I knew we were leaving Southport. Outside in the ocean there were gale force winds; on the ICW, it would mean wind, a lot of wind in sounds or large rivers. We had one big river at the beginning. Fear….Cape Fear River!

It was rough, choppy but no swells from the wind. But blow it did. In front of us was the Kittiwake. Kelley kept us on course. And then we came to Snow’s Cut and it was like the wind disappeared. I took pictures of the markers there but because they are not permanent ones they do not show up. There is a lot of shoaling in the area and the markers are moved a lot. A one point the green is on our left (where it should be on the ICW most of the time) and immediately in front of it to its right is a red. Got to make a quick turn to keep the red on our starboard.

But the cut is beautiful.

We did a short run because the wind is blowing so much. We only went 22 miles. We got to Wrightsville Beach Marina and after cleaning up the boat we went out to lunch. Usually we don’t pull in until 3ish.

After lunch we walked across the bridge and went to do a little grocery shopping. Wine on sale! Kelley asked if bought 2 cases would someone from the store give us a lift back to the boat. And drive us they did. We had a quiet dinner on the boat. I like our evenings on the boat. We play games – Pirate Farkle or 65!

When God wants a sailor to stop, he sends gale force winds…..

Happy Mother’s Day! We woke to rain and late there was more rain and thunder. Kelley has been reading and puttering and I have worked solely on the blog! Yikes, are any of our friends still checking on us?

Both boys called. We had a great walk. I am cooking gourmet. Wait, what is wrong about this picture? Tomorrow we will leave for Wrightsville. I will continue to update. I have pictures. I have to quit now and cook.

After dinner we went to the bridge to watch the storm that was brewing. The lightening was beautiful. I took a short video and now I need to figure out how to put it in! Challenges!

miss you all

We left Harbourgate Marina in the morning. It was a big day. We were leaving South Carolina and would be in North Carolina for the night. Traveling on a Saturday is a dread for us cruisers because the locals are out and there can be a lot of traffic. We were surprised that there wasn’t much, except at the Pontoon Bridge. It opens on the hour. It opens slowly because the bridge is really on a barge, of sorts.

That is the friendly Pontoon Tender. And below is the marker that lets you know that you are in North Carolina. A little red nun! Number 116. A new state.

And the first home I saw.

The wind was picking up as we continued our trip. There are plenty of no wake zones.

Once we reached Southport we jumped ship. We started to walk together, but, I wanted to look; Kelley wanted to exercise. We split up and met back at the boat. I found a yarn shop and visited with the nicest lady. People here are so kind. They seem to take the time to ask questions and, therefore, I feel comfortable asking them questions about their town.

Southport has become popular with retirees. It has some beautiful homes.

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