More sightseeing and a race

I enjoyed spending time along the East Coast, taking in the sights and enjoying the nice weather. Wilmington has much to offer, especially before the season started. Many businesses were closed, but there were no crowds, particularly in the parking areas. The boardwalk/riverwalk is a great place to spend time.

After a day in Wilmington, I headed up the coast NE to New Bern/Bridgeton. I visited many sites.

Union Point Park

Tyron Place

Lawson Creek Park

Finding great seafood restaurants was challenging. Unlike Massachusetts or Maine, Google didn’t direct me to the best options. I only saw high-end or fast-food restaurants.

As I ended this part of the trip, I found a local ice cream shop on the way home: Andia’s Ice Cream. It’s a small local shop with three locations in North Carolina. It was good but overly sweet and creamy for my preferences.

When I returned, Jordan was participating in a 100-mile gravel race in Swansboro, NC. We headed to the race on Friday afternoon, but the forecast was not welcoming. We set up the tent at Carteret Speedway in Swansboro, NC, and moved it under a fixed shelter as rain was approaching. Just as we finished setting up, the rain hit. All night, the wind was strong, almost lifting the tent, but only a little driving rain made it into the tent. Fortunately, I had a thick air mattress, so I slept on the concrete under the little roof. The tent still had a slight amount of water from the 35 MPH winds driving the rain under the rainfly, but not enough to cause any issues.

Still had some energy at the end

Life-saving storm shelter	Finished in the rain - 106.66 miles in 7:01 (officially)

Until next time, carry on!

First trip as a retired citizen

My employer’s toxicity caused health issues, so I retired 15 months early, as Shelley will retire then. Living the same lifestyle, I’d rather be broke at 90 than dead rich at 70.

I’m unsure how my employer can be blind to employees fleeing. In my division, 90% of employees have been there for less than 18 months, and another division has 80% of its recent hires. A few employees left after 18 months.

My first retirement trip was to Cary, North Carolina, where my son lives. He planned a 150-mile bike race, and I’ll crew for him later this month. I spent a few days with him before heading out on a solo coastal adventure. He’s swamped and needs more time during the week.

On March 12, I woke up at 8:00 AM and prepared my tofu meal for the next two days. At 9 AM, I packed and left Cary, NC, for Carolina Beach, a 2.5-hour drive mostly on freeways. I arrived at the campground at 3 PM, giving me time to check the sites.

First, I visited Kure Beach Pier. The sun was bright, the temperature was 70 degrees, and the wind was strong. The waves were moderate. I was fortunate to park and enjoy activities for free until March 15. After reading a few chapters of Running With Sherman by Christopher McDougall.  I headed to the end of the road to the Fort Fisher Ferry. I returned to Fort Fisher State Park, a free and lovely beach. I plan to return tomorrow.

At 4:00 PM, I checked into Carolina Beach State Park. I have a secluded site. Check-in was easy since I slept in the car. I decided to hike a local path, but the prescribed burns reduced the scenery.

 I drove to explore the area before returning just as the sun was setting. As I prepared to sleep, I realized I needed to organize my thoughts further. I almost fell asleep several times, recalling items like my mouthguard, which was in the suitcase. I settled in at about 8:30 p.m. and watched two episodes of “Matlock” before going to sleep.

Carry on my friends, Carry on!