From Fog to Blue Sky to a Cruise Ship!

That Italian cruise ship disaster had me thinking of the sight of these massive ships here in Gloucester. It's got me wondering why a local pilot wasn't aboard being so close to the shore. The "Costa Concordia" is a similar ship in size as the "MS Eurodam" which visits Gloucester and lets hope this recent sinking in Italy makes the cruise ship industry world wide a safer one.


Eastern Point Light wrapped in fog.

Breakwater

"Osprey"

Harbor Cove

Night approaches in Harbor Cove.

Foggy harbor from Niles Beach.

Good Harbor Beach

"Sasquatch III" heads in as the schooner "Ardelle" goes out.

"Thomas E. Lannon" passes "MS Eurodam".

"Lynx" at anchor and Fishing vessel "Midnight Sun" along with "Thomas E. Lannon" and the "MS Eurodam".

"Old Glory" from the Boulevard.

Port bow view.

Steaming by.

"MS Eurodam" departs.

A Bolger Boat For the US Navy !

Back in March, Susanne Altenburger the wife of the late prolific boat designer Phil Bolger started construction of a prototype patrol/landing craft for the US Navy. Unique in it's design and construction this "green" vessel is modular built out of wood!
The 38-foot energy-efficient light patrol craft is designed to be shipped anywhere in the world in a 40-foot container or built as a kit where ever. The 6000lb vessel will be powered by a single 225 outboard motor and is expected to see top speeds of about 25mph. It's shallow draft is ideal for harbors,rivers and bays, its expected area of deployment. Funding for this project, $75,000 from federal funding to the city, $50,000 from the Navy and about $10,000 from the state.
After sea trials by US Naval officials (Probably in the Spring) the plan is for the vessel to remain in Gloucester and used for marine biology research.

Late September during construction at Maritime Gloucester.

Sponson construction.

Superstructure

Foredeck

Cockpit

Stern view

Looking forward.

Inside the foredeck.

Motor well

Interior

Transom

Ramp opening

Foredeck scupper/ramp mount

Completed sponsons

Wet and Wild !

I didn't plan on taking any photos this day but after running for an errand I made a swing along the shore line to see what the nasty windy rainy weather had in store. Always with my camera I couldn't resist once I saw the waves. One of these days I'll get a good video camera to also catch the sound. Liquid thunder best describes it as the ground shakes as thousands of pounds of water strike. And every so often almost silence as the spent breaker retreats with the muffled sound of storm worn pebbles and rocks rolling back to the sea.
It wasn't easy taking photos with sideways rain hitting the lens but at least it wasn't snow!

Please keep in mind, I'm using a telephoto lens at a safe distance. Never tempt Mother Nature, she can overwhelm where you think it is safe!

Coast Guard 47' motor lifeboat passes Ten Pound Island in heavy rain.

Small curl on Pavilion Beach.

High tide waters lap the Birdseye building!

Bass Rocks

Surf climbs the rocks!

Turbulent Brace Cove!

Gulls take flight.

Just plain violent!

Shooting high!

A blooming wave burst!

Full bloom!

On Second Thought.....

Anytime I've got time to go on a photo hunt I take on the average 50 pictures. Last September I had the privilege of being invited aboard the schooner "Ardelle" for a cruise in the harbor. During the cruise the topsail schooner "Lynx" arrived in Gloucester. Looking back on the photos I came across others that I decided to post here. Also here are a few recent ones.

"Lynx"

Under the main boom.

Paint Factory in the background.

Gull watches as "Lynx" approaches.

After swinging around line handlers at the ready.

Copter through the rigging!

Restoration project at Rocky Neck Marine Railways.

Steeples from Middle Street.

A walk on the beach.

A surfer wipes out as someone takes a picture!

Fishermen's Memorial

Fiery sky!

Sun rays over the harbor.

Sunset over Smith Cove.