Author: Pat D

I’ve been wanting to get to one of Castle Manor Inn’s (on Essex Ave) pop up dinners and early July presented itself as my opportunity. It was a WONDERFUL experience both in atmosphere and in menu quality. The staff are friendly and helpful; it was nice to see them pitching in and helping each other at different tables. They stopped by to check on our needs and just to chat a bit, which we enjoyed.

I had the Haddock Oscar and Jim ordered the pasta and meatballs. We were both very happy with our choices and, for each of us, there were additional options we would have happily gone with too. Additionally, Jim got a garden salad which could have been a meal unto itself. The bread basket contained a warmed variety of yummy breads. We were seated outside under the large tent and were very comfortable, though there are heaters awaiting the need to be fired up. Thank you Chef Dan and staff for a lovely evening! We will be back.

Some of our hardworking fishing vessels returning to the harbor on a recent afternoon. They include Amanda & Andy III, Jen & Christi, Dunlin, Meredith Jean, Nicole Jean and My Grace. Thanks to Susan and Leo for the prime viewing spot!

My visit to Alaska has been an amazing experience so far. We have spent about half our time in Homer Alaska on the Spit; a long narrow spit of land jutting out into Kachemak Bay. It’s a fishing town which advertises itself as the Halibut Capital Of The World. There are as many similarities as there are differences between Homer and Gloucester. Here are a few images and a filleting video you might enjoy.

We arrived early to the Blue Collar Lobster on Rogers St. to prepare for the Ladies Putting Championships and caught a few rare quiet moments on that dock. It was a cool, foggy morning that would soon turn sunny and humid. We had a great event thanks to the management and staff there: kudos! AND we had yummy drinks and lunch afterward. Win Win.

We decided to celebrate Margarita Monday by stopping at The Farm Bar and Grill on Western Ave in Essex. They offered the perfect choice: Farmarita! Many establishments are closed on Mondays so it can get tricky to find a new place for our Margarita Mondays, but this was an excellent decision. I had a burger and Jim ordered the steak and cheese egg rolls. It was a relaxing respite with friendly staff and customers. We’ll be back sooner than later!

The concert scheduled for tonight July 16 2023 at Stage Fort Park is postponed to Wednesday July 19 2023 as reported by the band 4EverFab on Facebook:

The sun setting over the marina being chased by the fog created some interesting light.

Although I cannot seem to stop taking the photos of egrets, I am often disappointed in the results. But we came upon this beauty near Goose Cove under “partly cloudy” skies so I think these do better justice to this gorgeous bird.

Once again, we decided to have a weekday dinner at the Azorean on Washington St. where we ALWAYS feel welcomed and enjoy a wonderful meal. Andrea was our server with a friendly smile and kind words. Jim had one of the specials, Fish Cataplana and I had one of my favorites Lemon Chicken. Look at that garlic! And I especially enjoy that you can taste the lemon in that entree. I have recently begun to appreciate the spicy margaritas and this one was called Hot Blooded. Chocolate Mousse and Carrot Cake for dessert adds up to another great meal in a comfortable atmosphere! Win-Win.

The closure of the Sumner Tunnel from July 5 2023 – Aug 31 2023 doesn’t affect us personally in our normal routines, but I did notice in the media coverage that there is now a ferry option when traveling to the North Shore. I was intrigued and thought you might be as well. All I need to know is available online at the MBTA Beginner’s Guide to the Ferry so I would strongly urge you to consult it to answer your questions.

The Ferry goes from Boston Long Wharf to Lynn Blossom Street Pier and a weekday schedule is shown here (from the guide). There is parking near the Blossom St. Pier to answer a question in advance. The trip takes about 40 minutes and I find it so intriguing we might just give it a try. Anyhow, something to keep in mind as you consider travel into or from Boston over the summer.

