We decided to spend a few days at Bald Head Island after Labor Day as the slip rental drops in price. Hurricane Maria was well offshore but had created seas 6-8ft so we took the ditch route. The inlets along the way had been dredged (Shallotte Inlet and Lockwood Folly Inlet) so we had a smooth trip. We even motorsailed up the Cape Fear Inlet to Bald Head. It was nice to pull into a slip on A dock and enjoy the peace and quiet of no engine noise! We straightened up Norstar and had a nice dinner at Eb and Flo's. We watched another beautiful sunset from the marina.
We went for a wonderful walk to the lighthouse and church in the morning. Very quiet here without cars allowed on the island. The ferry coming and going created a slight swell in the harbor. This is where "Weekend at Bernies" was filmed, same ferry. Then we walked along the beach, watching boats and ships come and go in the Cape Fear.
Our friends on Time in a Bottle were expected so we waited for their arrival. Joe and Darlene pulled in about 3pm and we were there to grab some lines. They had a great sail here from Little River. We started the celebrations of their successful trip, it's 5 o'clock somewhere. Dinner on Norstar and then sitting back to enjoy the conversation, pleasant temperatures and another terrific sunset.
We rented a golf cart to explore the island and took Joe and Darlene to see all the sights: lighthouse, church, various beaches, shoals and golf course. It is such a beautiful place!
Dinner was on Time in a Bottle, spaghetti with meat sauce, yummy. We went to the Shoals Club to watch the sunset and they were having a wedding reception there, very cool. Another beautiful night on the island, too bad we had to leave in the morning.
The wind was predicted to be 5-10kts from the south, southeast, perfect for a sail back to Little River, SC. We waited for the tide to ebb and carry us out the channel, Time in a Bottle leaving first, followed by Norstar. Light winds faded to dead calm 10 miles out so we fired up the iron genny. By now we were already way ahead of Joe and Darlene, Norstar sails so well even in light air. About 7 miles out Joe calls to say he is having problems with his engine and has to call Tow Boat US. The wind comes back as Joe is being towed back to Lightkeepers so we have a beautiful sail to the inlet. This trip was so relaxing and enjoyable!
