In the 1960's, Linda moved with her then husband and her children to Wilmington, NC to be closer to her parents, who had retired there. She had not visited since 1975, except for her mother's funeral in 1986. Coming back to Coastal North Carolina was a sentimental stop on our itinerary.
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North Carolina has the second largest ferry system in the United States.
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Oyster shells have many uses. These mulched a flower bed.
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Waiting area for the ferry.
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Immature Laughing Gull.
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Laughing Gull in breeding plumage.
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Container ship MV Transatlantic
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The 35 minute ferry route from Southport to Fort Fisher. The blue dot is our campground.
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We stayed at the Air Force Recreation Area at Fort Fisher. Another stamp in the book! It's between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, so was pleasant on even the hottest days.
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Our campsite in the overflow next to a rental mobile home.
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We had timed our visit the weekend before the Azalea Festival. We'd have the beautiful Spring flowers but miss the crowds.
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Redbud in bloom.
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The first thing Linda wanted to see was Greenfield Lake. When they were young, Linda's children were afraid the car would go into the lake. Linda swears she didn't drive that fast.
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Paths wind through the park surrounding the lake.
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Azalea Festival Pageant participants assembling for photographs in the park. Any 11th grade girl in the three-county area may apply. The Azalea Princess and her court are selected from them. The Azalea Queen is usually a celebrity.
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There are alligators in the lake. When they grow to 8', they are relocated.
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The first forsythia we've seen so far. It brought back memories.
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The camellias have almost finished blooming.
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The azaleas are at their peak, just in time for the North Carolina Azalea Festival next week.
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Cherry blossoms.
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Linda wondered what she would find, coming back after forty-two years. The population has more than doubled and the city has become a film making center. Would it be recognizable?
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Darn! They allowed hotels to be built on the riverfront, blocking the view.
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Cape Fear Tech is now called Cape Fear Community College and spans numerous buildings.
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One of the courses they teach now is metal working.
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The city looks nothing like it did forty years ago. Next we'll try to find some familiar places.
We used to live off of Market St., Near the YMCA, if that indeed is the same YMCA. Jamie and I would go hang out on the train tressle and jump into the creek below, making us late for swimming lessons. And YES, yes you did drive fast, we would sway back and forth while the twins would complain about how mean you were. That is how I learned to drive, watching you use both lanes, cutting the apex, like NASCAR. Those were the days!
ReplyDeleteKnowing Linda and how she drives I can see why her children were terrified. HA!
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