Charleston 4-17/18

Woke up late and after Styrofoam (packaged, not tasting breakfast)  hit the Walmart for more tubes.  Continued the ecological disaster tour by the IP paper plant, then some beautiful riding along south island rd, by old plantations.  We could feel the ghosts.  Also curious that many houses in SC have no trespassing AND welcome signs.  Had to do more miles on 17, but decent shoulder and lighter traffic so it was fine..  Great southern lunch of fried chicken and sweet tea at buckshots, with a nap under a tree during heat of the day. Then back on 17/backroads, through Francis Marion natl forest, to outskirts of Charleston, where we upgraded to a Hilton after last night's econolodge.  Bbq for dinner, no shortage of good food so far.  Between the biking and food, there was much groaning at night.  Three consecutive long days...looking forward to a day off the bike, and not packing up in the morning.  And we've planned out the food to fill in the day. Perfect riding weather continues- 72 and mostly sunny.  70 miles, no ocean views today. 

On Sunday,  got up late and both caught up on work in the morning.  Biked over the 200' high Ravenel Bridge into the city.  First stop, which we'd been anticipating all trip since watching Netflix chef's table BBQ, was Rodney Scott's restaurant. After indulging,  John asked if we could see where the magic happens and we got a backstage tour.  Wow.  Then cycled around Hampton Park, the citadel (and napped) and then all around town.  Lots of beautiful homes and history here, and at Paula's suggestion we had the coconut cake at peninsula grill. Unique architecture here in that the 'front door' opens onto the street, while the house is positioned sideways with lots of porches/piazzas.  Back across the bridge, gonna make it an early night and get back on the road early to Beaufort.   20 miles.