FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE IT ALL...Livin' The Dream! (3-5 hours)
I can turn the gray sky blue
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
I can make a ship sail, on dry land
-- "I Can't Get Next to You" Song by Barrett Strong & Norman Whitfield and sung by The Temptations
The Canals of Pine Knoll Shores and Livin’ the Dream on Spooners and Pelletier Creeks
We start our trip in the quiet waters of Pelletier Creek at Coral Bay Marina, then head over to the Canals of PKS. In the 1960’s building a canal system as part of a real estate development was a common practice up and down the east coast. From a governmental regulatory perspective, constructing a canal system in the late 1960s and even the marinas at Beacon’s Reach and Sea Isle in the 1980s was significantly easier than it is today. What with environmental sensitivity, wetland designations, wildlife and endangered species concerns, plant and habitat issues, water table and wastewater disposal and groundwater contamination considerations, the requirement for Environmental Impact Statements, and other county, state, and federal regulations it would be a hard slog to develop a community today with similar amenities to what we have.
In addition to providing many recreational benefits, the canal system lowers the water table, which improves the operation of everyone’s septic system, helps drain the land, enhances the dispersal of stormwater, and eliminates the need for roadside drainage ditches. All of which contribute to keeping the mosquito population at a tolerable level. The ownership and responsibility for maintaining the waterway is spread among several groups. The contents of the canal are federal/state waters, the bottom of the canal was deeded to Pine Knoll Association by the Roosevelt family, and the bulkheads are the responsibility of adjacent landowners as specified by town ordinance. Maintaining navigable depth is the responsibility of PKA.
Afterward, we set a course to Spooners Creek on the other side of Bogue Sound. It will be an interesting contrast to what we have already seen, before heading back on the ICW and Pelletier Creek. From $549 for up to 4 passengers. Please add $30 for passengers #5 and #6.
* Excerpts above written by Walt Zaenker, part of the history of the PKS Waterway
Photo by Captain Mark. 2 passengers taking photos/videos of the houses on the canal system of PKS
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T
he Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) heading south, from Mile Marker (MM) 209, with lunch in Swansboro, MM 229, including viewing Gull Harbor and Spooners Creek. Maximum 4 passengers. Approximately 5 hours $699.
Our journey sets sail from the serene Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City. Departing the harbor, we swiftly navigate onto the Intracoastal Waterway (the ICW), heading southward. Captain Mark regales you with tales of its rich history along the way. En route to Swansboro, we pause to admire Spooners Creek, adorned with opulent residences and vessels worth millions. Our next stop offers a striking contrast as we gaze upon Gull Harbor and its community marina—a place close to Captain Mark's heart. Feel free to inquire about its significance.
Continuing our southern course, we dock the boat either downtown in Swansboro or at a private of one of the area's esteemed restaurants. You have the privilege of choosing among the dining establishments in "the Boro." Simply inform Captain Mark of your preference, and we'll handle the reservations. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the price of your private excursion.
The Best Bagels, Giovani’s Brooklyn Bagels (nice Jewish name 😊) is also available in Swansboro. Captain Mark will walk you to this specialty shop should time allow.
Alternatively, you can explore the charming streets of this coastal village at your leisure!
Photo: Two Captains. One famous. One is your guide. You may meet the famous one just outside one of the eateries!
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