We are Quick Afoot

We are quick afoot walking the streets of Salem, but we drove the rental car like grandmas today along the coast. There were so many things to see - architecture, sailboats, flower gardens, the beautiful water. Our day was spent stopping at various coastal towns exploring each community’s highlight. 

Our first stop was Dansvers to see Rebecca Nurse’s homestead. 

She was one of the women accused of being a witch and was hanged in 1792. Let’s be clear. I wouldn’t have made it living within the Puritan community in the 1700s. The harsh living conditions, the isolation, and the strict rules would have been too oppressive.  The stories from the homestead tour confirmed all of this. 

From here we drove to Hammond Castle in Gloucester, a beautiful European castle built in Massachusetts to showcase Hammond’s eccentric collections of European art and antiques; it also served as a gift to his wife. Her controversial story confirms my sharp opinions and beliefs would serve me only trouble in the 1800s. It’s safe to say I wasn’t meant to live in the 1800s either. 

The views of the water from the top floor were spectacular! 

Ten miles down the road we stopped at Rockport for lunch and shopping. 

The lobster roll and fried clams were delicious.  I washed it all down with the perfect pale ale. 

I love the flower gardens that dot the coast, the window boxes, and the yards of all of the historical homes. 

We will be up until midnight talking music, pop culture, travel, and anything else we can think of. We have known each other since birth, we have been friends since preschool, and fifty years later our friendship is still going strong! To another 50 years!