Friday, March 2, 2018

Crane Beach/Gloucester/Magnolia Ride Report

I hit another great weather day on a Wednesday. It was 60 degrees in Danvers when I left and only a bit cooler in Gloucester and Magnolia because it wasn't a sea breeze today. I hit some particularly beautiful areas on this ride starting with Crane Beach and the approach to it. I then continued into Gloucester taking 133. I was somewhat surprised to see Woodman's open considering the damage it took in the January blizzard.
I then cut through Stagefort Park before getting on 127 and taking Hesperus which passes Hammond Castle. I then stopped at Magnolia Harbor and savored the views along Shore Road. At least some of 127 has been repaved but more of it is in desperate need.
It was about 58 miles but with less elevation gain per mile that my inland routes as it was only about 43.5 feet per mile on this one.
The photos tell more of the story of the ride.
On Argilla Road getting near to Crane Beach.

Further on Argilla with the marshes in the background.

The entrance to Crane Beach.

Looking over to Gloucester Harbor from Stage Fort Park.

Another view from Stage Fort Park.

Looking to the right.

Hammond Castle on Hesperus.

This could be my favorite place to stop on all my routes. There are plenty of benches here overlooking Magnolia Harbor. The lighting isn't great and it's low tide but still beautiful.

The temperature was noticeably cooler in Magnolia near the water but it wasn't a direct sea breeze so I wasn't too uncomfortable in shorts.  This is Magnolia harbor.

More benches can be found down Shore Road.

More gorgeous views from Shore Road around the corner.

Looking back.

I usually take the left here on Fuller. Shore Road continues but the pavement becomes very bad.

This is fresh water Wenham Lake as I neared the end of my ride.

I felt pretty good for a ride of almost 60 miles this early in the season.  Not being sick for a long time has helped.






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