Church Creek & Charleston

Lady Isle Bridge Beaufort, SC

FRIDAY APRIL 23-27, 2010 - Once again shortly after sunrise we  untied the lines from Port Royal marina.  The temptation to blow the horn when we passed Aloha Friday on anchor was tempting but we behaved! We had great timing we had the tide with us most of the way down the sound. We didn't encounter any problems until entering the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff , the water just seemed to disappear.  Our destination today was a new anchorage called Church Creek. This anchorage was recommended by our friend Jerry, whom has great knowledge of anchoring spots. This also gave us a short trip for Saturday into Charleston. The anchorage was wonderful, we enjoyed watching all the birds and there was a pod of dolphins that would swim close enough we could hear them coming up for air. That evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Church Creek Anchorage

Early morning Saturday we weighed anchor and began our short journey to Charleston. One unique things about the Carolina homes are that their docks are a mile long. Our thoughts are, to get to your boat you become a walking smorgasbord for the bugs. We made excellent timing through Field's Cut at one point we were going 10 knots at practically idle speed.

Entering Fields Cut

Current Running in Fields Cut

Shortly around 11 we pulled into the Maritime Marina and went for a walk around. Charleston is another of our favorite stops for exploring, there is so much history, great shops, restaurants and street performers. Our plans were to spend two days to explore things we haven't seen yet. We love the Market where people sell their wares, including the sweet grass baskets. You find horse drawn carriage tours and of course the candy shops, omg caramel coated Pecans everywhere!

Carriage Tours Through Charleston

Former Slave Market

Mid afternoon our friends Jerry and Kathryn came to the Summer Wind for a short visit and then we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Virginia's. However we must say it was a little tough getting to the restaurant the cadets from the Citadel were having a parade, so quite a few streets were blocked.Thank you Jerry and Kathryn for a lovely afternoon!

Us with Kathryn & Jerry

Citadel Cadets

Old High School

Side porches "Piazzas"

 It must have been a sign of whats to come the 'free laundry machines' were still busy early in the morning. Sunday ended up being a total washout, the winds were howling about 30 kts. and the boat was rocking like crazy. It poured and we decided to just stay put, even in a lovely city like Charleston, it just wasn't nice outside. Between the rain I (Elle) attempted to do the laundry, no such luck still busy! Dick called a boater that we knew were somewhere behind us on the waterway and warned him of the waves on the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. He took Dick's advice and hunkered down in anchorage rather then attempt the journey to Charleston. 

Monday morning rolled around and the waves hadn't subsided much, from our slip we could see waves rolling up the Cooper River. No way were we going to travel today! So, next best thing we explored the H20 Aquarium and watched the Dive show, Carlotta the sea turtle literally stole the show, talk about a ham! There was a penguin feeding time and one little guy knew it was coming, he stood by the feeding door to make sure he got his fair share. We learned that they make sure everyone gets fed well. Later on we walked the Water Park and explored the Fort Sumter monument. Did you know Fort Sumter was where the first shot was fired by a Citadel cadet that started the Civil War? Did you know that Charleston was British owned and tried secession from the country? I have to tell you I (Elle) had fun with that little tidbit of information. Dick is always teasing about Canada being British owned and talking about Quebec's seceding.

Waterfront Park

It's always nice to make new friends

USS Yorktown and Patriots Point

View of Ravenel Bridge from Waterfront Park

Carlotta Competing for Attention

More Hams??

Getting in line first

Later that afternoon after walking our feet off the laundry room was finally empty!!! All we had were two loads to do. The dockmaster came and told us the laundry room had to be locked at 6:00pm our first load was in the dryer and our second was just finishing the rinse. He kindly waited 15 minutes for the wash to finish. So, we went back to the marina and  hung every wet thing up on the back sundeck!! With the wind it didn't take long! Our recommendation is marinas need to supply more then one washer and one dryer if there is no laundry spot within walking distance!