White
Pepper stumbled onto Carolina
Beach by accident. Luckily making the 2 pm (once only hourly)
opening at Wrightsville Beach Swing Bridge, we decided to carry on
instead of the traditional choice of anchoring at Wrightsville Beach.
Our goal was Southport, NC. Later, the short, albeit beautiful,
late October day and a contrary current put paid to that plan. What
else?
Mob Scene on ICW after crowded opening at Wrightsville Bridge 2 pm
Carolina
Beach is 20 miles south of Wrightsville Beach and only one mile off
of the magenta line that marks the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).
However, it is never mentioned in the litany of stops on the great
migration South. One of our experienced friends, Cindy, had casually
said there was a “cute” mooring field at Carolina Beach. There
was a 3 line entry in the Skipper Bob cruising guide mentioning a
mooring field at Carolina Beach. Rather than making for Southport in
the dark, I pulled over at mile marker 285. We were amazed at the
congestion. There were boats, docks, marinas and condos solidly for
a mile and a half on each side of a well marked channel. And we had
never heard of this place! By and by White Pepper
found the mooring field. It was full (long story); but we ended up at
a private marina—Mona Black Marina.
Carolina Beach looking north
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Basing
at the marina was a blessing as Jan and I were able to explore the
town of Carolina Beach and meet the people. Everyone was
extraordinarily friendly even by the standards of a tourist town. One
local at the marina described Carolina Beach as a “redneck's
Wrightsville Beach.” Somehow the description seemed to fit as the
town exudes a rough and tumble beach beauty. The beach is, indeed,
beautiful. The town stretches linearly along the beach as do most
North Carolina beach towns. However, it does seem to have rough and
tawdry edges. All of the locals that we spoke to were quite pleased
to live here and especially praised the activities available during
the summer—carnivals, fireworks and bands.
Jan at beach bar on the boardwalk
White
Pepper spent 4 days at the Mona
Black Marina waiting for weather window to jump to Charleston. Light
provisions were available with a bit of walking. We felt the time was
well spent and can recommend Carolina Beach as a good stop on the
journey up and down the ICW.
