SCMay17-18

Bald Head Island Marina

We have reached Bald Head Island.   It was an incredible day to be boating and
the weather here is awesome.   Beautiful skies, no wind, no humidity.

Located two nautical miles off the coast of Southport NC, Bald Head Island is the southernmost barrier island in NC
where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. With beaches along its eastern, southern and western shores,
Bald Head Island allows you to witness the sun both rising and setting over the Atlantic Ocean each day.
The Island was purchased in 1983 by Bald Head Island Limited, a company owned by the
George P. Mitchell family. We meet Kent Mitchell, son of George this afternoon.
Bill Jarvis (of the FHYC) recently sailed on Kent's boat in Antigua (and won).

Saturday, May 17th by Pat Martin - Passage from Harbour Village to Bald Head Island

Cameo leaves the dock as a reddish, clear morning is dawning around 6; no other boats are stirring. The water is calm as is the wind. The giraffe is still standing in the yard of the Hampstead house. (see the picture above) Boat names that attract attention are "Bite Me" and "Reel Way". Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is coming to life as our boat goes under the bridge at 7:30 am. The Captain is topside to assure we can make it without an opening. Colorful houses of yellow, green and pink dot the land as we pass. Several fishing boats rush by as they make haste to their favorite spot. North bound boats are numerous. A working barge is laying pipe in the waterway just south of Wilmington. Since our last passage in these waters, there is considerably more homes along the waterway and some of mansion size. An 8:45 am snack consists of root beer and wonderful cheese and crackers brought to our Swansboro splash by our Greensboro High School mate, Vivian. I've finished reading "Water for Elephants" that Ruth Mitchell loaned me, an excellent portrayal of circus life. People fishing stand along the Cape Fear River trying their luck. Another Camano (same as our boat) is directly behind us having come into the waterway from Carolina Beach. We learn later its name is "My Way" and is newer than ours. The military installation immediately on the Cape Fear offers some different navigation aids. The Oak Island lighthouse is visible. There is a festival on the banks at Southport with a large crowd attending. I take the wheel as we pass the red buoy for Bald Head Island as Paul goes forward on the deck with bow lines. We have made the Cape Fear passage before the warning from the Coast Guard of opposing tides and winds that can occur around noon. It is now 10:30 am. There are many sailboats visible in the ocean. A ferry is leaving Bald Head. We arrive safely to our dock.

Karen and Walt eating ice cream. Karen... how many points is that?	The beaches here are wonderful.	Another tough day of croquet. At first we thought they were putting.
There was a Leukemia fundraising sailing race and we were graciously invited to join in the after race party.	John Barry and Bernie John is friends with our own Bill Jarvis who recently raced together. Bill... we now know the true race results. We know you won overall... but what about the all women's team?	What a wonderful spread they had at the fundraiser. And free wine and beer too.

Another day, another splash.	First time South Bound cruisers
Claudia's cousin Bo and her husband Jim live nearby and came to visit.	Tomorrow Claudia and Bob aboard Sea Y's will be heading home to Fairfield. Bon Voyage!

Do you think this is where Michael Jackson lives?	Just one of the many bridges we pass.	Just a few of the many beautiful houses along the way.
Dredging along the ICW	Southport/Fort Fisher Ferry. Don't want to be in this guys way.	Entrance into the Bald Head Island Marina.