Despite having arrived in Charleston, I still had no knowledge of where to go. Leaving my gear at the campsite, I proceeded towards downtown Charleston and was greeted unexpectedly by the site of the twin, diamond shaped towers, of the largest cable stay bridge in North America. With eight lanes of traffic and a wide pedestrian walkway, the Cooper River Bridge gracefully connects the City of Charleston with the Town of Mount Pleasant. The beauty of its high towers and exposed cable stays, appearing like lines of spider web, to support the roadway below, is nothing short of spectacular.
After crossing over to Mount Pleasant, I stopped to take the obligatory photos of the Cooper River Bridge, only to discover that I had left my camera at the campsite. Nothing lost, there would most likely be better shots to be taken with the backdrop of the setting sun. However, before returning the short distance to the campsite to "rescue" the camera, I decided to explore a little and find out just where I needed to go upon my return.
Shortly thereafter, I was already questioning my wisdom for not immediately returning to recover my camera, when I passed by complex of older red brick homes. The impressive site, of more than 35 large homes with heavy balustrades lining the roadway, left me wondering as to the nature and of such a development.
I parked my cycle and walked over to the read the placard on one of the balusters. While reading the placard, in the I saw a black gentleman on the front porch to one of the homes, motioning me to come over. Fearing he was bothered by my inquisitiveness, I nonetheless, wandered over his way. He greeted me pleasantly, advising that he only wanted to offer assistance to any questions I might have.
He offered me a chair and proceeded to tell me that this complex pre-dated the civil war and was originally built as an "old folks home" (in itself, a testament to the caring ways of - South Hospitality) and was now used as housing for people with disabilities.
Despite having seen his crutches leaning against the wall, I hadn't noticed that he was an amputee. We talked for some time, and Mr. Arthur Davis, offered that despite only being 52 years of age, he had recently lost his leg to diabetes.
Before leaving he offered, in one more show of show of - Southern Hospitality, to find me a "girl friend" (not his words!). However, I graciously declined, believing that it would be best to keep my "$10.00" in my pants - along with the rest of the "stuff".
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