It was appropriate that we decided to tour Ft. Sumter on a Sunday. It represents our greatest test as a nation and demonstrates that in those days even the wounds of a war among citizens of the same country could be bound up and we could continue as one nation under God.
Out came the bikes this morning. Have not ridden them since Ortega Landing and it felt good. We cruised along the battery and through some of the historic district. Many people were walking to church as the bells called to them and one family was riding bikes. A father, son, two daughters all on their own bikes and Mom bringing up the rear with a toddler daughter in a seat behind her. All the girls were in beautiful long spring dresses.
As we passed the First Scottish Presbyterian Church I saw a gentleman in a kilt and stopped to ask if I could take a picture. He said he was the “Beatle”. Wonder if that is where “The Beatles” got their name? Apparently he is assigned to carry in the Bible before a service and place it on the alter and open it. This symbolizes that the Word is open to all. Jan thinks I would look good in a kilt but I am not too sure about that.
Making our way to the departure terminal for Ft. Sumter we locked the bikes and purchased tickets on the boat to take us out and back. It was a pleasant ride over to the fort in light chop and gave us an opportunity to see the route we will take across Charleston Harbor on Thursday.
Arriving at the dock they tell you that you have approximately one hour on the island and then you must be back on the ferry. I had not realized this so we hustled through a tour. In truth it was not as awe inspiring as I had thought but still everyone who comes here should see it because of the turning point it represents.
We only had a hot dog on the ferry for lunch so for dinner we went to Sticky Fingers. Why go to a chain restaurant in Charleston? Well we came to Charleston on our honeymoon 14 years ago and we were dead tired when we got here and it was late and things were closing. Just across the street from our hotel, the Indigo Inn, was guess what? You got it, Sticky Fingers. We still like it.
We were unable to tour the Hunley, a Civil War Confederate submarine that is in North Charleston. It is only open on weekends as preservation work is done during the week. I really wanted to see it but the bus does not go there, it was too far to ride bikes and a taxi would cost $60 which was outrageous. Anyway I have a replica $20 gold piece that was found on the wreck. It was given to the commander, Lt. George Dixon, by his wife before the battle of Shiloh as a good luck charm. He had it in his pocket when hit in the leg by a bullet. The coin was bent deflecting the bullet and saved his leg. He sanded a flat spot on it and had it engraved. He called it his Life Preserver. It was found in the wreckage of the submarine. I have carried that coin hoping for good luck at times.
