Doing Charleston - Day Two, Sunset Harbor Cruise

 I've mentioned many times in past travel posts how much Wife and I enjoy a harbor cruise. Maybe it is the relaxation compared to our normal trooping around places when we are visiting. We also like shooting at the end of the day. So getting the two in one seemed like a real bonus. 

Getting on our boat, we were surprised. It had been advertised as a narrated tour, but the crew said it wouldn't be (though in the end there was narration). It was a small boat with only a crew of three. The lead person doing the talking was named Victor. He was a high energy, 'hey let's party' kind of lead. I will admit to being turned off by this to begin with. But I will give credit where credit is due, he had everyone relaxed and having fun by the time we were halfway through the two hour cruise including Wife and I.

Victor - not a very good picture, but he took it of himself on my phone! LOL

Right off the dock we saw some automobile transport ships which look really weird

And we immediately saw some dolphins. Sadly I was not in a very good position to shoot them.

However, I did get a glimpse of the rare Espouses Fotograficus Marinus

Study of a Tanker

Study of a Bridge

Study of the Second Carrier Yorktown

The first was sunk at the Battle of Midway in WWII. The second was commissioned not long afterward and had a 40 year career in service, being retired here in Charleston Harbor.

NOT an aircraft carrier

Also NOT an aircraft carrier even though flying things are launched

Fort Sumter - Confrontation signaling the start of the Civil War

Mike, the senior operator on the boat was surprised by Wife and my photography. I guess they don't get may photo enthusiasts on this particular crew. I showed him the trick of getting a reflection off of one's (in this case his!) sunglasses.

The Main Event

Study of the Setting Sun

Wife and I won the prize as the longest married couple on the boat. Victor was taking couple's pictures and we decided to take advantage of it as we have very few pictures of ourselves together.

Estate houses lining the Charleston shore on our return

Saint Michael's in the sunset

The moon shining over the night water