March 10: The Breakwater

For our biweekly walk, I took my friend to the Breakwater by Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester. A breakwater is a barrier built out into the ocean to protect the coast and harbor from the force of waves. Some fun facts about this particulate breakwater -  Its official name is the Dog Bar Breakwater; it is 2,250 foot long and was built by the Army Corps of Engineers aided by the Rockport Granite Company between 1894 – 1905. It was built because even after Eastern Point Lighthouse was lit up in 1832, ships continued to run aground on Dog Bar Reef (and residents wanted to keep rough water out of the harbor during storms.) The substructure is a rubble hill made from grout, broken granite, and the refuse from quarries that was allowed to settle for several years until it was ready for the top structure, which is composed of seven tiers of cut granite, placed on top of each other in pyramid-like fashion. The breakwater was described in a 1905 Boston Globe article as a “delightful promenade for the people.”

I had been there twice before, and I agree, it is absolutely delightful, so I really wanted to share it with my friend. It was the first nice day since the fall, so I figured it was a good time to be out on the ocean. And it definitely was. It was chilly and windy, but not too bad because the sun out and shining bright. While there is a parking lot right next to the Breakwater, we decided to do what my husband and I have done; we parked out on the main road and walked through the fancy neighborhood along the private beaches to get to the Breakwater.  It lengthens the walk, which is great for our exercise and our conversation. Growing up in Wisconsin, I never imagined I would live a 10 minute drive to the ocean. And when you're out on the Breakwater, it almost feels like you're in the middle of the ocean. The gorgeous scenery, the soft image of the Boston skyline in the distance, the rolling sound of the waves, the smell of salt and fish, everything was delightful. 

With delight,

♥Jamie