park and were generally used for things like pave stones.  We saw 2 of these in the hour we toured around the larger quarry area.  Well, to be honest, John pointed them out to us since we probably wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.

When you see things like this:

it’s evidence that derricks that were built to help haul the granite out  were built in this area.  These are called “dead men”(da da daaaaaaa).  Apparently, technology (invention of concrete) and changes in workers rights (unions) were major factors in the demise of the granite quarry industry in this region.

It was fascinating and if you’d like to be similarly informed, you may still be able to catch a free tour at Halibut Point State Park before Columbus Day this year.  Please be aware parking fees have changed since July, but it’s still a great deal!

My husband and I have been coming to Gloucester for so many years, we decided to make a move to spend more time here.  Our first stop is usually to Cape Ann Brewing and such was the case today.  We can rely on great service, good food and a relaxed atmosphere.  We were able to sit on the deck in the glorious sunshine and harbor-watch.  We saw two harbor seals out there exploring.  Behind us sat two women making plans for the upcoming Plein Air event Oct 8-16.  The seagulls were screeching.  (The women and the screeching were unrelated 🙂 )We felt right at home.

I ordered the steak bomb and Jim had one of the specials, grilled cheese with brisket sandwich.  YUMMMMMM.  Fresh squeezed lemonade and a Viva beer rounded out the meal.    We noticed Cape Ann Brewing has a couple of events coming up:  Anniversary Pig Roast on Oct 13 ($25) and Oktoberfest Oct 19 Beer Dinner ($45).  Perhaps we’ll see you at one of these events or at Cape Ann Brewing one of these days.

I’m a new contributor to the blog and hope you will enjoy my take on life here.  See you around town!