Tag: Sharon Lowe

My Incredible Adventure-Beautiful Industry

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1833 [640x480]DSC_1803 [640x480]DSC_1797 [640x480]DSC_1804 [640x480]DSC_1590 [640x480]

My Incredible Adventure-The Working Coil and the Ballentine

Posted on by Sharon

From the beginning of the trip to the end, we were pulling, coiling, wrapping, knotting,  and tripping over ROPE (called line in sailing terminology). The crew taught us how to coil the line so it was out of the way but readily accessible.

Here’s Rick learning the Ballentine CoilDSC_1870 [640x480]

Click on Rick’s photo for video

And here’s  another video explaining the whole process.

My Incredible Adventure – My iPhone

Posted on by Sharon

There were 11 people sleeping in their bunks. Everyone was exhausted from the day’s activities. And then….

iphone Click on the phone!


My Incredible Adventure-Dishwashing!

Posted on by Sharon

dishes

We had to constantly adjust our “on land” thinking. The crew kept after us to not leave our things around, pick up anything that was dropped, wipe up spills right away, and generally be aware of what needed to be done. We also had to gain our sea legs on the rock-rolly trip to the South Shore. Only one of us felt queasy and needed a little help with crackers to feel better.

Mina, the cook, made us a great taco lunch. We ate hungrily, and then it was time for dishes to be washed. Now here’s where we take “land life” for granted. Dishes! We either wash them in a sink with running water or put them into the dishwasher. This was not the way they’re done on board. After you finish eating, you carry your plate, etc. up onto the deck where you first dump whatever’s left on your plate into a bucket. Then you clean off the plate in the first pan of water. You proceed through the line until the end where you dry your dishes, bring them below, and put them away. This includes all cooking pans as well. The system works well and everyone pitches in. Builds teamwork and cooperation!

My Incredible Adventure- The “Head”

Posted on by Sharon

toiletSure does take some planning ahead!! This is why I said it involves balance, dexterity, and strength! And the ability to speed read!

Instructions:

1. Make sure lid is down to create a vacuum.

2. Put thumb over hole on top of hole where it says “plug me”.

3. With other hand, pump handle 10 full strokes.

4. Do your business

5. Put thumb over hole on top of hole where it says “plug me”.

6. With other hand, pump handle 20 full strokes.

7.Take thumb off the hole.

8. With other hand, pump handle 10 full strokes.

Make sure nothing goes into the toilet that didn’t pass through your body.

Yikes!

My Incredible Adventure-Hauling out the Anchor!

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1795 [640x480]

Each time the handle is lowered, the anchor is lifted ONE chain link! This is the most labor-intensive chore I witnessed. I thought about helping out with this, but I’d be dangling on the upstroke!

Click the photo above to see the video!

My Incredible Adventure-Time to raise the sails!

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1617 [640x480]

It was time to hoist the sails and everyone onboard was needed to raise the heavy canvas sails. The crew taught us how to work as a group in this incredible task. Hand over hand, we used every muscle – arms, legs, back.

Some of the terms we learned:

halyard-line used for hoisting sails.

hoist-the length of the luff of a fore-and-aft sail

luff-to get so close to the wind that the sail flaps; also the forward edge of a sail

mainsail-boomed sail projecting aft from the mainmast

mainsheet- line that controls the main boom.

make fast-secure a line.

ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!– Whenever commands weren’t followed! Mostly heard from JP when he was in charge.

My Incredible Adventure aboard the Spirit of Massachusetts

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1521 [640x480]

Captain Amanda speaks to Dave as he comes onboard
Captain Amanda speaks to Dave as he comes onboard
On Wednesday morning 11 passengers met

at the dock behind the Heritage Center. The day was wet and cold, but our anticipation overshadowed the weather. We were sailing on the Spirit of Massachusetts overnight to see the Tall Ships in Boston!

Our group consisted of kids, grandmothers, dads, friends, veteran sailors, “newbies” and world travelers. Most of didn’t know each other—yet! And the crew of 9, including our captain Amanda, was a mix of young women and men-college students and seasoned sailors, each possessing a love of the sea.

We all knew that we would not be sailing on a luxury cruise, but I’m not sure we understood that we would be active participants in the strenuous life onboard a schooner.

Even using the “head”(bathroom) was a test of balance, strength and dexterity! (More about this later!)

This is one of the bunks. Very little headroom-even for me!
This is one of the bunks. Very little headroom-even for me!
We were shown our bunks where we would be stowing our gear. I chose a low one where I stuffed everything except the camera.

As we left Gloucester, we motored out past the familiar landmarks. We chatted with our fellow passengers and the crew. But with less than a moment’s notice, a crew member would be off to perform his or her duties.  It wouldn’t be long before we “passengers” would be doing the same thing!

Watch for more on this incredible adventure!

Spirit Of Massachusetts- Ocean Classroom

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Here’s the ship that Sharon is having her adventure on- The Spirit of Massachusetts.

Spirit Of Massachusetts, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Captain Amanda will need to keep a close eye on Sharon
Captain Amanda will need to keep a close eye on Sharon
Captain Amanda
Captain Amanda

Sharon has been updating us periodically on her adventure.

Sharon Update: Out at sea

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Weds. Night 8pm

We’re anchored off Peddick’s Island in Boston Harbor. Today was wild! Lots of wind! We were flying! We passed the Bounty and the American Eagle.

We’re all pretty tired as we worked hard! 7:30 breakfast! 8:00 we head in
to see the Tall Ships!

