Day 329 Bucksport to Southport Saturday April 13, 2019

Day 329 Bucksport to Southport Saturday April 13, 2019

The night was mild but still OK for sleeping and there were a few showers.  The sun rose but not brilliantly. Clouds dominated the day and brought several showers. Temperatures warmed again to the pleasant mid 70s.

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Today was an interesting day. We finished the swamp, traveled through rock piles and found the new mansion row along the ICW ditch and crossed from South to North Carolina all in 63 miles.

Leaving Bucksport at 0700, the clouds that stayed all night hid the sun but kept the temperatures mild at night so the day didn't need the sun bright to warm the day.

And we had a ways to go to find our way out of the swamp but it was beautiful in the muted colors.

And soon a bridge of civilization.

And soon we found new McMansions along the waterfront that I have to say would not be my first place to build a high priced home or even second home. This stretch of the AICW is really nothing more that a cut that was dug to connect the Macamaw River to the NC coastal backwaters.

And there were high rises too. And we have arrived at Myrtle Beach.

 And a Greg Norman Australia Steakhouse - anyone know who is Norman?

And then at Mile 353 to 349 we encountered the infamous "Rock Pile."  This area was unexpectedly found to have a schist stone so blasting was required to make the channel.  Because it was so much more difficult than digging sand and thus the width of the channel was reduced here and you need to be sure to stay in the middle - in the deep water - to avoid an unpleasant event in your day. So we were glad not to have met a boat going the other way.

And at North Myrtle Beach there is a swing bridge and a high level bridge just north.  Not sure why the old bridge remains - but it opened quickly.

And then there were several more inlets ...... and we crossed from South to North Carolina.

And then we arrived at Southport NC and the marina in town.

A walk around the town was interesting including this history plaque on a the Ironclad CSS North Carolina. It sunk but not from being attacked. Sometimes a mistake in judgement can have swift and substantial consequences.

And the town is along the Cape Fear River that exits at the notorious Cape Fear.

And the town was fun to walk around - we found a few interesting sites.

And a few nice homes

And a few nice parks.

And a nice downtown.

And the marina is large and nicely maintained.

Some boat names around the marina

And this boat is lucky to be afloat - So I guess the name fits nicely.

The Boston Celtics are even loved in the south. Or do you think there could be another meaning - nah!

And I am not sure if this is a true wooden boat in great shape or one made to look like a wooden boat - but in either case is a striking craft.

And last but not least the best boat in the marina.

And with good WIFI we have watched several episodes of Endeavor - great fun.  And now some further planning for tomorrow's journey so time to say ...............

Good Night and May God Bless