June 10-12 Carolina Beach to Mile Hammock Anchorages

Friday, June 10- Barefoot Resort Marina to Carolina beach anchorage.

Left the dock at 0800 and headed into the Rock Pile.  This is a narrow channel with rock bottom and rocks extending into the channel.  We went thru this area at low tide so we saw rock ledges exposed by the water.  Made it thru safely and slowly with no issues. As we continued in the ICW the jet skiers continued to buzz around, in and out of congested areas and more local fisherman appeared. We navigated through Lockwood Folly which is an inlet with constant shoaling and shifting sand. A little dicey with markers running zigzag.   We saw our second sunken shrimp boat of the day. Curious as to how that happens to those big guys, we're they drinking or sleeping, not sure which. After waving to C-life (Creech's boat) in Southport, we continued on Cape Fear river- wide body of water with confusing markers and wind and waves- finally ending at our anchorage at Carolina Beach.  Enjoyed a peaceful dinner and the music from a wedding reception on the waterfront.

Entering the "Rock Pile" part of the channel. Most of
the channel bottom is soft mud or sand. Not here. A
mistake can cost you a prop or worse.

These are the under lying rock shelf you want to avoid

Shrimp boat wreck #1

Shrimp boat wreck #2. Wonder what happened?

Cruising thru the channel in Carolina Beach. One of the busiest
beach resorts in the Carolinas

 

 

 

Saturday, June 11 Carolina beach Anchorage to Wrightsville Beach Anchorage.

After a delicious breakfast, we pulled up the anchor and took a ride down to Carolina beach, then headed to the ICW.  The waterways were already getting busy with small boat traffic and Jet skis. On the way north we passed Robert and Kay Creech who were heading south to Southport. It was a short trip to Wrightsville Beach. This day it was extremely windy and after a double anchor attempt we were finally settled. The activity in this anchorage is unbelievable. This is the place where maritime laws come to die. We have wave board riders cutting through, jet skis, center console boats, boats pulling rafts all traveling a high speeds, in between the anchored boats. We did dingy into shore. Wrightsville is all about the beach- swimsuits, coolers, towels, water, waves and salt as far as the eye can see. After we were back on board we noticed a dinghy drifting aimlessly so it was Jon's turn to assist in a rescue.

It's all about the beach in Wrightsville

The bodies stretch for miles

Taking a break with Pam and John

Our anchorage in the Wild West town of Wrightsville Beach

Smaller boats were constantly cutting thru the anchorage
making waves

 

 

 

 

Sunday, June 12 -Wrightsville Beach to Mile Hammock

Anchor came up clean and easy. Tom and I both said a prayer of thank and headed out of the anchorage. We drove around a little and waited for bridge to open at nine. It has a scheduled opening of on the hour, only, so you don’t want to miss it. Once again we are on our way.  Traveling on a Sunday allows us to see that many locals spend their days on the water too.   The North Carolina boaters are very friendly; your arm gets a workout waving all day long.  We anchored in Mile Hammock Anchorage which is within Camp Lejeune. Another trawler –JAZ -joined us and Tom invited them to join us for dinner. New friends, new pork tenderloin recipe, new place all make for a good time.  Our entertainment for the evening was also sensational. Some locals showed up with jet skis and jet boots and put on a skillful performance.  They dove, and swam and shot up out of the water and twirled and did stunts. These guys were very good and very impressive.

This is a sculpture in front of a coastal home we passed

Church is over and the locals are out enjoying the water

This house is referred to as the pink house in the cruising guide
as a landmark for navigation. The guy must have gotten a
heck of a deal on pink paint. The house is pink, the lighthouse to the
left is pink, and what you cant see behind the house is that the
guys boat is painted pink also. You can't make this stuff up.

The lovely crew cooling off with a mid cruise shower on
the bow.

A first for the blog. A video.

The guys in Mile Hammock