Move to Boston

Dear friends,

We be have had a great time in Gloustah. This little fishing village on the coast of Massachusetts is one of the few places we’ve visited where history has not been captured in theme parks and boutiques. At one time Gloucester was the largest port in North America.

It is still a blue collar working community. Labor Day was festive; we walked the promenade along the bay to watch the parade of ships going out to sea to race during the annual Schooner Days. There were about 20 schooners, 60 to 100+ feet.

We sat on a bench with a retired fuller brush salesman from Gloustah who gave us the town’s history; Birdseye Frozen Foods started here, Gorton’s is still a big employer, supplying all the fish filets to McDonalds. There are a lot of wealthy people here, but no Wal-Mart, and McDonalds is VERY hard to find. Mickey D’s is not only without its golden arches, it doesn’t have a fish filet on the menu!?!

Hurricane Earl was just something to talk about for a few days. It was good for the grocery business. Best line was heard by Dave in the liquor store; lady in line next to him with a big purchase: “Hurricane Supplies!”

We visited Rockport and the whole area around Cape Ann. Museums were good. Great ship models. We stayed at Cape Ann Campground, with good views of the Jones River Salt Marsh. I’ve had lots of birds at my feeder: Cardinal, Blue Jay, Purple Finch (or House Finch), Song Sparrows, Eastern Towhee, Tufted Titmouse, Cedar Waxwing, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Black Capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker. It’s been fun.

We got a surprise souvenir from our Canada tour. The phone bill was $185 and Verizon computer service was $432! Wuh! Who knew?

The weather is still great, occasionally an overcast morning. In spite of the warmth, we’re seeing some maples turning red.

This country is one big rock. We’ve seen lots of big rocks before (Texas, Utah, etc.), but these people build on it! Must have been tough plowing for early settlers. Huge boulders are often worked around to great effect in landscape and architecture.

There are no RV parks close to Boston so we are now in Minute Man RV Park in Littleton, NW of the big city. Thanks to my cousin Andre I have connected with another Vachon, Susan, who is the granddaughter of my grandfather’s brother Robert. She has been a big help in directing me to find the graves of my grandmother’s people in Newton, close to Boston.

Love,

Sam