May 17-18, Charleston, SC

Greeting old friends Judy and Kent Mergler for a few days of sightseeing together

An arbor of Night Blooming Jasmine

Cobblestone street - the rock came from England as the ballast in ships

Beautiful old homes and gardens

Arrive in Charleston at the largest marina we have seen so far on our trip, the Charleston City Marina (nicknamed Megadock). Seems like several hundred spaces, and some are inside the breakwater and some outside. Tides here run 7-9 feet (yes 9 foot tides) and so the current can be very strong going in or going out or slack depending on how you catch it. Wind can be a big factor as well because the megadock is pretty exposed and the river is 1/2 mile wide here. We heard of several "crashes" the day we arrived; nothing serious, but usually once a month, something pretty bad happens and boats go to the yard for repairs. Our docking was uneventful as we arrived around low tide and current was not much of a factor. Just lucky on the timing. Met Kent and Judy Mergler in Charleston for dinner and sightseeing and toured the city in a horse drawn coach. Lots to see of the old churches and homes and the city is well preserved. Restrictions are in place to keep it that way. The "Tall Ships" (eight replica square rigged sailing ships) were in Charleston Harbor making the rounds of cities on the east coast of the US this summer, so it was nice to see them up close. Next stop for these ships is scheduled to be Bermuda and then Norfolk in mid June. This is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Va, in 1607, and that is the occasion for their being in the US this summer. These square rigged saliing ships are world travellers and quite a sight. We did not get to see them underway, as the wind was too strong and their departure to Bermuda was delayed. We got some close up photo's on our way out of town, but only of the ships at their docks.