Going North: Day 2

Leaving the marina this morning we knew that we had an interesting day ahead of us. This particular stretch of the ICW is very shallow, lots of shoaling, possibly full of Marines shooting real bullets, swing bridges to wait for and of course crazy boaters. Not to mention tons of houses.
As we made our way through the first draw bridge of the day we knew we must be looking good because we got a standing ovation from the local critics.


On their feet cheering.

As we passed through the shallow stretch we hit a couple of spots with just about 6 inches under our keel. We could only hold our collective breath and continue on. Yikes. Next we found that the Marine Corps finest were out in numbers. We had F/A 18 Hornets dropping bombs on targets about a mile inland from us. On both sides of the waterway there were old tanks and APCs that had taken their share of bullets and a company of leathernecks preparing to assault them one more time. It was just another day on the water.

Now it is time to let you in on a favorite Team Helios boat game. House spotting. You cannot believe the variety.


There are little houses


Round houses


And of course, really silly houses.

We arrived at MM229, Casper's Marina and decided to call it a day. After mooring the boat up tight, we walked through the town of Swansboro and found dinner at the Gourmet Cafe. It was a beautiful night and there is no finer way to end a day then with a full moon over the water.


Swansboro in the pale moon light.

So that is day 2.

Cheers to all,

P & J