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Rocky Tidepools, Boston North Shore


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#1 Guest_gerald_*

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Posted 05 October 2010 - 04:49 PM

I'm visiting family this Sunday in Swampscott and Marblehead, 10-15 mi north of Boston. Can anyone point me to a publicly-accessible spot around there where I can show my kids and wife some good rocky tidepools? Living in NC they've never seen a rocky coast. Not looking to collect, just to explore, enjoy and educate ourselves. Either street directions or Lat/Lon coords (via Google Earth) works for me.

I'm leaving NC Thurs about noon, so that'll be my last chance to check your responses here. Thanks in advance!
Gerald

#2 Guest_fundulus_*

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Posted 05 October 2010 - 05:00 PM

Tell your family you want to go to Nahant, which is an island/peninsula close to where they live. Go out to the end of Nahant and there's public access by a Northeastern University field station. If you go at low tide you'll find astonishing stuff in the rocks there.

#3 Guest_mikez_*

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Posted 05 October 2010 - 07:17 PM

Marblehead has classic rocky shores. There must be tide pools, don't know specific spots. Find out when low tide is, hit some accessable shore line.

My favorite north shore tide pool spot is the vicinity of Bass Rocks in Gloucester. An extreme low tide gets you way out on some usually submerged reefs. All cold water species, some very cool fish and beautiful inverts.
I used to fish those exposed reefs at night for huge stripers and saw lots of cool stuff in my headlamp including plenty giant crayfish.
Parking may be tough. Fried clams and Bass Ale in downtown FishTown is highly recommended. :cool2:

Lift fronds of kelp and inspect carefully for lumpfish clinging and nearly invisible.
Carefully lift flat rocks in the tide pools to see rock gunnels [butter eels to some who try to catch them] and crabs of every variety.
Plus much more of course.

My friends will be mad at me for the Bass ale thing. You should probably try one of the fine the local craftsmen's brews. :wink:

Edited by mikez, 05 October 2010 - 07:24 PM.


#4 Guest_mikez_*

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Posted 05 October 2010 - 09:26 PM

Sorry for the uninformative post, plus I'm thinking on Sunday you won't be allowed to park near Bass Rocks.

Try this instead. I've never been there but it looks perfect. Right in Marblehead. Chandler Hovey Park & Marblehead Light Tower

Low tide Sunday is 7:16 AM. There may be pools exposed for a couple hours after that.

Be Extremely cautious walking on the wet rocks and don't turn your back on the surf. :wink:

Edited by mikez, 05 October 2010 - 09:28 PM.




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