New Friends of North Carolina

As beautiful as North Carolina is, it’s the people here who’ve charmed us.  In Elizabeth City, we met Audra, local entrepreneur and barista, who shares our love of travel and adventure.  4 days later in Wilmington, we found a fellow Sportsmobile lover in Don.  He and his family have dreams of traveling South America in a van.  We’d love to join them of a leg or two of their journey.

It’s rare that you are able to connect with a stranger after only a few moments of knowing them, but the generosity and graciousness of both our new friends knocked down any initial boundaries.  We hope to see you again soon!

Sunrise Stroll

Our days in Wilmington were some of our very favorite of our trip.  Monday we drove from Carolina Beach into town and settled in downtown Wilmington at Port City Coffee  for a work day in front of the fire.   Tim was busy preparing for his VM board meeting while I saved the world one computer virus at a time.   We ended the work day at 6 to get ready to meet Dee who was in town on business.  As I got ready in the van, I heard a knock on the window.  Don introduced himself and his family.  He had been researching Sportsmobiles every night and couldn’t believe it when he saw one parked right out front of his doorstep.  I gave them the grand tour of Frank and Don reciprocated with a tour of Wilmington main street and dinner at his fabulous sushi/asian restaurant.  It was awesome meeting a fellow adventurer!

Dee joined us and Tim, he and I then found the local brew pub where we watched yet another Redskins tragedy and argued politics long into the night.  Though my liberal leanings seriously conflict with Tim and Dee’s conservative dogma, we came out of the discussion laughing.

The next day we woke and made plans for the day.  Across the Cape Fear River is the Battleship USS North Carolina, which served in the Pacific through World War II.   Though we each had busy days, we decided to take lunch and explore the massive battleship. When we arrived we began the self guided tour of the 9 fully restored decks and were immersed in history.

We came out of it with a renewed appreciation of the sacrifice our armed forces make to keep us safe.  Thousand of miles from home, risking their lives, living in tents, boats or barracks so that their loved ones and strangers alike can sleep securely at home.  Thank you.

Wednesday morning began back in Carolina Beach and we quickly packed up to begin our drive to Savannah, where we’ll spend Christmas.  We ferried over the Cape Fear River and drove to our midway stop at Myrtle Beach.  Tim had found the Myrtle Beach State Park where we would camp for the night.    Here we found the best camp area we’ve stayed in on our entire trip.  Located right on the beach, the facilities are excellent, people friendly and the camp mascots – three inseparable black cats – adorable.

Christmas Goose?

Though the evening was cold we put on our down coats and pedaled 5 miles to the renowned River City Cafe for one of their famous chili cheese burgers with onion rings.  When we got there it was totally dark.  There would be no burger tonight, so instead we pulled into Jackie & Bones Soul Food and Caribbean Cuisine.

Myrtle Beach State Park

I am sure the RCC food is delicious, but it’s hard to imagine anything beating J&B’s Soul Food.  Tim and I dined on BBQ chicken & ribs, perfect string beans, collards, conch fritters, mac and cheese, and Caribbean cabbage.   The service was exceptional and the food better.  Tim and I were stuffed to the brim as we pedaled our 5 miles back to camp.   Good thing the route is flat!

Christmas Eve Sunrise

This morning is Christmas Eve.  After a sunrise walk on the beach we’re packing up and heading to Savannah for the holiday.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas!