We embrace lobster

Thank goodness it wasn’t beets we had to embrace. Lobster is easy. My father-in-law enjoyed his lobster- whole, as a hot lobster roll or as lobster chowder. Beginning in the early ’90s Jack and Kerry would make their annual pilgrimage east and some form of lobster was always on the menu. On the nights we weren’t gathered around the big table in the Comstock Room at the Copper Beech, we’d be at Chris and David’s or our home for dinners, often finding a way to eat lobster for lunch. Working would get in the way during these visits, but no longer. When we look around, the only one not still in school gainfully employed is Matt! In more recent years Lenny and Joe’s and Lobster Landing would call out and we’d all come running.

With the Copper Beech checked off the list, we lunched at Lobster Landing (see this 2011 post for J&K and Lobster Landing info) and Lenny and Joe’s with dinner aboard Ortolan one night and the final grill bash at David’s on Sunday. David wowed us with superb Manhattans; our taste buds giving thumbs up over the Copper Beech version. Libations and lobster- sounds like we embrace both equally.

Kerry schmoozes with the owner of Lobster Landing.

Kerry schmoozes with the owner of Lobster Landing.

Far and wide- this is the place for the perfect hot lobster roll

Far and wide- this is the place for the perfect hot lobster roll

Lobster roll love.

Lobster roll love.

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Each year when we bid a sad good-bye to Jack and Kerry, we knew they’d be back in a year. This year, we learned, they would not be coming east. Kerry’s knee surgery and other matters would keep them in CA, aboard lovely s/v Mamouna. Let’s see, another cliché is that every cloud has a silver lining.  Looks like Dad Rackliffe wasn’t too pleased to hear they wouldn’t be coming; he had other ideas on that. Kinda eerie how that played out.

Where we will each be next summer? They will remain California Rackliffes and we will stay East Coast Rackliffes if you believe the party lines. Favorable graduation winds are due in May, presenting a happy occasion reason to climb on a plane. Time will tell.

Charleston: we go all out

Oh, I am so behind. Today is Wed April 17 – now the 18th,  and I only just got caught up to arriving in Charleston a week ago.  The reason I’m behind is that we continue to make fun stops and enjoy what will be the last of warm, sunny weather… cuz guess what? Another cold front, pushing plenty of wind, rain and t-storms for fun – arrives late Friday. Figure we’ll be tucked away in a tall tree-lined creek for a couple of days and then I’ll get caught up.

On to Charleston: shopping of all kinds, eating and drinking at some terrific establishments, aquarium visit, laundry…you name it we did it during the three days. Rain and T-storm only at night; overall the weather was more accommodating than had been forecast. Our dock neighbors told us about a distillery they planned to visit with friends who had a car. Umm, that ran a tiny bell. Turns out it was Firefly who not only operate a distillery; they also own Firefly Resort right near Hope Town, Abaco.  At the corner liquor store I settled on a 4-pack of Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade; not too sweet, serve over a handful of ice cubes, kick back and enjoy.

The most intriguing and interesting sight took place right outside the marina entrance in Charleston Harbor. These are cutting edge sailing-on-foils gizmos. Amazing to watch- yes a video would have been a good idea, but only have “stills”. Any idea what they are? Another cruiser said he’s seen them in Newport.

Flying on foils Cooper River, Charleston Harbor

Flying on foils Cooper River, Charleston Harbor

Replacing old earrings with new

Replacing old earrings with new

Lunch at Poogan's Porch- excellent thin sweet potato fries, and drinks, and salad, and biscuits....

Lunch at Poogan’s Porch- excellent thin sweet potato fries, and drinks, and salad, and biscuits….

Albino gator at aquarium- so creepy- floating like that

Albino gator at SC Aquarium- so creepy- floating like that

Looking straight on, you can't see the side porch.

Looking straight on, you can’t see the side porch.