Author: Pat D

Sharing information from the City of Gloucester regarding water issues today Sat Feb 4 2023.

We have been fortunate enough to see a barred owl at a nature area a couple of times recently. And, since Scottie is always asking about my bird sightings, I’ll dedicate this one to him! Here you go Scottie. This one’s for you. “Barred from the Nest?” is Scottie’s question!! HAHA PS I am deliberately not disclosing its location at it has become a bit of an issue with interested onlookers disturbing the wildlife.

Shout out to our FOB Cat Cavallina who sent me the following heads-up for all you dog owners out there: Robyn’s Dog Grooming on Main Street in Gloucester is hosting a couple of special events throughout February to raise donations and cancer awareness.

FREE NAIL CLIP CLINIC walk-in at Robyn’s Grooming on 388 Main St. 

First Saturday of every month (Feb.4th) from 9-12. All proceeds benefit ongoing Cancer Sucks in Every Color fundraiser. All donations welcome.

In addition, there’s Old Dog Spa Day:

OLD DOG SPA DAY –

customized grooming for your small dogs 14 years and older. Every Friday for one hour from 7:30-3, one dog per hour solo grooming spots available.  Call the shop to BOOK IN ADVANCE 978.283.4211

I just like this view of Beacon Marine Basin on a sunny winter morning and thought you might also.

The boys are back in town! The Brace Cove seals were on full display on a recent sunny morning. It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many hanging out there. Our friend Donna recently posted her seal photos so I am jumping on that bandwagon since they are too wonderful not to share some more. Further story details and photos are available at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook, so check it out if you are interested.

We noticed this “Coming Soon” sign at 206 Main St for Boba Tea, which appears to currently have a franchise in Lynn. Link for further information here. They serve teas, smoothies, snow ice, yogurt and more. Looking forward to this!

We stopped by Alexandra’s Bread on Main Street for a little pick-me-up a few days ago and were reminded of all the other delightful surprises within. We got a couple of scones from the bakery and browsed the vintage and quirky items throughout the rest of the store. We were too late for bread that day but we just as happy with the scones and the warm atmosphere. Maybe you haven’t been there recently either and could use a little distraction from the dreary weather? I suggest stopping by to remedy that.

One of our regular stops when we take a ride is Lane’s Cove just to see what’s what. High tide on a pretty morning recently:

Ready or not, here comes Valentine’s Day. Pat D’s Photos is offering porcelain night lights featuring local scenes and other favorites just in time for your Valentine. Each is 3″ wide and about 1.5″ deep and comes with a bulb. These night lights and other items can be viewed by following Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook or at PatDsPhotos.com. FREE DELIVERY to Cape Ann area. Contact me through the Facebook page or by commenting here with questions.

Here’s what they look like plugged in:

They can be purchased using PayPal here:

Cardinal Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Fisherman at Pink Dusk Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Back Shore Snowy Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Footbridge at Dusk Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$24.00

Fisherman Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Puffin Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Sunflower Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Motif Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Peeking Owl Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

Sandy Point Snowy Night Light

Porcelain plug in night light 3″ wide includes bulb. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann.

$25.00

A great crowd turned out for today’s welcome and ribbon cutting to Maritime Gloucester’s new Maritime Science Education Center on the Harbor Loop. After 2 years of hard work, setbacks and achievements, the Maritime Science Education Center is now a reality. The Center was hailed by Mayor Greg Verga, Senator Bruce Tarr with proclamations to officially welcome it to Gloucester’s community. There was healthy representation from all over the community. Here’s a video of the Welcome Ceremony held in the Gallery as well as a video of the actual ribbon cutting in the new Maritime Science Education Center.

Photos from Jim Dalpiaz:

The freshly fallen snow sparkling under a bright blue sky at Maritime Gloucester was irresistible.

We went with our friends Susan and Leo to the new Oak to Ember restaurant on Rogers Street. Formerly the Cape Ann Brewing Company, the inside has been completely gutted and renovated to reflect an entirely new vibe. And it succeeds in being a real treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Our server Cheri answered our questions thoroughly and easily. We ordered calamari appetizer along with shrimp cocktail and oysters. Susan and Leo split a flat iron steak entree while Jim had the smoked chicken. I tried the wood grilled lobster, something new and delightful for me! We shared some apple cake for dessert. We lingered over our meal and drinks chatting with our friends. There was a steady flow of customers ranging from families to couples like ourselves. Cheri didn’t rush us out the door, which we appreciated. It was a delightful experience. Welcome to Gloucester, Oak to Ember!

Welcome to Gloucester’s newest immersive marine science experience! The Maritime Science Education Center at Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop will be unveiled to the public this weekend and you’re going to want to put it on your calendar, especially for the children in your lives. Three new zones will be featured at this opening including the Plankton Lab, Exploration Station and the Impact Zone. Each is sparkling and newly renovated and features the work of artist Brian Murphy. Believe me when I tell you it’s stunning in its thoughtful design and visual appeal.

Members Only tours will be offered starting tomorrow (timed tickets required) Thursday Jan 26 and the ribbon cutting is scheduled for Fri Jan 27 at 3:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday will be open to all. Timed tickets are required and are available at this link with further information. Touch tanks, exhibits, aquariums and more! There’s something cool everywhere you look. You do not want to miss this!

The sun came out again and I couldn’t resist these footbridge reflections at Good Harbor Beach.

I am considering some new images for giclee printed notecards (thanks to our friends at Cape Ann Giclee) and would like your input. Which of these do you like for blank notecards from Pat D’s Photos for the upcoming season? Back Shore Snowy, Great Blue Heron couple, Barred Owl, Puffin or Baby Gull? Some of these already appear on different products but I’d like to spice up the notecard selection. When I thought about selecting some photos for potential printing, I did not realize they would all end up being birds! For other photos and to folow our adventures, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

A first snowfall along St. Peter’s Marina recently brightened up the morning a bit.

We took a grey-day drive over to the Gloucester Marine Railways at Rocky Neck for a look-see. It was wet, windy and dreary but the sight of familiar vessels under rest and repair cheered me up.

Inspired by a friend’s photo of a juvenile bald eagle at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, we took a ride over there for a return visit. It’s a Mass Audubon property located on Perkins Row in Topsfield, a short drive from Gloucester. We checked in as members at the office, were given a map and off we went.

We did not find the eagle, but the discoveries we made along the way were nearly as delightful. We took note of beaver activity as well. We saw mostly relatively common song birds, but they are extraordinarily tame and will come to you looking to be fed. I have to admit it felt great to have them land briefly in my empty hand so that was worth the trip right there. We also saw a hawk atop the Wildlife Tracking Network Station. I wondered which does the better wildlife tracking job, the hawk or the machinery? Some additional photos and story details available at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

We have been promising ourselves to stop by Capt Hooks on Washington St. We just happened to be driving by and decided to stop and fulfill our promise to ourselves. We hadn’t been there since the famous GMG tuna challenge and have never had dine-in there. It was later in the afternoon so the inside seating was plentiful, though take out orders were steadily going out the door. I got an Italian sub and Jim got the Italiano. I happened to hear another customer telling the counter help that the Italian sub was his absolute favorite so I felt secure in my choice! It was a very good sandwich and Jim very much enjoyed his as well. I was a little surprised by the wide variety of menu choices. The service was efficient and friendly. The dining area was clean and well kept. A nice little afternoon break. Thanks Capt Hooks!