Another state and a new crew member. We have now been in NY, passed NJ, PA, OH, MI, IN, IL, KY, TN, MO, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, and NC.
Traveling to Southport the winds were about 17 knots. I called the marina when we were 45 minutes out and as soon as I was off the phone the winds picked up to 22 knots with gusts up to 28. 😱 The marina staff was extremely helpful and asked if we would stagger our entrance into the marina since we were four boats that we knew of and others were coming in also. They had dock hands on the fuel dock to direct boats coming in and two more at the assigned slips. They were able to grab the lines as we got in. Fortunately for us we were backing into the wind which always makes it easier to stern into the slip. Hal always says it is sometimes like driving around a billboard. Since this was Izzy's first time docking with us I kept her on the bow in front of the Portuguese bridge. She was fine.
Southport is a great city and when we head back down next fall I will definitely stay here for a few nights. The first night we were here the Harbor Host, Robert Creech, came to the marina after seeing everyone on Nebo. He invited us to his lovely porch right around the corner from the marina. We had a group of loopers go to Fishy Fish Cafe for dinner, 14 of us. Beth and Shane from Stray Cat, Tracy and Stuart from Dog House, Kevin and Lisa from Skafos, Lisa and Chris from Taylor'd for 2, Chris and Mary and Skipper from Cashelmara, Jack and JoAnn from Jackpot and of course me. and Hal. After a fun meal we headed to the porch for a group photo. Mrs. Creech offered her services to help provision if anyone needed it. They were a lovely couple with a magnificent view of the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Dinner at Fishy Fish Cafe.
Even though it was down pouring rain most of the day Saturday, Mary, JoAnn and I were able to stroll into town to the Christmas House. They have a huge selection of beautiful ornaments, ribbons and in the back of the store is a candy shop with salt water taffy in a variety of flavors and old fashioned candy not seen very often. It was a great project day on the boat.
Walking on the pier.
Harbor Pilots tower for Wilmington.
Izzy and I were able to stroll around the streets looking at all the old beautiful homes. They have the names on the houses and the year they were built. We also saw an old cemetery which sadly was not kept up. After talking to a dock resident, I found out there are several walking trails close by and a Walmart one mile away. This is definitely a must stop on the AICW.
Beautiful home that overlooks the AICW and Cape Fear River.
Harbor hosts Mr. and Mrs. Robert Creech's home.
This is a real fishing area. Too bad we couldn't get any fish from here.
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