Nov 11 - 16 Still hanging out in Charleston

Nov 11-16, 2014

We are still here and awaiting the delivery of a brand new engine!  Our 28 year old engine was difficult for the mechanics to find replacement parts for.  We decided we really like our boat, so we are investing in a new engine for a more confident trip.
Charleston is a great place to be stuck!  As a tour guide said, In Charleston, there are two kinds of people, "the haves" and "the have mores"!   So many historic southern mansions, and cool restaurants and bars!

Walking along the "Battery" - unbelievable mansions that look across Charleston harbor and out to the ocean

Typical Charleston homes have a common theme - a small road front footprint then extend back a long way.  These homes all have a small front door that leads to impressive porches.  The porches face the prevailing ocean winds for summer cooling.  Most of these houses are from around 1700!!

Skinny house - note door on bottom left in front of car

Same house, now showing the substantial porches

We have walked all over the city, been bike riding, bought fresh shrimp off the dock, swam in the hotel pool. Our primary mode of transportation is the Hotel/Marina free trolley car.  Every 2hrs the trolley goes to/from downtown Charleston and then on the off hours is available to take guests to the grocery store, hardware store, etc.
 

Molly the trolley - we are off to the grocery store

Carol returning from  the grocery run

Rode bikes to Sheem Creek boat docks and bought shrimp right off the dock

We went on a day trip to Sullivan's Island and walked the beach at the ocean.

We even found a Deer Park like bar complete with "The Raven".

We met a delightful young couple at Poe's Tavern - Erin and Bubba.  Now we really know we are in low country.

Saturday Nov 15th we went to a BBQ cook-off competition - odd thing was you could only get a sample from each vendor (about 25 competitors).  You could not buy a sandwich.


So, back on there trolley to downtown to get a BBQ sandwich and then attend a French Film festival showing "En Solitaire" (Turning Tide)- a  french competitor in the Vendee Around the globe alone sailing adventure with english subtitles.  Great sailing shots.












We even squeezed in a little boat maintenance- striping old varnish off the teak.

Our engine is due to arrive tomorrow, Monday Nov 17th, and as soon as it is installed off we go.  It is starting to get cold here at night, so we want to get south now!