We try very hard to have a family get-together every summer. It’s not easy because our family is bi-coastal. Our oldest son, Justin, lives on the California coast, while our other son, Collin, lives in Charleston, SC. The timing and logistics can sometimes be challenging, but everything usually comes together. We typically gather somewhere in the Knoxville area, but because Justin had yet to visit Collin’s home in Charleston, we asked Collin and Austin if we could get together there. They both agreed and rolled out the welcome mat for us.
When Helen and I visit our family in Charleston, we take Dora, our fifth wheel, to make things easier for everyone. Collin installed a 50 amp receptacle for the trailer so that we have power and a hose connection for water near where we park. We call the arrangement a “Mother-in-Law Suite on Wheels.” However, this year, our trailer awaits replacement axles for the two we bent in an unfortunate meeting with a pothole in Texas last winter. The replacements had not arrived when we needed to leave, so we rented a smaller trailer, which served us well during the visit.
Our trip began with a mission. Collin and Austin asked us to pick up our granddaughters on the way to Charleston. Both girls were completing a two-week stay at a summer camp in the North Carolina mountains, and we needed to be at the pickup point before 10 a.m. on the day of their departure. We could make it in time from Knoxville, but why rush? We spent the night at Harrah’s Hotel in Cherokee and made it with a few minutes to spare. The challenge began when the girls brought out their gear, which we crammed (barely) into an already-loaded truck and took off after much prodding from camp counselors, already irritated at how much time we needed to load. At the same time, other parents sat patiently in their vehicles.
Once loaded, we had a delightful time chatting with the girls during the five-hour drive to Charleston. They are growing up too quickly, and we savored the time. Once home, they wasted no time catching up with neighborhood friends.
Our California kids arrived later that evening and were met by stifling heat and humidity—something not found in Southern California. From that point on, the guiding principle for the family get-together was to stay out of the heat (116-degree heat index) as much as possible. Collin’s swimming pool saved us. We gathered there soon and often.
We had several outings planned to help combat the heat, and one of the first was to see an afternoon showing of “Barbie” at a local theater. We had the entire theater to ourselves. The kids enjoyed the movie immensely. Next time, Big Daddy (me) will hope for a “Bond flick”.
On another day, we walked through the Charleston Market—the air-conditioned side, on our way to the Ferry to Fort Sumter. I enjoy the Market but seldom buy anything. Nevertheless, browsing through the merchandise and chatting with the merchants is always a lot of fun.
Helen and I went with our Charleston family to the Fort Sumter National Monument once before. Still, we thought the California kids would find it interesting and enjoy the Ferry ride through Charleston Harbor. We thought the hot weather would reduce the crowd size, but we were wrong; the ferry was loaded with tourists eager to learn about the first shots fired in America’s Civil War. Volunteers on the island do a fabulous job answering questions and presenting a narrative of the battles there. The consensus was that all had a good time.
Despite the heat, we enjoyed some activities besides swimming in the pool. We took everyone to nearby Folly Beach so the California kids could swim in the Atlantic. Abby, our oldest granddaughter, showed everyone her skills on the Boogy Board—letting us know that waves in the Pacific are stronger and providing good training for boarding in the east. She handled the board very well.
Collin lives on a marsh opposite the Charleston Harbor. His dock sits over a creek, making for good fishing. Our grandson, Carter, spent time throwing a net for minnows to use as bait. Justin and Collin caught Redfish quickly, but all were rooting for Carter to hook one. On the last day, he caught a nice Redfish and displayed it proudly.
For meals, we cooked most of the time, highlighted by a Pizza night where Collin prepared a variety of pizzas and cooked them on a stone in the Big Green Egg. The array included his specialty pizza of caramelized onions and Feta. They disappeared quickly. Collin honed his pizza skills working in a restaurant while attending Indiana University, proving that college does prepare one for later life.
Our dining experience at a Japanese Steakhouse was entertaining as Chef Matt skillfully wielded his spatulas and created an onion volcano. The meal ended with him tossing chicken and shrimp nuggets into the air for us to catch. Carter and Collin caught them successfully.
That’s our week in a nutshell. This summary excludes the giggles, the games, and the good times shared by our bi-coastal grandchildren. Helen and I are determined to keep the connections alive for them and for the two doting grandparents who love them dearly. Our time together as a family always ends with big hugs, memories of shared experiences, and everyone smiling broadly. Helen and I are Easin’ Along to the next stop on our road trip, but we could have extended this stop indefinitely.
P.S. Easin’ Along postings have been infrequent this summer while we acclimate a very lively English Bulldog into the household and hover over repairs to Dora, our trailer. Readers haven’t missed much, but I’ve missed hearing from you and my blogger friends. We’re on the road for six weeks, and I look forward to sharing the trip with each of you, so please come back. Next up—Kure Beach, NC.
