E Coast Roadtrip - May 2006

ROAD TRIP! Rita and I decided to take a week to explore the coastlines of South Carolina and North Carolina. In addition to driving a total of 2,000 miles, we spent some extra time on the Outer Banks (NC) and in Charleston, SC. Living in a car with your spouse for 10 days straight is a sure way to get to know each other all over again! I'm pleased to say we survived the journey and we plan to start doing at least one road trip a year to explore other parts of this great country.

Page 1 of 2 ... Next Home

Click on any picture to enlarge (best viewed in 1024 x 768):

After a very long drive from Ohio to Charleston, SC ... we checked into The Ashley Inn Bed and Breakfast

to rest up and start enjoying the vacation. The Inn was built 174 years ago (1832) by Alexander Black.

After falling into disrepair, the Inn was completely restored in 1992. You'll notice pineapples on posts,

fencing and even the fountain. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality in Charleston and throughout the

south. Legend has it when the sailors returned to Charleston from the West Indies, they would often bring

tropical fruit. Pineapples were hung over the door to signal that the man of the house was home and the

family could accept visitors.

I look so very My beautiful wife

refined and makes the garden

sophisticated when even more

surrounded by such enchanting!

fine furnishings!

The Daughters of Rita and I liked the Rita makes a new friend at This small lizard was sitting

Confederacy Bldg private walled the coffee shop. on the window sill keeping a

was the commercial gardens found Is this guy a natural for close eye on us while we ate.

center of next to many of the camera or what?

Charleston the older homes

We took the opportunity The plantation An alligator just hoping Rita loved the Spanish

to visit transported goods a tourist might take a Moss hanging from these

Magnolia Plantation down the Ashley River cool dip in his swamp old Oak trees

on the outskirts of

Charleston

Designated Plantation Don't be fooled. Biggest chicken I could tell this mule

Alarm Clock These beasts have I ever saw just loved being

been known to tear a bothered by tourists

man to pieces everyday

It's common to see an Magnolia Plantation is There were large turtles Most people don't know

Anole clinging to the also home to everywhere competing that the movie

walls of houses around Audubon Swamp for a good place to sun "Swamp Thing"

Charleston. They can change in the swamp was actually filmed here

pigmentation to green or brown

But don't stray far from the path ... On our way along Lyle and Gail took us Can you pick out

there's some seriously mean critters the coast we hooked to lunch at the real

in this swamp up with Lyle and Gail. Drunken Jack's "Landlubber"?

Lyle's a good friend The seafood was

and former coworker excellent!

who recently retired.

I still miss working

with Lyle.

Click here to see the rest of our trip ...

Page 1 of 2 ... Next Home

Last Updated: Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 8:30 p.m. EST