From South Carolina Into North Carolina
01 May 2016
Tuesday, April 19th - We left Osprey Marina just as the sun came over the trees and passed by Myrtle Beach and all the gorgeous homes and golf courses. There are many long straight stretches here and we had the tide with us, so a nice quick trip to St. James Plantation, 51 miles and now in North Carolina.
Next morning was cool but sunny. We were lucky to have slack tide to cross the Cape Fear River and after an easy 28 miles we anchored at Wrightsville Beach for the night. While travelling the wind off the ocean was cool, but once anchored we were in t-shirts. Except to walk the dog and a quick walk to West Marine, we stayed on the boat. There is a lot of small boat traffic during the day but very quiet at night.
Thursday morning we left to make the 8 am bridge lift, the first of three restricted openings. At 6 knots, we cannot make these openings so it is slow going, waiting for each bridge. Our plan was to stop at Surf City but when we called, they had been closed down after only a few weeks being open. Seems they missed getting a few required licences from the city! So plan B, we stopped at Mile Hammock, part of a marine training base and anchored. We have often used this anchorage and the marines are always friendly. Ron asked and was granted permission to take Buddy ashore here. It is always fun to watch the planes, helicopters and amphibious tanks as the marines practice maneuvers.