Judy Grillo
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A Mixed Bag

10/6/2017

10 Comments

 
While searching for coastal camping along the Carolina shores, I stumbled upon a spot that was new to me -- Bear Island. Unfortunately, I don't have the gear to "carry in & out" (I need a backpacking tent!), so I chose a site on the mainland to visit the Swansboro, NC area.  The campground is more of an RV park, and the few other tent campers were in and out in a night. I slept there but didn't feel like I had a camping experience, or much to chat about with folks.

Swansboro, one of the oldest towns in North Carolina (1783), sits along the White Oak River, and is quite charming for an afternoon stroll. However, most of what's been preserved is 19th and early 20th century in this town of 2,900 people. The culture of the mainland area is dominated by its proximity to Camp Lejeune, and I will say, NOT bike friendly. Putting up "Share the Road" signs on a 4-lane high-speed route with no shoulder does NOT make you bike friendly!

The majority of my week was spent in two places -- Emerald Isle and Hammocks Beach State Park. Cycling days were along the "Emerald Path," a paved multi-use trail that runs the entire 13 miles of this coastal town. The beach was quite appealing, as was a free Beach Music Festival I stumbled upon. When I arrived, a band from Charlotte called Too Much Sylvia, were playing a BeeGees medley. Did I die and go to heaven? I'm hiring these guys for my next party! 

My other spot, the State Park, is actually four separate areas, a mainland with a visitor's center and gorgeous views, as well as three islands. You can canoe/kayak to the islands or take the park ferry to Bear Island, a pristine 892-acre barrier island with four miles of sandy beach and maritime forest. The island has a very interesting history as well; it's the only place I've been where integration meant you had to let the white people in! It's secluded and tranquil, and on a Sunday in October, there were less than a dozen people in sight all day.

My week was up and down, but camping on Bear Island remains on the list of experiences I look forward to in the near future. As I drove south, however, it took three Motown Classics CDs for me to get my groove back. 
10 Comments
Mike Grace
10/10/2017 07:59:22 am

>> The island has a very interesting history as well; it's the only place I've been where integration meant you had to let the white people in!<<

May ALL tribal exclusionary thinking decrease. :nod

And speaking of hammocks - did you look into the Hennessy products yet? IIRC I have the ASYM Expedition Classic and love it for environments like you're currently in.

(I've no affiliation other than being a satisfied user -https://hennessyhammock.com/collections/hammocks# )

The secret is once you're in you twist a bit sideways and it levels out the bottom... result: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On that topic: I slept 10 hours straight (!!) at the Notsohostel.com and thanks so much for the recommendation.

Reply
Judy
10/12/2017 06:09:44 pm

MG: Glad you're enjoying your beauty rest! What if there's no trees to hang that hammock? We will discuss! See you soon ...j.

Reply
Anne-Marie
10/10/2017 11:23:27 am

Bbbbut, aren't there bbbbears on Bbbbear Island?!!!?

Reply
Judy
10/12/2017 06:08:03 pm

AMG: You've really lost it, haven't you?
Funny you should mention, though, as the island was originally named "Bare Island" for its isolation and lack of diverse growth; a map maker changed it to "Bear". That said, there have been bears sighted on occasion but rarely -- last one was 2013 which they believe swam over! j

Reply
Barb
10/13/2017 12:25:10 am

Dear Judy...your blog was calling my name as I sat down w/ a glass of wine before bed.. love keeping up w/ you .. and really ... Too much Sylvia is my mom talking loudly to both of us! Travel safe <3

Reply
Judy
10/13/2017 09:41:05 am

Barb,
I couldn't wait for you to catch that name! The whole concert I kept thinking "where is the T-shirt?". Indeed, Sylvia must be one of my guardian angels on this journey! J

Reply
Barb
10/14/2017 12:43:20 am

Hey Judy.. seriously on "Where's the T-Shirt." Bc I would wear that shirt every day. And my mom. Always looking out for us.. She is the car so she is with you on the road. Not entirely sure about the tent. But she is asking why the eft are you are not the mayor of Boston or governor of MA. For real!

Reply
Judy
10/17/2017 01:40:07 pm

Bobo: You crack me up! Funny thing is as I ponder my "retirement" career options, politics is on the list! Of course, it won't be Boston, I'm over being cold, as you know! J.

Reply
Mike Grace
10/17/2017 10:55:09 am

No mixed bag here: it began and ended very well.

Saturday in Beaufort SC with an enthusiastic knowledgeable tour guide who has a quick wit, quicker smile and infectious laugh followed next day at the beach with the same capped by a night in a blessedly quiet campground, including a campfire!

And oatmeal next morning... life just doesn't get much better.

(hope this link works) https://moron.smugmug.com/I-just-wanna-get-warm-nod-to-Mark-Heard-Fall-2017/i-3TrFj5X/A

Thanks again, Judy, and long may you run ride. :nod

Reply
Judy
10/17/2017 01:42:10 pm

Hey ...you're one location ahead! I'm working on that now though feel like I have one more local stop in me before I roll. Fun to hang out after all those emails/txts/chats. Until we ride again...J

Reply



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