From Harbor Beach to Mile 285, Bridges and oops

Sunday morning was another early morning - that dang tide thing - we cast off and left Harbor Beach behind us in the rosy glow of sunrise. Our first challenge were two bridges that we needed to open for us. The first the Figure Eight Island Highway Bridge opens on the hour and half hour. The next bridge only opens on the hour. There is 4,8 miles between the two but if the current is against you it can be a long slow slug with traffic backing up  at the Wrightsville Beach Highway bridge. We made the half hour bridge and needed to wait for the 10:00am bridge  which was 45 minutes - long minutes. Following the advise of our friend Dale and Patrica we only went so far, turned around and just made a long slow leisurely loop that is until 3 more sail boats 2 trawlers and 1 large yacht got in the mix of things. We passed through unscathed and with out a bump or thump.  

To soon we counted our proverbial chickens and mile marker 285 was our undoing. We thumped and bumped good. The fishing boats and small Sunday out for a boat ride speeders did not help the situation. I fail to understand why anyone would make a big wake around a stranded boat. Only one slowed and asked if they could help, everyone else gawked. Tow boat US came and got us off and we continued on our way, very leary, on edge watching the depth, markers and making our way. 

calm beginning to a new day

yep that is a giraffe on the lawn -

I think they were trying to win tallest tree in the neighborhood

The Figure Eight Island Highway Single Pivot swing bridge

more porpoise

Wrightsville Beach Highway Bridge

This is low tide

stuck in the mud for 45 minutes