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Voyage 2006-2007: Chapter 3

Jule III wintering in Carolina Beach

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24 Dec 2006, Christmas Holidays, 34 02.512 N/ 077 53.520 W

Before Collin left after Thanksgiving, he helped Ann decorate the Christmas tree. Kewl. The earliest that we have ever had an operational Christmas tree. Sadly, Chris, Christina, Collin, and Lilli will not be at homeport for Christmas. However, our older son and their family (Rob, Anne, Emily, and Lauren) have come to visit during the Christmas holiday. This is great. We get to see both families!
Emily and Lauren took a fancy to our inflatable reindeer. Reno is a new addition to the Todd family collection of tacky lawn decorations. We are glad the girls like him. Bob kinda likes him also. The girls were very well behaved both at home and while eating out. Emily is not afraid of Levi and Gina anymore. Lauren likes them all but Sammy is her favorite. It is a shame that Anne is allergic to cats.
The Todd Guys minus one. We wish Chris was also here and of course Collin (but Collin is too young to be a Todd Guy). It was great having Rob, Anne, and family here even though they had to leave yesterday. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to take the kids on a ferry ride. Sadly, they loaded into their SUV and headed North late on 24

04 Jan 2007, Our Mini Land Voyage, 32 23.185 N/ 080 25.974 W

We had to postpone our Land Voyage to Florida dues to Ann's 'visitor'. However, we had enough time to do a quick three land day trip to one of our favorite places, Hunting Island SC. We got up early and headed for the Southport Ferry. Before we knew it, we had crossed the Cape Fear and we were heading for Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Beaufort. We stopped in Beaufort to check out the docks and were disappointed in that the facility looked a bit run down. It is not how we remembered it two years ago. We 'tied up' at the campground at 1600 and were surprised how much of the campground has been lost to erosion. The sea has not been kind. However, they are taking some action to reverse some of the loss. Let's hope.
The kids love this place. It is one of the few beaches where dogs can play on the beach. They prefer the edge of the sand dunes rather the edge of the surf 'cause they don't want to get their paws wet. They could spend all day at the beach. Bob and Ann, on the other hand, get tired. We promised them three walks a day and for the most part we kept our word. On the last day it was rainy, the dogs were wet and it was not the greatest.
Well, shiver our timbers, but Butch and Vicki were coming our way. They were on vacation and scheduled a stop at Hunting Island. We were so excited to see them. They came a day early! We spent some time in Beaufort, drove around the low country, had a campfire, and even roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire. Bob gets the fire making award for a really nice long lasting fire. The pine cones didn't hurt.
What's so great about Hunting Island? It is a totally peaceful place without crowds, no noise (well, a little), a scene that is always changing. The tidal range is about 8 feet so the tide may be lapping near the campground or may be 500 yards away. There is a neat lighthouse about a half a mile south of our location, and shells, animals, and peace. Well, enough peace. Today, we had to load up, say goodbye to Butch and Vicki, and head back up the road. We arrived back in Wilmington at 1800 hours. This will be the last of the fun trips until after the operation in mid January. Talk to you after that.

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