Charleston on Foot

It rained in the night.  It sounded like a hard rain against the top of the motorhome.  It was overcast and drizzly when we got up.  Carol's back was still a problem so we contemplated how our day would go.  We decided to head toward Charleston and visit a visitor's center and then drive out of the city to a tree called "Angel Oak Tree."  He seems to be in less pain when he sits so we figured we would drive this morning and return back to campsite for the rest of the afternoon so he could rest.

We have been seeing billboards like this in Georgia and South Carolina.  They advertise with different numbers but the seven digits are always the same.  Yesterday we passed an accident on the interstate and one of these signs was in sight of the accident.  Had I been quick enough, I would have taken a picture of the accident with the sign.

We made it to the visitor's center.  It is located in an area that once had been in the early 1800's a thriving railroad complex These stone columns are the original entrance to the railroad complex and train depot.    The picture below that picture is one of the buildings used to support the rail industry.

The helpful lady explained to us how the bus system works in Charleston.  It is called DASH and goes into the historic district of the city   You can hop on and off at any stop, and the best part is that it is free.  She suggested that since we were already parked in their lot and the bus stops at the end of that parking lot, we should use the DASH bus to explore the city.  I left the decision for Carol since it was his back that would be needed to sight see today.  He wanted to do it.  So off we went on a DASH bus to see the historic city.  We rode the bus from 9:30 until 3:00 p.m  It was a great way to see the city.

 We saw so many beautiful buildings and homes.  I had trouble eliminating any from this blog so it contains lots of pictures.

This is Pineapple Fountain.  It is located in Waterfront Park.

The Arthur Revenel Bridge that crosses Charleston Harbor.

The pilings holding the wharfs were covered with shells.

The weather vane keeps with the waterfront area using a dolphin instead of a horse.

Another fountain in Waterfront Park.

This is the city covering all bases.  You can wade in the fountains but you do so at your own risk.

Some dog left his ball in the park.  When I saw this ball, I thought of Frosty (Ozee Family Dog).  Frosty would never have left his ball behind!

The original cobblestone street.

This chunk of wall is part of the original wall built nearly 400 years ago.  It was uncovered a few years ago when the city was doing street work.

Don't know its name, but we thought these flowers were beautiful.

Not only were the houses beautiful and interesting, but the entrances into the back/side yards of the property was unusual.

In my research on Charleston, I found out about several alleys in Charleston.  We happened to find this one and walked down it.  It was a great experience.  Evidently, it connected major streets and provided a shortcut for people to use.

At the tip of the city along the battery is Battery Park.  There were several statues to honor those who fought in all the wars that occurred during Charleston's years.  This one is to honor the Confederate defenders of Fort Sumter.

Used to tie up horses.

The doors were ornately decorated.  This house had lion heads at the doors and windows.

This was at the end of a long driveway...a visible pump with an old car in the garage.

Above and below are Rainbow Row.

We ate lunch at TBonz Gill and Grill.  Carol had a hamburger and I had a chicken salad sandwich.  Both were very good.  One thing I noticed about the restaurants we have eaten in Savannah and Charleston is that they use paper straws...no more plastic ones!

 

We ended the day at the Old Market.  The Old Market began in 1706 as a place where farmers, fishermen, etc.  would bring their items to market for the people of Charleston.  It is a block long and consists of four buildings.  

We talked about walking back to the car because it was only six or seven blocks but in the end, our feet and backs said, "Ride the free bus"  That is what we did.  We got back to camp about 4:00.  Kara had texted us a suggestion of something to buy that might help dad's back so we stopped by WalMart for that and other supplies.  We put the medicated pad on his back and hopefully, it will make his back feel better.  It turned out to be a nice day.  The sun came out and the temperatures were mild.  Although, it wasn't the day we had originally planned, it was much better.  Carol managed to keep walking upright and we made it back to camp.  Tomorrow we want to go to Fort Sumter and the Angel Oak Tree.