At the Lake

While walking at the lake, I noticed a huge cluster of ducks

Then I saw another huge mass of birds

Both groups merged

 As they came closer to the beach I could see they were coots

Very large birds were watching the spectacle from the end of the dock. 

I couldn't tell what kind of birds there are.

See the Olympic Mountains in the distance?

Roses

beautiful roses for Valentine's Day

South Carolina - Charleston - Last Post

Such interesting houses and buildings in downtown Charleston

 Meeting Street

Original cobblestone streets - The cobblestones were used for ballast on colonial ships. Many of them ended up in the harbor when the ships loaded up with cargo. Someone decided the stones could be used on the muddy, sandy streets.

City Market was established in the 1790s. It's 4 blocks long 

United States Custom House

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Built in 1767-1771, this building has been used as a custom house, public market, meeting place, and jail. 

Click here for a history of these houses, called Rainbow Row

The homes were constructed around 1740. Merchants had their businesses on the first floors and lived on the upper floors. 

These are called "Charleston Single Houses" - The front door leads to a ground level porch or patio where the actual front door to the house is. More here about why the houses were built sideways. 

Click here for more examples of Charleston's architecture

South Carolina - Charleston - Walkways & Courtyards

Downtown Charleston is full of intriguing walkways and glimpses of courtyards

street sign for Stoll's Alley

 Stoll's Alley below

South Carolina - Charleston - Churches

Charleston is sometimes call the Holy City because of its many churches and history of religious tolerance. Church spires are seem to dot the sky in every direction. 

The French Huguenot Church was completed in 1845

The Huguenot was the French Protestant movement. Persecution caused members to relocate to many other countries. They came to Charleston in 1680. 

Circular Congregational Church

Spire of St. Philip's Episcopal Church

 The congregation was established in Charleston in 1681. 

This building was completed in 1836.