It’s always interesting, and a bit of a deviation from our rhythm, when we come to a large city. We try not to do it actually as a matter of logistics because it always means a hassle. Cities by and large are not meant for long distance bike travel, and housing is always a problem. Plus there’s the traffic. Charleston is no exception, and we searched long and hard for accomodations before finding, all of things, a high-end gym/spa, where we are sleeping in the yoga room and using their 5-star showers and saunas. It’s especially odd to the vibe of the trip to be walking around with all the beautiful people in their Lululemon and their 2% body fat. It feels like a little slice of LA.

I did the rest stop van again today and, I won’t lie, it’s taking its tool on me, mentally. It’s just not something I’m well-suited for; there’s a lot of waiting around, occasionally some stress, and a good bit of being nice to people randomly. Also some driving, a good bit of heat and some biting insects. But it’s for a good cause and I will soldier on.

South Carolina has a particular kind of beauty. It’s not honestly my thing, but even I had to pull over this morning as a particularly beautiful sunrise came up over the marshes. I stopped the van and got out and in 30 seconds or less I heard at least a dozen different bird calls. I have to say it was a magical moment and one that will stick with me. Charleston itself is what you would think it is: Southern plantation architecture, huge vistas of water, and a lot of hospitality. It’s not my thing, but it is a nice place. And I had an amazing hot fudge sundae from Republic Ice Cream. Top 25 in my life, maybe.

That said, I won’t be sad to leave.

P.S. I ate a boiled peanut for the first and last time in my life.