We leave Boston around 10AM and head north on our journey to Maine. We have decided that we just cannot miss a visit to Gloucester on our way out of Massachusetts. The sea is beckoning to my fisherman husband.
It is extremely windy as we pull into the harbor and gaze at Ten Pound Island. We watch as several boats navigate expertly into a tiny canal with a drawbridge opening to a marina beyond. Wow. And we thought South Haven channel could be a nightmare.
The Fisherman’s Monument is gleaming in the sunlight.
The memorial wall is filled with the names of proud men from Gloucester who have lost their lives to the sea.
Not to be forgotten is the Fisherman’s Wives Monument.
A complete surprise is another opportunity to honor the men and women of The Coast Guard that established the aviation segment of operations.
We walk into the town and find a shop to buy a few postcards and to speak with the shop owner. Of course we have to ask about “the perfect storm.”
Millie is a retired teacher. She tells us that on the day of the storm she and her husband were out of town. When they returned in the early afternoon, they were assaulted with the wind and the water. They made it to their home which was withstanding the fury. They put on boots and raingear and went out into the town to get a feel for what was happening. She said they saw a house that belonged to a member of the town and it was completely demolished and in the water. She commented that is was eerie to see the clothing of the owner just floating along with the torrent of the water. We asked if she felt the movie portrayed the events correctly and she replied that yes it had. She did say that she thought they should have let the real Linda Greenlaw play her character in the movie. Millie was very complimentary of her talents. Ed and I have decided to watch the movie again. Just cuz.
A Foodie Experience
Time to eat. We followed a book of “Things To Do Before You Die” to find a little seafood dive called The Woodsman’s of Essex. Their claim to fame was that they were the first to serve fried clams. Ed ordered the smallest portion which was a $23 charge. My fish sandwich was 10 bucks. The 6 dollar New England Clam Chowder was the hit of the menu according to Ed. Maybe that book should be: “How To Go Broke Before You Die.” I’m not sure how the “foodies” afford their hobby! It will be home cooking for a while to make up for that little excursion.
Fresh Lobster 
The chowder is great! 
Woodman’s of Essex
Maine – We Made It!
About 4:30 we cross the state line into Maine. This is our target destination. Maine is where we dreamed of going and made the other stops just part of the Gypsy Waltzing. First stop is Freeport for the night. It’s been a great day by the sea!
