April 15 2015

I was called, sustained, and set apart as the  Vancouver East Stake President on April 15 2015

Last Day in Charleston

Driving around town past some amazing “antebellum” homes of prominent families of the time. “The Atkins – Rhett Home”Verne was interested in a confederate submarine that sank during the civil war.  H. L. Hunley.  The 8 men crew torpedoed a Union ship and sunk to the bottom of the Harbor.  They discovered the sub under 3 feet of sand in 1995. They brought it to the surface in 2005.

With the help of an author, Clive Cussler, money was raised and technology  used 130 years after.  There was quite a ceremony as they brought the 8 crew members to the Magnolia Cemetery. They said, families of only 2 soldiers were located for the ceremony.  We wanted to see Fort Moultrie. Another very important port in the Charleston Harbor. After W.W. 11 the fort was closed and never used again as a military fort.Fort Moultrie  was right across Fort Sumpter in the Harbor. Nice view from Fort Moultrie.The entrance to the fort.

Packing our bags for our flight tomorrow.

“Fort Sumpter”

Lots of river traffic on the Charleston River.  on the bank across from the ferry we rode was the aircraft carrier “York Town” Some scouts got to spend the night on the “York Town”   In the distance was Fort Sumpter.  The ferry took 25 slow minutes to get there.  We had an hour to take in the history and museum. Since we were the first group of the day we had the opportunity to raise the flag for the day.  Verne volunteered to hold the huge flag.

What an honor.  One man said to Verne, “I didn’t see anyone take a knee.” We were all very respectful.This is the howitzer canon the confederate army used during the conflict with the Union Army. This was the beginning  of the civil war. The battle for Fort Sumpter was one of the last battles of the Civil war. The Union army fought for 20 months to gain control of Fort Sumpter again.  The day the Union army raised the flag again at the Fort, was also the day Pres. Lincoln was killed. This the flag raised on the site that day.The fort used to be over 55 feet high. It was so destroyed, it now stands a mere 9 feet  in places.Time to eat . . .  and head to Magnolia Plantation .   Half a hamburger at “Charleston’s burger” Magnolia Plantation was a beautiful plantation until General Sherman of the Union Army burned or destroyed any wealthy confederate property.  One plantation owner knew the Union was coming and she took all her silver service and silverware and buried it all in the ground.  After the war was over she came back and uncovered her silver.  It is now in a museum in Charleston.  The slave housing , and the Mansion and gift shop.These are the beautiful grounds of the plantation.  Our little tour train took us all around. Watch out for the GATERS!Fun day and no rain.  We found a nice restaurant on the Charleston Harbor.  Ribs and side salads.   We walked back to our hotel. time to plan Tuesday Oct. 2nd.

Charleston Chews

We drove to Hilton Head Island.  Lots of boating and bike trails.  It’s like Sunriver on steroids.  I tried my hand at selfies.  It was a struggle. My arms should be a little longer.The light house on Hilton Head is just for show and to help the boaters find the harbor.  I thought the tartan look was kinda fun. We got to Charleston, SC and found  where to purchase tickets to the ferry that will take us to Fort Sumter.  We will take the ferry on Monday.  1/2 hour trip.  I hope the water isn’t to choppy .  Nervous.In the historic district we had dinner at a restaurant that Robbin Manship recommended.  Hyman’s seafood.   I guess a lot of famous people have eaten here and these two people ate at our table.  (How cool is Neil Diamond?)We had Hush Puppys (fried corn bread).  lots of fried food.  YIKESSweet potato, Rock shrimp, and boiled peanuts. Our motel is right on the Harbor.  Verne had to take a few pictures of the boats.                   We are looking forward to tomorrow.  Monday.