September was an exceptionally fun month for us as we were securely tied to our slip in Wild Dunes. Long ago when we were gainfully employed in Greenville, SC, we faithfully arose at 4:40 each weekday morning to meet a group of friends at 5:30 A.M. to get in our morning run and workout before heading off to work to earn our daily bread. Nancy and Wayne were part of this group and we had a wonderful visit with them during their IOP visit.
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| Wayne and Nancy's visit
The first fort on Sullivan's Island, an island south of IOP, was under construction when 9 warships attacked it in 1776. After a 9 hour battle, the ships were forced to retire and Charleston was saved from British occupation. The fort was named in honor of its commander, Colonel William Moultrie. Four years later, the British finally captured Charleston only to abandon it on the advent of peace.
After the Revolution, Ft. Moultrie was neglected and fell into ruins by 1791. In 1793, war broke out between France and England. In 1792, in an effort to safeguard American shores, Congress authorized the first in a system of nationwide coastal fortifications. In 1798, a second Ft. Moultrie, 1 of 20 new forts along the Atlantic coast, was completed but it, too, suffered from neglect and was finished off by a hurricane in 1804. In 1809, a 3rd Ft. Moultrie was constructed of brick on Sullivan's Island.
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| Ft. Moultrie
South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1860 and the Federal garrison abandoned Ft. Moultrie. In the 1870's, Ft. Moultrie was modernized with the installation of huge new cannons, magazines, and bomb proofs built of thick concrete, then buried under tons of earth to absorb the explosion of heavy shells.
Today, Ft. Moultrie has been restored to portray the major periods of its history. A visit here moved us steadily backward in time from the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post to the site of the Palmetto Log Fort of 1776.
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| Eye of the Storm Monolithic Dome Home Sullivan's Island, SC
Boating friends from our lake boating days, Jenny and Bob from Lake Hartwell, nearby Greenville, were here for a visit. We had a blast, lots of laughs and "catching up". They've added to their fleet of boats, a Jefferson 42, Elliyacht, and look forward to extensive cruising.
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| Dinner with Jenny and Bob |
Bob, another friend from our 5:30 A.M. running group in Greenville, came for a visit with his boat in tow, and his friend...yet another Bob. We took his little boat to places we can't take ours. We poked around creeks that lace the beautiful marshes and enjoyed our explorations. Of course, many meals were interspersed though out our playing. His son, Bobby, a Charleston resident and musician, joined us for one of our repasts. We look forward to hearing him play before leaving this area to head south.
The historic Dock Street Theatre, America's first theatre, was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. Originally constructed in 1736 at the corner of Church and Queen Streets, the theatre was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740.
The elegant Planter's Hotel was built on this site in 1809. The hotel fell into disrepair after the Civil War and was slated for demolition. In 1935, the old hotel was selected for a Depression Era WPA project. Within the shell of the defunct Planter's Hotel, a new performance space, modeled on 18th century London playhouses, was constructed.
The theatre was closed for 2 centuries and re-opened in 1937. Again, in 2007, it closed again and has recently reopened following a $19 million renovation by the City of Charleston. The Historic Dock Street Theatre has reclaimed her place as the jewel in Charleston's artistic crown.
Jim and Martha, Betsy and Jim, and Bill and I, had the opportunity to see the musical, Chicago, at this icon. We'd seen the movie, own the soundtrack, have always wanted to go to this theatre so Chicago provided the perfect opportunity. The musical is about murderesses who become media darlings of the 1920's. Nearly a century later, not much has changed. This was such a treat and touring the preserved elegance of the 3 floors was as exciting as the performance.
Of all our cruising friends, seems we get to see Steve and Kate more often than anyone else. Regardless of where we are, our paths continue to cross. Happily, we've been able to spend quite a bit of time catching up since last we saw them in Miami in the spring. We've both had some exciting adventures since then; theirs more hair-raising with a lightening strike resulting in wiping out all things electrical and causing a hole in the bottom of their boat. It's being trucked from Canada to FL for repair, enabling them to make a stop in Charleston for a visit.
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| Laura, Bill, Kate, and Steve |
The U.S. Army's "Spirit of America" made the history of our nation come alive through historical reenactments, a precision drill team and dramatic reenactments. It is a celebration of our country. Historical accounts, taken directly from soldiers' letters and diaries, provide the story line for this powerful drama. It is designed to entertain while presenting the history and development of the U.S. Army from its origins through the wars, conflicts, and missions that have molded the Army and the nation. Three cities are chosen each year for their presentation and this year Charleston was one of the three. It was absolutely magnificent and I kept a Kleenex handy during the entire performance. You know, I'm excessively patriotic and this made me even more proud to be an American. Next year if they perform in your city, be sure and get tickets to attend. Believe it or not, it's FREE but tickets are required and available through Ticketmaster!!!!!!!!!!
Bill and Laura
Kindred Spirit III
Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, SC
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