Circle Closed in Wilmington, NC
June 20, 2011
We left Shallotte, and sailed through some of the most interesting areas we have seen so far. The destination was to be the Wilmington area just beyond Cape Fear. Did I mention that it is starting to get hot in this area? The breezes were not favoring a comfortable day on the water so we noticed every puff that came past the dodger. We decided to sail up the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington city docks for a few days of sightseeing. We tied off at the docks in the center of the River Walk thus becoming part of the scenery. The Dock Master mentioned that little fact. Many years ago, we stood opposite where we are tied now and looked at the boats and wondering if we would ever be here aboard our boat. Circle closed. The City marina is a short wharf parallel to the River Walk. It has limited transient space and no boater’s facilities. Being on the wharf is to be assaulted by wakes which makes it lively.
Just across the river is the USS North Carolina, BB 55, which is the most decorated ship of WWII. She is in good shape for her age and it appears she has just recently been painted. A little operational tidbit: It took 145 gallons of fuel to move her 44,800 pounds one mile. She sailed over 300,000 miles after commissioning in 1941. Naturally, old Bligh had to explore the ship even though it is not air conditioned. It took about two minutes to soak down in the heat which gives one a firm appreciation for the men who sailed her into battle.