STUDLEY OF EGREMONT

P.O. BOX 654
SOUTH EGREMONT, MA 01258
JOHNW@STUDLEYOFEGREMONT.COM

REMEMBER – GLOUCESTER, MA - “THE PERFECT STORM”

WELL, CHLOE’S HERE!

Weather forecasts were calling for some rather fancy weather – so we decided to take advantage of the Golden (did you get that) opportunity! So, bright and early this morning (5:30 A M), just as the sun was starting to rise, or think about doing so, we went down stairs, went outside for our Chloe usual morning tour of the grounds, before putting on her feed bag. THEN, the morning started for Wa Tash, as he went out to the driveway, and started to spray (poison chemicals to kill weeds) the graveled driveway for the next one and one-half hour. A good old fashion shower followed for him – rid of the chemicals and build up of body crud. Then it was a pack the car trick, before the call of - ALL ABOARD.

The Mercedes then headed east on R T 23, out of South Egremont, into GT Barrington, then a left onto R T 7/23 north. The skies were bright blue, with the sun picking the temperature up to the mid-60’s. Once in Stockbridge, MA (home of the famous Red Lion Inn, and the Nat’l. Shrine of the Devine Mercy), the M B hung a right, joining R T 102, that took us to the MASS PIKE [R T 90 - not a usual CATOO mode of travel]. The 18 mile stretch complete, then it was a start shot of 143 mile to BEAN TOWN (Boston). But we diverged from R T 90 just short of Boston {temps were now up to 73 degrees, but with a slight overcast}, by moving onto R T 128 north/then/east, which circles Bean town, and leads to GOD’S PARADISE - GLOUCESTER = our destination for the 187 mile journey.

Once in Gloucester, we offed R T 128 onto R T 133, south. The temperature was dropped to 65 degrees, because of the ocean, but you couldn’t find a sign of a cloud up there in God’s heaven. Then it was but a mere 3 1/2 miles to the WONDER of FOOD for lunch – THE CAUSEWAY Restaurant.

This home of wonderful Seafood delights attracts folks from all over the upper East Coast – like folks think nothing of motoring from Boston, just for lunch or dinner. (Actually, I was conversing with a fine gentleman and his family – who came from Hawaii). It is a Folksy place and the portions are enormous (that means BIG) – like a cup [equivalent to a bowl) should be for 2 people. Anyway, our lunch consisted of a Fish chowder and a New England Clam chowder, and a order of fried Clams and Scallops (way too much – forget the French Fries, we did!

A little further down the road and we were at the Memorial Park (statues of Fishermen and plaques designating fallen Sailors dating back to the 1700’s) on the bay of Gloucester. Then we turned right and did the 1/2 mile into down town – waterside. Here you pass all the little Pubs/Bars, where all the fisherman from all the fishing boats hang. It is an experience to wander into some of these establishments – just as portrayed in “The Perfect Storm” – to make ones self aware of reality. that’s a good thing. Motoring out of town, we hung a right driving along the eastern portion and the opposite side of the bay. This is also where the Artist colony hangs out with their own quaint Galleries, Shops and Restaurants. A schoshion further up the road, you come to Atlantic Road, which is the UPPITY/UPPITY/UPPITY section of Gloucester. This drive (1 1/2 miles) defines Beauty Personified. On the right you have the majestic Atlantic Ocean with waves (some 3 to 5 feet) breaking against the big and small rocks that make up the coastline. And, on the left you have these sprawling and beautiful homes/mansions of all varieties that mostly Old Money desires.

Tack on another mile or so, and the scenery is neat, but not like back there. Oh, there is the Vista Motel (Chloe has bedded here many times, as did Sir Studley, over the years) , which sit’s up on a small hill and has this magnificent 180 degree view of of Good Harbor beach. After check in, I was informed by the young administrative lady, that Pooches are not permitted on the beach after April until October. WHAT! That’s correct, but just changed. She also said that the owner wrote on my file, that she should tell me that the Wi Fi (I bitched the last visit) is different, as I suggested, and she concurred. It was a quick unpack into our remolded room overlooking the Ocean/Beach/Harbour, and a look at the Stockmarket’s poor handling of the FACEBOOK’S offering (congrate’s to the Billionaire).

We drove over to the beach to see the posting of NO DOGS on the beach. As I was driving a hundred yards away, there was a young lady with her Scotty dog, so I asked about the beach/dog situation – she confirmed. [Chloe card handout] BUT, she said. You can can take Miss Chloe over to Long Beach, because the pup restriction does’nt start until next month. THANK YOU pretty lady, from CATOO. So, the Mercedes did the additional mile, or so, to Long Beach.

Chloe saw the bright Blue/Green as we approached the beach, and then pulled me to the rolling white breaking waves that hit the shoreline of this pretty beach. Chloe says let the fun begin. And it did, she was off the leash and in a fast track to the water. Along the way she managed to spot/chase her Gulls and Sandpiper friends. Once she remembered that those folks always make a fool out of her, she flew to the water. It wasn’t but a few seconds and “The Princess” was after those breaking waves, some 2 to 4 feet, and doing her biting of those sucker’s. this went on for an hour or so, as we worked our way up, and then back down the 500 yard beach. She had a ball, and also ran up and greeted many folk [some surprised] – SAYING HELLO – cards also distributed. We bid whoever, a found a do, and headed to the Inn on the Bay – found a hose and washed the young Chloe of the salt and seasand, with a better job to follow at our Vita motel.

Appetites sounded – REALLY. Okay, lets go to a favored (slightly upscale, but certainly one of the best seafood restaurants in Gloucester) out on the bogs, call LOBSTA LAND. Cars were parked all over the place, making it difficult to find seating. So, we sat at the bar. Their food is consistently good, even at the bar, and the featured is of course – LOBSTER. But, everything looked good, but I wanted light. So, it was a Lobster Roll – a pleasant experience, Lobsta Land Sample (Crab Cake, Coconut Shrimp, and Calamari), and a Wedge Lettuce {Bacon, Tomato, Blue Cheese dressing – very good}. We struck up a conversation with a nice couple, who where locals and gave thoughts about beaches, and just good talk. Oh ya, you know, a Chloe Card too!

It was a good day, what with the god’s offering of that fine weather to accompany our journey through the delightful day! Ditto for tomorrow – fingers crossed. Stay Healthy and Happy!