The Idiot spent the month of April assessing whether he’ll walk north or south of Boston to circumnavigate the Atlantic Ocean, a project that he’ll launch in 2019 when he completes his MedTrek around the Mediterranean Sea.
After strolling from Boston to Scituate to get a taste of Boston’s South Shore, he investigated the Atlantic Coast on Boston’s North Shore. He spent a spell with a witch in Salem who advised him to walk towards Canada rather than Mexico when his project gets underway. The reasons behind her suggestion will be disclosed in the first volume of “The Idiot and The Odyssey IV: Walking The Atlantic Ocean” which will appear in 2022.
The trek north of Boston began by crossing the Tobin Bridge and included visits to Salem, Manchester, Gloucester and Rockport.
The Idiot and partner Liz Chapin crossed the Tobin Bridge after exploring Boston Harbor.
They investigated the witch-rich town of Salem.
Some parts of pristine Salem are frozen in time.
“Witch way?” The idiot asked.
Should The Idiot start his hike around the Atlantic Ocean by heading to Mexico or Canada?
(Photo: Liz Chapin)
It took a while for the first witch they met to convince The Idiot that the Atlantic Ocean stroll should begin north rather than south of Boston. She said he would get additional “signs” and “a taste of what’s to come” by visit Singing Beach, Gloucester and Rockport.
Singing Beach, where wave-produced friction between grains of sand produces a singing sound, had another “Go North, young man!” message for The Idiot.
There was no “Perfect Storm” when The Idiot arrived in sunny Gloucester. Another omen?
Gloucester is considered “America’s Oldest Seaport” and the 1925 “Man At The Wheel” statue honors lost fisherman.
The Idiot loves walking past old school operations like Blue Collar Lobster and Cape Pond Ice on Gloucester’s working harbor.
The Idiot trespasses on a private urban beach in the Rocky Neck district of Gloucester.
A stretch of rocky coast north of Gloucester.
NOT The Idiot’s basecamp during a three night stay in Gloucester.
Sandy and inviting Good Harbor Beach on the oceanside between Gloucester and Rockport.
Looking back on Rockport.
Looking over The Idiot’s shoulder beyond Rockport.
(Photo: Liz Chapin)
“Go North, young man!” indeed.
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