Author: Pat D

It’s time to say Happy Birthday to Joey C! Clearly I need to work on updating my Joey Photo File as many of these are repeats, but they are worth repetition.

This Great Blue Heron was actively hunting in the bright fall sunshine when I stopped to watch. They are fascinating. Though it’s backlit, I think the photos came out well enough to share. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to watch one of these beauties.

I took a little ride up to the O’Maley school to see the new sculpture installation on the outside wall facing the street. It’s quite lovely and, as you can see from the clip included, a joint project with students and teachers and artist Tim Mears. Funded by Gloucester Education Foundation and the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation. We look forward to any future work done!

Big big news from CATA for the holiday season! FREE rides. Check it out.

Received the following from an FOB who prefers to remain anonymous (but thank you!) regarding Jeanne Sullivan and Louise Welch’s art work. Using CapeAnnMA Facebook post for information.

I enjoy watching the fishermen and their boats any time I get a chance to be on the water. Some I saw while whale watching recently include Tully IV, Generations, Hard Merchandise, Sabrina Marie, Freenmantle Doctor, Marissa & Julie and Net Profit. Stay safe out there!

This magnificent fall color and texture caught my eye in the vicinity of Lanesville recently. So much character and color! I thought you might enjoy it too.

We had a sPECtacular whale watch with Cape Ann Whale Watch earlier this week. As you know, it’s been gorgeous and I decided it was time for our fall whale watch. What a day out there! As we arrived to the feeding grounds, we were greeted with an extended “pec slapping” demonstration as you can see here. This whale remained unidentified but we also saw Boat Hook, Quarternote, Owl, Lichen, Rope, Jigsaw and Decimal. Seeing Quarternote and Decimal made this retired librarian and music teacher very happy. Tina, the naturalist, was as informative as she always is. Capt John did a great job maneuvering the Hurricane II and the crew Lisa, Sierra, John and Sophia were quite helpful. We met some visitors from NY (shout out Rosie and husband) and Texas which made the trip extra enjoyable. There’s about 2 weeks left in the season and I highly recommend getting out there if you can.

For additional photos and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

The Essex Clamfest is back this Saturday Oct 26 and Pat D’s Photos will be there along with many other of your favorite vendors (AND clam chowder!). Hope to see you there.

Seeing some work being done to the exterior of the former Halibut Point on Main St last week made me feel hopeful for its future.

We were driving around and decided to stop at Cove Cafe on Washington St. in Lanesville because we had not been there in a while. I immediately realized we’d made a mistake by neglecting to stop back sooner! So many lovely treats and eats to choose from! Jim got a Cuban and I got a BLT. The photos do not adequately demonstrate how tasty these were. You can choose to sit if you like but we took our sandwiches as take out. I also had the special fall cider Caramel Spice…..mmmmm…..there’s nothing quite as good as hot cider on a fall day. Well worth stopping for the friendly service and delicious treats.

Some interesting sheds and shacks in lovely Annisquam. Added a couple of pretty views as a bonus.

Feeling a little stressed? Have a vote. It will make you feel better. It doesn’t make the ads and posts go away though…….We originally planned to be away on Election Day so requested a mail in ballot. Easiest, most relaxed process ever! And you can Vote Early in person at City Hall started Oct 19 (today). Here’s a link for more info and some information pasted from the City Hall website:

The EARLY VOTING schedule for the November 5, 2024 Election begins October 19, 2024 and ends November 1, 2024.  Early Voting Schedule: 

I’ve long wanted to try to capture an arriving train under this Manchester sign. Before you mention safety concerns, please understand I use my long lens to zoom in and not my feet. As with wildlife, I keep a safe distance relying on my lens and cropping tools to do the trick. I was a very safe distance away while photographing.

My adventure earlier this week was to cash in on a Beverly Flight Center gift certificate (in Danvers) for a scenic coastal flight. Our friend Chris Langathianos won the certificate at a fundraiser and wasn’t going to be able to use it before it expired so he allowed me to take the flight instead. Despite appearances elsewhere, I was not at all nervous even though it was a bit windy that day. My pilot Marcus did a great job on the 45 minute flight around coastal Cape Ann and even brought me to a point where I could see our little house on Hesperus Ave. It was a great experience to see Cape Ann from the air and I would do it again. For additional pictures and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

Sample This has moved to a new location at the corner of Main and Hancock Streets and they are hosting a grand opening this Thursday Oct 17. Check it out1

This looks like fun! Howling at the October full moon seems logical.

We finally got to the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn on Atlantic Road for breakfast recently. It’s always a favorite and your chance to go is growing short. Breakfast is scheduled to end Oct 27 so get yourself there for one super yummy breakfast! One image screenshot from Atlantis Oceanfront Facebook page…..

Save the date for this upcoming fun event.

The Classic Car Show is free, fun and scheduled for tomorrow Sunday Oct 13 from 10-1. Just show up in the parking lot off Ocean Ave behind 525! **palm trees not guaranteed**