Saturday, May 10, 2008

APRIL 22 AND 23; CHARLESTON SC








Driving slowly up highway 17 along the coast we finally arrived early afternoon at James Island County Park. We landed smack dab in the middle of a kayak rally. It was winding down but I saw every type of kayak available! We might explore that sport next year. This park has miles of bicycle paths, a lake, conference center, water play areas and lots more, a rather nice place but a little high at $37 for a government run park. Downtown was about a quick 6 mile drive so that was nice. After we setup the rig we took a drive around the island and found 3 places to go that afternoon.
First was Angel Oak, a rather immense tree that belies the imagination, I am not sure even my pictures do it justice! Next, did you know there is only one tea plantation in America, that's right, and its on James Island. Sue and I took a factory tour and naturally bought some tea, a very pleasant surprise. A short drive away was Folly beach, a summer hangout for young adults and families. At the end of the road we parked and took a half mile walk to the end of the beach where we could take a picture of the now defunct Morris island lighthouse. It is out a ways in the bay due to erosion.
The next day we sauntered into town and took the Grayline tour, which disappointed us as they do not drop you off and pickup at convenient locations, they just narrate at a fast clip for an hour and a half and charge 28 bucks, thank you very much! It did include the ferry to Fort Sumter, the start of the civil war, and that made it worthwhile.
While there the flying Air Force Thunder-birds where practicing and did about 6 fly overs the Fort, awesome! We ate dinner at Bubba Gump's and there hush puppies are great! 
Since Charleston did not seem to have the same charm as Savannah and our schedule had changed as to when our daughter was meeting us in DC we left a day early. We probably should go back and spend a week but frankly we did not feel all that welcome:(
 

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