Cape Fear, North Carolina

Tides are something that we were
once worried about but now have
become part of our daily planning.

A cold, wet front has settled into the area.  We stayed at the free dock in Myrtle Beach for several days, getting chores and shopping done.  I went for long walks in the light rain as Jeff changed the oil and completed various task to get the boat ready for her summer nap (ever since I fell in the open engine hatch, way back on the Tenn-Tom, he kicks me out of the boat when he's got it all opened up.  Can't say I blame him! hehe).

We cast off around 8:00 a.m. and moseyed on up to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Yet another State.  The last one in this chapter of our Great Loop Adventure.   We had selected a marina right at the point where Perfect Balance was going to continue up North and we were going to turn West, inland a bit.  More evenings of pot-luck dinners, socializing and cards with the Mitchell's were enjoyed.


Finally the rain stopped and the sun came out.  It had been about five days since we'd seen it.  We could hear the roar of the ocean from our slip at Joyner Marina so we knew we must be close.  A little investigation lead the way to the walking path, which lead to a long board walk perched over the sand dunes, which lead straight to the beach.  We enjoyed a long walk on beach and then out for our "last supper" with Jim and Mimi before we part ways.

Today begins the beginning of the end of our trip.  Tomorrow morning after a good pump-out, probably several pump-outs with bleachy water being swished through the tanks, we'll close up the head and turn our bow West to head up the Cape Fear River towards Wilmington, NC.  where we're getting hauled out.  While we're excited about getting home and seeing family and friends, and also Jeff's new job, it's a little bitter sweet watching the Mitchells head off to finish their loop.  Bye-bye guys.  Stay safe.  We'll be following your blog every step of the way.