On June 4, 2010 at 11:05 AM I crossed my wake in the Neuse River after exiting Adams Creek. Technically I've finished the loop even though I still have to return to New Bern.

We crossed the Neuse and went into Oriental. Anchored in Green Creek, which is where Drew and I spent the first night on the beginning of the Loop in March of 2009. Later in the afternoon we moved to the City Docks and had a very enjoyable time in Oriental.

On June 5th we left Oriental and headed home. This is a picture of the new bridge and New Bern in the back ground. This was my first view of the completed new bridge from the water.

Allen Hardison, the commodore of ECYC, arranged to have a welcome party help celebrate my arriving home. In addition Debbie (my oldest daughter), Margaret, Laura and Barwick (3 of my grandchildren), came to welcome me home. There is nothing in the world that can take the place of FAMILY and FRIENDS.

This is a poster that Kim made and Allen is holding. I managed to cut the top of his head off in this picture. Sorry about that.

Well, this is the last entry for this fantastic journey that I was fortunate enough to take. Thanks to my family for their understanding and support in my desire to make the Loop. Thanks to David Evans and Buzz Hanson, both previously completing the loop, who provided much information, charts, equipment and support. As corny as it may sound, I am very thankful for the PELICAN, that safely and comfortably, made this trip such a great pleasure.

God bless you and this great nation we live in. Remember, only you can live your dream. Don't let it pass you buy.

Carl

We spent Wednesday night hanging on the hook (anchored) in Mile Hammock Bay which is just north of New River. This is actually part of Camp Lejune Marine Base. There were 8 or 10 boats anchored in this area. Less than a 1/4 mile away the Osprey were doing touch and go landing. It was very interesting to watch. This type thing makes you proud to be an American.

Thursday, the 3rd we started north. Passing through Swansboro and up Bogue Sound.

We stopped and spent the night at Morehead City Yacht Basin. We walked down the Morehead City waterfront and the docks, looking at boats. For those of you that know me, I'm sure you are surprised that I'd be interested in looking at boats. I have to say there were more sports fishing boats in this immediate area than any other place I've visited.

The picture above is the bridge to Beaufort and the storage facilities at the Morehead City Port Authority. It is Friday and we are heading to Oriental. Can you tell I'm beginning to drag my feet about getting home. The trip is beginning to become a little bitter/sweet. I want to see my family and friends but I don't want this trip to end.

As indicated earlier, Harold Honbarrier joined me in Myrtle Beach. We traveled to South Port, Tuesday the 1st of June. Below is a beautiful boat that was at the marina.

The marina has been rebuilt since I last visited. We meet Jo Tilman, an interior designer that I use to work with and a friend, for dinner and a quick visit to the grocery store.

We left South Port and entered the Cape Fear River, heading north toward New Bern, NC.