Charleston

          Sunday was overcast and cold, with a strong NW wind blowing.  I know, I know, most people reading this are experiencing much colder temperatures, and maybe even snow, but we were wearing our winter clothes - hats, mittens, and down jackets as we went the five miles from Seven Reaches Creek to Charleston.  

Dan had picked out an anchorage well up the Ashley River, but as we turned into the river, he noted just how strong the current was.  We opted for a marina slip instead.  The Harborage at Ashley Marina is technically private, but they do let out slips to transients if they have any available, and they took us in at 1100 even though their website said check-in is after 1:00pm.  We tied up, safe from the current and protected from the wind, and Dan will sleep better tonight knowing the anchor won’t drag, and we won’t be bounced around when the wind blows against the flow.  

It’s a mile and a half walk to the center of the historic district, and we set off to see the sights and find some lunch.  We found a great little restaurant next to the City Market, called Tempest that offered a wonderful brunch menu.  I had the eggs Benedict, cooked perfectly, and Dan had a burger that they described as “smashed into caramelized onions” which he said was delicious.  When they brought the check, it was tucked into a paperback copy of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, along with a pen so we could add our names and comments to those left behind by other people.  

City Market

We walked and walked, window shopping and exploring many of the smaller specialty stores, and looking at the architecture in the French quarters and along the waterfront. 

Rainbow Row

        We spotted a march taking place along one of the streets and ended up joining a throng of people marching for unity and peace.  They were singing hymns and holding up signs declaring “One New Humanity.”   We marched to the steps of the historic old Customs House and listened to the reverend pray for repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and peace.  It was pretty moving to be part of the group. 

One New Humanity march & rally

We retraced our steps through the market district and then through the large college campus of Charleston College (est. 1779) and back to the Willie Dawes.  The sun never did come out, and the wind never did die down, but we got our exercise and we’ll sleep well tonight out of the current.  

One of the many streets of Charleston College Campus