Chesapeake and Charleston

The ride out of Washington was busy, but then again it was Monday morning and all the traffic that had left for the weekend was back. As we crossed over the Chesapeake Bay we got lost as the GPS had another hissy fit and ended up in Annapolis. It was a good enough reason to have five minutes as I tried to get “moaning Myrtle” to get her act together, but the harbor in Annapolis and the little town is very nice, although it has become swallowed up by the Navel Academy that all but surrounds it. We soon got back on our way and headed for Virginia Beach for our first overnight stop. Just before you get there you cross the Chesapeake again but over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and tunnel which is 20 miles long with two mile long tunnels, very impressive. Virginia Beach is a huge summer beach holiday destination but as the season was winding down not quite so busy. After dinner we walked along the front and we entertained by all the fighter jets (around 14 of them) flying back into the Norfolk Air Force Base in the fading light.

Another overnight stop in Morehead City saw us back in Charleston on the Wednesday night to catch up with John and Gabbe about our adventures for the last week and a half. They had also invited us to use there apartment in the center of the French Quarter in the city on the Thursday which we eagerly accepted.


The Apartment in the French Quarter


John, Gabbe and Claire


I love the name of this seafood restaurant


Gas lamps still light the streets

The old part of Charleston is fantastic. Everything that is chic and classy about the “old south” is here in spades. The tourist shops cater for every need and wallet size and we finally got to try the Sticky Fingers restaurant chains Ribs and ‘slaw.


The old market


The sign above the building. A step into the past.


A dozen fresh Oysters and a cold beer as an appetizer


Potato shins with pulled pork


Followed by a selection of ribs! Oh god I can't walk!!!

As you walk around the Waterfront from the Market to the Park and on towards the Battery you pass some of the largest houses I think I have ever seen, a testament to the wealth and importance of this city in times gone by. All too soon our time there was over and so to was Claire’s. We said our farewells on the Saturday as she flew back to Paris and work. Never mind we will catch up again in November when I visit her at home. I left on the Monday heading north to by-pass all the things and places I had already seen and head up to the Catskill Mountains.


The oldest house in Charleston (the pink one)


Some of the mansions along the waterfront


Very impressive


Tax was levied on street frontage, so build narrow houses!