April 21, 2017

My third and last day on the Colorado Cat and it was a fabulous one.  We left South Port, NC this morning at 7:48 on the dot.  We sailed up the Cape Fear River which was way bigger than I imagined.  It was magnificent!!!

We passed a barge being loaded with sand (who buys sand from Africa?) and a barge stacked nine containers high being unloaded.  Industry at work---what a sight.

We parked at the City Docks at Wilmington right at lunch time.  The currents and wind was working against a smooth tie off and when Captain Bailey brought us in safe and sound, it was a huge load off.

Lunch at Oyster Shuckers, then shopping, then cocktails before dinner.  While enjoying cocktails on the boat, Jim noticed three marines in full uniform on the dock and ask them to join us on the boat for drinks.  They did and were soon joined by 17 members of their battalion which were in town celebrating their 75th anniversary.  Well these young fellows thought they had died and gone to heaven and Jim Bailey was for the first time in anyone's memory was out of Jack Daniels.  It was a great experience for all of us.

Our evening ended with a last dinner together at a wonderful French restaurant.  A beautiful ending to a beautiful adventure.  We hope to be back on the Colorado Cat again.

Happy 75th

Bye Doug and Becky

Cape Fear