Old Orchard Beach and Salem

August 21st

We left Portland in the late afternoon and stopped off at Old Orchard Beach for some old fashioned boardwalk fun. After several games of skeet ball (my Hoffman's Playland arcade skills were way rusty and Chris won most of the games) and a quick ride on the roller coaster, we hit the Fun Wheel for some nice views of the ocean and the pier.

After a long overpriced late lunch, we rolled into Salem. We arrived after all of the "museums" had closed but I can't say I was disappointed.

After messing around in the shops all selling the same ubiquitous witch paraphernalia, the message was clear that this town is a one trick pony. I only regret that I didn't get a chance to stop by the New England Pirate Museum. Arrrrrrgh.

We did spend some time exploring the graves in the creepy cemetery next to the Samuel Pickman House.

Why would someone want this image on their tomb? (Read my smart friend Amy's comment here for the answer.)

There was a section of stones set in a garden paying tribute to the actual women and men who were killed during the witch trials in 1692. This poor bastard was PRESSED TO DEATH!

And if the graveyard wasn't spooky enough on its own, the trees inside seemed ideal for a hanging.

To see more creepster photos from this day you can stop by the set here.