A Happy Coincidence

Georgetown, SC to Southport, NC  |  11.4 Hours  |  89.2 Miles  

It was another early morning for the Crossroads crew. I needed a sweatshirt to combat the chilly darkness. The power cord was disconnected and the dock lines readied for departure. We lucked out once again in that the current was slack and there was no wind. We eased off the dock at 6:00am and retraced our tracks through Winyah Bay toward the Atlantic. A heavy dew covered the boat and I took the opportunity to remove at least the top layer of salt spray which has her covered from bow to stern. Three knots of current boosted our speed to 10 knots. The sun rose through a thin layer of clouds and a flock of pelicans followed alongside us. 

We tracked to a waypoint set directly across Long Bay to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. It was a quiet and peaceful morning -- no ships, no dolphins, and no balloons. I admit to dozing off a couple of times after being warmed by the sunshine filtering through the windows. After lunch I moved up to the flybridge and watched the world pass from a higher angle. From that vantage point it was easier to spot a green turtle swimming by and a pod of dolphin jumping to take their position in our bow wave. Today there were two juveniles that enjoyed body surfing in our wake. By 3:30pm clouds had moved in to shield the sun. With a chill in the air, I retreated to the pilothouse as we neared the Cape Fear River. The inlet was a little rolly as we passed Old Baldy (Baldhead Island Lighthouse) to starboard and the Oak Island lighthouse  to port. We turned south on the ICW and a short distance later backed into our slip at South Harbour Village Marina. It was a happy coincidence that were able to catch the celebration of Deltaville friends David and Sue crossing their wake on their Great Loop journey. Family and traveling companions all gathered to share a little bubbly and then have dinner together at the onsite restaurant, Rusty Hooks. We have fond memories of earning our Gold Looper burgee seven years ago and were glad to welcome them to The Club.