Thur 6:00AM

It’s 6am and we can see the Boston skyline through the clouds, The cook is  making breakfast. A few of us are up and about, Pretty hard to sleep with 13 other people’  So quiet up here on the deck, Bye for now!

sharonspirit

Ocean Classroom- The Spirit Of Massachusetts Video

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sharon is off on her year 60 adventure.  Here is the scene when she left this morning-

click picture to view video
click picture to view video

GMG Local Music Schedule July 6- July 12

Posted on by Sharon

Remember you can subscribe to GMG Local Music by clicking on the link on the sidebar.There’s lots of good music in Gloucester this week. This post will be updated as info comes in.


Elliott’s

Latitude 43

Dog Bar

Rhumb Line

Capt. Carlo’s

Harbor Loop

____________________________________________________________________________

From Frank Hawks

For those of you who may not know, I am involved with another project, The Megan McKenzie Band and we will be performing our second show at the Gull in Gloucester on Friday, July 10th.  The Gull is located at 75 Essex Ave (Rt 133).  Megan McKenzie Band features a dynamic female vocalist and we perform everything from old Motown tunes, to classic rock by Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepellin, Heart, Linda Ronstadt, Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as current material by Amy Winehouse, Sheryl Crow, Foo Fighters and much, much more.

Megan McKenzie Band

The Gull in Gloucester on Friday, July 10th.

The Gull is located at 75 Essex Ave (Rt 133).

http://www.myspace.com/meganmckenzieband

__________________________________________________________________

From Jimmy T

Tonight at the “Red Barrel”! in Essex

Live music from Garrick Caretaker!
Music Trivia!
Games! Fun!!
The Best Fried Clams in the World!!!
Newcastle Brown Ale!!!
And much, much more!!!

___________________________________________________________________________

Phat maxx Sat 7-11

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Summer’s mom

Benefit for Agnes McLaughlin

On Saturday July 11th there will be a special benefit to offset the cost of surgery for Agnes Mclaughlin, mother of Summer McLaughlin, a friend and fan of many North Shore musicians.
Many of them are getting together to help raise funds to ease the burden of medical expenses to be incurred.
Through the generosity of The Rhumbline, the upstairs club will host a special gathering of her musical friends, being coordinated by Cape Ann Concerts. www.capeannconcerts.com

They will perform songs they are known for both as soloists and in collaborations with other friends and band members.
Scheduled to appear so far are:
Inge Berge,
ChelseaBerry,
Erinn Brown
Brian Haley
Paula Karahalis
Lisa Landy
Pete Lindberg
Tucker Lindquist
Steve Peabody
Bradley Royds
Ric St.Germain
& some friends to be announced
The proceeds from this special evening will be donated to Summer and her mother. The musicians will play between 8-11 pm and join Bradley Royds

Contributions/Donations for the upstairs show will be $ 10.00. If can not attend and you would like to make a donation please send check or money order to Agnes McLaughlin c/o dustbunnyrecords p.o. box 846 Salem Ma.There will be raffles going on as well.

We have gift certificates, from the friendly people of the Dog Bar, Subway, Mystery Train, Cape Ann Car Wash(supreme wash coupons), The House of the Raven, The Lone Gull Coffee House, Seasons on Main (Gloucester, Ma. hat) last but not least, Jalapenos and maybe more.

Off on a Great Adventure!

Posted on by Sharon

emailschooner4 copy [640x480]

This morning I’m taking off on the Spirit of Massachusetts for an overnight trip into Boston to view the Tall Ships. I’m as excited as a little kid. This has been a dream I’ve had forever- to sail on a schooner and be part of the daily activities that happen on board.

I will try to post from the boat or at least have Joey post for me. Of course I’ll be shooting like crazy and I might be able to upload the photos to Joey!

It will be my 60th year adventure! See you when we get back tomorrow!

Where Zat Answer-

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1372 [640x480]

Whoa! Everyone got it right! Paul, humble as he is :),identified it first. Are you accepting the prize, Paul??

Here’s what people said-

capeannpainter:”Rockport Harbor either that or Lanes Cove. ;]”

Robert Blazewicz: “Location: Rockport, boat launch off of Mt Pleasent St, between T Wharf and Bearskin Neck looking toward Bearskin Neck and one of my grandparent’s Rockport residences, the squat one.” (Hey, this must be Jessica’s dad!)

capeannpainter: “I know where it is but I Ain’t saying.
It’s not Lane’s Cove. And it’s not in Gloucester.
Sharon will yell at me for winning another prize.”

Jade: “Is this in the little cove off of Bearskin Neck?”

Kelly Howard:”Hi! I know the location of “Where’s Zat” #30.
It is Rockport Harbor, along Bearskin Neck.”

Hedgie:”Dock Square Boat Ramp in Rockport looking toward Bearskin Neck.
Recognized Sharon watching the parade near Dock Square as we were marching by. Thanks for supporting Rockport!”

Dana:”That looks like a view from Rockport boat ramp at Dock Square looking toward Bearskin Neck”

Well that was fun! See you next week! —Sharon

Where Zat? #30

Posted on by Sharon

DSC_1371 [640x480]

This week’s contest has a PRIZE! Kitt Cox has donated a great CD of his music! So the first person who identifies this location wins! Have fun and thanks for playing!

Pitcon Castle Arrives!

Posted on by Sharon

Pitcon Castle sprayThis was taken about 10 this morning from the State Fish Pier. What a gorgeous sight!

More photos tomorrow. —-Sharon