Bald Head Island, and the trek continues.

Bald Head Island is on the north side of the Cape Fear River at the Atlantic entrance.  The island has been developed as a beach resort, with two clubs, private homes and a marina.  It is only accessible by boat, and has strict building regulations.  There are beach homes, marina homes, and homes in the interior of the island.  There are several restaurants, a hardware and grocery store.  No cars are allowed, and golf carts (no gas ones) are the only mode of transportation.  There are rental units, and it is a great vacation destination.  Contrary to my last post, Bald Head did play a role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  The ladies from the Baldhead Historical Society demanded that I correct my blog (they monitor such things) so I will in some pics below.

Tomorrow we resume our trek north, and will meet Claiborne and family in the Portsmouth/Norfolk area next week.  We will pass by Swansboro and Beaufort (Bow-fort), North Carolina on our way there.  Also the AICW runs directly through Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps base.  There are warning lights at the entrance when live fire exercises are taking place and the AICW temporarily shuts down.  If the weather is good we will run in the Atlantic from Masonboro Inlet to Beaufort to avoid being trapped, as we don’t want to get shot!  We cannot leave from the Cape Fear River Inlet, as Frying Pan Shoals extend for about 20 miles into the Atlantic, and we would have to go around them.  So our “outside” route is Cape Fear River to Masonboro Inlet via the AICW, then into the Atlantic for a 60 mile run to Beaufort.  Inside is a longer and slower route through Surf City, Swansboro, Camp Lejeune and then Beaufort, NC.  From Beaufort we then head to Oriental, NC and have to decide whether to take the Dismal Swamp route, or the AICW through Coinjock, NC.  That will be the subject of another blog! 

Baldhead Marina.

Houses by the marina.  They look big enough even for Dickie!

The ferry or private boat is the only way to get to the island.  

Civil War History.

There are many beach access points, and the island is well planed and landscaped.  

A beach house, also Dickie worthy!

There are also houses off the inland roads, many of which abut the golf course.  

Old Baldy lighthouse.  The girl selling the tour tickets lived in Lafayette, LA.  

American Revolution history. 

Climbing up Old Baldy.

View of the marina from Old Baldy.

The weather has been superb, and we dine on the bridge.  

Sunsets are a big deal here also, and our fellow boaters gather for the big event.