Gypsy Travelers
When we pull into a marina in our Nordic Tug- Solstice- we get a mixed bag of reactions. Often, people are a bit confused:
Was it once a real tugboat?
How old is it?
It’s really cute…
One of the beauties of a Nordic Tug is you stand out, not that is ever our intention. It certainly isn’t the typical boat you see on the water- so we do grab a bit of a head-turn as boaters pass, leaving a rather large wake for us to navigate as their stern escapes our view. This past weekend we took a short but long voyage to Bald Head Island. Short-meaning two days but long- because the Solstice is rather slow so it takes a while to go a short distance.
Our destination was Bald Head Island which is not too far from us in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a unique and magical place. It is a true island in that you can only get there by ferry from Southport, NC, or your own boat. Boating allows you opportunities that other travelers can not experience. It’s a rather fun way to see different places, but a ferry trip to BHI will afford you the same opportunities, so don’t be dismayed if you don’t have a boat!
I think, regardless of how you travel, the key to a successful trip is deliberate exploration! This might mean taking a long walk off the beaten path and discovering a view that is only available to those ‘in the know’ or your typical locals.
Much of BHI is available to the public. Once in a while, you’ll see a sign that states- private- but I rarely saw that. There are plenty of access points for you to enter, explore and wander on your own. You’ll be certain to stumble upon a wooded-planked path, perhaps a gazebo with a picnic table to enjoy a cup of coffee, or be guided by a simple roped fence setting a barrier between the path and the dunes.
A hidden treasure!
I feel very fortunate that I get to experience both water and boating life. But, I must say, as I mentioned above, there is so much to explore regardless of how you get there. We rented bikes and made our way all around the island. I’ve been to BHI a few times and each time we rented a golf cart so it was fun to experience biking along the mostly shady road. There are no cars on the island, and I mean no cars! Everyone is getting from here to there either by two or four wheels and the only type of engine (unless you’re in construction, I suppose) is a battery-operated golf cart.
The perimeter of the island is blanketed with sandy beaches. East Beach or Shoul Beach is where everyone migrates and there is no wonder as to why! Whether the tide is coming up or going out the beach is a pleasant place to find rest. As the tide leaves the shore, it creates a massive surface area of smooth sand perfect for collecting shells and skimboarding. Boogie boarding is a must, and if you like to fish- why not give some surf-casting a try?
The island is limited- in a good way- to a few shops and a few places to eat. We had a fine meal at Jules. There’s a fabulous grocery store called Maritime Market, where you can buy just about anything- for a price! There are quite a few places to rent bikes, golf carts, stand-up paddle boards, boogie boards, and probably more that I am unaware of.
A trip to BHI can get pricey- but with proper planning- you can save a lot of money if you bring your own food, rent a bike and settle for sitting on a towel instead of a beach chair. However, if you have a large credit limit- there are spas and high-end options for those who want to splurge! I’m hoping, well more like dreaming, to one day find my way to The Shoals Club on Bald Head Island!
Whether you are able to travel by your own boat or load your crew up in the car- park it on the mainland and hop on the ferry- Bald Head Island is a fantasy island of pure, natural beauty. If you’re planning on going via private boat, be sure to call ahead and reserve a transient slip at the marina. I don’t think it’s the best island to drop an anchor and walk ashore for a bit. It’s a tricky place to navigate especially in the area known as Frying Pan Shoals.
The houses are also lovely to view and gaze upon as you dream of ways to incorporate an element or two into your own home. Maybe a cobalt blue planter filled with flowers or a window box will be your inspiration. Perhaps an idea to create a space within a space in your own yard will cause you to plan and design?
Hopefully, you’ll be the person that feels like you were able to escape from ordinary life and know that places exist where the only sound pollution is waves and wind, and the only air pollution is from the offset of coastal life.
I’ve included a few links for you to click on for more detailed information about what Bald Head Island has to offer you- their guests- for a day, or weekend, or maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones that end up at the local realtor’s office!
Regardless of where you travel-whether to see Old Baldy or some other site- there’s always a sky to admire and appreciate the beauty of our planet.
Sunsets are available to all who look towards the western sky!
