USS Yorktown and Charleston

This morning as I write this everyone is still fast asleep because they are worn out from our day in Charleston yesterday.  We started at the USS Yorktown, which was such a sight to see.  I could scarcely take in the size of the giant ship and can't imagine what it must have been like for the thousands of men (and I think a few women) who called the vessel their home during WWII. 

The gang in front of the massive UUS Yorktown

The kids got to ride in a flight simulator

Lawrence and his dad on the flight deck

After spending an hour touring the ship we hopped on the water taxi and took a ride over to Charleston.  It was a hot, hot day and the breeze on the water felt good.

Leaving the USS Yorktown for Charleston

Tony and Syd relax on the ride over

Once in Charleston we walked from the water down Calhoun Street until we reached the City Market area.  The day was classically Southern - hot and muggy, and we were happy to sit down at the Noisy Oyster for a delicious lunch of shrimp and grits (and an appetizer of alligator tail).  From there we hopped on a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic district.  I loved this!  Our tour guide did a great job telling us the history of the Holy City and we saw some beautiful architecture and grounds.

The churches are plentiful and one is more beautiful than the next

 

The houses were amazing....and the porches!  Spectacular!

After the carriage ride we shopped in the City Market and found a few treasures.

John loved the pirate shop

The girls found cute sundresses

At around 5:30 we headed back to the harbor to catch a water taxi back to the USS Yorktown.  We were all hot and exhausted, but what does it matter when all you need to do the next day is sit on the beach?

Good bye Charleston - hope to see you again one day!