Thurs, Nov 21, 2013-
Our friends Bill and Kathy spend Nov/Dec in Charleston, SC where their daughter, and Sara’s adopted “niece” Colleen lives with her husband and three adorable kids. Bill suggested that we meet them at the Isles of Palms Marina as it is just before the Ben Sawyer Bridge entering Charleston Harbor. Timing is important in that area. We needed to time the distance to the two bridges that are just before Charleston. Low tide is mandatory to clear the 65′ fixed bridge a half mile before the Ben Sawyer Bridge, which closes from 4-6 pm for rush hour. Added to that is early darkness at this time of year and the need to have slack tide to enter the Maritime Center where we were headed.
We left Georgetown at first light and arrived at Isles of Palms Marina about 2:30 in time to check in and clean up a bit before Bill, Kathy, Colleen and the kids arrived. It felt like a celebration to see them again and finally have arrived in Charleston.
Fri, Nov 22-
With Bill on board, we left the marina at 6 am so we could clear the 65′ bridge at low tide, and then make the last opening of the Ben Sawyer Bridge before the 7-9 am shutdown for rush hour. We cleared both then spent about 3 hours motoring around Charleston with a narrated tour by Bill while we waited for the tide to come in and slack. We made it into the Maritime Center and got settled.
Colleen and Jason closed on their new home that afternoon. They picked us up after the closing and we all went to see their new home and celebrate. They have a fabulous location on the ICW with views of the Ben Sawyer Bridge.
We stayed in Charleston until December 11th, enjoying time with Kathy and Bill and Colleen. We also enjoyed the city. The history and architecture of Charleston and that it is so walkable is much like Boston. Every time we go there we appreciate more the ease of getting around in the historic district. The area was decorated for Christmas which adds to the atmosphere.
Every Saturday there is a farmers market that we enjoy going to. They have fresh produce and homemade preserves along with jewelry, artwork, etc. We bought fresh collard greens and kale, which we never seemed to cook at home. The market is a real family atmosphere. The ASPCA has dogs there every week which they are trying to find homes for. They were very cute but we resisted.
Bob’s childhood friend, Chris and his wife Cindy, and their two daughters invited us to Thanksgiving dinner. Bob and Chris grew up together spending memorable times on the NJ shore. It was a great day. We later had them to the boat for dinner the night of the Christmas harbor boat parade. What an parade of lights; each boat was more spectacular than the one before! Oh, those poor batteries…