Tag Archives: fishermen

Gloucester Beach, Massachusetts and the Perfect Storm

When I think of Gloucester, Massachusetts, the movie “Perfect Storm” comes to mind.  The true-life story is based on a group of fishermen who found themselves in an unimaginable storm. The Andrea Gail set sail from Gloucester towards Newfoundland in October of 1991 and the sailors found themselves battling 30 to 75+ foot waves. According to local sea reports, three weather fronts collided resulting in the “perfect storm”.  Unfortunately, the men were lost at sea.

I had visited Massachusetts several times for work and loved exploring its east coast port towns. During a stay in Salem, I decided to venture out to Gloucester to see the beautiful Fisherman’s Memorial, dedicated to the many lives who did not return from the sea to include the men aboard the Andrea Gail.  

According to the town’s website, Gloucester is “America’s original seaport and the oldest art colony in America.”  It remains, today, a working seaport and the perfect location to book a whale watching trip where 40 ton whales breach about 15 miles off its shore.  Day trips from its docks include deep fishing expeditions, lighthouse excursions and scenic boat rides along its coast.

I chose to find a seafood restaurant for lobster and to explore the HarborWalk through Gloucester’s harbor and historic downtown that included 42 stops along the waterfront, City Hall and St. Peter’s Square, concluding at the waterfront to watch the sun set along the horizon.

Have you visited Gloucester for vacation or on a day-trip?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Gloucester and wishing you many amazing travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Seaport of Gloucester

Where to Stay:

The Colonial Inn
28 Eastern Point Road
Gloucester, MA  01930
Telephone:  978 281 1953

This charming inn offers water views and is in walking distance to Rocky Neck Art Colony.

Where to Eat:

Gloucester House Restaurant
63 Rogers Street
Gloucester, MA  01930
Telephone:  978 283 1812

What to Eat:

  • Boston Baked Beans
  • Cape Cod Potato Chips
  • Clam Chowder
  • Fluffernutters – a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff….amazing!
  • Fresh Seafood
  • Fried Clams
  • Grilled Blueberry Muffins
  • Hoodsie Cups – baby cups of ice cream
  • Lobster Rolls, of course
  • Seared Scallops

What to Read:

  • The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men against the Sea, by Sebastian Unger
  • Good Harbor, by Anita Diamant
  • The Last Days of Dogtown, by Anita Diamant
  • The Last Fish Tail, by Mark Kurlansky

Photo Guide for Gloucester:

  • Babson Boulder Trail
  • Eastern Point Lighthouse
  • Gloucester Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Hammond Castle

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild

Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis put Mykonos on the map when she vacationed here in the 1960s (imagine big black sunglasses, miniskirts and go-go boots).  A popular cruise ship port, this island has a reputation of having a free-spirit and party atmosphere.

130904, D6 Boat in the Cove of Mykonos

Mykonos’ iconic whitewashed buildings and colorful blue roofs can be seen from miles away.   The island is considered one of the Greek Cyclades and measures 7 by 10 miles.  The main town of Mykonos is called Chora or Hora, translated as “The Village” and is also referred to as the “Old Port”.

130904, D6 Greek Orthodox Church in Mykonos Town

We were tendered in from where the cruise ship was anchored where small fishing boats occupy the harbor.  A small Greek Orthodox church, which had been converted into a ticket kiosk, was where I purchased my ferry ticket to the island of Delos.

130904, D6 Beautiful White Church in Mykonos

With a couple of hours to explore Mykonos before catching the ferry, I began my adventure looking for “Little Venice”, a popular village neighborhood that mimics the Italian city with the same name.  Along my route, I passed the most photographed church on the island, the Church of Panagia Parapotiani.  The whitewashed stucco walls and the sky blue rooftops of the church are the perfect representation of Greece’s iconic Cycladic architecture.

130904, D6 Close up Windmill

I knew I had arrived when I could see the symbolic windmills on the ridge of Kato Myloi.  Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the purpose of the these cylindrical stone structures was to grind the grain for their bread.  At one point, there were over 600 mills throughout the islands of the Cyclades.  Today, a total of five still remain on the western side of the island and one, the Boni Myli windmill, is open to visitors.

D6 Mykonos' Little Venice

Mikri Venetia, more commonly known as “Little Venice” is also set along the coast on the western side of the island, within sight of the windmills.  Considered one of the most romantic locations in Mykonos, its charming quarter overlooks the bay.  Offering elegant restaurants and a scenic backdrop to include spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, it is the perfect location for enjoying the evening sunset.

