We said goodbye to Savannah and headed up to Charleston. Ft. Sumter was our first stop. We rode the boat from Patriot's Point and toured around the fort for about an hour.
Ft. Sumter.
After Ft. Sumter, we checked into our hotel and then went to explore Charleston.
The view from our hotel, Shem Creek Inn.
Walking near the Battery, in downtown Charleston.
Mark thought he'd take a few shots...
A cool pineapple fountain at the Waterfront Park.Tuesday, August 14
We planned on going to another historic home, and Magnolia Plantation was, thankfully, a million times better than the Thomas Low House we'd visited a few days earlier. If you're ever in the area, I would highly recommend. Don't be swayed by the high prices...it's totally worth it. It's a plantation home is on 500 acres, and was originally built in the 1600s. We spent the first hour or so walking throught the different gardens. We saw a few dolphins, tons of enormous spiders, and a lizard bigger than any I've ever seen before. After the gardens, we went on the tram ride and learned more about the history of the plantation (it was originally 2000 acres!). We saw a few deer and 2 alligators; after the tram we stopped by the petting zoo and then, after a great lunch at the Hominy Grill, went back to the Inn to relax in the AC.
We planned on going to another historic home, and Magnolia Plantation was, thankfully, a million times better than the Thomas Low House we'd visited a few days earlier. If you're ever in the area, I would highly recommend. Don't be swayed by the high prices...it's totally worth it. It's a plantation home is on 500 acres, and was originally built in the 1600s. We spent the first hour or so walking throught the different gardens. We saw a few dolphins, tons of enormous spiders, and a lizard bigger than any I've ever seen before. After the gardens, we went on the tram ride and learned more about the history of the plantation (it was originally 2000 acres!). We saw a few deer and 2 alligators; after the tram we stopped by the petting zoo and then, after a great lunch at the Hominy Grill, went back to the Inn to relax in the AC.
The welcoming sign.
The main house.
Taking off our our tour through the gardens.
I tried to keep us from getting lost.
The garden maze, which is a replica of a famous maze in England designed by King Henry VIII.
On the tram ride. (Side note: notice the red mark on Mark's neck. While we were walking through the gardens, a vampire moth/fly that nearly ate his head off. Seriously, his neck was bleeding and the mark was there for the next 2-3 days!)
Trying to give a little lovin to my favorite animal, at the petting zoo.Wednesday, August 15
We spent our last day aboard the USS Yorktown. It was probably our favorite activity of the whole vacation, although 3+ hours inside an aircraft carrier with no AC was not super pleasant. The aircraft carrier was really cool; it had 6 separate tours inside the ship and also a museum dedicated to people who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. We also went on a submarine, a destroyer and a Coast Guard ship.
Yes, we are dorks and sometimes accidentally dress alike.
Mark was trying to avoid the enemy planes.
USS Yorktown
Yes, we are dorks and sometimes accidentally dress alike.
Mark was trying to avoid the enemy planes.
USS Yorktown 
Careful, or I'll shoot!
On the submarine.
I was on the lookout for pirates.
The destroyer and the Coast Guard ship.
What can I say, Mark said "Act like a helicopter"...After we had seen all there was to see, it was time to head home. We were lucky to stop in Augusta for dinner with Candice and Michael, and got home before it was too late. All in all, it was a great trip.
Hiking down the stairs at the lighthouse...we were literally dripping with sweat.
Mark was on the lookout for enemy ships, at the Battery museum.
From 5-midnight, I worked at the wedding...nothing too significant to report (ie no celebrities) but the church was struck by lightening which was pretty crazy.
Having dessert with Paula.