Topsail Island Marina is really nice and close to restaurants, IGA, bars, shops, beach, etc. This was one place where we didn't feel like tourists since we've been here several times. We showed up at our boat on our last day and Dee, from the marina, left us a Waterway Guide magazine and cheese danishes!
Xanadu's right next to the marina. Bar, grill, bakery,
market -- this place is awesome!
View from the 'new' bridge that replaced the dreaded swing bridge.
Hopefully Wrightsville Beach will follow and replace their bridge!!!
We left the marina on the 9th with a less than favorable north wind. Fortunately Sharon and a guy at the marina did a great job getting us out. I hate feeling like I need a drink at 1030! We were originally going to Carolina Beach for the night but decided to continue on to Southport. There were several tricky spots that are prone to shoaling but we didn't have any problems. We went through Snows Cut and the current had us at 10.6 knots! (We cruise at 8). That led us to the Cape Fear River. No problems on Cape Fear but we were against the current. We passed a few passenger ferries and a ship but that was the most of the 'excitement'. Ten miles later and we turned right and anchored in the Southport Basin. The basin in Southport is nice but only has room for a few boats. We managed to slide in with a sailboat and catamaran. We dropped the dinghy (for the first time!) and rowed over to Fishy Fishy Cafe (we practically could have swam). We walked around Southport for half an hour checking out the town. Very nice! We had dinner and drinks at Fishy Fishy then headed back to the boat.
Southport from our anchorage.
Ka'Why Knot on the hook.
We left Southport at 0830, 10 Nov. It was cold! We have decided to step it up and start moving south. Sharon made coffee and breakfast underway. This was an interesting trip on our way to Myrtle Beach. We have read about several 'trouble spots' along the way. We went through Lockwoods Folly at MM 320.2, Little River Inlet at MM 341 and the "Rock Pile" at MM 349.4. Fortunately we had no problem with any of them. We passed under several bridges and one swing bridge that opens on demand.
Back when the ICW was being built, they ran into an unexpected rock ledge between MM 349.6 to 352.2. To keep within budget, the canal was made narrower than normal. There are two really narrow sections at the north and south end. It is customary to announce your entering the Rock Pile on 16 and 13 (commercial channel). You do NOT want to pass a barge going in the opposite direction. Pretty much because you CAN'T! AIS is a great supplement to channel 13.
Overall, the trip was beautiful! Water, beaches, wildlife, homes, scenery, you name it!
We wanted to go to Barefoot Landing to dock for the night. Unfortunately, Barefoot no longer allows boats to dock for the night. Pass! BFL is not boater friendly so we continued south to Grande Dunes Marina. We could have docked across the channel and dinghied over but, like I said, pass. We'll spend our money elsewhere.
The "Rock Pile". You do NOT want to be
on the wrong wide of the channel marker!
We are at a 'swanky' marina, Grande Dunes. We actually had to show a driver's license, USCG documentation and proof of insurance. First time for that! Maybe a South Carolina requirement!?! We went to Anchor Cafe at the marina (nice!) and they also have a Ruths Chris at the marina. First time I have ever been to Ruths Chris!
2 comments:
We are loving Surf City! Two blocks to the beach, tap house, tacos....we're staying!!!
Mona
Glad you enjoyed Surf City! We like it especially since we have family there. I wished we would have timed it differently to have been there at the same time.
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