Author: Pat D

I had the pleasure to be aboard the schooner Isabella with Capt Amanda at the wheel as the Ernestina-Morrissey arrived in Gloucester harbor earlier this week for Schooner Fest. The Ardelle was part of the greeting as well. The sail was a fund raiser for David Short, master shipwright who dedicated many hours of sweat and labor to the Ernestina-Morrissey. Sadly, Mr. Short died that very day but the sail went on. What a sail it was as the rainy morning morphed into a gorgeous afternoon befitting for the family and their memories. For further information about the Ernestina-Morrissey and David Short click here.

Sharing information from the Gloucester Harbormaster Facebook page today (Thursday) regarding Labor Day weekend and the Magnolia Pier:

It’s always cool to take a little walk around the yard at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum on Main St in Essex. Some things change and some stay the same but it’s all eye candy to me.

The annual Fish Box Derby event is coming up soon (Sunday Sept 17 10:30 AM check in for cars and drivers). This is a super fun event held on Rogers St. near Gortons and if you’ve never been, it’s a great time. So much effort by drivers, families and sponsors to make the derby cars ready to race and it is appreciated! The inspections were recently held at Extreme Auto on Kondelin Road and these photos were taken by GMG Jim there. Thanks Sean!

I happened across the newest (and final) mosaic being installed alongside the others on the Americold building on Rogers St. yesterday. Lesley Davison was also watching and let me know there will be a small event held Thurs Aug 31 from 4-6 to celebrate the mosaics held by Mosaic Gloucester. Hoping to see you there! These mosaics are just beautiful and well worth a stop-by.

With the Maritime Gloucester Schooner Fest just days away (Aug 31-Sept 4 2023), it seems appropriate to share this schooner model I noticed at the Essex Shipbuilding yard on Main St in Essex a few days ago. She’s a beauty! Hoping to see you along the Harbor Loop and out on the harbor for the Schooner Fest!

We chose Fox Creek Tavern on High Street in Ispwich for our Margarita Monday adventure last week. They are always in our restaurant rotation and fit the bill for a quiet afternoon drink and snack. Monday happens to be Pasta Day which we did not take advantage of this time, but have noted it for the future. Emily took very good care of us. I ordered a strawberry margarita and Jim got the pretzel app. Margarita Monday adventures may come to an end as summer closes out, but Fox Creek Tavern will stand throughout the year as a favorite.

An impressive collection of sheds and shacks reside on the Essex Shipbuilding Museum grounds on Main St in Essex. It’s always worth a walk-around down there and this time I was rewarded with these lovely sheds complete with informative signage. There’s a lot going on down there and I encourage you to check it out and consider membership. This link provides additional information.

Sharing news about new pop up lunch options on Mondays and Tuesdays at Mile Marker on Essex Ave. I look forward to giving this a try!

Came across these familiar sights at the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck during a recent stroll:

National Cinema Day is this Sunday Aug 27. Many theaters nationwide are only charging $4 for tickets that day to celebrate BUT our very own Gloucester Cinema on Essex Ave has decided to stick with last year’s price of only $3! What a deal! Thank you! Go to this link to check out the movies and the times available. Www.gloucestercinema.com

Sharing an update regarding the Stage Fort Park cannons from the Gloucester Marine Railways Facebook page. Several people have asked about the status of the cannons so here you go! Thanks Dave for the restoration work!

GMG Jim and I plan to be on the Lady Sea tonight to support the GHS students planning to go to Spain next spring. Aug 24 is my grandfather’s birthday and he always called it “Be Kind to Francis Day” (as his name was Francis though no one called him that). In the time since he passed, I have tried to honor his memory by spoiling loved ones on that day. Since someone I love plans to go on the GHS trip to Spain, we are supporting the trip by taking this sail. Perhaps you will be able to join us or perhaps you can do something special for someone you love today too.

The Madfish Wharf on Rocky Neck is a fun little stroll. It was too early for shops to be open while I was there but there’s still quite a lot to look at. Kudos to those doing the promo work.

While we were at the Yankee Clipper Inn having a drink on Sunday, we watched this beauty make its way into the Rockport Harbor and anchor. I found Columbia listed on the Marine Traffic app and have been told its on a charter. We drove around the harbor to catch this gorgeous schooner from a couple of different angles. We hope to see her for a bit in Gloucester Harbor soon for the Schooner Festival.

Did you know the Yankee Clipper Inn has bar service on the summer weekends? We stopped by yesterday to check it out. It’s a very lovely setting with grounds to explore outside and intriguing history inside. Paolo graciously served our drinks and delivered our shrimp ceviche to our outdoor patio seating. Paolo recommended the ceviche and did not lead us wrong. I had the frozen strawberry daquiri which was delightfully full of strawberry flavor! The bar is open Fri-Sat-Sun and you can get more info on their Facebook page link here. BUT these are currently only summer hours and is scheduled to end in just a few weeks, so you should get yourself there ASAP. Very relaxing and a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Some of us have been awaiting this announcement from Vita Bella, formerly Windward Grille. Sharing information from their Facebook page:

We were delighted to find the schooner Bowdoin in our harbor yesterday. The Official Vessel of the State of Maine was apparently on one of its summer missions as the flagship of Maine Maritime Academy’s Vessel Operations and Technology program. Regardless of the reason, it was a delightful sight! For more information on schooner Bowdoin, click here.

Come on down to Lexington Ave for some Block Party fun! Stop by Pat D’s Photos and say hello. Photo credit Bill Bartlett! Nice to see you guys!

The annual Fish Box Derby is coming up soon (Sun Sept 17) and here’s an update from their Facebook page. This event is held along Rogers St near Gortons every year and is super fun but the pre-race inspections are coming right up Sunday Aug 27.