Charleston – Day 5

Wednesday. It’s already Wednesday!

Today we expected to awaken to rain — likely the torrential type that floods the area. Matter of fact, a flash flood watch was called yesterday for today, based on the projected path of Tropical Storm Nicole, and other tropical activity.

We decided that since torrential rain wasn’t what we awoke to, we would go to the Mount Pleasant Pier and Waterfront Park. One little dollar to park for two hours and the pier was free.

As we walked along where part of the Grace Memorial Bridge stood, we met a gentleman named Grady. He works for the parks department and asked about where we’re from. He was delighted to hear that we’re from East Tennessee. He asked if we knew where Gatlinburg is. In short order we heard how he and his wife want to move to Gatlinburg, that he has worked on plans for their log cabin for five years. He’s excited to think that just on property taxes and insurance, he and his wife will be able to save in the neighborhood of $7,000 per year. He was incredulous to hear what we pay for our auto insurance. He pays what we pay per year for ONE of their vehicles — per quarter!  We agreed that he and his wife would contact us when they come to East Tennessee in a few weeks.

After taking some photos and talking with the fishermen on the pier, we made our way back into Charleston. We decided that lunch should be covered by one of our Restaurant.com certificates, so we headed down to King Street. There we found Virginia’s on King. What we found was a small restaurant in an old building. Seeing the place and the clientèle, I had a feeling that spending the $35 for that certificate would happen quite easily.

Wow! Was I wrong! The prices were very reasonable!

We shared an appetizer — the fried green tomatoes. Oh my word! They were delicious and the relish served with it was amazing. Fried chicken breast like you’d make at home, mashed potatoes with gravy, hoppin’ John, collard greens, creamed corn, macaroni & cheese filled the table and the two sitting there. We still had to add something to the ticket to complete our obligation, so banana pudding was ordered. I was hoping for coconut cream pie, but it wasn’t on the menu.

We had planned that when we left the restaurant we’d stop at Cupcake for a treat. Actually, we joked on Monday that lunch could be a Planet Smoothie treat with Cupcake for dessert.

However.

When we left Virginia’s, the sky was falling. Well, at least, water was falling from the sky. A lot of water. Cupcake lost it’s appeal and we came to the suite.

Have I mentioned how wonderful this place we’re staying is? No? Well, let me mention it. As we arrived, the manager stepped out onto the back porch to find out if we needed anything — towels, wash cloths — anything. He had told us when we checked in that the washer in our suite wasn’t working, so I verified that with him again and then asked where was a place close that I could wash then dry here. He had me just bring the laundry to the mansion to wash. (I have to say, typing that sentence is so very strange!)

After we’d gotten the clothes washed and dried, we decided to go driving through town. It wasn’t lunch, but we found ourselves in Cupcake and Planet Smoothie. (Does it count that I had a fat burner smoothie with my red velvet cupcake?)

It’s not a normal thing to get into a traffic jam in Charleston, but we found one. Actually, it was the motorcade of the 2010 Medal of Honor Convention as they turned into the Carolina Yacht Club for a special reception and dinner. Many cars turned around and went back. I sat still.  See, these men who have given so much to our country hold a special place in my heart. I think they’re awesome folks and I’ve never met them, so even though I couldn’t see them and they couldn’t see me, we cheered them on anyway.

Currently, there is a tornado watch, flash flood watch and a flood advisory as the rain continues. What will we do tomorrow? I’m betting it won’t be sitting on the beach, but then again…. who knows?

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