Author: Pat D

Lobsta Land on Causeway St was open for a rare Monday so we jumped on the opportunity to celebrate Margarita Monday there last week. The blackberry margarita was mixed to perfection and was deliciously refreshing. We had a late lunch which included the Fisherman’s platter (holy cow) and a turkey club (“real” turkey!). It was a lovely afternoon celebrating Margarita Monday!

Seen during Fiesta at Pavilion Beach–just a couple of pals taking a kayak run.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to take a boat ride with our friends Susan and Leo earlier this week. It was a perfect day and we headed to Beverly/Salem/Marblehead. All of this is new for us so we appreciated the extra knowledge offered by both Susan and Leo about these areas as seen from the water. In the Salem area, we got to see the schooner Fame as well as the When and If out sailing which we considered a big bonus.

To our surprise, the When and If followed us to our own Gloucester Harbor for a little spin around just as Isabella, Ardelle and Thomas E. Lannon set sail for their 6 PM sails and Tuesday weekly schooner challenge. It was a spectacular sight and a wondrous surprise! A schooner mini fest! I was taken aback as I did not plan for this and didn’t have quite the right gear with me, but here are some memories to share.

At the time of this writing, this mural was nearly finished down at the Fort. I spoke briefly with the artist Josh Falk who received an Awesome Gloucester grant for his work. Thanks to the neighborhood and the property owners for cooperation and ideas! I think it’s beautiful. Congratulations Josh and Gloucester!

Sharing a screenshot of a Facebook post with some additional details. Thanks Down the Fort and Sal Zerilli. I expect by the time you see this post, the mural will be complete and I encourage you to check it out.

**Just received a photo from Sharon Swan I thought I would include as well. Thanks Sharon for sharing it!**

Sharon Swan photo credit:

Happy 4th of July! Here are some of my favorite flags photos each taken locally. Enjoy your holiday. Fly ’em if you’ve got ’em.

If you have visitors or friends interested in parking at the area beaches, you should share the information provided on the non-resident parking availability site. Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3VFgOye It’s pretty easy and clear to figure out what you need to plan for up to several days in advance. Also check Facebook Gloucester Beaches regularly for updates.

My Margarita Monday post got away from me in the Fiesta chaos, so here you go just one day late (but–Tequila Tuesday!). We stopped by the Hideaway on Bearskin Neck in Rockport for our most recent Margarita Monday stop. This lovely little respite is relatively new and is located behind the Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge. It’s a nice escape from the bustle of Bearskin Neck in the summertime. Light snacks are available as well as libations. It’s a window service / seat yourself kind of location…very low key. It’s also quite a pretty view. Give a try next time you are down there.

The traditional Sunday procession was held with humid conditions but the smiles were rampant. A sea of “whites”, statues and beautiful children made their way past hundreds of enthusiastic spectators. Until next year…….

Again, congratulations Derek Hopkins on his newest Greasy Pole win! It was an exciting evening out there on the pole with some interesting walkers including the rare appearance of a woman Catherine Frontiero. Thanks for a great show walkers! Here are some memories I’d like to share. Another year in the books!

For the Men, ZFG regained the title and in the Junior Men the title was retained by Salty Sea Men. Both races were very competitive and demonstrated great skills. Congratulations as well to The Merger and Kaos with the seniors and Apostles along with Warri-OARS for a great Sunday afternoon of competition. Some memories follow.

Congratulations Salty Sea-Men on defending your Junior Mens Seine Boat title. Well done by Aposltes and Warri-OARS. More photos tomorrow.

The threatening skies held off for the evening and the Mens Finals for the Seine Boat races was a race worthy of a championship run. Congratulations to ZFG as well as to The Merger (2nd) and Kaos (3rd). More photos tomorrow. Rest up guys! Great race!

It’s Derek again! He won his sixth Greasy Pole flag as the second walker in the second competitive round for tonight’s Greasy Pole. More photos tomorrow but it was a great night for walking! Congratulations Derek, your talent is very special.

This vehicle is currently drawing significant attention on Main St this morning. Parked in front of Caffe Sicilia probably waiting for the noon procession. Apparently built 1974 and I overheard it’s from Sicily. Much of it is wooden handiwork. Quite fascinating! Never know what you might see this weekend!

GMG Jim submits the following photos of his coverage of the watermelon eating contest and nearby kids just prior to the Pavilion Beach events last night. Looks like everyone was having a great time.

Congratulations once again to Tyler Parisi for winning the Saturday Greasy Pole competitions. A great deal of grit and determination was demonstrated out there by the walkers last night. Here’s a variety of photos showing some the of the action, near misses and victory celebrations. See you on the beach tonight!

A variety of photos from last night’s seine boat races. Congratulations to the winning crews for Seniors The Merger and ZFG; for the Junior Mens Warri-OARS and Apostles. Good luck later today! We’ll be watching…..

Under pretty difficult conditions, all three teams put on a great race tonight for the Junior Mens Elimination race on Pavilion Beach. The teams included Tonno, Warri-OARS and Apostles. It was a photo finish for the Warri-OARS and the Apostles team earning them spots in tomorrow’s championship. More photos tomorrow! The future of the Mens teams is looking very bright.

Tyler Parisi grabbed the flag about midway through the third competitive round in tonight’s Greasy Pole competition. The weather was dreary and a bit chilly but all that was forgotten as soon as he seized that flag. More coverage tomorrow. For tonight, congratulations Tyler.

Congratulations to the crews of The Merger and ZFG for earning a spot in tomorrow’s 2024 Mens Seine Boat Championships. The hard fought race saw these two teams as well as Danger Zone compete for two spots in the finals. More photos tomorrow! Great job guys!