New Life For An Old Girl!

The 121' Adventure is well on her way to becoming shipshape. The masts have been stepped and a new engine installed. Built in Essex in 1926 the Adventure is the last of the dory schooners. After her fishing career ended her engine was removed and in 1954 joined the windjammer trade in Maine. After 58 years being driven only by the wind and pushed and towed around by other vessels, a new engine has been installed as the rush continues to allow her to join this weekends Gloucester Schooner Festival. Adjusting the docklines. Bow on. Working the windlass. Going up! Hanging around! Shouting up instructions. 80' above the deck! Going down. Heading for a touchdown! Wharf rat....Why? An artist works in perfect weather. "Stacked" helmets! The helm.

2012 Fishermen's Memorial Service

Over 10,000 fishermen from Gloucester never returned. Every year the city pays tribute to those who gave their lives to make a living and feed the world. With perfect weather this years service was a moving tribute to not only those who never returned but to their families as well. The procession departs from the Legion hall. To the harbor. Marching the boulevard. Drum line. Arriving at the Fishermen's Memorial. Placing the oars. A T-shirt of tribute. Singing "God Bless America" as Master of Ceremonies Barry Pett looks on. Fr Matthew Green of Holy Parish. Mayor Kirk The son of a lost fisherman, Joe Parisi speaks from the heart. Flowers for the fishermen. Laying the wreaths at the base of the statue. Fishermen's Memorial White rose to the sea. Tossing flowers for the outgoing tide. Flowers for the lost. A bouquet to the sea. Little one tosses a flower. Oars with the name of lost fishing boats. After the service. A lone carnation drifts away.

An August Sunset !

On a whim I headed down the street to catch the late sunset. I had to take the dog out, part of the process of training a puppy to do business outside when I saw the purple,pink and orange sky. I grabbed my camera and set up to shoot just in time. The sun itself had gone below the horizon but the clouds is what made the show. From minute to minute the colors continued to change, when I thought I took the last shot I turned and shot again. Low tide, abandoned pilings make for an interesting setting. The only file photo here is one I took years ago and it's the same three seagulls that are on my logo. Rocky Neck August sunset A sunset flight. City Hall and St. Anns to the right. The "UU Church" to the left. Rippled sky reflects on the ripples below. Panning back. Orange waves above City Hall! Lone telephone pole. Orange ripples. Smith Cove

A New Beginning!

It didn't take long before my wife and her niece twisted my arm and hood winked me into getting a new family member. After going through the heart wrenching loss of loosing our beagle Molly it was tough looking at the dog run in the yard and her empty bowls in the kitchen. It was even more difficult missing our daily walks through the neighborhood. We know she will never be replaced but there's so much joy taking care of a pet that takes care of your soul. Now our attention is on Allie a six month old Boston Terrier. She loves her new surroundings but has a few lessons to learn about GOING OUTSIDE! Slowly I'm getting back up to speed, I still need to fix some computer issues but I have a new partner to take on future photo excursions once I train her good dog leash etiquette....like not pulling on the leash before I shoot! She already has taken over my couch! I asked her to smile.....Really! Built in Gloucester! "Ardelle" passes by. Cripple Cove at dusk. Rocky Neck Marine Railways "Highlander Sea" bow. "Caterina G. bow. Sleek lines of a schooner. Dory Getting dark on the waterfront.