We arrived here in Southport NC about 1650 this afternoon in a light
rain, after traveling in rain (light and heavy) since 1300 when we
passed the pontoon bridge at Sunset Beach, NC.
We’ve tied up to a free dock at a really funky, local seafood place (the
term “restaurant” doesn’t seem appropriate) with five free docks for
anyone eating at the restaurant. We were fortunate that they had space
available, since we’re in an area of the ICW with few anchorages to the
south for 20 miles, and a twelve mile stretch of the Cape Fear River is
about 100 yards to the north. We had great crab cakes and steamed shrimp
for dinner!
Last night we anchored in a cypres swamp in Old River at Bucksport SC. A
beautiful spot once the bass fishing tournament came to a close about
1600 in the afternoon! We only made 26 miles yesterday, after getting a
late start from Georgetown SC and a heading current all the way. Again,
we were faced with a long stretch with no anchorages if we had
continued, so we stopped about 1450, sat outside and read for the
afternoon. Enjoyed filet mignon steaks wrapped with bacon last night and
fresh salad. Obviously, we haven’t yet had to resort to the hard tack!
Tomorrow morning we’ll cruise about 12 miles upstream on the Cape Fear
River, keeping a sharp lookout for Robert Mitchum and Robert DiNiro!
Then we take a short channel to the northeast and are once again behind
some barrier islands in the ICW. High tide is at 0600, and we won’t get
started that early, so we’ll have a 1-2 knot current against us most of
the way up the river. Hopefully there will be no wind early in the
morning so the water should be relatively quiet. Once the wind picks up
it will undoubtedly be from the SE and would undoubtedly create some
confused and choppy water on the river.
We’re doing well. The cats don’t like being in marinas because we have
to keep them inside so they won’t jump ship! We have screens for the
doors that serve that purpose. We, on the other hand, enjoy getting out
and walking around a bit.
Weather has cooled considerably, and tonight it’s just plain pleasant,
although humid after the rain today.