Author: Pat D

Viva! These guys are downtown today showing off their crazy Fiesta headwear thanks to the talents of our Crazy Hat Ladies. Amazing detail and creativity on display as Fiesta celebration is fully underway.

We stopped at Little Sister in Rockport on Bearskin Neck for a little lunch recently. I ordered the Talise and Jim got the fish sandwich. They happened to be out of regular fries that day so we chose coleslaw as our side. The fish piece was very generous and “crunchy” as reported by Jim. The double burger was deliciously messy and filling. We chose to eat outside and watch the world go by. We were very happy with our lunch.

They offer online ordering and takeout with several gluten free or vergetarian options. All bases seem to be covered. They call themselves Bigger Than A Burger Shoppe, which rings true! Check them out online at this link, but better yet–check it out in person and bring your appetite.

Stop by at AmVets on Washington St. this weekend to celebrate Fiesta!

This year’s shrine on Commercial St for the Greasy Pole walkers is looking great once again! What a tradition!

Cat says “Viva!”

The new Waterfront Cafe on the boulevard has recently opened in the former ice cream store and we made a quick stop there recently to check it out. The staff greeted us warmly and the inside is really spiffed up. There’s a wide variety of choices including milkshakes, gelato and grab-and-go options. We’ll be stopping back soon to try some of the freshly made items because they look delicious. More information available on their Facebook page. Stop in and give it a try! We look forward to returning.

Sharing a link I found online from Cape Ann Museum and their recent “Above the Fold” exhibition sharing Fiesta memories through the lens of the Gloucester Daily Times photographers. It’s a 2:30 stroll through the past you might enjoy as we await the big weekend.

Last Tuesday, we went on our second Schooner Challenge sail of the summer. These are being held on Tuesdays throughout the summer and include the Ardelle, the Isabella and the Thomas E. Lannon. This time we were joined by friends Susan and Leo. We were lucky enough to be aboard the Isabella with apprentice captain Jack and Amanda. It was a beautiful night but the wind was quite still for much of it. This required some improvisation from all the crews. Our crew chose to try to row us into some wind. And it kind of worked!

There is no Schooner Challenge sail tonight but next Tuesday it will be underway again. You can get tickets through Maritime Gloucester or through the Thomas E. Lannon. We have gone out twice now and it’s been a new adventure each time. We’ll be going again as soon as we can! See you out there.

We celebrated Margarita Monday in Bravo by the Sea on Beach St in Manchester last week. Monday is when the Detroit Style Pizza is available so it was a win win. There is outdoor seating available and we enjoyed our drinks and pizza very much. Can’t lose. **Shout out to my youngest sister Judy for her birthday today!**

There always seems to be that one that requires extra supervision. Supervision by platoon.

As you probably know, I have been following this eagle pair for a while now, but hadn’t seen them together in a while. Turns out they have been busy raising a family nearby. On this recent morning, they were taking a break.

Hummingbirds are regular visitors in our backyard but we rarely see 2 of them together for more than a swift “drive-by”, so this little tango was surprising. Then they hung out in nearby branches. It’s amazing what you see when you take the time to look.

I put on my red whale watching wellies and we took our second whale watch of the season recently because the sightings have been unbelievable. We were not disappointed. Capt John and naturalist Tina of Cape Ann Whale Watch guided a full boat out to Jeffrey’s Ledge where we were treated to a calf having quite the play time. It was a bit choppy but none of the passengers cared about that too much with the show that was going on right in front of us. More thorough reporting of the trip can be found at this Cape Ann Whale Watch Facebook link about the trip. As always, education is paramount which is something I truly appreciate. It was nice to see familiar faces aboard including Thatcher as a crew member! Well done by all.

I wandered amongst the lupines and explored waterfalls recently in New Hampshire and I thought you might like to see some of the beauty. The waterfalls seem exceptionally cooling under this heat wave.

From Cat Cavallini , pictures from last night’s novena. Shawls made by Cat.

I was tipped off by a DPW post that the Battle of 1775 Memorial at Fort Square had been newly installed so I went down to check it out. It looks very sharp and I learned a little bit of Gloucester history (including the playground’s name: Gemellaro Ciaramitaro Playground). I also took note of the touching tributes on the benches nearby. What a lovely little spot!

Sometimes Margarita Monday turns into Tequila Tuesday like it did last week. I met my cousins for dinner at Mile Marker and had my Monday Margarita: cranberry! I usually prefer no rim but this one added a nice touch. Our group was served well by the staff and the food was on point. We look forward to returning no matter the day of the week.

The International Dory Race eliminations were held Saturday from the Harbor Loop on a beautiful morning. A photo dump follows including photos provided by Leo L, our roving correspondent. Competitors included

Linda Geary and Elin Af Klinteburg (Over 50 Women)**

Sienna Mercaldi and Eden MacDonald (Juniors)**

Rachael Cecilio and Ashley Smith** vs Kristen Burnham and Alexis Novello (Womens)

Jerry and Caitlin Ciaramitaro vs Jimmy Tarantino and Sarah Lewine** (Mixed)

Erik Dombrowski and Joe Sanfilippo** vs Mike Harmon and Jay Prince (Over 50 Men)

Sam and Peter Taromina** vs JJ Pallazolla and Vincenso Terranova vs Alex Rodolosi and Jared Morris (Open)

** indicates the winning team in that category. Huge shoutout to Sara Gray for the assist with these details. Also thank you to my roving correspondent Leo for the additional photos and information. Thanks also to Jeff for allowing access to the viewpoint at the turning point.

I’m a little behind in updating the news about the Lobsta Land Osprey chicks. The second egg hatched about a week ago, a bit earlier than expected. Here’s a couple of screenshots of dinner time for them. Annie patiently feeds each chick and (if you squint) you might notice the difference in size between the two. You can follow on the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam line I do, but it’s addicting! Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there who do their very best each and every day for their families (kind of like osprey dad Squam)

My recent trip to photograph birds also included this big fat guy, I believe he’s a bullfrog. He was really loud! I think it’s fascinating to note the ripples expanding outward from his throat when he’s vocalizing as you can see here. Look closely at the photo and you will see the ripples. A good reminder that the noises we make have a natural ripple effect.