One of the 'bridges' that we had to have open for us was the Sunset Pontoon Bridge. This bridge is a one lane bridge and its actually a pontoon on the water that is opened and closed by cable. Currently they are building a high rise fixed bridge and the locals are upset because they would like to keep their pontoon. 
Our next destination is St. James Plantation,South Port, NC, where we took a slip for the night. Our friends Marcia & Mark Leeds are going to build a house in this lovely development and they wanted us to have a look. So, we took a tour.It is something to think about with beautiful built homes, nice wooded landscaping and 81 holes of golf, not to mention a new marina with a great Tiki Bar Restaurant. 
The next day we had to traverse the Cape Fear River and luckily for us, the weather was beautiful and it was an easy trip. Passing the Carolina Beach Inlet we noticed several tents and trucks parked on the sandbar. We ended up in one of our favorite anchorages Wrightsville Beach. Lots of boats were anchored in that area.College kids were no longer in school for there were several small boats scooting around just having a great time. It was really cute to watch, first the guys then the gals all trying to look cool and catch one another's eye.
The Wrightsville Beach lift bridge only opened on the hour and there were several more bridges to make. So we left fairly early to make the 8 am opening and to beat the 'possible' weather. However the tide was low, and we scooted under the bridge without having to wait. There was a boat train of approximately 5-6 boats all making the journey north. The Surf City Swing Bridge was another that we required to have open. It too was on a half hour schedule and we were a little early, so jockeying had to be done. Dick looked back and said "Elle, I suggest that we close the windows and turn on the instruments downstairs. " Oh my gosh!! there was a huge system coming in fast! We had just closed the windows and taken off the windshield cover in time! The skies became angry fast, there was lightening,wind and it was teaming. However this did not hurry the bridge tender, because in storms if the winds reached 30 miles/hr, it would not open. The bridge managed to open and as we were passing through our visibility was becoming difficult. Dick throttled back and we carefully made our way from buoy to buoy because we couldn't see the boat in front of us. That squall lasted for about 30 minutes and the skies gave hint this wasn't to be the last. 
We had just entered the passage through Camp Lejeune and we were making a decision whether to just drop a hook in Mile Hammock Bay or go further the ten miles. Frank and Chris Erwin the MTOA port captains and president had phoned us and told us about the future weather conditions.However, It was only going to be one more hour and the sky didn't look as threatening, it was going to rain but not storm, so we chose to continue on. It was a very chilly hour.
By the time we arrived in Swansborro we were thrilled to be greeted by Frank and Chris. Dick made a first docking of the boat from the inside helm. We had opened the windows because there was only a nice breeze now. After tying the boat up, our host and hostess couldn't stay with us, but most graciously gave us the use of their automobile. They told us what stores were around, gave us directions to a wonderful grocery store, not a Publix this time but a Lowes whole food store, beautiful! They suggested some wonderful restaurants , but as it was pouring rain we decided to use the restaurant right in front of the boat and it was very good!The next morning we woke to a deluge of rain, wind, lightening and thunder. So we decided to stay put. Frank had emailed us with tourist attractions to see and do in Beaufort and Moorehead City. He called it ,'things to do on a Windy Rainy Day'. We took advantage and enjoyed a visit to the nautical museum in Beaufort had some great pizza for lunch. Then Frank called again and told us we were invited for dinner at their house. Chris was cooking and to call her for directions to the house. We asked what to bring for dinner and she insisted we bring our laundry??? Which we did do. That evening we enjoyed a wonderful home cooked dinner and Dancing with the Stars Finals. Thank you so much Frank and Chris!!!
The next morning even though the wind was howling, we parted and made the run for Oriental,, but that is another story.
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