Launched into the Danvers River in Salem, MA, and before heading out into Salem Sound I poked into Salem's North River this past Friday (above photo). The day was a beauty with clear skies, perfect temperatures, and a morning high tide. Paddled up to the culvert where the North River disappears...
While paddling back to the Danvers River a northbound commuter train ran alongside the shore...
Once back on the Danvers River I paddled out of its mouth and into Salem Sound along the Beverly shoreline to Hospital Point Range Front Light established in 1872...
...and named for a smallpox hospital which once stood further back on the point in the 1800s.
I'd later learn from the website Lighthousefriends.com that since 1927 this lighthouse has worked in conjunction with the Hospital Point Range Rear Light which is located in the steeple of Beverly's First Baptist Church about a mile to the northwest. The Hospital Point Range Front Light (above photo) has a focal height of 70 feet, whereas the light in the more distant church steeple has a focal height of 183 feet. Vessels entering the Salem Channel just north of Bakers Island could safely follow the channel by keeping the 2 lights aligned one atop the other (front and rear range lights to left side of map below)...
Long before these navigational aids existed, back in 1630, Governor John Winthrop entered the same channel aboard the Puritan Migration's flagship Arbella. Winthrop described in his journal their approach as follows: " ...passed through the narrow strait between Baker's Isle and Little Isle and came to an anchor a little within the islands." ...bringing to completion their Atlantic crossing.
Somewhere in the approximately 1.5-mile stretch of coast between Hospital Point and Allen Head is believed by historians to be the spot where the Arbella stood at anchor on June 12, 1630 having reached its destination.
The view from Allen Head of the islands Winthrop mentioned the Arbella being "a little within". My kayak's bow points to Little Misery Island. Bakers Island is to the right and Great Misery Island is to the left...
On my way back from Allen Head a bald eagle was seen near Smith Point...
Also saw this common tern...
...and this high-perched osprey...
Trash was on the light side...
...whereas the prices for marine fuel are on the rise...
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