M & M
We finally made the connection!
Nov 11/12th - For a couple of years now we've been trying to catch up with our friends Mark and Marcia Leeds in St. James Plantation. Well this year we did it! Both our 'schedules' meshed and we had the chance to visit the them in their beautiful new home in North Carolina. We enjoyed a wonderful time with M & M. We visited a place that Mark likes to describe as his "future work office," the Provision Company which is a waterside restaurant with a great relaxed atmosphere. We're just not sure how he is going to get any work done? There was a wonderful artists craft sale going on in the Community Center. Then later on in the afternoon we met their good friends Kris & Steve George back at the house. That evening we enjoyed a lovely evening at Mr. Pete's restaurant which is family owned and fantastic! Thanks M & M so glad we had the chance to make this work! By the way, our room it's the one downstairs next to the hot tub right????
Visiting Bald Head Island
Nov 9/10th - We love it when we decide to stop and explore a new place. Today our new destination was Bald Head Island. This Island is right at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and fortunately we had excellent weather so the seas were not a concern. Early morning we pulled into the Bald Head Island marina and resort. All we can say is WOW! The marina is surrounded by cape cod style 'cottages' and everything was pristine.
Our first day there we decided to walk around and check out 'Old Baldy' the stone Lighthouse. Part of the tour included the lightkeepers cottage and the walk up the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Old Baldy had been renovated so the original iron circular staircase was no longer there, in its place is a wooden circular staircase. There are resting platforms in a couple of spots for those that require a little place to catch one's breath without being in a climbers way. The climb is well worth it because the views from the top were spectacular. Later in the afternoon we took advantage of renting the golf cart for 24 hours. We wasted very little time and toodled around for an hour or two to see some of the local beaches. As we came down a path we spotted what we thought was a puppy on the road. Lo and behold we spotted our first red fox and it was a beauty!
Our second day we 'toodled' around the island on the golf cart. The captain had a blast driving the golfcart along the narrow winding roads. The roads lead through many small 'cottage areas' that are nestled in very natural woodland and they then lead to the sandy beaches on the ocean side. We had a great time walking along the sandy beaches. In the afternoon we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Country Club by the pool. Back in the cart we went and explored more of this wonderful small resort island. By the end of the second night we were exhausted but had a fantastic stop on Bald Head Island.
Our first day there we decided to walk around and check out 'Old Baldy' the stone Lighthouse. Part of the tour included the lightkeepers cottage and the walk up the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Old Baldy had been renovated so the original iron circular staircase was no longer there, in its place is a wooden circular staircase. There are resting platforms in a couple of spots for those that require a little place to catch one's breath without being in a climbers way. The climb is well worth it because the views from the top were spectacular. Later in the afternoon we took advantage of renting the golf cart for 24 hours. We wasted very little time and toodled around for an hour or two to see some of the local beaches. As we came down a path we spotted what we thought was a puppy on the road. Lo and behold we spotted our first red fox and it was a beauty!
Our second day we 'toodled' around the island on the golf cart. The captain had a blast driving the golfcart along the narrow winding roads. The roads lead through many small 'cottage areas' that are nestled in very natural woodland and they then lead to the sandy beaches on the ocean side. We had a great time walking along the sandy beaches. In the afternoon we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Country Club by the pool. Back in the cart we went and explored more of this wonderful small resort island. By the end of the second night we were exhausted but had a fantastic stop on Bald Head Island.
Short Days
Nov 6th - Woke up to the sound of diesel engines being fired up in the distance. For a few days it had been one sound we hadn't heard. Sure enough the big Kady Krogens and Acapella were heading out of their slips. We began to ready the Summer Wind for departure. To make sure that the Neuse had settled we radioed Jeff and Karen to get their opinion of the conditions. It had indeed settled and would be manageable. So we dropped the lines and headed down the Neuse. We were indeed surfing a bit, but the trip on the Neuse was relatively short.
Our destination today was Moorehead City Yacht basin. We're very familiar with this marina and it's extremely boater friendly. What is 'boater friendly'? This marina offers many amenities such as clean laundry machines, showers, and a loaner car. We can accomplish a great deal on a one night stop.
As we were preparing our lines to depart we looked over at the Sport Fish next to our boat and noticed a crew member patiently waiting for the rest of the crew!
Our destination today was Moorehead City Yacht basin. We're very familiar with this marina and it's extremely boater friendly. What is 'boater friendly'? This marina offers many amenities such as clean laundry machines, showers, and a loaner car. We can accomplish a great deal on a one night stop.
As we were preparing our lines to depart we looked over at the Sport Fish next to our boat and noticed a crew member patiently waiting for the rest of the crew!
Hey where is everyone?
Nov 7th- Our next destination would be Mile Hammock Bay. We could hear many captains talking over the radio and knew that there were still many boats out on the water. This idea was confirmed when we pulled into the anchorage and discovered that it was almost full. That evening we shared the anchorage with over 29 other boats.
Mile Hammock Bay
Nov 8th - After a wonderful calm night on the hook, we rose to a beautiful sunrise. Many sailboats had already weighed anchor and we decided to join the train. At the bridges we made a pretty impressive parade.
Our stop for the night was the Carolina Beach State Park. For $30/night we can tie up on their new docks and explore the trails.By the time we were ready to explore it was almost 4:00 in the afternoon. With maps in hand we decided a 'short walk' should be no problem.The trails led through tall pines and swamp land. It was a bonus that the temperatures were not too hot or we'd be dinner for the no'seeums. Around 5:00 we decided that with the daylight dwindling we better make our way back to the boat. The maps we had didn't quite fit with our turns, so finally we came upon a couple who were walking a dog and we asked for directions. Their dog must have sensed we were lost because every 20 feet or so, it would turn back to make sure we were following.
leading the pack
Inside the Carolina Beach State Park
Just in time to catch the Sunset
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