Breach Inlet

Very important site during the American Revolution. A British regiment was tricked into crossing the inlet on foot, not knowing about the depth and riptides. American spies told the British it was safe to cross. Many British troops were lost and the Americans were able to prevent the British from capturing Fort Moultrie by land.

During low tide much of the beach is exposed. Many sandbars are visible and lots of people go on them - not knowing about the tides - and then when the tide comes back in they are stuck. During high tide this part of the beach is completely submerged. This might be one of my favorite spots in Charleston. On my bike rides I stop here all the time. I am then reminded how close to the ocean I live. How is this view, Katie?

December in the Lowcountry

Last weekend I went to the islands to take some pictures for a friend back home. As usual, the views, and the dolphins, did not disappoint. The dolphins must have been eating because one kept jumping out of the water - not Brookfield Zoo-style, but still pretty high. Enjoy, Katie...

This inlet is one of the most dangerous waterways in the lowcountry. Riptides and undertows are very strong here. At least one person per summer has died trying to swim in it despite the warnings. There used to be a warning sign that was black with a skull and crossbones and tally marks for the number of people killed in the inlet.

You can see the bridge in the background.

Same view of inlet. Photo taken from the Isle of Palms facing Sullivan's Island. Photo taken during low tide.

This dolphin popped up right below me on the bridge. It was swimming around the inlet for about 20 minutes.

Cypress Gardens III

My little navigator.

Cypress Gardens II

Braeden loved reading the map of the swamp. Diego has a map in the tv show so Braeden thought he was Diego. He kept telling me which way to go to get to Charleston.

Winter Solstice at Cypress Gardens

Braeden and I were in shorts and t-shirts on the first day of winter in Charleston. We went to Cypress Gardens. It is a preserved swamp. They created trails that go around and through the swamp. It is one of the most beautiful places I have been to since living in the lowcountry.
There are alligators (both captive and wild), snakes, a  butterfly house, reptile house - and of course - the swamp itself. If you have seen the movie The Patriot, you have seen Cypress Gardens. The swamp scenes from the movie were filmed there.

This is the sign at the entrance to the swamp.

I think this should be our Xmas card for next year.

This alligator was probably 8 or 9 feet long. There were two other giant alligators in this area.

Braeden was able to feed the fish, ducks and turtles inside the Butterfly House.

Festival Of Lights on James Island

Braeden and I went to the James Island County Park to see the Christmas lights. Every year the park is decorated in scenes made of lights. There were traditional seasonal scenes along with animals, dinosaurs, rocket ships, firetrucks, etc. Of course, Braeden's favorite part involved the pirates and the pirate ship.
It is very cool. I guess some guy designs it all year and that is his only task at the park. Most of the scenes are located along the main part of the park and you drive through them. There is a spot to get out and walk around the trails and see different scenes.

My favorite part about it is listening to Braeden's commentary while we are driving through the scenes.

Patriots Point

With the weather being in the upper-70s today, Braeden and I went to tour Patriots Point. Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and is located in the Charleston Harbor. The Yorktown can be seen from the Ravenel Bridge and Braeden always asks about it.
Braeden was amazed to see all the airplanes inside of the carrier - it is quite impressive. We were able to tour the entire ship, including the different levels of the ship. The Yorktown has been converted into a museum with airplanes, helicopters, and a new portion dedicated to the Congressional Medal Of Honor.

There are a number of models that outline various engagements from WWII. Braeden loved the models.

Beautiful view of the Ravenel Bridge from mid-deck of the USS Yorktown

Braeden in the cockpit of a WWII fighter plane

Inside the ship. All I could think about was what it must have been like for all the sailors when someone announced, "Man Your Battle Stations." The hallways and stairs were so cramped.

Braeden not liking me leaving him to take a photo.

On the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.

Braeden said, "This gun shoots the bad planes."

The views from the ship are amazing. From the USS Yorktown we could see the new bridge, downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island, and the harbor. I think this is one of the coolest things we have done so far.