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Published: December 21st 2009
This seems the right time to say more about the the fun we had at Moorhead City, NC at ICW mile 205. We arrived Friday, Dec. 4th, 2009 and docked at the impressive dock at the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant. There we met friendly fellow boaters, with whom we shared dinner and stories. With the marine supply store and the other essentials a block away, we decided to stay Saturday and let the latest nasty wind blow over. The neighbouring harbour was lined with fancy, fishing charter boats, powerful sightseeing boats and lively seafood restaurants.
At dark on Saturday night, Dec. 5th, we were startled as a crowd suddenly gathered on our semi-private dock. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday!!!" they shouted boisterously as a mini-flotilla of boats, beautifully decorated with lights and costumes, motored past, honking and waving good cheer. Just as quickly the crowd dispersed and we were left chatting peacefully with our new friends, discussing our plans for the coming holiday and the future in general. "Where are you going next?" and "Do you think we'll meet up next summer...?"
There's an interesting piece of wisdom about cruising from friend Pete, "Plans are made in Jello." As
Moorhead City, NC
Not so good for gullsyou cruise, you must constantly make plans for so many reasons. You also need the mentality to casually let go of failed plans as you enthusiastically whip up new plans for the days, weeks, months ahead. Knowing that we are not prone to setting arbitrary, unachievable goal and deadlines, Frank and I had still idly wondered where we would be for the big day, Dec. 25th. Perhaps we'd end up at a solitary anchorage in a foggy bog where the cell phone wouldn't work or clinging to the tarry wall of a busy, downtown barge canal, with screaming sirens and stray cats.
As our plan inevitably took charge of itself, we've just had a trip to Verizon to repair our fractured internet software, plus a bonus tour of historic Wilmington, NC. A wise friend and travel advisor had suggested this Wilmington side-trip, as we tried to scoot down the ICW to warmer climes and it seemed inappropriate at the time. Lo and behold... good Christmas talk... thanks to our guide, Joanne, who gave up her day off to drive us around, we found ourselves enjoying a rockin' good, carol-singing, horse-drawn carriage ride around the old town Dec. 19th, for
The best dock
...for friendly dockside gatherings Frank's birthday. For those who read the fine print, the horses, Ned and Harry were rescued from the queue at the glue-factory, to work the streets of Wilmington, bringing cheer at Christmas, to help pay for their retirement at the rescue farm. (Sorry, when we're having fun we neglect to take pictures.) Ned and Harry are dappled-gray gents and despite the protests of animal rightists, they seem quite warm in their natural fur coats... and happy to wear deer-drag, lighted-antlers and reflective anklets as part of their festive, health and safety gear. This may sound a litlle unusual but it all came together as a really memorable experience.
From this description of us zooming around, you will have correctly guessed that Frank and his foot are making friends again. He has started putting a little weight with a cane. Thanks to the efforts of the super-organized local chapter of the US Power Squadron, Alan, Ken and Ted have recruited higly skilled crew memers to accompany us on the next leg of our journey in a week or so. It doesn't get any better than that.
As we close, we're surprised and delighted to be enjoying this special time
in Carolina Beach, NC with new friends who have opened their homes and hearts, and are wrapping us into their celebrations. Good thing we've stocked a supply of fat-free, cranberry Jello! But things can still change... there are still 3 more days 'til Merry Christmas!
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marion
non-member comment
thinking of you both - happy birthday Frank - merry christmas to you both - love your blog and pictures - glad you are recovering Frank - love you both -