Author: Pat D

We are entertaining family this week and needed to find some appropriate activities for children on a rainy day. What better place to go than Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop? Of course, we were far from the only families with the same idea, but the staff accommodated everyone with grace and efficiency. AND the children had a great time! If you haven’t been there lately, it’s past time to check it out maybe before school starts up again.

Cape Ann Light Station Thacher Island is a National Historic Landmark and I highly recommend a visit. Tickets for launch reservations are available on their website (click here for info) and it’s a very pleasant way to spend a few hours on a nice day. Jim had never been out there and it had been a while for me, so off we went a few days ago. It’s run entirely by volunteers who couldn’t have been more pleasant, even after we delayed departure due to our lack of attention to details like the launch location (now Rockport Granite Pier). I recommend wearing boots or sturdy footwear as the paths are a little uneven, but mostly due to bird poop. Jim climbed the 156 steps to the top of North Tower and wanted a photo as proof, so here you go.

From across town, I noticed that both the Ardelle and the Isabella had their sails up while docked behind Maritime Gloucester on Harbor Loop, so I went directly to capture the moments. I didn’t need a real excuse to go down there, it’s one of my favorites. The area was being prepared for the Annisquam Village Player production of “Gloucester Story” for the celebration of Gloucester 400+. Anyhow, it made me smile and perhaps you will do the same.

The elimination races for the upcoming International Dory Race in Lunenberg Nova Scotia were held Saturday under nearly perfect conditions to determine which teams would represent the United States in the August 26 race. Congratulations to all who participated and especially those who will represent our area in Lunenberg. These include Open class racers Sam and Peter Taormina; Women racers Ashley Smith and Alexis Novello; Over 50 Men Erik Dombroski and Joe Sanfilippo; Mixed team Jerry Ciaramitaro and Caityln Ciaramitaro; Junior Men Cole Edmunds and Nick N. Also participating at an exhibition level (in hopes of adding two new categories) will be Junior Women Sienna Mercaldi and Eden MacDonald along with Over 50 Women Linda Geary and Elin Af Klinteberg. Special thanks once again to Sara Gray (who seems to be everywhere there is an event) and Billy who guided us in learning a bit about this whole operation. There are a host of other helpers and volunteers including Billy of the Dockmaster’s Office who was helpful and friendly. On to Lunenberg! Best wishes to all the teams!

More than my usual number of photos follows and many of them were taken by GMG Jim who did a great job with the assist.

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…..