July 9 and July 10    Wilmington, North Carolina

The route to Wilmington was through long stretches of pristine marshes with frequent views of the Atlantic.  Sandy beaches became much more frequent on the ocean side of the ICW.  Cormorants, a common species of sea bird that varies considerably in size and coloring, were often seen diving headfirst into the water and emerging with a quick shake of their heads, indicating they had swallowed the fish that had been their unfortunate prey.  We have seen very few sea gulls since leaving Florida.  Osprey, cormorants, and egrets seem to be the most dominant birds in this area.  To reach Wilmington, we had to leave the ICW and travel on the Cape Fear River.  The route was wide and deep enough for the many tankers that follow it to the Port of Wilmington.  Approaching the city, we went under an elevator bridge, the first we had seen since we cruised from Rotterdam to Gouda in the Netherlands.  Immediately to port was the magnificent battleship, North Carolina, the most highly decorated naval vessel of WWII.  It was saved from becoming scrap by a concerted campaign funded by corporations, citizens, and the schoolchildren of North Carolina and is a major source of pride for Wilmington residents. 

We docked on the city docks immediately in front of the Hilton Hotel and adjacent to the boardwalk in downtown Wilmington. After resting, we walked the few blocks to the main part of the renovated downtown area with its many shops, restaurants, and bars.  It was definitely a happening place with folks of all ages, sizes, and descriptions strolling about.  Following a recommendation, we had dinner at Circa 1922.  The crabmeat cheesecake, a house specialty was outstanding. 

The following morning, we rode our bikes through the historical district and admired the many older homes that had been lovingly maintained and/or restored.  The wealth and importance of the city was immediately evident in the architecture and abundance of lovely homes and churches.  David had need of a prescription so we decided to ride our bikes the 2.7 miles to the nearest Walgreen’s.  The ride was relatively easy but the temperature and humidity had soared by the time we made the return trip to the downtown area.  When we stopped for lunch, I was almost overcome by the heat and effort.  With frequent compresses of iced water to my face, I finally regained my composure.

David, who had been worrying about his stamina before we left Fort Worth, was not even tired after our almost six-mile bike trip.  The exercise of the past week had apparently been very beneficial for him. Following lunch, we locked our bikes and took a trolley ride to see and learn more about Wilmington.  Although it is not Charleston, Wilmington has its own considerable claim to historical significance, Southern charm, abundance of notable residents.  Riding our bikes back to The Bottom and Line, we passed through people congregating to hear the music groups playing on the boardwalk and to shop at the small vendors nearby.