CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

With Christmas just two days removed, my dad, my niece Owen and I head out early in the morning on a long weekend adventure to Carolina Beach State Park. Two hours into our four hour journey I find myself alone in a car full of people and a dog as everyone doses off simultaneously for 100+ miles. Closer to our destination the car livens back up and the hunt for a seafood meal is underway. Dad spots something promising, Fish Bites, at a strip mall only minutes away from the State Park. With full stomachs of calamari, muscles, and clam chowder soup we reach the campground, our home away for home for the weekend. Only one campsite is occupied so we're able to survey the entire campground for our favorite site. Campsite #46 is roomy, isolated, and only yards away from an inlet, perfect for us. Owen, my 9 year old niece, scouts out the area while dad and I set up camp. Our first task is to reach the marina within Carolina Beach State Park, collect some supplies and explore what the park has to offer. We then head down the coast a bit to Fort Fisher and walk on the smooth sand of the beach. Bailey's a little apprehensive for the first time seeing and walking along the beach but adjusts pretty quickly. Owen doesn't hesitate to get knee deep in the vast ocean. Back at the marina we position our crab nets near the dock and  a yard or two away from a NO FISHING sign. After clambering around on rocks and watching a magnificent sunset it's time for our traditional steak with potatoes and onion feast while keeping warm around the fire. The night air brings near freezing temps. I never sleep well the first night out in nature. I 'm guessing it's a result of getting older, hmm. When morning finally rolls in I stoke the fire and prepare a hearty breakfast of sausage patties, eggs, and toast. While I cook breakfast Dad and Owen skirts down to the marina to check on the crab net. On their way they spot 13 deer in and around a picnic area. The crab net wasn't there probably as a result of a park ranger apprehending it. Dad and Owen were dropped off at the Aquarium while Bailey and I stroll about 2 miles down the Fort Fisher beach and back. Fort Fisher beach is a secluded beach with smooth sand, few shells, dog friendly, and a bird sanctuary inland. With forty minutes until I meet up with Dad and Owen again I adventure the grounds of Fort Fisher along a loop trail. After lunch at Fish Bites again. Dad takes a nap and Owen and I hike some of the trails within the park. I just love my nieces spirit of adventure.  Accustom to hiking along I probably went a little too far for a 9 year old's interest. The next few hours we retrieve my dad and claim a spot at the banks of Cape Fear River and cast a few line in hope of a fish dinner. Not accomplishing anything but constantly loosing our bait it's time to head back to camp. Dinner did consist of shrimp and steak or better known as surf and turf. The weather has been nice but cool but our second night is expected to warm up some and 100% rain early morning. We pack everything up except our tents and sleeping gear Saturday night to beat the rain but the morning rain only brings about 20 minutes drizzle. Before heading back to Charlotte we spend a few hours back at Fort Fisher beach. This trip really lifted my spirits heading into a new year spending time with a wonderful family.

Hike: 7 miles