The Querrey's QUEST: 11/24/2011 THANKSGIVING DINNER ON A REPLICA ON AN 1880 RIVERBOAT WITH A PIRATE

MORHEAD CITY TO SURF CITY ON TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC

THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 50 NM

DOCKED AT: BEACH HOUSE MARINA IN SURF CITY,NC ($2.00 /FT W/P OVERALL)

SUNRISE: 6:50 AM IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC
SUNSET: 5:01 PM IN SURF CITY, NC

HIGH: 61
LOW: 36

What a beautiful Thanksgiving morning! As last night’s wind blew the front on through it ushered in some cooler temperatures but the skies are crystal clear and the sun is bursting at the seams to shine on us all.

WE WAVED GOODBYE TO OUR NEIGHBORS

DAN TENDING TO THE TENDER

We are beginning to see more sea life with the presences of jelly fish and even a few dolphins to brighten our day. The seabirds are plentiful and include seagulls, pelicans and cormorants.

A DOLPHIN LEADING US OUT THE CHANNEL

THE PELICANS HAVE TAKEN OVER THIS LITTLE ISLAND

The homes along this stretch of the waterway range from small, old abodes to those exceptional ones that really catch your attention. This one was one of my favorites.

WHAT A PERFECT SETTING THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME OCCUPIES

Before 11:30 we passed into Camp Lejeune territory. Since they often engage in small-weapons firing, landing exercises with and even a few bombing maneuvers the area is well posted with warning signs. Luckily the lights were not flashing to warn us that the area would be restricted from passage today. Camp Lejeune was also the first site of America’s space program before it relocated to Cape Canaveral.

LUCKILY THE LIGHTS WERE NOT FLASHING TODAY

THIS DERELICT TANK USED FOR SMALL-WEAPONS
EXERCISES IS RIDDLED WITH HOLES

Our timing was great and we arrived at the USMC owned and operated Onslow Swing Bridge just prior to their noon opening. Our group of 5 boats passed south, one passed going north and we all gratefully thanked the bridge tender for being there on Thanksgiving Day.

WAITING FOR THE NOON OPENING OF THE
USMC ONSLOW SWING BRIDGE

Our destination for the night was Topsail Island. This resort community was established as an Indian fishing village but got its name from the pirate era. The evil pirates would hide their ships in the small channels behind the dunes and watch for approaching merchant ships then attack and take off with their booty. The merchant ship learned to watch for the “topsails” of the hidden pirates, thus the name Topsail for the island.

Now speaking of pirates, we were lucky enough to have our Thanksgiving meal with one. Just after securing Quest at the marina we assisted The Belle of Topsail, a 55’ replica of an 1880 riverboat, in docking after their Thanksgiving Day Cruise. Captain David and his wife Sharon generously invited us to join them and the crew (including the requisite pirate) to a scrumptious turkey dinner from the leftovers of the cruise. David and Sharon run The Belle and The Raven, a pirate ship, in the ICW for an enjoyable, relaxing, entertaining, and informative escape back in time. You can get more information from their website at www.belleoftopsail.com. Thanks including us in your Thanksgiving feast!