Friday, November 03, 2006

Henry the Navigator Tours Salem ...

Note: Contest link posted below ...

Henry the Navigator arrived at the seaport of Salem, Massachusetts on the day of our Lord, November 1, 2006. Stopping first at the Custom House to declare his cargo for Rhonda the Stitchingnut.

Once the goods were delivered and inspected, (see previous post) Rhonda took Henry off to see the sights of Salem. Of course he saw the Salem Harbor again and viewed the Friendship of Salem docked in the harbor. The sails aren't up but it's still a glorious sight to see a ship similar to what Henry might have sailed on.

And before we leave Pickering Wharf where the Friendship resides, we must past the shop of the most famous Official Witch of Salem, Laurie Cabot. There are two of her shops in town with each being run by one of her two daughters now. No time to stop in today!

Then it's up the street to stop by and see The New England Pirate Museum. Did you know that pirates were known to travel these waters? And Boston's North Shore was known as the Gold Coast? A young lady who was curious to stopped me with a question, "What is that box in your hands and WHY are you taking pictures of it?" Once I told her a quick story of Yarn Aboard she even offered to take my picture holding it (oh goodness I was in no shape to have my picture taken, lol) ... but I convinced her that I just needed Henry in the picture with the background around him. She was cute about wanting to help me, so here she is holding Henry up. Her husband stood by with thier son in a stroller watching. He must have thought I was nuts ... but he didn't stop his wife from helping me out.

So off I go to show Henry what Salem has REALLY become famous for ...

Witches and to see our Salem Witch Museum and learn about the real story of the 19 witches hung or crushed in Salem and why. Were they really witches? Find out here. In front of the building that looks like an old castle is also the statue of the founder of Salem, Roger Conant. Strangely enough, he looks like a witch!

From there we walk up thru the Essex Street Walking Mall with lots of shops, sites, and attractions contributed to witch craft and dressing for Halloween and gifts. I always love looking in the the window of Samantha's Costume Shop.

My favorite witchcraft shop is The Broom Closet. That's right, I have a favorite witchcraft shop. Doesn't everyone? I get my Sage bundles, magic potions, polished stones and crystals here.

We pass the Witch History Museum also. Another tourist trap? I can't really say, because this one I haven't visited yet. But I might bring a grandchild there sometime. It could be interesting.

Then we end out tour for today with the conserversal statue of Samantha the Witch. I reserve my judgement about her presents here, but thought Henry might like to meet her before going over to my favorite Yarn Shop ...


The Seed Stitch Fine Yarn and
we sit a spell to knit before Henry sails out of port ...

See the contest at Alisha's ... she's giving cute prizes!

5 comments:

FemiKnitMafia said...

So fun! Salem has so much history. Hey, I need a sage stick for my new house. If I give you $, will you pick one up for me next time you're in the neighborhood?

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Sure thing,you got it, Mafia. Always good to smudge the new home.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I spent some time there on Patriot's Day. It was crowded! It's nice to be reminded of the sight of the harbor, with Friendship. We went to the house of the Seven Gables, but skipped all of the witchy things - a bit too Disneyland for us. Maybe next time you can tell us the truly historical things to see.

Anonymous said...

Awww - thank you so much for this extremely entertaining tour through Salem - I'd so love to go there one day and see everything myself! What a great historical place you're living in!

Unknown said...

That was a very lovely tour of Salem! I have always wanted to go and see everything!! Thank you!!