Charleston

We arrived in Charleston at first light Friday morning after a 125 mile off shore passage from Southport.  The weather forecast called for 20-25 knot winds and 3 to 5 foot seas; however, what we experienced was 30-35 knot winds gusting to over 40 and 6-8 foot seas for most of the trip.  Al was feeling sea sick and didn't get his sea legs until nearly 10 hours in.

Downtown Charleston



Beautiful manicured gardens

We docked at Charleston Maritime Center; located within walking distance to downtown and steps to the aquarium and Fort Sumter memorial centre. After a brief nap we took a tour of the city and saw many beautiful old homes and heard about  the history of Charleston.  We then went for a walk and out for dinner where we experienced some southern cuisine (hush puppies, shrimp and grits, collard greens and red rice).

Saturday morning we took a walk, stopping at the farmers market and taking a tour through the Aiken-Rhett house; one of the old Charleston homes. It was a great way to get a feel for how some people lived during the early 1800's.  After lunch we went to the aquarium where we saw lots of fish, birds and other wildlife and enjoyed a 4D version of the Polar Express the 4th D adds a sensory journey, with snow, wind, pine scents and rumbling chairs in the theatre.

Tomorrow we will take a tour of Fort Sumter memorial and head across the river to tour the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN CV-10.

Ornate architecture for a school
notice the bolt above which all old Charleston building have after the earthquake

Kitchen the slaves used to cook for the household of a wealthy family

Outhouse of the rich in the 1800s

Aiken-Rhett house

Kiss the Frog

USS YORKTOWN CV-10