Fire broke out early this morning at Gloucester’s iconic Beacon Marine Basin. Everyone escaped unharmed. Sending love and prayers to our friends David and Bob, and to all who call the building home. We’re hoping so much the Beacon Marine can be restored and rebuilt.
If you had the opportunity to see the schooners docked at Gloucester’s gorgeous new floating dock, located at I4-C2, know that it was constructed by Beacon Marine Basin and installed by Brett Ramsey’s company Ramsey Marine and Dock Construction. The floating dock was created by Gloucester Maritime and the Schooner Festival Committee to provide schooners with a convenient place to moor.
Schooners Bluenose II, Columbia, Tree of Life, Brilliant, and When and If, along with the Tall Ship Lynx
The new dock was well utilized during the three day Schooner Festival event. By late Sunday afternoon, there were a total of five schooners, as well as the Tall Ship Lynx, moored at the floating dock!
The dock will be removed within the next few weeks, to be reinstalled next August for the 35th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival.
Schooners Columbia and Tyrone moored at the floating dock.
Covering storms back to back, I didn’t have time to post on both Good Morning Gloucester and on my blog. The following are links to storm posts from the region’s three March nor’easters, beginning on March 2nd.
While filming B-roll and “Bee”-roll for my nature documentaries this morning, I came upon the German National television channel’s ZDF cast and crew getting organized for a day of filming at the Eastern Point Lighthouse. They are shooting films based on the Katie Fforde romance novels. Not considered mini-series, four separate films are being shot all around the North Shore and filming will continue to take place in Gloucester this week.
“All of Fforde’s stories-into-movies focus on the lead character (usually a woman) overcoming obstacles to achieve a dream. Each film runs for 90 commercial-free minutes.”
For the past several seasons the show has been filmed in and around Poughkeepsie, New York. This year, the producers wanted to change it up and film north of Boston. I hope they decide to come back next year!
Stills from last night and this morning ~
Beacon Marine Basin
“Bee”-roll ~ Native Wildflower Gaura lindheimeri — Its Common Name is ‘Whirling Butterflies’
Henry Eiler’s Sweet Coneflower ~ Note the Unique Quilled petals
Wednesday morning East Gloucester was especially beautiful although, is anywhere not magically beautiful after a new fallen snow? While photographing around the neighborhood, I nearly ran into Frieda on her way into her shop, Again and Again (with lots of terrific gift items for last minute shoppers). After photographing down by the North Shore Art Association I stopped in to say hello to Frieda and Beth at Again and Again (see yesterday’s post).
Leaving the shop, and while admiring Duckworth’s wreath and lovely holiday decor, I met Ken Duckworth outside his bistro. We had a friendly chat and I was reminded of what a fabulous neighborhood is ours. At that moment I was thinking not of the beauty that surrounds, but of our wonderful neighbors.
Maritime Center from Smith’s Cove
Duckworth’s in the Snow
Dinner at Duckworth’s Bistrot anytime of the year, but most especially during the holidays, is always a very special treat. Plan to go soon for your Duckworth’s fix because I believe they close for several weeks during. January.