Explosive Fury of Nature!

A late October Nor'easter slammed the coast with rain,snow and high winds. Luckily no snow accumulated on Cape Ann as the seas were still in a frenzy after the storm had passed. Please keep in mind I'm shooting with a 300mm zoom lens. Most of the images appear closer than they actually were. And always respect the power of the ocean, when you think you are at a safe distance....many times you are not!

The day before the storm.

Eastern Point Light.

The Dog Bar Breakwater at high tide.

Good Harbor Beach

Footbridge surrounded by water as the surf pounds.

Wave watching at Bass Rocks.

Brace Cove

Brace Rock

Yup....it's rough out!

Brace Rock gets pounded.

The following images clearly show the explosive power of the ocean.

On the Brink of Disaster!

The numbers only tell a part of the story. The fishing industry is in trouble here in the northeast. The nations oldest port and it's fishing industry is being gutted by those in Washington who we have trusted. Since the early 1600's Gloucester fishermen have put their lives on the line to feed this country and their families. They have sacrificed to correct past over fishing to assure a healthy sustaining stock only to be squeezed by regulation and unfair law enforcement practices. NOAA released their 2010 Final Report on the Performance of the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish)Fishery
But the report doesn't tell the whole story. Along with a shrinking fleet and lower landings the rising cost of fish is passed on to the consumers. More fish are being imported from countries like China who don't have strict seafood standards. Meanwhile fishing vessels have cut back on the number of crew creating a safety issue. The report doesn't give the total economic cost to the industry's infrastructure. Processing plants have cut back, Cape Pond Ice which supplies ice to the fleet is feeling the impact as does shore repair facilities to name a few. And when Senator Scott Brown came to Gloucester to demand President Obama dismiss NOAA head Jane Lubchenco, he also recognized the fishermen's need for a fair and strong administration that can tell the difference between what's sustainable and what's destructive.





A common sight on the waterfront.

"Angela & Rose" (left) And "Janaya & Joseph"

Captain Joe Orlando secures the "Padre Pio".

Captain Paul Vitale aboard "Angela & Rose".

Fish on the deck.

Cod heading up.

Dumping flounder.

Icing up.

The Love of the Game!

Cape Ann Pee Wee football is in full swing so I figured it was time to check on a few of my ex players I coached while I was an assistant football coach at Manchester/Essex Regional High School. They are now coaching their sons for the Junior Hornets and was at Burnhams Field Sunday taking on the Raiders. I stayed around while the "B" teams squared off. Both teams were well coached and though the Hornets came away with a victory the Raiders showed the gathering good technique and good hard teamwork.

Getting too cold for Joe Pallazola!

Coach Tom Pallazola somewhere in the huddle giving a pre-game pep talk as Coach Jason Levendusky looks on.

Breaking loose!

Chain gang member Chris MacDonald grabs a snooze during a break in the action!

Going nowhere!

Great pass blocking!

Heavy Pressure.

Great grab!

Cheerleaders cheer during half time.

The Raiders kick off.

In the grasp!

Great effort as diving tackle is too short!

Open field tackle attempt!

Punt away!

Ready for the snap.

Sideline action.

Stiff arm!

The chase is on!

Lending a helping hand.