John and I are in Massachusetts and today Sarah and Tim took us on a lovely drive through Danvers, Beverly, Gloucester and Rockport.
The views of the New England homes and ocean vistas took my breath away. Better still, the weather was picture perfect. Clear blue skies and high 60s temperatures.
Our destination was Rockport and the Halibut Point State Park. While its named conjures images of fish, the actual name came from a point off Cape Ann where the prevailing winds change direction. It is this point where boats had to "Haul about", thus Halibut Point. Meanwhile, on terra firma is an old granite quarry.
Because of all the rock on and off shore, there is also a lighthouse. The structure is very different from those found on the Great Lakes, but aesthetics aside it did its job and kept sailors safe.
The coastline is rugged and spectacular. One young girl, maybe 8 or 9, wore her bathing suit as she walked along the rocks. Was she aware it's mid October and the rest of us donned jackets? Sarah pointed out that New Englanders, like Canadians, are a tough and hardy bunch. No kidding. ;-)
Back up on the hill, the views extend along the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and on the far right, Maine, coastlines.
The trees and shrubs were in their autumn finery, and many families enjoyed a stroll, snack or picnic lunch on the rock faces.
On the walk back to the parking area, our thoughts turned to lunch.
Tim suggested a lobster roll. Having never had one before, John and I thought that was a great idea, so the next stop was The Lobster Pool Restaurant.
Better still, we got to eat outside at picnic tables ON the ocean. :)
So, what's a lobster roll? It's mouthwatering chunks of lobster, drizzled in a pound of butter, and served on a grilled hotdog-style buttered (yes, more butter) bun. Sarah and Tim had theirs with fries. We opted for the coleslaw. Either way, it was AMAZING.
On the return trip to Danvers we drove through Beverly, MA. In February we'll return here to housesit. We can't wait. (Waves to Kathy!) The only downside during this housesitting assignment is The Lobster Pool Restaurant will be closed for the season, but I'm pretty confident we'll find something else to do.
* * *
