We timed leaving Wrightsville Beach with the 0800 bridge opening. We came through with several sailboats and power boats that we would zigzag around throughout the day and were happy to see them pull into the same anchorage.
When you are preparing for the Loop you read all sorts of reference books and other Looper blogs- that's why I was so excited to be anchoring in Mile Hammock Bay right in the middle of Camp Lejeune Marine base. When we traveled to Surf City/Topsail Island for vacation we would go on the outskirts of Lejeune so it was exciting getting to stay right near the base. We were the first boat to come into the anchorage but by the end of the day there were 5 sailboats, 2 Camano's, and our friends Sonny and Phyllis on their Ocean Alexander (Dave's dream boat). Skipper Bob (guidebook) said there is room in the anchorage for 20 boats. While I believe 20 "smaller" boats could fit in there comfortably- I am not sure many bigger boats would have had the swing room needed for the direction change with the tide. We loved everything about the anchorage- anchor bit the very first time, got to watch Marine's fish and kayak, had a great grilled meal and just a very peaceful place. We talked to Sonny and he told us that he had called and there was live fire across the AICW planned to commence at 0900, so we were all going to get up early and get through the Onslow Swing Bridge before it was closed to traffic. Sonny thought the bridge did not open until 0700, but as soon as we got there the bridge tender started the opening process. There were two sailboats and a catamaran ahead of us and the bridge tender stated that he would allow boats to come through the bridge before it was completely opened. Most bridges, sailboats must wait until bridge is fully opened. Dave inched his way to the front so that he wouldn't have to call each of the boats to ask permission for a slow pass once through the bridge. Once he called the last sailboat and got their permission to come up- he "assumed" that the other sailboats had heard his request. Well we are thinking the the catamaran didn't hear the request and as soon as Dave went through the bridge first, a "how rude!" came across the working channel. Dave then explained to him his theory about easier to move forward now rather than later. I think we probably got lots of hot tea looks and even a "Bless your heart" from the catamaran!
After that our trip was non-eventful and we left the catamaran and others in the dust- as far as 9 mph can leave you in the dust. We came to a particularly tricky section and I am sure that they appreciated watching Dave jockey around the markers so they knew what exact path to take- so hopefully he was forgiven!
On our trip through Lejeune was exciting. We had three Navy boats pass us at a pretty considerable rate. They were going to block the other end of the live firing area so no boats would come through after 0900. One boat that passed us was broken down further up with white smoke billowing from their port engine. Under normal conditions we would have stopped and offered assistance, but I don't think they wanted us to approach. I loved it that all three boats had guys and girls aboard. We saw targets and pretend targets (dummy's) on both sides going north. We heard bombings going on in the area and we actually felt the concussions in our chest- I cannot even fathom what real combat was like. We are so very grateful for those who served and gave their lives for our freedoms- and those feelings were palpable going through the base.
The rest of the cruise day was anti-climatic after our trip through Lejeune. We recognized Morehead City and Beaufort (BO-fort), as well as Emerald Isle as we made our way out to Cape Lookout National Seashore. It was a little rough after leaving the inlet- but not terrible at all. The winds did pick up as the afternoon went on- and we should have picked the anchorage closest to the beach for a little more protection but we were beside the old Coast Guard Station Dock. It got to be pretty wavy and we decided not to put the dinghy down to go exploring as we would have been soaked! We know that we will definitely be back here to explore later!
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| Wrightsville Bridge headed to Mile Hammock Anchorage |
Mile Hammock Anchorage at Camp Lejeune
Fellow Looper Sonny and Phyllis on Corkscrew- beautiful Ocean Alexander
Camano trawler at the end of the rainbow
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| Throughout our trip we have seen some strange things on land- this one wasn't too bad but his next door neighbor's-well let's just say it was different! |
Neighbor's King Neptune
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| So many different kinds of bridges! This is the Surf City Swing Bridge that only opened on the hour. It gave us the opportunity to look around and see familiar sights! |
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| Sunset at Mile Hammock Anchorage |
"Dawn Patrol"- sunrise as we were leaving at 0555!
The flotilla from Mile Hammock is headed for the Onslow Beach Bridge. You have to get through before they shut the AICW down for "LIVE FIRE" exercises.
Onslow Beach Bridge
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| I almost captured the shot of this dolphin several feet out of the water. The height of the splash shows just how big he was and how high he got. |
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| Some of the targets |
If these lights are flashing- DON'T GO!
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| We saw this American Flag just sticking in the water- unusual crab float or shallow warning? |
We saw several Osprey in the Camp Lejeune area
Coast Guard Station near Fort Macon on the way to Cape Lookout Bight
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| Cape Lookout National Seashore. You have to come by boat to reach the island |
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The starboard outboard was smoking on the patrol boat. We decided not to stop and help, live fire you know :-)
A view of a bridge from the bridge. That is boat humor!
This is the American Spirit AICW cruise ship. Our paths have crossed several times in the last few weeks. Pretty cool that the ship was built in Salisbury MD. I know you don't believe it. Look it up on the link.
Entering Cape Lookout Bight. Time for a little fishing boat dodge-um. They were anchored in the channel.
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| Old Coast Guard Station |
The clouds gave us a show at sunset. It looked like a storm was about to hit but then just blew over.
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