Dudley's Marina, Swansboro, North Carolina

Three more waiting to cross

An amphibious vehicle crossing the intracoastal

And climbing out the other side

Left the anchorage at Wrightsville Beach this morning about 8:30 so that we could catch the bridge opening at 9, which worked well. Four bridges today, we needed 3 of them opened for us. Travelled 54 miles north. We are still seeing some salt marsh, many homes and cottages with docks out on the water. Saw dolphins today, hadn't seen any for a few days. Along the way, the intracoastal waterway passes through Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, a 246 square mile military base. One section can be closed for live firing exercises, but no live firing over the waterway today, so we were able to proceed. As we passed through the camp, an amphibious vehicle suddenly crossed the waterway ahead of us, then a second. They splash into the water, go fairly quickly across, then just climb up the other side. As we got to the point where they were going into the water, a man on the side signaled the other three to wait until we had passed. There were helicopters flying overhead, then, after we left the area of the base we heard several bangs which we assume was something or someone practicing firing weapons. Very exciting. Also saw the remains of tanks along the side of the intracoastal, we assume left from firing practice.

This tank looks like it has been well used for target practice.

Some shallow areas, passed a sailboat hard aground.  He had been asking passing boats to wake him, but by the time we passed him he was on a tilt, and he did not ask us to wake him. We wonder if previous wakings had made things worse. After we docked at the marina this afternoon he came in as well, so he did get off the bottom. It was low tide when he got there, so probably floated off with rising tide.

The lights were not flashing, so safe for us to proceed

They have a courtesy car here, so Gloria and I took it into town and got groceries at Piggley Wiggley, quite a nice grocery store. It is cooler tonight, with predictions of storms and cooler weather tomorrow, so we may well stay here.




This pink house stands out as a landmark along the route.

Clyde belongs to the owner of the marina, he (the bird) is 60 years old.