St James Plantation Marina - We visit with the McKays

 

An early morning start from Harbour Village Marina

What a great day! There was no fog this morning so we got off around 7:30, timing our departure to make the top of the hour opening of the Figure 8 bridge. The distance to the next bridge is 4.4 NM which we cannot make in 1/2 hour so by reaching the Figure 8 bridge at 9:00, we can make the 10:00 opening of the bridge at Wrightsville. 

I’m sure there are other fine restaurants in Southport but the Provision Company is our favorite

Along the way, the weather continues to  be extraordinary with wind less than 10 kts and temps Ins the 70s with full sun. The enclosure was toasty. We did have a foul tide going down Cape Fear River but with the flat water and little wind, it wasn’t a problem. 

A welcoming smile!

For those that have followed my blog over the years, you’ll remember that the McKays took us in when we were caught at St James during hurricane Matthew. We had nowhere to go when the eye of the storm was projected to pass right over the top of us. They offered us a place for the night of the storm, Hoolie too! We went outside when the eye passed over, eerie.

I’ll have one of everything

Since that time, we’ve visited with them on every trip north and south. Tonight we returned to The Provision, a great and inexpensive restaurant overlooking the harbor at Southport. Everything is made to order in the kitchen right as you come in. You order first, take what you want for drinks, and pay on the way out. There are many good seafood restaurants in Southport but we like The Provision the best.

The menu is very reasonably priced!

Monday will be a layover day and we have a list of chores to do on Fleetwing before moving on to Osprey Marina on Tuesday. There were no surprises on the Bob423 track, just follow it for good water. The only thing of note is that R172A at MM 298 is missing but it’s of no consequence since the Bob423 track takes you around the shoal it marks.