Aug 18-19, 2024 – Salem, MA

Aug 18, 2024 – Salem, MA

Getting ready to leave Ernie’s the steps suddenly decided to work again … BACKWARDS! They extended when we closed the door and retracted when we opened the door. Bill assumed that the connector plugs he’d checked were polarized. It turned out they weren’t and he’d inadvertently reversed the polarity of the connection. Easily remedied and we were on our way to Salem. But why they suddenly decided to work? Must be gremlins!

Our destination in Salem was Winter Island Park. The island has been used for many purposes over time. Currently owned by the city, it still has buildings remaining from its use as a seaplane base by the US Coast Guard. The campsites are varied. Some, like ours, are alongside the old hanger and face Salem Harbor across a parking lot. A few are along the water at the edge of the parking lot and others are in a grassy field away from the water.

Daysailing Schooner Glides Past Salem's Winter Island Light

Daysailing Schooner Glides Past Salem’s Winter Island Light

And, as a waterside city park it is also an active boat launch area from the parking lot we’re camped along. The adjoining beach area and pavilion are heavily used. A sailing camp also operates out of the park so kids heading to sailing lessons also parade through the lot in groups. It’s an active and unusual place where the public wanders right through the area where people are camping.

We visited with Sandy’s cousin, did some grocery shopping and returned to Winter Island.

It may seem like we go grocery shopping often and that’s true. With limited storage space we buy two-packs of paper towels, four packs of toilet paper and no more food than can fit in our small refrigerator.

Dinner was gluten free ravioli and “Salad by Sandy”.

Aug 19, 2024 – Salem, MA

Breakfast at Lulu’s was on the agenda and then we stopped down the street at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The water side of the site consists of three wharfs, Central, Hatch’s and Derby. Derby is by far the longest. The original 800 foot long section was completed in 1770. In 1806 it was extended to its current length of 2,100 feet. A small lighthouse marks the end of the structure to guide vessels around it.

Ship’s Anchor Marks Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Ship’s Anchor Marks Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Derby Lighthouse at End of Wharf

Derby Lighthouse at End of Wharf

Stone Seawall on Wharf Held Together with Giant Staples

Stone Seawall on Wharf Held Together with Giant Staples

Derby Wharf is also home to the Friendship of Salem, three-masted, square-rigged East Indiaman replica ship that is currently undergoing repairs. The original Friendship was built in Salem from 1796-1797 and made 15 voyages to countries including China, Indonesia, India, Venezuela, Spain, and Russia.

Friendship of Salem

Friendship of Salem

Workshop Where Friendship of Salem Repairs Are Done

Workshop Where Friendship of Salem Repairs Are Done

Unfortunately, the twelve buildings across the street from the wharves were not open the day we were there.

Salem Customs House

Salem Customs House

We drove through Point & Willows Park and the neighborhood after which the park is named. It’s a neat place with an old time arcade set up reminiscent of what you’d find at an old beach resort. The neighborhood is cool too. Set at the end of the point of land, it is a neighborhood of neat, modest waterfront homes that is removed from the hustle of the city.

After visiting with Sandy’s cousin we returned to the campground and made cheese burgers, sautéed corn with red bell pepper and baked beans for dinner. It rained heavily during the evening