What the online Ferry Guide looks like:

We recently took a trip with Cape Ann Whale Watch and spent another great day out on the water. We did not have to go far, but the whales seemed to be deep feeding so time spent in camera range was very limited. It was delightful to see mom Pinball and calf together. If the naturalist Jessica was right, we got to watch a little bit of the calf being fed by mom Pinball. We also spotted a number of minke whales. Capt Johnny Karvelas stopped along the way back to show us a number of seals off the rocks. When we go toward Jeffrey’s Ledge (north) we also get the chance to view the twin lighthouses coming together in line and then apart again as you see here. So even if there isn’t an abundance of intriguing whale behaviors, it’s always a good trip. The other crew names I caught were Angie, Jesse, Dave, Ashley, Brynn and Zoe. I am sure I missed someone but all were, as usual, terrific. Highly recommended activity!

The Gloucester Rotary held its weekly meeting today picnicking at Stage Fort Park prior to breaking ground for their signature project at the playground. From the Rotary website:

The Gloucester Rotary’s signature project is supporting the Stage Fort Park Playground and Bandstand.  Since 2007, the group has gifted several major pieces of playground equipment to the City of Gloucester.  In addition, the group has raised funds to support major repairs and maintenance on the bandstand, including partnering with Precision Roofing Services of New England to replace the bandstand roof in 2021. 

A great turnout hosted by emcee Senator Bruce Tarr, who had several shovelfuls of “dirt” upended!

The early evening light was so very pretty a couple of days ago and I couldn’t stop taking photos. As I was admiring the schooners out in the water, a couple of people stopped to ask me about a bird they spotted in the tide pool. Was I a birder? No, but I like to take pictures and identify what is in them……was my response. Anyhow, my camera aimed toward this beauty. I believe it’s a night heron and it just added to the magic of the golden hour at dusk. Thank you to the strangers who pointed it out for me.

What a weekend!!! We loved every minute of the Rendezvous and the International Dory Races! One more epic weekend in the books for Gloucester! Woot Woot. We went on the Pride of Baltimore II for the Sunday morning Schooner Gam in the fog (what? fog this weekend interfering with an activity????) and it was simply fantastic. Thank you visiting schooners, Maritime Gloucester, International Dory Race Committee, Gloucester 400+ and the City of Gloucester for yet another amazing event. Hail to Michael DeKoster; we could hear his laugh clearly across the harbor even if we couldn’t see him very well.

From Cat Cavallini: “Locals Sarah and Tuffy staying cool at Pavilion Beach“

Here are a few photos from a walk I took along the temporary docks installed at I4C2 on Rogers St to view the schooners Columbia and Pride of Baltimore. Other schooners come and go but deck tours continue today Sunday July 9 from 2-4 PM at the Maritime Dock as well as the I4C2 dock. You really should take advantage of this unique opportunity (and it’s free!). The Maritime Gloucester Museum and exhibits are also free admission but you need a timed entry ticket ( link here ).

Hot off the presses…..update on fireworks:

The American side of the traditional International Dory Races were held today off the dock at Maritime Gloucester on Harbor Loop. There were spectators lining the dock areas and also at the Coast Guard Station to watch (thank you Coast Guard for allowing the spectators to watch from that vantage point!) Five races were held and the US was represented by AJ and Kadin Lewis for the Juniors (happy 18th birthday AJ!); Womens Ashley Smith and Rachel Cecilio; Masters Joe Sanfilippo and Erik Dembrowski; Seniors Sam Taormina and Peter Taormina, Women 50+ (I am sorry I did not get full names or correct spellings, so input appreciated and corrections can be made) Elin Af Klinteberg and Linda Geary. The US took home the title for the Juniors and the Masters. The Canadians won the Womens and Senior races. The Women 50+ was exhibition only and the Canadian team prevailed. I did not get any of the Canadian team members names so I apologize but I hope the pictures tell the story for you.

In August, the rowers go to Lunenberg Nova Scotia to have another set of races there. A few more than my normal number of pictures, but it was 5 races!

The International Dory Races will be held today Saturday July 6 at the Harbor Loop Maritime Gloucester dock starting at 10 AM! See you there!

Here are a couple of video clips from our recent Sunset Greet the Fleet Sail aboard the Schooner Ardelle. Just breathe and enjoy. But also, get to Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop so you don’t miss any of the fun! The International Dory Races are scheduled for 10 AM to start the day Saturday July 8 2023. See you then!