Companion Travels: Charleston, SC

After leaving Church Creek anchorage in SC we had a short trip to Charleston. We arrived at the Harborage at Ashley Marina mid morning Thursday 5/22. It is a very convenient place to many downtown areas as well as a short cab ride to West Marine and walking distance to the City Marina.
A few days earlier I had reached out to the harbor hosts in Charleston. Jenny & Jerry Reeves live in Charleston and they have completed the loop. They were very kind and loaned us the use of their truck. Ron and I went grocery shopping and then stopped at West Marine for boat supplies. After dropping everything back at the boat we drove to Patriot's Point, where the USS Clamagore submarine, the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and the USS Laffey destroyer reside. Ron was sad to see the old girl Clamagore in such a deteriorated condition. After an afternoon of touring we returned to the boat, showered and changed for dinner. We dropped off the truck at the Reeve's residence and walked a few blocks to dinner at Hominy Grill, a Charleston institution, were we enjoyed a classic low country dinner. We enjoyed our after dinner evening walk back to the marina.
Friday Ron worked in the engine room adjusting the packing in both shaft logs. Kathrin decided a good walk was in order and went to the Piccolo Spoleto Art Show. Fabulous! I so enjoyed meeting Delores Newson, a South Carolina Sweet Grass and Pine Coil basket weaver. She uses sweet grass, rush, palmetto fronds and pine needles to weave her baskets, a craft passed down from her ancestors that she learned at the age of six. Some of the baskets have pottery incorporated into them as well. After purchasing a basket and a funky copper bracelet I walked back to the marina. After a day of 6 mile walking it was time for a cold beer on the sundeck! :-)
Saturday the Molimock Family came for a visit! My good longtime friends from New Jersey, sold their house and were on their way down to their new home in St. Augustine, Florida.
Frankie, my godson, was driving the truck with their dog Lilly, pulling the boat trailer and Diana & Frank drove the car packed like the "Clampett's". They pulled into the marina around 12:00. We walked over to the City Marina for lunch. It was so great to see them! The only thing that would have made it better was if Tara, their daughter, was with us. We miss you Tara. :-(
Half an hour later after the Molimock's left our friend's George & Mary from "Beach Quest" called us and said they were at Salty Mike's at City Marina. We joined them for "docktails" at the pub. It is always fun to meet up with old cruising friends. Hope to see them again soon somewhere along the way!