Thursday, May 21st - Heading North

I started the day with a wonder through downtown Charleston – very charming.  They have a covered street market, full of market "specials" and some local crafts.  I also walked along the river by the older part of town with all the historic homes – incredible wind coming in off the water, with the palm trees blowing and it seemed, the shutters of these gorgeous colorful mansions barely hanging on.  These were the homes where the plantation owners wintered with "society".  I toured one of the homes – simply stunning with a staircase that went up 3 flights with no visible support – this was a civilized life.

I was then off for Wilmington, North Carolina – across the most incredible bridge (longest cable bridge in North America), felt like I was flying over the water … I was sad to realize I was heading north and my time in the deep south was coming to an end.  I really enjoyed it – it is a warm place – yes the weather, but more importantly, the people.  Some of my highlights:

• The lovely soft accents you hear everywhere
  
• The friendliness of people - ‘how are you doing?’ asked by random strangers on the street
  
• A “Thank you Miss Susan” at a gas station – that surprised me
  
• “Ma’am” was my constant address – though with the accent, it was much nicer than when the Safeway check-out guy says it at home …
  

I stopped briefly at Myrtle Beach – I was curious to see what it was like – picturesque beach or crazed tourist location … unfortunately, from what I could tell, more the later than the former.  Two roads ran up the coast – the one near the beach with all the hotels and beach houses and then another road about 2 miles in chocker block full of malls – all the shops and restaurants that beach going family could ever need …  Though I do have to say, the beach itself is beautiful - just long stretches of soft white sand and wonderful dunes in some parts.  It is also very accessible to the public - lots and lots of 'public access' points with parking lots - very much appreciated :-)

I continue to be amazed by just how great the web is … google ‘best food Wilmington’ and spend a little time going through, and voila … a great little healthy take out spot with real vegetarian cuisine … falafel salad never tasted so good!  All I wanted was a little take-out as I was surprisingly tired – it was perfect.  I also discovered a short while later just why I was so tired … I never put my contacts in … couldn’t quite believe it myself – ah well, clearly time for a slower couple of days :-)