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Day 27. April 28. On to Charleston. 31.9nm. Total 735

 We spent April 25-27 in Bohicket Marina on John’s Island with family, getting Bill’s dental work completed, shopping and eating wonderful Southern food in friendly Southern hospitality.  It was hard to leave. But onward we must go!  What made it a bit easier was that our son, Kyle, joined us for the cruise!





We left the marina and traveled on the winding Wadmalaw River past Wadmalaw and John’s Island.  The scenery was a mixture of developed areas with large areas of natural growth and tidal marsh.

The Wadmalaw River met the Stono River and we continued past the mainland which is largely developed  with homes and docks and the tidal marsh off the northern edge of John’s Island.  We even enjoyed watching a few rounds of golf as two greens in one development were right on the river.





Also enjoyed the picnic lunch that my sister, Kathy provided as we traveled to Charleston.  Was delicious just like everything she cooks!



Next we had to tackle the strong currents in Elliot Cut.  Bill negotiated the currents well and we made it through safely.  As we left the cut, we entered Charleston Harbor and the skyline of Charleston came into view.  




We pulled into the Charleston City Marina, tied up and settled in.

Our plan is to use the marina shuttle and do a self guided historic walking tour with Kyle, then do an early dinner before Kyle needs to get to the airport and head home. 

We walked the French Quarter of Charleston-named for the French merchants that lived in this area.  The French Quarter was part of the original walled city settled in 1680.

Historical sites in the French Quarter-

Pink House Tavern, one of the oldest buildings, erected in 1712



Dock Street Theatre, site of the first theatrical productions in the United States




St Michaels Church, the oldest church building, completed in 1761.





St Philips Episcopal Church, the first congregation in Charleston, dating from 1681.  We walked the graveyard which had graves dating back to the late 1600’s and had many Revolutionary War grave sites.




Charleston County Courthouse was originally used as an administration building for the British and served also as the State Capitol Building. The current structure dates back to 1788 when the original building was destroyed by fire.





City Market Hall was a public market originally built in 1788 to house fish, meat and vegetables vendors.  In 1807, stalls rented for 25 cents.  In 1841, the current Market Hall was built.  The market was famous for vendors weaving sweet grass baskets.  Today the market is filled with local foods, and arts and crafts.



Powder Magazine, dated 1713, was originally a British armory, later it stored ammunition in the Revolutionary War.  We ended our walk at the newer Waterfont Park and walking past the houses dubbed Rainbow Row.





Was sad to see Kyle go, we thoroughly enjoyed his company.



Will end with some pictures of old homes we walked past. Cobblestone streets and the last shot is the oldest brick structure in Charleston 





Above is a map the Charleston and the surrounding areas and islands.

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