Ok, now for day eighteen. Slipped in just before the 9:00 am closing time for the continental breakfast, then headed for Derry, New Hampshire. Along the way we passed the Robert Frost Farm, which of course is closed on Mondays. Even though we could only drive by, I can state with great certainty that good fences still make good neighbors. A quick trip to the library and Community Hall left us with no historical society. Seems the president just retired and they are in a state of flux. In other words, we can’t help you.
So what to do on a semi-rainy day in New England? We decided to visit Salem, Massachusetts, the town that suffered a severe outbreak of witch hysteria in 1692. The fear that swept through Puritan Massachusetts resulted in the execution of 20 men and women and the death of as many as 17 while in prison. 265 years later, the state formally apologized for the events of 1692.
The next several hours were spent wandering around the town. Pretty neat place and well worth the 90 minute drive. Lots of old buildings. Those dating from the 1700’s are not unusual. And narrow streets laid out in a somewhat haphazard pattern, that keep you looking at a map. A map that makes no sense until a park ranger type guy tells you to turn it upside down. If you are walking around for long, it’s best to see past a lot of the tourist stuff having to do with the witch episode. We both agreed we could have spent a lot more time exploring the town.
Lunch was a little hole in the wall spot that had the best clam chowder so far. A short drive around the harbor finished our visit and I was soon heading back to Manchester and getting lost.
I will tell you three things about drivers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. First, you must drive at least 10 mph above the speed limit and 15 is even better. Second, you must conserve gas by drafting the car in front of you. For those not familiar with drafting, it means you get so close to the car in front of you that it sort of sucks you along. NASCAR drivers do this. Third, you must drive in the fast lane until the last moment and then veer suddenly to the right to exit. All of these are best done with a cell phone in one hand.
While driving back from Salem I thought about how quickly one can drive from one state to another in New England. So back at the motel I did a little research. Oregon has an area of 98,466 square miles. If you add up the 6 states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island you have a total area of 71,767 square miles. Ok, I get it now.
Dinner tonight was soup and salad at Olive Garden. Tomorrow it’s off to Concord and Lexington for a visit where the American Revolutionary War began and then two nights in Boston. 152 miles today.
Sarah Good Hanged for Witchcraft
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