This has been a great ten days, albeit a little confusing. We started Nov. 5 th. in fabulous, warm sunshine, sailing to Georgetown. By day's end we found that foul weather gear really handy as condition went from flat water to high winds and rain for dockage in this little South Carolina town. Here we learned all about the Northern War of Aggression and who's fault it was that South Carolina suffered an economic downturn after Reconstruction. Georgetown had a viable shopping area, a few restaurants and a Rice Museum, yes, rice. This is where the world got its golden rice in the early years of our country; remnants of the ingenious lock systems are still visible along the rivers that are part of the ICW, which fronts the remains of old plantations. Two days were enough here to see town, enjoy their Tasting Festival, (how many ways can you eat shrimp and grits?) and do some boat maintenance. While docked here, we had a preservice call from the marina scheduled to do work for us down the way.
We spent an uneventful night at Isle of Palms, complete with a short walk to the ocean and a glorious sunset walk on the beach. No photos, just a relaxed night. In the morning we made way to Charleston where we reconnected with traveling friends, ate every meal out- don't miss a morsel in Charleston, and enjoyed 70 degree weather for three days of sightseeing to exhaustion. This was not our first trip here or our last. Rick even took me to a quilt shop and the Gibbs Museum, their art institute, southern style. City Marina is huge and a bit rocky, but it is easy to get transportation and walk everywhere. While our friends took to the outside to get to Savannah, we had a commitment down the ICW at Ross Marine.
We are happy to report that thanks to Ross Marine on Johns Island, we have a new starter in the generator, a designated starter battery for the engine and numerous other "on the list" items installed or replaced. And thanks to all the "construction" on the boat, we had to rent a car and visit Savannah, GA, for two days. What can I say, it isn't Charleston, Paula Deane's Restaurant is highly over rated, and one should not take a trolley tour during the Veteran's Day Parade. It was also brutally cold again. We wanted to see more than we did, but we can cross this off our list. We did see enough to rent "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and "Forest Gump" again to repeat our sightseeing on the big screen.
From Johns Island on Saturday we motored to Beaufort (Bew-Fort), SC, and the temperature shot to 75-79 degrees. The town is charming and has been the sight for many movie shoots, including "The Big Chill." Once again we took the tour, (count them: three in a week) and then returned on foot for photos. Military presence is the surviving industry here. On Sunday we left for Hilton Head. Thirty mile days are much less exhausting than 50 or 60!
Harbour Town is interesting because it is the first planned community in the US, built in the 60s. It is complete, self-contained golf and boating on a sound inside the ocean and it has really held its purpose and value through the years. Unfortunately our day here may be extended due to heavy fog. It was 79 yesterday, will hit 80 today, but rain will drop temps by Thursday. We plan to pass on sailing to Savannah as we are growing eager to get to Florida.
