APRIL 16-18: AN ENCOUNTER WITH AN ELEPHANT EN ROUTE TO WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

April 16:  Today was a transit day on the way to Wilmington, NC.  We made slow progress leaving Georgetown as the current was against us.  Additionally, we stopped en route at Osprey Marina as we were told that they have the lowest prices for diesel fuel.  That was the case and we purchased fuel at the best price since 2011.  After a slow 50 mile run, we decided to stop at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Just your basic tie up with not much of interest in the surrounding attractions.

April 17-18:  Wilmington, North Carolina:  We left our luxurious accommodations as soon as possible and headed for the "Rock Pile".  This is a stretch of the ICW that was cut through limestone.  The rock is between 65-144 million years old and is not kind to boat hulls.  We had heard horror stories about this section of the ICW but concluded that paying attention and staying in the middle of the channel would see one safely thorough.

After waiting for the Little River bridge to open for us, we crossed into North Carolina and made our way across several shallow inlets to the entrance of the Cape Fear River.  Here we departed the ICW to make the 15 mile trip up the river to Wilmington.  The Cape Fear River derives its fearsome name from the terror of pirates to the numerous scuttling of ships during the Civil War.  Here also the Atlantic Ocean rolls into the Cape with considerable force.

 Crossing into North Carolina

 Boat and restaurant not doing too well along the ICW.

As we proceeded along the ICW, we could not believe our eyes.  What looked like an elephant from a distance was one!  We spent several minutes at idle speed taking photographs of these children who were swimming and playing with an elephant.  We needed the following photographic evidence as no one would believe us otherwise. Both the elephant and the children were having a great time.  The elephant allowed the children to climb on its back and it squirted water at them.  What a hoot.  We were tempted to join in but had to press on.

 Entrance to downtown Wilmington.

We docked in front of this cruise ship at the city docks which are a stone's throw from the historic downtown. 

The Battleship USS North Carolina.   Commissioned in 1941, it earned the name "Showboat" as it earned 15 battle stars during World War II.  

 The US Post Office-a classic Revival style building.

 We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Wilmington especially the great bistro restaurant where we had supper.  Wilmington is a side trip off the Loop but well worth a visit.

 Railway museum