Exploring Charleston’s marina and waterfront park.
Someone relocating to Charleston from California or Idaho may realize they’re going to the coast, and that this part of the coast is called the low country. But they may not realize that how swamp-ish this region is, and even if they do, they may not get particularly excited about it.
But Charleston’s water is beautiful. It’s soothing, unperturbed, steady, and inspiring, judging from the artwork and writing from the region. After weeks of just glimpsing it from the highway, last Sunday I went to the marina and the waterfront park to get close to the water.
The Charleston Marina is extremely accessible from downtown, but also feels very private. On this Sunday afternoon it was almost deserted under crystal-clear blue skies. The water carved slow paths through the mud.
Beside the marina stood a brick venue with a back veranda looking out on the water. Crisp white cotton curtains billowed in the wind. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, completing the rustic but elegant look.
Next I drove down to Waterfront Park, which was as crowded as the marina had been deserted. Tourists, seeming to be largely from the northeastern states, wandered everywhere taking in the scenery.
I walked back to my car by way of this fountain. Kids splashed in the rippling water.
Behind an iron fence, azaleas bloomed sweetly.
I’m not sure why, but I always enjoy looking at barnacles growing on a wharf. They’re grimy and slimy – but I admire their staunch staying power. They decide where they’re going to be and hang on forever.
At least one of us has the ability to make that decision. As for me, I’ll stick to wandering.
~ The Dauntless Princess ~