Re: Where to boat this weekend.......Wilmington, NC area
Where did you end up? I boat and live in Wilmington, was not out for a week after Irene, mostly occasional loose boards and reeds from marshes floating around. No big debris noted, as I have seen in past after big storms, i.e. boat parts, animal carcasses, etc... We boat all the time here, if you didn't make it, I assume you were referring to Carolina Beach State Park boat ramp. That is a good launching point to go to either Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island, or cruise up the river from there to down town Wilmington. Head south on the river and you can head to Southport, great overnight spot in that marina, or go over to Bald Head Island, private island but marina open to public. They charge fee but you get credit for that at the "Ebb and Flow" restaurant, pretty basic food but great atmosphere. Biking around BHI is best bet, or rent a golf cart. No cars allowed on island, except for service and construction. Southport is only a mile or two across river from there. Another great bike town. Further down is Holden Beach, Lockwood Folly, several restaurants and marinas along the route. Have charts or GPS to avoid wandering into Sunny Point Marine Ocean Terminal on the river, they do not take kindly to boats wandering in the restricted area, if you do you will be QUICKLY visited by a patrol boat, machine gun mounted and all! River can be a challenge on windy days, wind and tide can play havoc. Watch for large vessels coming in and out of port, give a wide berth, rules of tonnage and all! Have fun, or I hope you already did.
