Charleston, SC, Graduation and Myrtle Beach

We had a great trip to take part in Jared's graduation from Chiropractic School. It was a long haul for their family, but they did it, and now they are here in California. Jared will do an externship with his dad, while he awaits board results and licensing. On our visits to South Carolina we have managed to get in some sightseeing. We have seen lots of great stuff we never would have, had they not been out there. We've been to the Smokey Mountains; Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields; Biltmore Mansion; Outer Banks of North Carolina; one of the largest gatherings of the Scottish Clans and Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain, NC; Norfolk, VA Naval Base, home of most of our aircraft carriers; and now this trip we went to Charleston, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC.
Here are some photos of our travels this trip. I will leave the graduation posts for Jared and Debbie to do.

Porch Rockers at Holiday Inn Charleston, SC. This was a great hotel in the heart of the historic district of Charleston. If you ever go - stay here. The concierge was super at getting us on the right tours and to the best restaurant. Yummiest seafood I have ever had!


We took a boat ride out to Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. I love visiting historical places. We saw dolphins on our ride back to the mainland. We also went on a dolphin watch boat excursion at Myrtle Beach, but I won't post photos - but it was tons of fun!


The cobblestone street of the Old Slave Market in Charleston.

A Gullah woman making a Sweetgrass Basket. These baskets have been made for over 300 years in America by the Gullahs of West Africa. I asked the woman if I could take her photo because some won't allow it (believe it takes part of their soul). She said "yes," if I bought one of her baskets. I took the photo, then looked at the prices of the baskets! I was suckered, but it was worth it!
A way cool cemetary with very old gravestones and cool Spanish Moss.

The best headstone in the cemetary - check out the scar on the forehead of the skull!

From the upper story looking out onto the courtyard of the Pink House, a tavern/brothel. It's one of the oldest buildings in Charleston - built in the late 1600's.


An awesome storm coming at Huntington Beach State Park at Myrtle Beach, SC. I love the oat grass on the barrier dunes. Loggerhead turtles come ashore here and bury their eggs. Then after they hatch, the baby turtles have to make their way down the beach and into the sea.

Mr.Gator - at the marshes natural habitat. He was only about 6 feet from us, with only large rocks as a barrier to keep him from gobbling us up

Cape Fear Harbor, NC. One of the oldest harbors in America. First named in early 1600's, just before the first ship sailed up to Roanoke, VA. I am fascinated by historical harbors.
Okay - that's it. I am done.
I have a movie of Bud hooding Jared, but can't seem to get it to upload to Blogger. I will do some research and keep trying.