Another Week in Charleston

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So here we are, another week in Charleston. Not a lot to report this week, we are still just getting the boat ready for the trip. Most days have been spent hanging out in the marina so that work can be done on the boat. But we are getting really anxious to pull up the lines and set sail. It is kind of a catch 22. We really want to be spending the days sailing, maybe practice our anchoring and doing a couple of overnight trips around here to get used to how the boat handles. But if we go out sailing, then the work can’t be done on the boat (and this is work that needs to be done before we can leave, like putting up the bimini and installing the solar panels). So if we sail, we further delay our departure from Charleston down South to warmer waters and tropical islands. And trust me; we are ready to be in the Bahamas.

In the meantime, we have been busy each day with buying preparations for the boat and have spent many hours in West Marine (a boat supply store). We have also been reading many sailing books and reviewing charts, planning our trip down the East Coast and onto the Bahamas (and beyond). We have realized how important it is to forecast the weather (especially after the dark and stormy night) and now spend 2-3 hours a day listening to the national weather forecast and reviewing multiple weather charts and maps online. Besides that we have tried to enjoy as many sunsets as possible and are just settling into our new home.

We had a great weekend when Preston, our long time friend from Portland, came out to visit us with one of his friends Kate. They drove in from Atlanta late Thursday night and stayed till Saturday night. It was so wonderful to hang out with friends, playing Texas Hold’m and recounting the old days. We were planning on going down the intercostal waterway a couple of miles to an easy and scenic anchorage. Unfortunately some work needed to get done on our boat Friday morning and a storm was moving in on Saturday, so we weren’t able to go. But we were still able to go out on a sunset cruise in Charleston harbor on Friday, which was a beautiful day. It is so much fun sailing this boat, we all loved it (even though there was not much wind). And we spent about 4 hours on Saturday walking around downtown Charleston, which is a very charming city. It was fun to explore it on foot, we saw tons of old churches, historic buildings, and little alcoves and secret gardens down stone lined pathways. All of the streets are lit with gas lamps and it is not uncommon for horse drawn carriages to come down the cobbled streets. It was a great visit and we had tons of fun.

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Photos

Portland Trio
Hangin' out with Preston for a sunset cruise.

Walking in Charleston
A typical flat in downtown Charleston.

High Cotton
A local, upscale bar.

Willow
A willow tree in front of the library in Charleston.

DAC Building
The daughters of the confederacy building.

Art Gallery
One of the many art galleries in downtown Charleston, a very artsy town.

Night Lights
The gas lamps at night.

Comments

[Mom]

Pretty Neat
Love your pics of Charleston! At least you are in a very interesting city while waiting for your "take-off."

[Mom]

Glad to see you out enjoying the city - looks like Charleston is a great place to explore! After the dark and stormy night entry, I have paid much closer attention to the weather in and around your area. Prayers for sun and wind (just the right amount for sailing) and that all the pieces and parts are assembled quickly.............. Love you bunches!! Mom

[Aunt Margaret]

Sounds like fun!!
I know you are anxious to get out on your own and start your new adventure. I'm enjoying the pictures of Charleston...I have never been there!

[Gran]

Love the Pics
I am off to the Mediteranian off the coast of Spain tomorrow. Put the Rum Runner in high gear and sail on over there!!!!!