April 3-6, 2016 : Bald Head Island, Southport, and Oak Island - Croquet & Golf in a Unique & Wonderful location in North Carolina

Croquet in North Carolina

As part of any journey, one plans for stops and ports in the route .... the next couple of stops would be some of the most memorable ever.  I had checked on the USCA www site for Croquet clubs and Croquet tournaments but found no tournaments within reach while passing through.  I did however, reach out to Bald Head Island Croquet Club and to Jekyll Island Croquet Club, both being coastal islands in amazing locations.

Ferry To Bald Head Island Arrives

On Ferry ... Motorhome in distance

The Bald Head Island Croquet Club contacts, Dick Johnston and Brewse Barnard, were ever so accommodating on my visit.   I wanted to check out the club, but also the area, the real estate, and what the lands were all about.  Bald Head Island is, indeed, an island ... you need the help of a ferry to visit, and when on the island, electric cars and mopeds are the primary form of transport. 

Arriving late on the Saturday evening, I found security staff at the ferry were tremendously helpful and friendly.   I was provided with a spot on the grass to park the motorhome (Pic to left shows moho in the distance while on ferry), and it could stay for the two evenings I would be in the area.   

During the summer peak season, the 1700 parking stalls for the ferry are in high demand. Fortunately, this shoulder season left lots of options and the time for staff to be attentive.  How nice.  I was on the 10 am ferry over to Bald Head Island … a nice 20-30 minute journey with fresh salt air and the promise of a great sunny day already beaming down.  

Upon arriving at the other side I was met by Dick Johnson - I had originally said I would hike it to the courts to get a bit of leg stretching, but I didnt mind the pick up in the Golf cart.   Finding the courts should have been straightforward, but could have been a challenge.  About 10 players were engaged in some manner of play … it appeared that golf croquet was the game of choice.   I hadn’t played since April of 2015 in Seattle … so welcomed Golf Croquet as the introductory play.

Immaculate Lawns - Bald head Island

Once a fourth member joined us, Dick and I partnered against John Alexander and Bill Daigle in a game of USCA rules.  In Vancouver, where I playedd most, there was never much of a cat and mouse approach to the game … we played more eat or be eaten … attack or be attacked.  So I did.  My first foray proved unfruitful and testament to the length of time since I last played!  An onlooker would have been puzzled as I assumed deadness with little fruit borne from the activity !  Ha.

Players and Friends

The game progressed as a somewhat scrappy affair with little in the way of extended break play.   A few unforgiving hoops yielded repeated rejections and great resulting opportunities for opponents.   Capitalizing on Bill’s deadness and an early 4 to 5 hoop break, we managed to remain in the lead as we snuck around the course, a few hoops at a time.

Steve Dimond, Dick Johnston, Bill Daigle, John Alexander (L-R)

The Bald Head Island Croquet Club has an impressive quality of greensward … simply immaculate lawns that were a joy to play on. The kindness and hospitality of the Host players was second to none in my experience.

Sights, Beaches, and Coast - Bald Head Island

Fine Homes on Island	One of the Island's Largest Homes	Shoals Club (Beach) at Bald Head
	Awesome Beaches

Golfing on Oak Island

Near Bald Head, on the mainland, is the town of Southport. Adjacent to that is Oak Island, and Cape Fear.  It is a beach area, and tourist mecca, and is home to Oak Island Golf Club.   I strapped the clubs on the scooter and ventured out to play a game.   Had a nice day ... but my golfing was none too impressive  ... at least the location and course were stellar !  :-)

Alligator Watching Greenside	Gator in the Water ... Hiding	Beautiful Flora Abounds
Oak Island Golf Course	Oceanfront... Oak Island Golf Course	Oak Island Golf Course

Scooter Power - 200cc

So ... onward we go ... 

Check the routing here ... on Google Maps ...  

check out the "Likely Stops Along the Way"

and Tag along ... Next Stop 

Croquet on Jekyll Island



Cheers
sd