Archive for May 10th, 2008

North Myrtle Beach to Southport – May 10th
May 10th, 2008 | Author:

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.

This one was built by

Category: Cruising, North Carolina  | Comments off
Waccamaw River to North Mrytle Beach
May 10th, 2008 | Author:

The leaving of Georgetown on the 9th was delayed because of Mother Nature. She is in control of our comings and goings. She was sending a storm our way: a thunderstorm. And a thunderstorm she did send. But, it passed quickly and off we went following the Russells again.

The river itself is georgeous. Had the sun been shining we may have seen turtles on the shore sunning themselves. There are abandoned rice fields along straight stretches.

Then there twists and turns.

As one enters Myrtle Beach civilization hits you in the face.

Before we came to North Mrtyle Beach where we were stopping, we had to get through the Rock Pile. Some claim it is a dangerous part because of the rocks that are right off the channel. We were going through as the tide was dropping. I think that is good because you can see the rocks. Stay in the channel. This is the mantra of the ICW.

Although the claim is that the river is clean, it looks like tea. It leaves your boat with the Waccamaw moustache.

We spent the night at Harbourgate Marina. Another good run.

Category: Cruising, South Carolina  | Comments off