D6 Mykonos Town Shopping

I became easily lost among the winding streets of Mykonos.  The beautiful chaos of cobblestones led me through narrow passages lined with charming shops and cafes.  I enjoyed the white and blue storefronts with the bougainvillea flowers flowing down from  overhead.  I eventually referred to my map to lead me back to the harbor where I would catch the ferry to Delos.

D6 Mykonos Town Waterfront

Soon, I found myself back at the cove mesmerized by the deep blue shades of the Mediterranean Sea.  A stretch of restaurants lined the beaches and tourists were strolling in to take a seat on the patios to place their order for food and drink.   With the ferry terminal in view, I placed an order for tzatziki and pita bread to compliment the Alfa, a local Greek beer.

D6 Little Black Cat, Mykonos

I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the island’s most famous resident, Petros, but the local pelican had not appeared.   Instead, I watched the cats as they crowded near the fishing boats, waiting for scraps of fish.   I studied them, lazing in the sun with their bellies full and couldn’t help but wonder if they knew how lucky they were to live on the spectacular island of Mykonos.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mykonos?  What did you do while you were there?  I would love to hear about your adventure and thoughts of this fabulous Greek island if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Church of Panagia Parapotiani
Xwpa, Mikonos, 84600 Greece
in the neighborhood of Kastro in the town of Chora

Boni Myli windmill
Ano Mili, Mykonos Town, Greece
On the east side of town

Mikri Venetia
Mitropoleos Georgouli, Mykonos Town, Greece

Where to Stay:

Harmony Boutique Hotel – Mykonos Town
Pros Palaio Limani
Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
+30 2289 028980

Where to Eat:

Old Port, Akti Kampani,
Mykonos Town, 846 00, Greece
Telephone: +30 2289 028256

What to Eat:

  • Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
  • Greek Salad
  • Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
  • Gyros
  • Lamb
  • Local Olives
  • Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
  • Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
  • Pomegranates
  • Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
  • Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
  • Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
  • Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
  • Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

  • Murder in Mykonos by Jeffrey Siger
  • The Lion of Delos by Anne Worboys
  • The Double Image by Helen MacInnes

Photo Guide for Mykonos:

  • Little Venice…especially for the sunsets
  • The Windmills of Kato Milli
  • Chora, the Old Town of Mykonos
  • The Doors, Stairs and Walkways of Chora
  • The Cats of Mykonos
  • Mykonos Harbor
  • Paraportiani Church
  • Nammos Beach Club
  • Scorpios Beach Club
  • Cavo Tagoo Resort
  • The beautiful Bougainvillea
  • Hotel Little Rochari
For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Santorini: Life on a Volcano
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

The Hatteras and Ocracoke Ferries

Cruising towards the island of  Ocracoke, the ferry is surrounded by an aggressive flock of seagulls.  The sea salt spray fills the air as the birds scavenge around for leftover food and fish churned up from the underside of the commuter boat.

The roundtrip Hatteras/Ocracoke route is the most popular of the seven itineraries that operates along the Carolina coastline. Lasting 45 minutes, the ferry transports bikes, cars, trucks and passengers on foot, 365 days a year, free of charge. During the summer season, the ferry runs ever 30 minutes starting at 5 AM in the morning until midnight. Wait times for the ferry can run from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the time of the year and is on a first come, first serve basis. Trips to Ocracoke Island from the mainland are also accessible from both the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.

Nearby the Hatteras Ferry terminal is the Hatteras Landing shopping center with a convenience store and deli as well as trendy boutiques and a surf shop.  Popular food stands provide plenty of options for grabbing a convenient meal before catching the boat ride over to the island.

For those with limited time, there are vending machines at the Visitor’s Center, where tourists can also pick up information about the island’s attractions.

At Hatteras Village, watch the fishermen bring in their day’s catch in the afternoon to have it weighed and cleaned.  There are fabulous seafood restaurants at The Harbors as well as spectacular waterfront views.

Once the ferry arrives at the terminal on Ocracoke Island, there is a 13-mile drive to reach Ocracoke Village.  Sand dunes provide a buffer between the beaches and the byway with plenty of beach access for the day.

Compared to the Hatteras Terminal, the Ocracoke Ferry Terminal is more primitive and simple with only a vending machine for snacks and basic restroom facilities.   A beach is within walking distance and can be accessed by one of three paths along the sound.

