Author: Pat D

We attended the annual International Dory Races hosted by Gloucester this morning under a mantle of showers and fog. We could not stay for all of the races but I can report that in the Exhibition Race, the Canadian Senior Women came across the finish line first. For the Juniors, the Gloucester team of Kaden and AJ Lewis finished ahead of the Canadians Parker Spindler and Ryan Hirtle. The Mixed Double race saw Canadians Lisa Tanner and Robert Fox cross the line ahead of Jimmy Tarantino and Sarah LeWine. These results and additional details are included here. (thanks Sara Gray!). Welcome to our Canadian friends! Back to Nova Scotia in August.

Tonight is the first Block Party (sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber) 6-10 pm weather permitting. Tons of shops open, free entertainment and we hope to see you at 44 Main Street.

We had the opportunity to be out on the harbor after sunset recently. The activity and the lights fascinated me. It’s a perspective I don’t often get to enjoy but I always look forward to the chance.

Sharing information shared by whdh.com regarding MA closures of Stop and Shop locations. It seems Gloucester Stop and Shop is safe for now!

We took a swing down to Lane’s Cove and noticed some remnants from the holiday festivities (presumably). It’s always pretty down there and I thought you might enjoy.

Pat D’s Photos will be with Good Morning Gloucester at the Bluefin Blowout next week (July 16-18 and fundraiser July 15) broadcasting the up-to-the-minute updates on the tuna fishing tournament from Cape Ann Marina. We hope you will stop down when you are able. It is so much fun!

I will be offering these refrigerator magnets created especially for the Bluefin Blowout (a goodwill donation will be appreciated and forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Association) for as long as they last. Other magnets from Pat D’s Photos will also be available.

On Wednesday July 17 Pat D’s Photos will be set up at the Bluefin Blowout from 5-8 PM for the Bites By The Sea event (a new event that sounds amazing…get your tickets!). This is the first of a number of events Pat D’s Photos will be attending and I am including the current schedule. Stop by, check out the merch and say hello.

FOB Susan LaRosa submits these photos of the finch family in her door wreath. Four babies recently hatched and the wreath fell to the ground taking the nest with it. Susan carefully returned everything to its previous position and the parents returned to the nest to take care of the young ones. Four hungry hungry finches. Thanks Susan!

This has been out in the harbor for a while now and every time I glance toward it, I find myself thinking about giraffes……..

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!