I took Mom, Mary & Miles to White Point Gardens for a picnic today. I snuck off with Papa Bear's new Nikon D40 to document our excursion. After lunch, we took a walk through the park, along the Battery and down just a few nearby streets. Then we topped off the day with a sweet treat. Below is a visual tour of our afternoon. Enjoy!
This is our view from the picnic.
This was the picnic fare, compliments of Publix. A cubano sandwich, turkey cobb salad, chips and watermelon (missing from plate). My family thinks it very weird that I occasionally take pictures of my food.
Another view from our picnic.
This is me sporting a new hairdo. Mary wanted me to post the one where I made a silly cross-eyed, tongue sticking out face. I won't put ya'll through all that.
Now it is time to go for a walk! Our first stop will be that Gazebo over there. Mary imagines that she would like to skate in the gazebo.
This is the view from the gazebo. Mary found she could not skate up here. Time has warped it. The middle of it has somehow bubbled up and the remaining area slants off from it. Definitely not a flat stable area conducive for skating.
Mary posing on the steps leading up to the Gazebo.
Here is one of the monuments in the gardens. It is dedicated to the men who fought here during the American Revolution. The back of the monument has an etching that reads: "DON'T LET US FIGHT WITHOUT A FLAG -Seargeant Wm. Jasper". The etchings on the front read: "NO MEN EVER DID, AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT ANY CAN BEHAVE BETTER - Gen Charles Lee" "ERECTED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PALMETTO GUARD, Jun 23 1876."
There are also two plaques on this monument. One reads: "SECOND SOUTH CAROLINA REGIMENT, ARMY OF THE REVOLUTION, ORGANIZED JUNE 17, 1775." The second plaque reads: "TO THE DEFENDERS OF FORT MOULTRIE, JUNE THE 28TH, 1776."
Here is another monument that is dedicated to our confederate defenders during the Civil War (1861-1865). I did not read all that was written here as Miles was eager to climb some cannons.
And there he is crawling on them.
Mary posing again.
I think you can read this plaque. I'll retype JIC. "This mortar and its three mates were first used by Federal Troops for the bombardment of Fort Sumter in October 1863. They may well form the world's largest collection of this type of weapon."
Now for a walk along the Battery. It is difficult to walk here without stopping. This is where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet at the peninsula of Charleston. There is much maritime activity and there is generally a nice, refreshing breeze blowing as you look out over the railings.
Let's walk up those steps over there.
Climbing the steps.
We made it to the top!
Stopping to enjoy a new view.
A view down South Battery.
I really like this plaque. Not only does it give me a time line, but it also orients me so that I know what I see when I look in a particular direction.
This is direction of James Island where my home is.
A few of the houses offer historical tours.
We are going to move off the Battery at these steps and walk down Atlantic.
Many Charleston residences are lined with wrought iron fences and gates. Behind many of these gates are beautiful views of gardens and walkways.
The houses downtown are very colorful - just make certain YOUR color passes the Hysterical....um I mean the Historical Preservation Society's strict set of codes.
I really like this camera. I didn't use to be able to get so close to roses climbing up a gate.
This is the beautiful Two Meeting Street Inn
We are almost to our car now. This is a view down Meeting Street as we are crossing the street.
After our walk we went to Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.
Miles got the Bubble Gum flavor and decided the ice cream was good, but the gum was yucky. That color alone is repulsive to me....though I do recall getting that flavor when I was much younger. Mary decided to get the Double Fudge and the adults opted for Espresso Chip. We were very fortunate that the day turned out so beautifully. OK, now it is time for a little cat nap!
Oh, here is one of the ways tourists get around Charleston. It is a trolley...or rather a small bus designed to look like a trolley. I have never ridden on one.
Mary posing again.
I think you can read this plaque. I'll retype JIC. "This mortar and its three mates were first used by Federal Troops for the bombardment of Fort Sumter in October 1863. They may well form the world's largest collection of this type of weapon."
Now for a walk along the Battery. It is difficult to walk here without stopping. This is where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet at the peninsula of Charleston. There is much maritime activity and there is generally a nice, refreshing breeze blowing as you look out over the railings.
Let's walk up those steps over there.
Climbing the steps.
We made it to the top!
Stopping to enjoy a new view.
A view down South Battery.
I really like this plaque. Not only does it give me a time line, but it also orients me so that I know what I see when I look in a particular direction.
This is direction of James Island where my home is.
Here is another tourist conveyance. A mule drawn carriage.
There are many grand mansions along the Battery. My walk does not begin to explain it. You just have to ride or walk along the full length to really take it in.
A few of the houses offer historical tours.
We are going to move off the Battery at these steps and walk down Atlantic.
Many Charleston residences are lined with wrought iron fences and gates. Behind many of these gates are beautiful views of gardens and walkways.
The houses downtown are very colorful - just make certain YOUR color passes the Hysterical....um I mean the Historical Preservation Society's strict set of codes.
I really like this camera. I didn't use to be able to get so close to roses climbing up a gate.
This was also hiding behind wrought iron...and I am back along White Point Gardens.
This is the beautiful Two Meeting Street Inn
We are almost to our car now. This is a view down Meeting Street as we are crossing the street.
After our walk we went to Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.
Miles got the Bubble Gum flavor and decided the ice cream was good, but the gum was yucky. That color alone is repulsive to me....though I do recall getting that flavor when I was much younger. Mary decided to get the Double Fudge and the adults opted for Espresso Chip. We were very fortunate that the day turned out so beautifully. OK, now it is time for a little cat nap! 
