Visitors - A Two Parter At Deep Point Marina NC

April 26, 2022

When we left the calm waters of South Carolina and headed out of the ICW for our run to Deep Point Marina, NC, we were surprised at the waves rolling in from the ocean. It looked calm as far as the ocean goes. There were a few white caps but they were deceiving. It was apparent we weren't in for a super smooth ride, so Gord put us up on plane and we made our way to Southport NC.

Southport is a historic, quaint little town and is known as a popular destination for filming television shows and movies. We spent over a week here because Gord had a conference to attend in Nashville. His flight is out of Wilmington and he left us on the dock at Deep Point Marina while he was away. In the early days of planning this adventure, this stop was always a milestone. We didn't know exactly where we would land for this week, but we had an idea and a preferred location. It all came together with Gord's careful planning. As we approached the entrance to Deep Point Marina, we hailed the dockmaster to announce our arrival. They wanted to meet us at the dock, but also wanted to clear us for entry. Bald Head Island Ferry uses the same entrance and there isn't room for the two of us to pass in the narrow canal.

Gene cleared us to come in and Gord navigates us through the entrance. I know we will be a starboard side tie, so I busy myself getting the fenders and lines ready. When I'm ready, Gord docks the boat easily and hops off to talk to Gene. Gord asked Gene, "Was that the wind or the current that had me out there?" Gene responded with "Yes!" and a laugh. I was confused and completely unaware of anything eventful happening during our docking. When Gord was maneuvering Holy Cow into the marina, he needed to rotate to the port side and make his way to the T head dock. Gord said once he cleared the entrance, he couldn't pivot the boat and he felt stuck. He actually had to put the boat in gear to push through and make the turn. It's pretty small quarters to be forcing Holy Cow in gear, but we made it to the dock and all was well. Again, a situation with current that just doesn't happen on Georgian Bay. We tied up and we cleaned up. Holy Cow needed a thorough cleaning inside out and she got it. We were also expecting guests.

My mother and her husband Ed, who live in North Carolina, had driven down to visit us this week. They haven't seen the kids since Covid closed the borders and locked us in. When mom and Ed arrive, they had bags of gifts, as well as the packages we had shipped to them in anticipation of their arrival. We were so excited to see them. The kids gave them the grand tour of the boat, before we opened the generous gifts. When the excitement settled some, we opted to go to Fishy Fishy for dinner. This restaurant was recommended to us at one of our previous stops. We had all had a long travel day, so a dinner out was a nice treat for all of us. It was a little bit cooler than expected, so with sweaters in hand we headed off to dinner.

Fishy Fishy is a fun, ocean side pub-like restaurant. Dinner was great and the kids picked up with Gramma and Pappy like no time had passed. There were questions asked, and stories and jokes told over dinner. When we headed back to the marina, we called it a night. We were all in need of a good sleep. Grandma and Pappy had heard of Brooklyn's poor little ankle, so they brought the canes they used for recoveries of there own. Well, the kids were excited about this. When we arrived at the marina, both kids took a cane and made their way down the dock faking stiff bodies and sore backs. It took us 15 minutes to get to the boat with all the carrying on, but it was funny and made everyone laugh.

The next morning, Gord was flying out out of Wilmington, so all six of us loaded up in the rented Caravan and Uber Ed (Pappy) drives us all. We said our goodbyes to Gord at the airport and decided to head out for breakfast before getting the rest of our day started. Gramma and Pappy had given the kids generous gift cards. It was the joke of the week that Pappy kept asking the kids if they were going to use their gift cards to pay for breakfast, lunch, the ferry, you name it. Pappy was jokingly determined to get them to part with their funds to the benefit of us all. After breakfast, we had what seemed to be an endless day of shopping. Some shopping was for provisions at big box stores and some for fun things for the kids. We shopped until we all dropped.

The next day, we took it easy and visited a little at the boat and at a little at Gramma and Pappy's cute rental place. It was nice to have a down day because the next day was going to be a busy one. We had tickets to the North Carolina Aquarium, Fort Fisher and the best way to get there was to take your vehicle over by ferry.

When morning comes, the kids are excited. Before we leave, I needed to meet with Amy. She's coming to fix the canvas on the back helm. Actually, the canvas is in great shape but the "windows" are foggy from salt damage. We know back home we'd be on a waiting list until next spring to get this kind of work done. Amy has graciously agreed to squeeze us in and get our tops done in two days while we are here. Amy is incredibly efficient and comes to take the measurements and then we all head out for the day.

The kids and I load up with Gramma and Pappy and head to the Fort Fisher Ferry. Gramma has said she doesn't like taking a vehicle on a ferry, but the kids said she's brave for trying. As soon as we leave the dock to make our way to Bald Head Island, a lady with a bag of buns offers some to us to feed the laughing gulls. They aren't the only ones laughing - it was fun.

Pappy is a fast driver and likes to take corners on two wheels. He's even squawked the tires at least once which the kids think is a total riot. I secretly tell the kids that Pappy thinks STOP actually stands for Squeal Tires On Pavement. When we arrive at the aquarium the kids are ready to go! It's a cute aquarium. The first exhibit was some otters and they were fun to watch. As you do in an aquarium, we saw all sorts of marine life, both salt water and fresh water. This aquarium is set up very well for educators and there were a lot of home schooling groups running through as well. Some exhibits educated us on hurricanes and there was a big tube you can get into that blows up to 80 mile an hour wind. It didn't take much to talk the kids into that!

We enjoyed a late lunch at the aquarium and the kids spent some time in the gift shop. They had money burning a hole in their pockets. When we arrive back to the Fort Fisher Ferry port, everyone is tired from the full day. We hugged goodbye and made our plans for the next day. Gord was due back that day by early evening, so he would get the chance to visit again too.

In the morning, the kids tell me that want some time with Gramma and Pappy without me - to spend their gift cards no doubt. So off they went for a few hours while I got some work and cleaning done. Gord was on his way, but unfortunately missed his connecting flight which now means he won't be back until almost midnight. He was not happy, but he did arrive safe and sound. When Gramma and Pappy drop the kids off, they told us they would stop by in the morning to say a hello to Gord and also a goodbye to us all.

When Sunday morning comes, Pappy and Gramma come to the boat for a final visit and head off for home. It was a great few days and we will miss them. As they leave the roundabout and disappear down the road, we make our way back to Holy Cow. The kids wanted to fill Gord in on the details of the visit and show him the trinkets they picked out over the last few days.

Voyage Log

Voyage log from Coquina Yacht Club SC to Deep Point here.