2023: Southport NC

 10 April 2023
Depart: Enterprise Oxbow anchorage 9:00

Arrive: Provision Company Restaurant, Southport, NC dock 4:45

Distance: 58 nm

Conditions: chilly

The harbor host in Southport, NC told Clark that if we ate a meal at the Provision Company restaurant in Southport, we could stay overnight at their docks. I worried that there would be no room there by the time we arrived late in the afternoon, but the harbor host said that the cold weather had driven the other boaters to seek a marina where they could get electric for heat.

As we traveled to our hopeful destination, I took an abundance of pictures.

The camera misbehaved so I did not get the best angle for the picture below. The dock below used to be available for overnight dockage, but that is no longer true. Google maps shows a Walmart Supercenter, Wendy's, and Bass Pro Shop within an easy walk of the docks.

Peter Vaught Sr. Landing

When we passed through Myrtle Beach, we got lots of phot opportunities.

Lulu's restaurant and amusement park.

The "Barefoot Queen" paddleboat.

Opposite side of waterway from Lulu's

Shortly thereafter, we came to the infamous "Rock Pile". 

I always know we have entered the "Rock Pile" when I see the odd towers that look like something from outer space on the side of the waterway.

The pole below used to have a sign that warned about rocks. Now it's just a pole.

It was a higher tide today than last time through here. The good news - more water. The bad news - the rocks are well hidden and the turtles are not out sunbathing.

I saw several signs posted by this entrepreneur providing towing services to anyone encountering trouble on the "Rock Pile". 

For a short while the scenery changed from all trees and rocks to houses. Then it quickly reverted back to houseless scenery once more.

At least the pole at the other end of this treacherous stretch of waterway still warns of rocks.

Later, we came upon the North Myrtle Beach RV Resort / Dry Dock Marina.

This facility offers a great playground area for tourists with an RV.

RV owners can even bring along their boats. 

I like the turquois house color.

The houses are very close to each other. 

New house going up in this close quarters.

I mentioned it before, but I find watching a sailboat go through a bridge an interesting exercise.  They never look like they will have enough head room to get through. The four pictures below show the progression from "no way" to "uh uh" to "maybe" to "wow".

As we approached the Little River Swing Bridge, Clark called for the next opening and was told to "keep it coming" for the current opening. When we got closer, it made sense that she would hold the bridge for us since there was a parade of boats waiting to go through in front of us.   I looked to see how many cars were backed up due to the bridge opening, and only saw a couple of vehicles in queue.

Also, in North Myrtle Beach, I saw a familiar, full-size lighthouse ahead, and then I spied a miniature lighthouse as someone's lawn ornament. I decided to take pictures for an A - B comparison.

The lighthouse above is at the entrance to the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. In front of us, at the entrance to the marina, we came up on a boat called "Ranger". Clark called them on the VHF radio for a pass and got no reply. I noticed that a man was putting out fenders and told Clark to beware that they might be turning. Sure enough, the boat suddenly made a turn to the left to enter the channel for the marina. (This maneuver closely resembled a car making a left-hand turn from the right lane.)

Later, as we passed by the house shown below, I thought, "Some lucky little girl lives here."

We see lots of different boats on the water - some more interesting than others.

Carolina Coastal Waters Research Boat

More pastel homes ...

When I see the casino boats appear, I know we are close to the SC / NC border.  

This is a busy place with colorful boats.

They might have offered "dock n dine" in the past,
but not now with this dock!

The absurdly long docks in the Carolinas fascinate me. 

Tow pushing a load of pipes used for dredging.

The number of RVs in the waterside park below is mind-blowing.

Long dock into the woods with
house a good distance away from the water.

As we passed an airport, a plane landed and another was taxiing to depart.

When we arrived at Southport, we were pleased to see several slips available at the restaurant. Two friendly folks on the Mainship 390 docked there helped us with our lines. Bill and Sandy on "Rambling Rosie" recently began their Great Loop voyage.

Carved "Captain Proco"

The restaurant had interesting signage.

I told Clark that I would not take "it's too cold" as an excuse. I wanted ice cream for dessert tonight.

After we ate an early dinner and I got my ice cream, we walked around the area to see the sights.

The historic house shown below is currently for sale at $2.8 million.

Southport is packed full of history and older homes. 

Pilot Lookout Tower
Boat Pilots only

Waterfront Park

Fort Johnston

Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

The Christmas House

Thor - cannon

After strolling through town, we walked along the water with plans to visit the Southport Harbor Host.

The gate below says "Southport Marina", and the pier looks to be in great condition.

 

But, when you see the dock at the end of the pier, you find a dock that looks inaccessible by water and

 

about ready to collapse.

We got several pretty sunset picture opportunities.

We did connect with the Southport harbor host and had a lovely chat with him, his wife, and several of his neighbors sitting on his front porch until well into the evening.

Robert Creech, wife Kay, and neighbor Marta