Straight Runs

Our journey over the next 2 days might be what you’d call “straight runs”. This is truly a ditch portion of the ICW. Quite narrow and very straight – not much exciting to speak of. The first night we stopped at Wrightville Beach. We’ve stopped here every time we’ve passed through. We dinghied ashore, walked to the beach, then walked the other direction a mile or two down to the ICW and the Wrightsville Beach Bridge. We stopped at a bar/restaurant and had a drink or two before heading back. We had a quiet night and turned in early.

The next morning we timed our departure to make the 8:00 opening of the bridge. We had another bridge (Figure Eight Island Bridge) shortly thereafter, but were able to sneak under without an opening. Good thing, as the bridge was having some repairs and was closed for awhile. The next bridge was the Surf City Bridge which definitely required an opening as it only has a 12 foot clearance. It opens only on the hour, so we tried to time our arrival such that we wouldn’t have to maneuver around waiting for it to open. However, the current was with us this morning and we went way faster than normal arriving about ½ hour before opening. There were osprey all along the way, so we slowed down and watched their antics while we waited (see pictures below).

We had planned on stopping at Mile Hammock Bay to anchor, but we arrived there early in the afternoon, so pressed on. We checked the guidebooks and Active Captain and decided on an anchorage at Swansboro. However, when we arrived it was quite windy plus a lot of current and we really didn’t feel comfortable with the anchorage. We called one of the marinas in the area and got dockage for the night. Ended up staying at Dudley Marina where the rate was only 75 cents a foot – almost like free. Bob and Gayle, friends on Chateau de Mer, pulled in shortly after and docked beside us.

The marina was definitely “homey”. Docks were not the greatest, but the staff was very friendly and helpful. The big draw in this area is the fishing, so the marina store had tons of fishing gear. Gerry looked a lot, but inasmuch as he doesn’t have a license he didn’t buy anything. The food selection at the store was a bit weird. They had ice cream, candy bars, beanie weenies and Vienna sausages.

We spent a quiet night (except for a few wakes from fishing boats) and headed out early the next morning.

Departing Bald Head Island Marina -- that's Old Baldy you see
peaking through towards the left

Passing by the Carolina Beach area

Wrightsville Beach - a bit crowded - guess we've been
spoiled by the beaches in the Bahamas

Wrightsville Beach anchorage at dusk

Starting out the next morning, the water was dead calm

Interesting yard art along
this stretch -- here's King Neptune

 ... A giraffe

... and of course, the pink house.  I wasn't
going to take a picture this time,
but I just couldn't stop
myself 

Mama Osprey seemed to be
in a bit of a huff -- think she
was waiting for "hubby" to bring
back some building material

Oh good -- here he is now with more sticks

That last twig fit just perfect --
I'm quite comfy now

Finally, the Surf City Bridge opened and we were able to pass through

Around mid-day, Winndecks, the Loopers we
met at Myrtle Beach and again at Bald Head
gave us a slow pass, but then "left us in their dust"
as they cruise about 3 times faster than we do.