Ewwwwhh__Aaaaaahh

[meant2be]

My wife and I traveled to New Bern, North Carolina for the Fourth of July celebration. We were told that there is a spectacular fireworks show that can be observed on the Neuse River near the Pamlico Sound. We stayed in a hotel right near the water and tied up our Bayliner at the hotels' pier. We packed a snack and drinks and proceeded out to the center of the event area.<br /><br />We didn't know exactly where the fireworks would be launched so I played it by ear. As the sun set and around 80 vessels varying from jon boats to 80' yachts jockeyed for position, a barge began approaching our area. It set anchor about 200' from us. This was where the fireworks were to be launched! I could not of planned this in a million years. We both lowered our seats and layed back and watched what felt like our own personal show for 30 minutes. The show ended with the equivilant of applause on water by everyone blowing horns and ringing bells. After the show everyone proceeded back to the docks in such an orderly fashion it was amazing. In the dark with only the occassional spotlight and the lights from shore! <br /><br />We plan to make this an annual event from now on.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Ewwwwhh__Aaaaaahh

Thanks for a great post!

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Ewwwwhh__Aaaaaahh

Thanks for the info. What hotel? Where did you splash? <br /><br />We were in Beaufort over the 4th. Cruised to Cape Lookout, then back to Shackelford Banks. I've done a fair amount of boating in my days, but I've never seen so many boats concentrated in one place as there were anchored and beached at Shackelford on the 4th, and that includes watching 2 shuttle launches aboard & The Blue Angles in Pensacola from the Gulf. It's hard to beat NC for boating, in fact a month ago we played around in the waters at Edenton for a couple days, then did Elizabeth City up to the Dismal Swamp, and finished up by splashing at Manteo for a look at the harbor and Oregon Inlet.<br /><br />Speaking of fireworks, I hear there's a gigantic fireworks display that kicks off the Kentucky Derby - Thunder Over Louisville, which I plan to do next April. Anyone else interested?<br /><br /> http://www.thunderoverlouisville.org/theshow/ <br /><br />"The show continues to be the largest annual pyrotechnics display in North America thanks to the artistry of Zambelli Internationale and the production of Visual Presentations."

 

[meant2be]

Re: Ewwwwhh__Aaaaaahh

Stayed at the Bridgepoint Hotel on the southern shore of the Neuse River mouth to the bay. US 17 flyover at New Bern, NC. Launched about 1 1/2 miles south off US 17 at a public (free) boat ramp. My wife drove the trailor back to the hotel and I met her at the hotel pier. Tied off for free behind the hotel at their private dock/inlet. The big boys (larger than 24') paid for a slip also owned by the hotel. There is about 80 slips. Dock could accomidate about 6 18' boats. One thing to remember: This is where the Nuese meets the Pamlico Sound, a little briney. Washed down the boat and flushed the engine when we got home.