No reservations are required to ride the Ocracoke Ferry as it is a first come, first served facility.  There is no charge for the ride which runs 365 days per year, depending on the weather.  Vehicle parking is clearly marked  and visitors can leave their car and stroll around the terminal and nearby beach.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recommends that passengers prepare to board the ferry by waiting inside of their vehicle 10 minutes before the time of departure.

The NCDOT provides a list of tips for traveling the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferries.

  • Avoid Tuesdays – Thursdays which are the most popular days during the summer.  Prime hours are considered 9 AM to 5 PM where waits can take up to several hours.
  • Visit Ocracoke Island in the evening and make plans to travel to Hatteras in the morning.  The shops in Ocracoke stay open late, closing around sunset or later.
  • Be ready to board the ferry 5 – 10 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat!
  • Smoking is not permitted on the ferry, including in your car.  Passengers may be fined if they disregard this rule.
  • Feeding the seagulls is not permitted.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash while riding the ferry.
  • The NCDOT reserves the right to check your driver’s license before boarding.  This is part of the Homeland Security program.
  • Priority passage lanes for those who have a priority pass.  No exceptions!
  • The last ferry from Hatteras Island or Ocracoke is 12:00 AM.  Don’t miss the boat!
  • The ferry terminal reserves the right to postpone or cancel ferry service due to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds.
  • The most scenic time  to take the ferry is at sunset or sunrise.

During our vacations to the Outer Banks, our family has continued  the tradition of taking the Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry to explore the island.   The look on the children’s faces as we drive our cars on the ramp is an enjoyable moment.  They love the seagulls and feeling the sea mist upon their faces.  You can’t beat the price and experience of this entertaining mode of transportation and the memories that are made are forever priceless.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Okracoke Island by taking the Hatteras Ferry?  What are some of your most cherished memories of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful memories of the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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Holland, Michigan: True to its Dutch Heritage

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors:  driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos.   If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus.  After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

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I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip.  I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

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Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park.  After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner.  We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

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The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

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On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel.  We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light.  It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

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Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us.  The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

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We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta.  The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six.   We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready.  The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

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The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel.  Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States.  CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI  49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Where to Stay: 

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat: 

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI  49423
Telephone:  616 394 3002

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
  • Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
  • Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland: 

  • The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
  • DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
  • Sunset on Lake Michigan
  • Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
  • Dutch Dancers
  • Nelis’ Dutch Village:  landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
  • Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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A Young Boy and his Fish

Moving to the OC, 2004

I was so excited when I was offered a clinical trial position in Southern California.  I had a couple of weeks to pack my belongings and make the cross country move.  My brother had a few friends who said they would help me pack and then he would drive with me to San Clemente and stay for a few days enjoying the California coast.

After a couple of nights in hotels, we finally arrived and rested an additional night before moving into my second floor, one-bedroom apartment.  With some help from my new colleagues, we finally completed the move and had some time to visit the beach before sunset.  Fishermen cast their poles over the edge in hopes of catching their dinner.  We opted to visit Fisherman’s Restaurant on the pier.

We found a parking spot in the lot surrounded by palm trees and I wanted to step onto the beach and was curious to see if the water was cold.  We learned that the haze was a part of June Gloom which is what the locals call the month of June.  The temperature is a consistent 70 degrees most of the days in San Clemente and all year around.

The sunset was an incredible golden and orange as it set out into the horizon.  From that moment, I promised myself that I would make my way to the beach each night just to witness the beauty of the setting sun.

It was darker now as we drive through the center of town, back to Avenida Vista Montana.  I could definitely become accustomed to the beauty of SoCal and will make the most of it as long as I am here.

Have you ever moved to a new state or country and felt like you had just moved to paradise?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave

What to See and What to Do:

Walk the San Clemente Beach

Where to Eat:

The Fisherman Restaurant at San Clemente Pier
611 Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, CA  82672
Telephone:  949 498 6390

What to Eat:

  • Dungeness Crab
  • Seafood Chowder
  • Pan-Fried Oysters

Where to Stay:

Casablanca Inn
1601 North East El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA
Telephone:  888 639 3053

What to Read:

  • California Girl, by T. Jefferson Parker

Photo Guide for San Clemente:

  • Calafia Beach Park
  • Del Mar Street
  • Outlets San Clemente
  • Pico Park
  • San Clemente Beach Trail
  • San Clemente Pier
  • The Triton Wall