Monday, September 23, 2013

Today’s ride is a mere 30 miles…we cycle to Mount Pleasant, then to Sullivan’s island and finally to the Isle of Palms.  Islands would indicate water, right?  Well, the ride includes several bridges – the first one being a killer to negotiate.  Our guide, Dan, informed me it’s about 3 ½ miles – about 1 1/2 to the apex.  Anyhow, it’s a beautiful, recently constructed bridge, spanning 2 rivers; the Cooper and Ashley.  The bridge, named the Arthur Ravenal Jr., boasts a pedestrian as well as bike paths.  But be careful – the downhill could take someone out!!

 

 

 

 

The second bridge (smaller by comparison) took us across Shem Creek.  This overlooked a quaint shrimping village, where paddling and kayaking abounded.  Then it was onto Sullivan Island – this bridge took us over the Intercoastal Waterway and the views were breathtaking – as well as some of the high-risers on the water.

 

 

The final bridge took us to the Isle of Palms – we were told to be on the lookout for dolphins and I think Jane might have seen a few.  The Isle is spectacular – it reminded me of Sanibel Island off the coast of Florida.  The houses were magnificent, and Sara (leader) told me that after hurricane Hugo (’89)the place was wiped out.  Maybe there’s hope for Long Beach after all!

Lunch was on the beach at Coconut Joe’s.  Some of the group went swimming – Karen and I were content to get our feet wet.  I had a hard time just thinking about getting those bike pants back on after a swim!!!!

After lunch we had a stop at Fort Moultrie – a series of forts on Sullivan’s Island, built to protect the city of Charleston.  The first fort, built of palmetto logs, inspired the flag and nickname (Palmetto State) of South Carolina.  The fort was unnamed and not yet complete when Admiral Sir Peter Parker ( no – not Spiderman!)and nine British warships attacked it in June, 1776 (again – where was I during that lesson?).  The soft palmetto logs didn’t crack under bombardment, but rather absorbed the shot!  There were even reports that cannon balls actually bounced off the walls of the structure!  Charleston was saved from capture, and the fort was named for its commander, William Moultrie.

 

 

The ride back over the Ravenal was torturous, but we made it.  Some opted to van back to insure enough time for final shopping in this great town.

Dinner is on our own tonight, and I think the gang is splitting up – or as Lenny likes to say – “No need to herd!”