Southport NC June 21-22

From Myrtle Beach to Southport on June 21, 4 1/2 hours.  The Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean at Southport.  The river leads to Wilmington NC, a deep water port, and our next stop.  The waters of this inlet can be treacherous for large ships, thus the name Cape Fear, the presence of the Oak Island lighthouse, once the brightest light in the U.S., and the headquarters of the Wilmington Cape Fear Pilots Association, professionals who guide ships between the river and the ocean.
Oak Island Lighthouse seen from Southport NC
 
  

Southport Marina is located at the intersection of the river, ocean inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway, and just a few blocks from the town.  We were happy to find several old and new friends on the docks there.
Belle and her people from Blue Heron
 


We took a golf cart Fun Tour of town with guide Dan (who formerly performed with Boz Scaggs).  The tour featured both Southport history and the many sites around town that have been used in films and tv shows.
This beauty was built in 1868 by T.M.Thompson a famous river pilot who made his fortune guiding blockade runners during the Civil War.  Think Rhett Butler.
Provision Company: Outstanding burger and onion rings.

Southport Marina

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