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Published: June 23rd 2010
Tuesday was our day to go to Patriots Point, where the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is on display. We also toured the the submarine Clamagore. It is really hard to believe how many people worked and lived in the incredible cramped areas of the submarine. We first entered at the forward torpedo room. There was about 6 of us tourists, all pretty crowded, no room to walk around each other. Then you read the plaque that says a crew of 16 worked and slept in that space. There were cots hanging barely one foot from the 'ceiling' (probably not the proper naval term!), right above the racks they used to roll the torpedoes into the tubes. Close quarters.
Then we toured the aircraft carrier. Even though this is an older one (its last mission was recovering the Apollo 8 capsule in the late 60's), it still is impossible to imagine how huge it is until you are right next to it. It carried a crew of about 3500. And apparently they liked chocolate chip cookies - get busy with that recipe, Celia.
Lastly, we took a 40-minute boat ride out to Fort Sumter, which entirely occupies a former sand dune
Allsion and Jeff
(traded picture-taking duties with a friendly family)that was built up with 70,000 tons of rock from New Engalnd. We learned a lot while we were there about the start and end of the civil war, and I must have really been paying attention, because I forgot to take any pictures of the fort! Oops. One fact I found very interesting - when the civil war ended in April 1865, they wanted to have a celebration at Ft. Sumter, where the war had started. Of course, they invited President Lincoln to attend. His advisors told Lincoln he was still so hated in South Carolina that it would be dangerous for him to go. So, instead, he went to Ford's Theatre to see a play with his wife ...
We experienced yet another mid-day thunderstorn, but most of the day was sunny, hot and humid.
Back at the hotel we visited the outdoor rooftop lounge for the first time - had a refreshing beverage in the shade!
Dinner at Halls Chophouse. When we entered we were immediately greeted by the owner who welcomed us and introduced us to the hostess. There was live music by (I swear) a reincarnated Ray Charles, and the atmosphere was
USS Clamagore
(I keep wanting to say Clagamore, but it is Clamagore) all dark wood, brass and leather. Allison and I both had steaks and, ho-hum, another fantastic meal in Charleston. Really - we've been to three dinners so far, and both the food and service at each one has been special-occasion-worthy good!
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Craig and Patti
non-member comment
Explaination of the weird deliveries in Sykesville
Jeff / Allison, Sounds like you're having a blast. Charleston is such a cool place. Don't forget the beach!!!! Anyway, Thank God I read your Tuesday entry because I couldn't understand why this morning (Wed am) there was a Nestle's Truck out front of your house delivering what appeared to be numerous yellow bags of something. Also, this probably explains the 100 or so chickens out in your backyard. "Whew" - I thought Ms. Chris was about to perform so weird vodoo thing. Anyway, can't wait to see you guys back in town and definitely looking forward to some "chicken on the barbie". The Weavers