GLOUCESTER




One of my favorite destinations on the Eastern Seaboard is the fishing village of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  It is a charming, working  village where fisherman still ply their trade going out to sea. (Both "Captains Courageous" with Spencer Tracy and more recently, the book and movie "The Perfect Storm" were about these fearless men.)

Aside from the sheer, albeit quaint,
beauty of the town, there are many wonderful things to do in Gloucester.


A trip to one of their many pristine beaches with their white sands is a must.  My personal favorite is the one pictured below with the odd name of Wingaersheek which is derived from the Dutch for Vinland (which is, in turn, a Norse word.)








Another must-see is Hammond Castle where, in the Summer,  they show silent movies such as "The Thief  of Bagdad" with Douglas Fairbanks, all  accompanied by the house organ. In the photo on the left you will find myself, our friend Patty Finnegan and Fabian (The photo below is the castle.)



The last time we were in Gloucester, the "Bounty" (the ship from the 1962 Marlon Brando film was docked  and open to visitors.   (The photos are myself and Fabian sitting dockside and the ship itself.)









But by far my favorite thing to do in this wonderful town is to board a boat and head out to sea for a day of whale watching.   Below are the intrepid four, John Amero, Patty Finnegan, Fabian and myself on the way in search of our own "Moby Dick."  And we found many!   What a day!



A trip to nearby Rockport is also worthwhile just for the beauty and charm of the place which includes the famous red "Fishing shack" captured in many paintings.  So pack your bags and head to Massachusetts.




















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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