M/V Perfect Fit: Around Gloucester, to Newburyport, MA.

To head north from Boston, we had to either take the Atlantic around Gloucester (longer mileage in open Atlantic) or run through the Annisquam River (longer time wise) and face the wicked current and low bridges on the river. Sunrise woke us up at Hull Bay (sunrise is 5:14 am and sunset 8:22 pm!). The light woke us up at that unseemly hour as we had our windows open for the cool breeze. We were completely fogged in, so I had a morning cup of tea (not coffee, my Aunt Charlene hooked me on tea); tried to avoid reading the news, and in general waited for the dam fog to lift. It did around 9:00am, and off we went into the Atlantic on a beautiful calm morning.

Alexis wanted to stay at Salem, and I wanted to stay at Plymouth, but both harbors were booked at their outrageous prices. So we settled on the Newburyport town dock, which we can now report is absolutely delightful and less expensive; a relative term for the summer boating season up here. Newburyport is on the Merrimack River, across from Salisbury, MA. The town dock is adjacent to an incredible waterfront park and trail system, right next to town with shops and pubs galore. So we have extended our stay until Saturday, called Enterprise and will visit Salem by car (much cheaper!). It is finally hot here (highs around 90) due to the remnants of Hurricane Beryl passing through. Can't get away from those storms....

Interesting factoid, they pull up all the floating docks, and take all boats out of the water in October, as large chunks of ice flow down the river in winter. The current can be fast, and those chunks of ice will sink boats and destroy docks. I imagine the rates go down then also.....

Moonset on Hull Bay.

Ships passing in the night (or fog in this case).

These lobster boats are everywhere setting out or picking up traps. Just like home, commercial fisherman own the ocean. Just stay out of their way, and all is good.