Author: Pat D

Classis sheds and shacks are on display at Maritime Gloucester as you approach the schooners. Timeless and classic, these sheds on Harbor Loop tell a piece of Gloucester’s story. I cannot resist them and often recommend this spot for visitors to get an authentic Gloucester vibe: the dories, the schooners, the harbor all contribute to that vibe.

A view of Cape Pond Ice from the Harbor at dusk aboard the Thomas E. Lannon. Striking for its character and history.

The British are so polite! I can only imagine how this would play out in Gloucester (MA not UK) Those darn birders……

The egret and the night capped heron seem to say “You fish your way and I’ll fish mine” off the dock at Capt Joe’s.

Joey and I had won Public Sail tickets for the Thomas E. Lannon and decided to invite GMG contributors along for a ride in recognition of their efforts. Unfortunately, Joey could not make it in the end, but fun was had with James and Anna Eves, Birthday Girl Kathryn, Nichole Schrafft AND Hannah (also Happy Birthday) and Craig Kimberley. Thank you Heath for yet another wonderfully peaceful sail despite the threatening skies. Book your own tickets here. Maybe we’ll see you out on the water soon! We missed those who could not come along. Maybe next time.

Submitted by Alice Gardner from the Festival By The Sea in Manchester: “The sea glass trees were Beach Inspired Gifts .” Thanks Alice and nice to see you.

Sharing information from the City of Gloucester Facebook page regarding planned work at Magnolia Pier:

Peek-a-boo Rockport Harbor, I see you on a pretty day!

This North Shore Shed is located in Gloucester and I love the way it sits on the property. It’s also noticeable for its pretty colors. Well tended and a lovely sight.

Pat D’s Photos will be at Festival By The Sea at Reed Park in Manchester today Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. We will be featuring our double sided flags, giclee prints, glass prints, nightlights, suncatchers and more! Reed Park is adjacent to Masconomo Park by the railroad tracks. There are many vendors scheduled to be there. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about the holidays (I hear you groaning!). Stop by and say hello! Mention GMG for a discount!

I had a hankering for the BEST wings on the Cape a few days ago so we went to Fleur Cuisine on the T Wharf in Rockport. We were greeted by smiles from Daphnee and Wanddy welcoming us back. It’s that kind of hospitality that is one of the aspects that makes Fleur Cuisine stand out. Erin was our informative and friendly server and she hit the mark recommending a spicy margarita for me (Margarita Monday). We enjoyed a lovely relaxing meal and look forward to returning. I had the Caribbean Spice Wings; Jim had plantains and coconut shrimp . We also splurged on dessert. The food was fresh and delicious. There was a gentleman picking up a take out order raving about the quality of the wine list. He had apparently been in the wine business and made time to comment on the well curated wine list, so if you’re a wine fan perhaps check it out! Indoor, outdoor and bar seating is available so take your pick. It’s a relaxing and flavorful experience.

Coming and going under the cut bridge on a Sunday afternoon:

Pat D’s Photos will be part of the Cape Ann Makers Market tonight Thursday Aug 3 from 4-8 PM and we hope to see you there. Free water shuttle so that alleviates parking concerns. Lots of fun stuff going on for Culture Splash: check it out here on Discover Gloucester.

We have a nice variety of items to offer as gifts or treats for yourself including notecards, giclee prints, glass prints, suncatchers and outdoor flags. I hope you will stop by. Many other talented makers will be in attendance as well. You won’t want to miss out. It’s going to be a beautiful night!

If you would like to contact me, please comment on the post, private message me on Facebook Pat D’s Photos and Adventures OR email GMGPatD@gmail.com

Since I recently posted about the digital information kiosks downtown, they have been updated with a new outer shell. It’s like they got a new wardrobe. They stand near the parking kiosks like prim older relatives. Actually, they are sleek and very modern. Check out the original post here if you missed it. Here’s the one along Rogers St near the Greater Cape Ann Chamber.

We like to have a regular plan to go out for Sunday dinner, so we chose Oliver’s Harbor on Main St this week. Oliver’s Harbor has a lot going for it: location, outdoor seating, wonderful bar area, friendly staff and delicious food! Several people were sitting on the outside deck, but we like the bar area. Ariadhi was our helpful and efficient server. We looked forward to hearing the specials and we each chose one: Lobster Carbonara and Baked Haddock. Each was excellent and nicely presented. For the sake of this post, I also ordered the Chocolate Mousse….mmmmm….. Thanks Oliver’s Harbor for another lovely dining experience.

You may have noticed some new kiosks around town. They are solar powered digital information access points the City has put up in 4 downtown area locations. They are Soofa smart digital displays which were funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and no City funds are needed. You can check them out at 2 Commercial St (the one shown here); 65 Rogers Street, 22 Harbor Loop and 91 Rogers St. PS They are not touch screens…I know because I touched…..

We celebrated Margarita Monday with the Bluefin Blowout at Mile Marker last week. Though the drink menu was especially designed for the Blowout, it was a good reminder of what a nice location it is at Mile Marker on Essex Ave for a relaxing drink and/or meal. And the view is pretty terrific too. Cheers Mile Marker!

Pat D’s Photos has had a quiet summer up to now, but that’s going to take a sharp turn this week as we have 3 opportunities for you to come out and see what’s new with us! There are TWO Cape Ann Makers Markets this week featuring many of your favorite vendors: Tues Aug 1 Moonrise Market 5-9 PM outside on the lawn at the Emerson Inn in Rockport; Thurs Aug 3 at Ocean Alliance 4-8 PM (Culture Splash Thursday so there’s a lot going on that evening!) and Saturday Aug 5 at Festival By The Sea in Manchester 10 AM – 4 PM (a new one for us). Stop by, see what’s new and ask me about my trip to Alaska!

While I was in Alaska, we went to “Eagle Beach”, so named by our tour guide. This was actually at a place near Homer called Anchor Point. There’s a large beach area and the parking lot was filled with vehicles, but I didn’t notice very many people around on the beach. Turns out it’s a popular area for fishing boats to launch from. Anchor Point Boat Launch provides a tow to the water line until the boats are deep enough to launch. I had never seen an operation like this in effect and thought it might interest some of you fishing enthusiasts. Presumably you get towed back up but I didn’t witness that end of the operation. The beach is littered with fish skeletons, which normally attract the eagles (though not while we were there).

Another wonderful Bluefin Blowout is in the books! Many of you followed along on the livestreams (thank you for your patience with the technical glitches we always seem to have when livestreaming on the road) and with the blog posts. Our own GMG contributor Nichole Schrafft has done an amazing job documenting the event but I thought I might be able to offer a couple of different views than perhaps you have seen.

While we won’t know the final totals raised until the dust settles, it’s not too late to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association through this link provided by the Bluefin Blowout. Every little bit helps. And it starts with you.

Thank you Lyon Waugh Auto Group, Warren Waugh, Cidalia Schwartz and the representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association for making this event amazing once again. So many helping hands including a big thank you to Mile Marker!