Camp Lejeune, NC - Beaufort, NC - Spectacular Shackleford Island, NC

Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage at Camp Lejeune was a great spot to anchor for the night after leaving Myrtle Beach. The land and waters are part of the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune in NC. In the evening hours we watched a few maneuvers by the VTOL Osprey (vertical take off & landing). It's design combines the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long range and super high speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft. It was awesome to watch them in action during sunset hours and before dark all quieted down. There were three other boats at the anchorage that evening and the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. Yes, Most Spectacular!!!

Sunset At Camp Lejeune

The next morning all boats left between 7:00-7:30 to time the opening of the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge as well as to avoid the Camp Lejeune firing exercises across the AICW. Well we all made the bridge crossing but unfortunately had to wait an hour for the exercises to complete. After crossing the bridge we were requested by Navy patrol boats to stop and wait for an hour. So we dropped our anchor and went down below for breakfast.

Soon we arrived at the Beaufort Docks right downtown in Beaufort, NC. Beaufort's streets, waterfront and surrounding areas have not changed much since the 1700's. Even some of the original homes built in the 18th century on front street are still occupied by families whose ancestors helped develop the town. I came across a spectacular White House on Front Street with a sign stating B&B opening soon. After stopping to chat with the owner she graciously gave me a tour. She is from Louisiana and her husband from Australia, bought the property about 6 months ago and renovated it. It is one of those original houses on front street with lot's of charm. If you're ever in Beaufort NC stop in for a cup of tea. :-)

At The Docks in Downtown Beaufort, NC

The next day "Companion" took us to a Magical place called Shackleford Island, NC. It is a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound, inhabited by feral horses and surrounded by spectacular blue water. There are close to 100 horses on the island. They are cared for by the state in terms of maintaining a certain population for the amount of food available on the island. They also check for sick or injured horses and move them off the island to a horse farm for care. It is also the summer nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles. During the day many boats pulled close to shore on the sound side, dropped the hook and spent the afternoon swimming while wild horses roamed and occasionally went for a swim to cool off. Captain Ron found the perfect spot for "Companion" about 150 yards off shore in 9 feet of water. We went ashore in our dingy, enjoyed a picnic and swam in the coooool water. By evening we were the only boat left and we had the island to ourselves for a quiet anchorage. So we decided to chill another day. Captain Ron dropped me off on shore in the morning to explore the island. I walked quite a ways with a herd of horses and their newborn before we parted ways. As I crossed over to the Atlantic side I was met by spectacular waves. Truly a place for serenity and prayer. Lot's of great shelling on the ocean side as well.

Anchored at Shackleford Island

Right Between Us and Companion

Showering off Salt Water

Hey Let's Get Going

On the Beach for Picnic

Plumb Tuckered Out

Another Sunset????

Cool Water

Ah...Cooling my Nose

Let's Discuss it Tomorrow

Sunset on the Hook at Shackleford Island

Looks Custom Made... Gorgeous!

This One's For You...Vicky & Keith

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