Day 246    Carolina Beach State Park Marina,

Carolina Beach, NC      MM   297

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sunset at the marina

Goofin Off, Dream Catcher, Jeremiah, and Seamoore

The marina is virtually empty

Storm threats, including tornados, covered the area.  Tornado warnings were in effect until 4:00 p.m., but we were lucky.  The storm moved north of us, and we encountered only strong winds, not even any rain.  Since we were safely tied at the dock, we enjoyed a day of relaxation.         

Total miles:   0       Total bridges:  0        Total locks:  0

Day 245    Carolina Beach State Park Marina,

Carolina Beach, NC      MM   297

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Trail in Carolina Beach State Park

Each couple of the “Looper Train” spent the day on their own.  It was a beautiful day to enjoy the park, so the 2 of us took a walk on the trails that are maintained by the state of North Carolina.  We looked for the famous Venus Fly Traps on the Fly Trap Trail, but were not able to spot any.  We rode our bicycles to town, ate lunch at Michaels, stopped at Walgreens, and picked up a few groceries at Food Lion.  Carrying all of our supplies on our bicycles was a challenge!   But we made it back in time for happy hour on Goofin’ Off.  The other 3 couples grilled tuna on Seamoore, but we opted for homemade tacos on Dream Catcher.       

Total miles:   0       Total bridges:  0        Total locks:  0

Day 244    Carolina Beach State Park Marina,

Carolina Beach, NC      MM   297

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

 Carolina Beach boardwalk

Shops along the boardwalk

A quiet day to work around the boat – including lots of laundry.  It’s nice to get caught up.  In the afternoon we rode our bicycles to the downtown boardwalk area.   There were lots of souvenir stores, restaurants, and rides for the kids.  The boardwalk runs right along the beach on the Atlantic Ocean. 

A bad storm is predicted on Thursday, so we all decided to stay at the Carolina Beach State Park Marina for 2 more days.  We are well protected, and we’re not sitting out a storm at an expensive marina.     

Total miles:   0       Total bridges:  0        Total locks:  0

Day 243    Carolina Beach State Park Marina,

Carolina Beach, NC      MM   297

Monday, April 25, 2011

 Lighthouse along the way

 Abandoned boat along the ICW

 Another boat caught at low tide

 Looking to the Atlantic along the ICW

A lone person walks along a sandbar near the ocean

Dinner at Michael's

Up and at em’.  All 4 boats of “The Looper Train” were off the docks by 7:30.  We arrived at Carolina Beach State Park about 2:30.  At $30 a night, including electric and water, we can’t beat the price.  However, the check-in process was extremely tedious, taking at least ½ hour per boat.  (They even required the engine make and size!)    There was no restaurant on site, so we all got on our bicycles and rode about 2 miles into town to Michael’s Restaurant.  Great food!  They are winners of the International Chowder Cook-off, and the award is well deserved.  It was dark when we finished eating, but we managed to find our way back to the boats with no problems.       

Total miles:   57       Total bridges:  9        Total locks:  0