Once we caught up on our sleep after our overnight trip it was time to go ashore and stretch our legs. However, as great a city as Charleston is to visit, it is not the most accessible for transient boaters who choose to anchor as we had. The marina at Patriot's Point charges $60 a day to tie up a dinghy versus $5 a day across the harbour at the Maritime Center. We chose to anchor at Patriot's Point for protection from the forecasted 30 knot north winds but that left us with a one mile wet dinghy ride across the harbour. After all it would be a good test for our new foul weather jackets and waterproof laundry bag. The first order of business ashore was, you guessed it, laundry, once that was done we met 2 Outrageous for lunch and laid out a plan for the next couple of days.

First on our list of things to see was the new African American museum which traces the history of the slave trade around the world. The museum displays are first class but like any museum it would be better to spread the visit over two days. The Civil Rights section was extremely moving since we have all lived through this era. Needless to say our heads were saturated with details when we left and we all found it hard to understand how cruel the power brokers could be.

Over the next couple of days we spent time exploring the historic downtown whenever the conditions were favourable for a dinghy run. We met up with our friend Debbie for lunch and enjoyed a guided tour of one of the waterfront mansions. As always we kept a keen eye on the weather as we awaited the next opportunity to continue south. The north winds had been blowing hard offshore for a couple of days and the 10' seas kept most people in the harbour or on the ICW. We were determined not to do the next section through Georgia in the ICW and we were finally rewarded with a break in the weather. Although the wind was forecasted to eventually fade away to under 5 knots it was time to get moving again. Dagny was prepared for a morning departure, and goodbyes were said, as we turned in early for a good rest prior to departure.

Todays picture is of The Old South Carriage Co, note the wagon leaving the stable with a load of tourists.