Walk with me - Charlestowne Landing

The Adventure, Charlestowne Landing, Charleston, SC

I wonder what time of year the early settlers set foot on Charlestowne Landing. Their first impressions would depend completely on the season. The heat, humidity, mosquitoes, alligators could be an uncomfortable surprise if they arrived in July.

Walk with me - Charles Towne Landing

History Trail, Charleston Towne Landing, Charleston, SC   

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony.

My walk this bright sunny day was at Charles Towne Landing which is very close to my house. In a pinch I could walk to it although I'd have to cross too many fast paced streets to make it a pleasure. Luckily it is one of our more reasonable parks to visit. With the animal forest it is popular with young families.

I remember a few years ago an uproar about the totem pole and the possibility that it might be taken down but it had a protective fence around it and appears to have a support structure in place. Well done. Azaleas are starting to pop into bloom but it was a little cool for gator spotting and the good shop Adventure was out for annual maintenance.

Ship Shape for Adventure

The Adventure, Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, S.C. 

Charles Towne Landing is the home base of the Adventure, a 17th century replica ship. I always drop by for a visit when I am in the park. We have a few other cool replica ships in town today and I am kicking myself that I was cooped up in my office when they sailed into the harbor.

The Nina and Pinta have arrived in Charleston. I remember when they were here many years ago and then I was in New York City high up in the Statue of Liberty when they sailed into the harbor there. I hope I have a chance to see them. In case you do, here is the scoop:

Charleston, S.C. -- More than 520 years after Christopher Columbus’ three ships landed in the Bahamas, two of them will make an appearance in South Carolina.

On Wednesday at noon, replicas of Columbus’ ships - the Niña and the Pinta - will arrive in Charleston in preparation for self-guided tours that will be offered on Thursday.

Built and provided by the Columbus Foundation of the British Virgin Isles, the two ships travel the coast to offer the public a glimpse into 15th Century life. The Niña replica may provide a more accurate glimpse, however, as it was built by hand without the use of power tools.

The walk-aboard, self-guided tours will be conducted Thursday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children between ages five and 16 and free for children under four.

Though reservations are unnecessary, any teacher or organization interested in scheduling a guided tour is encouraged to call (787)672-2152 or fill out an online form at www.ninapinta.org.

My Blue Baby

Charlestowne Landing, Charleston, S.C. 

I am the most timid bicycle rider you can imagine. I didn't grow up riding bikes and have no interest in riding in the company of cars. I do however, like the idea and wanted to be able to take a bike to ride on peaceful park paths and county roads. Meet my new baby! She is a folding bike that I can fold completely in half and put inside my car. Woohoo!  Ain't she just a little bit pretty?

The bike is a Citizen Miami and came almost completely assembled. I took her for a spin at Charlestowne Landing and haven't killed anyone yet. I think I will like this!

This week has been a bit of a rat race. I am ready for the weekend.

Mirror Lake

Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, S.C.

 Where it all began.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Charles Towne Landing introduces visitors to the earliest colonial history of Charleston.

For my photographer friends, there is a State Park photography contest in progress. As far as I can tell by the web site, we are in the period to submit spring themed photos. Summer photo submission will end in June. Prizes are being awarded and there are lots of great photos in their facebook gallery.

Let there be YELLOW!

Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, S.C.

I joined the stroller brigade of young parents and toddlers walking off our holiday meals and enjoying the bright sunny day at Charles Towne Landing. I happened upon these ginkgo biloba trees in full bloom at the entrance to the Animal Forist.

What a nice day. I enjoyed my Ultimate Grilled Cheese and roasted corn on the cob at Sesame and caught a movie with my son.  I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend.

The Birthplace of America

Avenue of Oaks at Charlestowne Landing, Charleston, S.C.

Check out my new wheels! Nothing like a grand setting to show off a budget Walmart bike. Heheh. I've never been a bike rider but my new neighborhood is next to a bikeway, greenway and quiet neighborhoods so that may need to change. Last summer I took up kayaking so maybe this will be the year for two wheels. I started in a modest manner.

This morning I figured out a way to cram the bike in the back of my car and went to zip around the peaceful pathways at Charlestowne Landing. There was a brief rain shower and I took shelter in one of the historical cabins until it passed. It was lovely. I'll do this again. When my kids were little before the park was renovated they used to rent bikes here and I remembered what a great time that was.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend. Twelve more hours and we'll be rushing off to work again scrambling to make up for the short week. It has been sweet while it lasted.