Southport, NC

Fighting a falling tide and a bit of wind, Velsignet failed at its first attempt to dock at the Provision Co. Restaurant in Southport, NC.  By the time Brenda had her turned around for a second try, three guys appeared on the dock, took the lines Mike threw them, and pulled to straighten Velsignet into the slip and secure her into place.  Before we could recover our dignity to express our sincere thanks (the docking process was not pretty and quite frankly embarrassing), the three had vanished.  Who were they?

Within seconds of docking, a couple who  was at the restaurant (The Provision Co. is a casual, order-at-the-counter, pay –on-the-honor-system, outdoor dining type of place)  recognized the Looper burgee  and approached Mike about it.  In short order, we joined Betsy and James at the dockside dining area and during the next two hours developed a fast friendship.  (Betsy and James live in Raleigh and weekend in Southport where Betsy’s 80–year-old parents live.)

Every morning starting at 6:30 am, coffee is on at Robert and Kay’s.  Twice (last Saturday and this morning) we relaxed in Robert and Kay’s rocking chairs on their wide and welcoming front porch for coffee and conversation with their neighbors and other boaters. (We also take in the scenery; their home faces the Cape Fear River and Southport Marina with Oak Island and the Atlantic Ocean beyond that.)  Robert shares his local knowledge of the area and the waters. He also shares his vehicle for those who have errands to complete before departure (He brought Mike to Napa and Mansfield LP for parts and propane, respectively).

As much as we appreciated the Southern hospitality given us in Southport, NC, we LOVED LOVED that we could spend a full 24 hours with our 25-year-old niece Claire who drove from Charlotte to be with us.  Our “cups runneth over” as we celebrated Claire’s happiness in where she lives, where she works, her dog Beatty, and joyous anticipation for her October wedding to a wonderful guy, David. 

Since Georgetown, we’ve anchored out, stopped at Myrtle Beach, and enjoyed the last couple of days at Southport Marina. Today, we will cruise approximately 28 miles to an anchorage near Wrightsville Beach, NC.  If all goes as planned, we will be joined by Melvin and Julie, MV “Here’s An Idea!,”  and enjoy dinner and a couple of games of Cribbage this evening.

Here's Claire and Mike outside of The Provision Co. Restaurant.  Isn't she just the cutest?  And she's just as sweet!

Claire helped us move Velsignet from The Provision Co. Restaurant dock into the Southport Marina. 
As excited and happy we are for Claire, she is excited and happy for us on this adventure.

Despite dark threatening clouds, we went for a Sunday morning walk and....yep, you guessed it...we got caught in the downpour.  By the time we ran the blocks back to Velsignet, we were soaked through and in need for towels!

This picture was taken at Barefoot Landing, a shopping area near Myrtle Beach.  As we crossed a walking bridge, we noticed the many turtles--we assume looking for food handouts.  As we looked closer, we could see large (huge!) fish swimming as well...some kind of carp? 

Our first night in Southport was spent on the dock in front of The Provision Co. Restaurant. 
We enjoyed this sunset (over Southport Marina) from the fly bridge of Velsignet relaxing to the live music
 being played at another nearby dockside restaurant.  

Returning to Velsignet from The Provision Co. Restaurant, we found this good looking guy guarding the dock.

Miss "Claire-Bear" aboard Velsignet.

Couldn't hug this girl enough!

Claire took us on a car ride around Southport and we found this lovely home in a quiet neighborhood. 
We dubbed it "Claire's House."

We learned a new housing development term this weekend:  CARY, which means "Contained Area for Relocated Yankees".
We think "Claire's House" was in an neighborhood owned by locals, but we're not sure!

We enjoyed a freshly caught shrimp dinner together on Saturday night.

Southport Marina is on the Cape Fear River and only 1.5 miles from the Atlantic.
 It's a busy place for fishing, sailing, cruising and relaxing on the beaches. 

In the morning hours when the sun hit the marshy grass just right, the green took on a florescent hue.
We continue to enjoy pleasant days with temps in the 70s-low 80s, soft winds and moderate humidity.

This picture was taken from Robert and Kay's porch.  It's a great place to watch for boats, walkers, and birds!  For a small town of less than 4,000 people, Southport has a lot to offer.  On a bike ride we took around the town, one local described it:  "It's like living in a modern day Mayberry."