Unfortunately we had to bypass Myrtle Beach and headed to Southport. This is a pretty popular stop as Robert Creech and his wife Kay are infamous harbor hosts here. Although they are no longer “doing the loop” and have given up their boat they have a daily “porch time” when he invites all loopers staying in the area marinas to his porch for food, drink and conversation-including updates on the loop-weather, bridge closings, dredging etc. Robert met us at our boat while we were docking. As we had a long travel day we decided to divide and conquer. Dan began the daily maintenance on the boat and getting routes ready for the following day and I was ready to set off on my scooter to find the closest convenience store for a few items. Robert insisted that I take his car to wherever I wanted to shop and simply asked me to return it when we came to the porch. Quite a unique couple. We enjoyed their “looping magic” and their company as well as met a few new fellow loopers on the porch.

Southport was a beautiful, vibrant town and we wish we had time to stay here a few days as planned. It has been reviewed by Coastal Living as one of the best seaside towns in the US. Robert was proud of the fact that several movies have been filmed here over the years including Safe Haven based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. We will certainly return at some point.

Our trip today.