Sophisticated charm in Charleston! Loved every minute of this 5 day stay. The colorful homes with flower boxes brimming over with Spring blooms and the presence again of patriotism. We visited the Citadel, the USS Yorktown and were treated with hundreds of sailboats during race week. It rained almost everyday but we biked through it!

The food was just as fabulous as we hoped with eggplant fritters, creamy cheese grits and local brews and baked goods. We saw a play (Seminar) and enjoyed the young, casual vibe from the College of Charleston in contrast to the formality of the Citadel.

We stayed 2 nights at the mega dock and 3 at the Maritime Center which we much preferred. Fun to see Cindy and Randy again on their Ranger 25, I Think I Can.  Sunny and 70 as we cruise nirth to Georgetown and Myrtle Beach.

The Beaufort, South Carolina city marina allowed us to be right in the center of another lovely Southern town. They boast many movie locations such as the Big Chill (White House below) and the Great Santini. Also, a national cemetery and Parris Island, home of a USMC base where we watched new recruit graduation dress rehearsal. Patriotism lives strong in the south.

We were also treated to an amazing "roll cloud" one afternoon that never produced rain.  Other loopers are back on the water heading north as well now and we are looking forward to connecting and sharing stories.

Two weeks at home was great to re-energize with family and friends. Happy 83 Dad!

That patch of snow on the Macatawa Inlet says it's time to head back south and on to Charleston!