Author: Pat D

Every now and again, I like to take a stroll around the Essex Shipbuilding Museum Shipyard on Main St in Essex. We intended to go inside to the museum but I didn’t check their hours before we stopped. That will be a post for another day. The shipyard is well worth a walk-around if you have a little time. Something new catches my eye on each visit.

We have had some family commitments these last couple of weeks and haven’t had time in the shop for a while but we will be BACK starting Thurs Aug 6 from noon-5; Friday and Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 11-3. We are featuring our nightlights now available in the best selection as you start to think about upcoming holidays. Buy now, gift later. We’ll see you in the shop, but remember we respond to messages and will deliver locally for free! Feel free to email GMGPatD at gmail.com (trying to avoid extra spam by writing it out). We will also special order any print you have on hand or from our catalog but now is the time to start planning for that holiday gift giving! Here are just some of the current nightlights on hand($30 each)

I hope you won’t mind a few more Tall Ships images. Since my mind is starting to turn to the upcoming Schooner Festival (Labor Day weekend) it seems natural to share some more of these beautiful Tall Ships from around the world.

We happened to be in Rockport just around dinner time so we wandered over to Fleur Cuisine on the T Wharf seeking respite. As usual, we were greeted in a friendly manner and seated quickly. It happened to be a Friday so I knew they would be busy so I was grateful we could be accommodated. I had the pineapple margarita (very refreshing) and the chicken entree while Jim ordered plantains. Rum cake for dessert! The chicken is outstanding but do be prepared for the level of spiciness. We chatted with the lovely Daphnee, as usual a gracious host. It’s one of those places where you feel like family returning home even if you’ve never been there. But go. You won’t be sorry.

The LL Bean Beach Box has returned to the Beauport Hotel on Commercial St. Located in proximity to Pavilion Beach, this box allows you to borrow beach items like chairs and more! I think this is the coolest thing! And I love the slogan: Be An Outsider.

I was chatting with a friend recently and she mention Sam & Joe’s on Water Street in Danvers and I was reminded of how much we enjoyed a previous experience there. We decided to leave the island for Margarita Monday this week and go to Danvers. This time, we sat at the bar for a late lunch. The bartender recommended the strawberry coconut margarita so I agreed. I had previously had one of these locally and was curious how they might be different. This one had distinct coconut flavor, almost sweet but nicely tart at the same time (kind of like a strawberry can be). Anyhow, it was yummy though I would almost consider it more of a dessert libation. I’d have another!

GMG Jim ordered the chicken salad sandwich and I had the pizza/salad lunch item. The pizza is well known as thin crust, which hit the spot for me that day. We even brought some of it home. I appreciated the offer of bread before the meal. The atmosphere was exactly what I had hoped for….relaxed and also efficient. We’ll get back there sooner this time.

Since we were in Essex recently, we stopped by Googans Galley on Martin Street. They offer a wide range of eclectic items (many local vendors) but their fresh bakery items are the highlight for me. We picked up a scone and slice of banana bread to savor later but we very much enjoyed checking out the freezer items, dry goods and more (Cape Ann Sea Salt for one!).

Did you know you could digitally borrow reading material from the Boston Public Library for your MBTA train ride? I noticed this signage with QR code on the sidewalk at the West Gloucester train station recently and decided to give it a try. It’s a statewide program to allow patrons to borrow reading material on a short term basis without an app. Without an app! Just Browse Borrow and Board. More details here. It worked like a charm for our recent trip to North Station. Take a note!

Sharing information. Save the date and take a note traffic/parking advisory.

As we sailed toward Boston recently aboard Hurricane II with Cape Ann Whale Watch, I took note of the variety of vessels out in our harbor that beautiful afternoon. They included Angela & Rose; Kenneth J Duncan; Aloha and Artemis. Each beautiful in its own way.

Our backyard seems to be a relaxing visit for some local wildlife. This deer and another were peacefully munching undergrowth while the rabbit seemed totally at ease.

We were waiting for our cruise aboard the Privateer IV recently on Rogers Street and saw this egret hunting for its dinner very close to the walkway. It’s unusual for me that an egret allows me to get so close. I cannot resist there beautiful birds.

We had occasion to be in Rockport recently and I noticed how many businesses and homes maintained their window boxes so well. They are certainly a bright spot as you walk along the streets of Rockport. Well done, folks!

Back to Essex this week for Margarita Monday at the Blue Marlin Grille on Eastern Ave. I ordered the house Margarita which was very refreshing on that warm afternoon. Jim ordered the seafood platter and I had the Cajun Chicken Wrap ( barely a hint of Cajun but still tasty and filling). We brought quite a bit of the seafood home with us. Service is always efficient and I love that they offer warm bread.

We happened upon this secluded hideaway in Rockport. Nice little respite on Atlantic Ave.

We went out with Cape Ann Whale Watch for the Sail Boston Departure tour and boy, was it an amazing journey! We hadn’t even left the harbor before we saw 2 of the participants: Adventure and Harvey Gamage. Shortly after we spotted Bluenose II. And THEN we proceeded toward Boston hoping to catch some of the vessels under full sail. The captain did a great job maneuvering safely around the other vessels we came across including Jan Bautista Cambiaso (Dominican Republic) ; Capitan Miranda (Uruguay); Gorch Fock (Germany); Liberty Clipper (USA); Sagres (Portugal); Union (Peru) and Vela (British Virgin Islands). The Gorch Fock is the large one under full sail in these photos.

We’d like to thank the nice group from Gloucester that kindly allowed us to bring our friends up in line with us as we were celebrating a birthday so it made it a little more special. Thank you folks! Check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook for more images.

Sharing news from Masshole Biscuit Company on Main Street. We wish them well.

Donna A was not the only contributor to ride into Boston for a harbor cruise this week to celebrate Sail Boston! Great minds and all that. GMG Jim and I had booked a City Cruise Boston tour before we knew any local vessels were doing the same. These tickets were non-refundable (take note in case you do the same) so off we went even though we do have another trip scheduled with Cape Ann Whale Watch. Anyhow, we are very happy we took that cruise which included narration and sea shanties. I was not expecting to see so many ships!! The narrator estimated 50 and I feel like we saw many of them though most were docked. So many nations are represented out there that it felt a little bit like the UN had decided to move themselves to Boston Harbor. It was our first Tall Ships experience but I am hoping it won’t be our last. You should see some of our local favorites here. During the narration, attention was paid to our Essex schooners and Harold Burnham (who happened to be sailing on the Ardelle right behind us) so that was a proud moment! Hopefully more images coming in a day or so from our trip on Hurricane II.

The Lobster Crate Race is adding a new component : Boat Decoration Contest! I think this is a great idea. For a $50 donation to the Lily Jean fund, you can enter. For anyone interested but financially unable to donate, Pat D’s Photos will sponsor a contestant. Please reach out in the comments or message me directly regarding sponsorship.

Pat D’s Photos will be at the St. Paul’s Church Craft Fair on Washington Street Saturday July 18 from 9-3. Stop by (inside) and say hello! Show special: 2 nightlights for $50 …. a 10% discount. (*must purchase at least 2 for this pricing*). Our schedule at 44 Main St this week is a little wonky due to our trips to see Sail Boston. We’ll be open 11-3 Friday July 17 and 11-3 Sunday July 19 in addition to the St. Paul’s Craft Fair.