Myrtle Beach to Wrightsville Beach to Swansboro, NC

We fuelled up in the morning and then proceeded to the North Myrtle Beach entrance and back to the Ocean.  There are a few trouble spots on the ICW just N of Myrtle Beach, Lockwoods Folly being the worst. 

The Ocean had calmed down considerably from the day before and there were only 2’ rollers, so it was a very gentle ride with a little bit of motion.  

Large Barge on Cape Fear River

We came in at Southport and proceeded up the Cape Fear River until the turnoff to the ICW.  There is a trouble spot here but we were at high tide so no problem.

Los of Traffic

  Once we reached the area by the barrier islands, the traffic increased significantly.  

Playing on the Sand Dunes

It was a lovely sunny holiday Saturday and the boats were out in force.  You could see a dozen boats heading at you at any one time!  A leisurely trip with lots to see and we docked right at the Wrightsville Beach Bridge for the evening. 

Wrighstville Beach

We sat down, poured a Caesar and watched the world go by.  There was lots to see, as this is a very popular spot. 

We went out for dinner that night to a restaurant 500’ away.  Unfortunately there were bugs (Gnats?) that were quite annoying. Food was okay but service very slow. We did have a very nice conversation with a couple sitting next to us, so a good evening in spite of the bugs.

The next morning a leisurely departure, we caught the 9:00 opening and proceeded north.  We set waypoints for the bridges as here they are on a schedule, not “on demand” so we needed to speed up a few times to get the opening.  We passed by Camp Lejeune.  There is a sign that may light up to stop your progress if there is live firing in the area.  

Target Practice

Fortunately there was not, but we did see the old personnel carriers that they must use for practice.

We arrived in Swansboro in early afternoon and re-united with Jim and Debbie Pyke aboard their 54’ Ocean Alexander.  They have just started the Great Loupe having started from their base in Charleston.

 

See the spout on the front

Going to Jim and Debbies for Easter Dinner

As we sat here a unique dredge docked.  It sucks the sand up from the side, but instead of discharging it into a pipe for remote disposal, they shoot it out of a long pipe on the bow!

Off to Morehead City, the twin of Beaufort today.  A short run.

Talk Later

Bill & Sandy