We arrived on Friday, November 9, under blue skies and lots of sunshine after enjoying two pretty anchorages on our passage south from North Carolina. Time to get into shorts! We took a slip at the Charleston Marine Center, a city-owned marina in the Cooper River– floating docks, free laundry, discounts on gas and slip, and a Harris Teeter Grocery Store just 3 blocks away. Also a perfect spot to watch freighters entering the Charleston harbor.

We were disappointed there wasn't a slip available for our traveling partners on Chanticleer, so they headed up the Ashley River and settled in a marina there. Before getting into too much fun, Mike and I dealt with our broken head diverter valve – a nasty job! While we were slaving, Pat and Bob walked around downtown Charleston and located our dinner spot – a wonderful little place called Jestine's. We enjoyed southern comfort food and a spirited waitress who kept us laughing all night. It was a great way begin our stay here. On Saturday in glorious sunshine we re-familiarized ourselves with the area by walking into town, first looking for Jack's Cafe, our favorite breakfast spot 2 years ago. Memory served us well and we found it but it was closed for the week-end. Never mind, instead we grabbed a quick bagel and wandered over to the Farmers' Market in Marion Square. Mike also found the Greek restaurant where 2 years ago he purchased some excellent seasoning and we replenished our supply. Dinner again with Pat and Bob, this time Italian and we weren't disappointed. Sunday brought the arrival of our friends Kathy, Jim, and Murphy Bearden on Charm – they left from home a week before us and so good to finally catch up.

Decisions, decisions – weather looked like a possibility to “go out” (into the ocean) and try to do a long haul to Brunswick, GA, avoiding the notoriously shallow spots in SC and Georgia and making up some travel time lost waiting out Hurricane Sandy. Hating to leave Charleston a day earlier than planned, we decided we should take advantage of this opportunity and prepared for early departure on Monday. Charleston is such a great place – we'll be back.