Author: Pat D

We noticed a little parade of boats heading into the harbor recently. We wondered about this parade and so we followed them over to the Railways. Now that a few days have passed, I understand these Mainers are likely taking advantage of scallop season. Welcome and good luck Monica Tymin, Miss Amity, Outnumbered and Grin-n-Barrett. The extra activity in the harbor has been fun to watch.

Sharing Yella on the Water’s Facebook post announcing that they have reopened for 2023! Hoping to see you there soon.

A single seal was resting on a rock just off Crab Beach on Stacy Boulevard recently. It seemed to be watching the world go by the way most of the rest of us were.

We happened to drive by this cemetery on Sumner St recently and I was surprised to realize it wasn’t one that I had yet visited. I am not sure how that happened but it was a lovely day to cemetery stroll. The Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County, Massachusetts by the Essex Society of Genealogists states that this city owned cemetery has burials as old as the early 1800s up to (nearly) the present. It is currently listed on the city website as “not active”. It’s a small area and very uneven though well maintained (thank you DPW). There’s a stone wall to add to its charm. There are several military markers, mostly I noticed Civil War markers. It does not lend itself to walking through such as with a dog, but it’s still an interesting stroll.

Jeff Weaver is a well known local artist and one of my favorites so it was a real treat to go to the Cape Ann Museum on Pleasant Street to see his special exhibit “This Unique Place”. It’s in an upstairs gallery and will be in place until June 3. If you enjoy iconic Gloucester views, this exhibit is definitely for you. The second Saturday of the month is free admission for Cape Ann residents (that’s this Saturday April 8!) so win-win.

Sharing information from the LobstaLand Facebook page. Opening for the season on Causeway Street Thursday April 13 2023. More info at their website: https://www.lobstalandrestaurant.com/

Sometimes GMG Jim and I get to deliver podcast prizes and meet some great listeners/viewers of the blog and podcast. Such was the case as we delivered Bill Bartlett’s podcast prize of a beautiful mug from Fred Bodin’s collection. Turns out we have “small world” connections based in upstate NY, so that was a big bonus. Listen to the podcast and share it and you are also eligible for a prize (when we have them) when you comment “shared” during the livestream.

Here’s an update on the progress at the former Mobil station on Essex Ave in Gloucester which is being developed into a new location for Reverie73. Reverie73 advertises itself as “more than a cannabis dispensary” so it will be interesting to see how this comes along. Here’s a link for further info on Reverie73. Progress is being made but I don’t have an expected completion timeline.

Sharing traffic advisory information provided by Gloucester Police today Monday April 3 2023:

Registration for the upcoming Shingles and COVID Bivalent Booster vaccine clinic this week is preferred but walk ins will also be accepted. Thanks, Carol, for the update.

We stopped by Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street to check out their new menu and meet friends for a drink. Our friends wanted to try the pizza and we were mostly looking to visit in a comfortable setting. We were greeted by bartender Scott, who commented on Jim and Joey’s recent live post riding a CATA-On-Demand bus. Turns out bartender Scott was also their CATA driver Scott! Small world. Thanks Scott for treating us well at the bar as well as being an outstanding driver. Here’s the link to the post in case you missed it.

Anyhow, our friends shared a pizza which you can see here. I had the bruschetta and Jim tried the duck dumplings. The setting cannot be beat for a quiet conversation with friends or family. Thanks Oliver’s!

Thanks to Awesome Gloucester, there’s a wonderful new mural on the Harbor Loop. The Doryman’s Mural Project is public art project that was recently unveiled at Maritime Glouceser. The mural is by Studio Fresh with permission from The Doris O. Hoyne Revocable Trust. It’s intended to remind us of the critical role dorymen have played. This piece has been recreated by StudioFresh with permission from The Doris O. Hoyne Revocable Trust. Additional information can be found at Maritime Gloucester.

Sharing news from the new Poseidon’s Italian Kitchen Facebook page that they have reopened on the Boulevard! Here’s a link to a menu and other information.

Pat D’s Photos has a new product just perfect for spring spruce up or perhaps Easter baskets: good quality nylon flags 28″ x 40″ ready to hang. Image printed on both sides as you can see in the video. Spring is coming so maybe you’d like to refresh your outdoor look. There are 4 images currently available in limited quantities. More are on the way, but if needed for Easter please place order soon. Plus shipping or free delivery to Cape Ann. Additional images at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook OR online at Pat D’s Photos.

Today’s front page of the Boston Globe features our mild mannered boss Joey C ! If you squint you can find Scottie Mac and Jimmy. Way to represent. Thanks for the heads-up neighbor Brianne!

Even though the day was dark and drear, the Sail GHS program is fully underway for another season. Definite bright spots out in the harbor and a certain sign of spring. More info on the program can be round here.

We ventured out to the Georgetown rookery to check on the Great Blue Herons and it appears they have begun to return to their nests once again! Another sure sign of spring. Though it was chilly and dreary on this visit, I saw about 7 herons in nests seemingly awaiting their partners.

The beautiful Phyllis A is resting and waiting for its next transition at the Rocky Neck Railways. The Phyllis A organization recently announced it was ceasing its efforts at restoration after 17 valiant years. Story here. In the meantime, we can still admire her.

We have been fortunate to come across this pair of eagles in the West Gloucester/Magnolia area. I feel pretty certain it is the same pair. The adult is sporting two bands so that’s a big clue. But I am feeling a little anxious about the other adult presumably part of this family since we haven’t seen a second adult yet. Anyhow, (thanks to a heads up from our landlord) we finally caught a pair hanging out on a dreary day recently. One was screeching quite loudly as we approached which is an amazing sound. As you will see, the adult took off with a branch as if for a nest.

The other photos are taken in West Gloucester a day or so later near the river. The adult seemed to be trying to teach the juvenile to hunt. It went out to the river, got a fish and brought it to shore. When the juvenile joined up, the adult wasn’t willing to share and landed in a tree very nearby where I was observing. You can see the prey in the eagle’s talons in this cropped image. Welcome back, my friends. Stay a while please. Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook has further details and images. Check it out and maybe give it a follow if you like what you see.

We came upon this beautiful coyote recently at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. To our surprise, as we watched, it came closer and closer to those of us along the roadway. It carefully calculated risk and distance then eventually took the leap in order to cross the roadway. I guess it wanted to go to the beach: which is why this coyote crossed the road! It really is a gorgeous example of coyote. For additional story details and more images, please check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. There’s an extra surprise there!