2011-09-30 Fort Fisher, NC and Southport, NC

This is really two walks connected by a ferry ride. The 1st route is a short loop around Southport, NC (1.3 Miles). The 2nd is a short loop around Fort Fisher Historic site, NC (1.4 Miles). The two loops are connected by a short ferry ride. The Southport - Fort Fisher Ferry ride is a great, low cost trip ($5 one-way per car as of September, 2011).

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Southport North Carolina is a historic town located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean. The short walk features historic homes, huge live oaks, antique shops, art galleries, activities, parks and restaurants. The ferry is a few miles outside of the town.

• Southport Visitor Guide
• North Carolina Visitor Guide - Southport
• Map My Walk Link - Southport

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Fort Fisher is located on the north shore of the Cape Fear River outlet (opposite of Southport).  Today, only about 10% of the original Fort Remains.  The walk is the combination of two separate loops starting from the parking lot at the Fort Fisher Visitor Center.  The 1st loop is basically the guided tour (no cost) that starts from the visitor center.  The 2nd loop is a short loop across the highway on a walkway along the revetment.

I was familiar with the battle because I often walk in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, NY.  Oakwood is the final resting place of many Union Veterans of the Battle including William Freeman (Medal of Honor Recipient) and General Alanzo Alden.

The fall of Fort Fisher was one of the major battles of 1865.  After the fall of Charleston, Wilmington, NC was the last port open to the Confederates. Fort Fisher was the key to closing the port.  In January of 1865 the Fort was captured by Union Forces (after the 2nd attempt).  Three months later the Civil War Ended. After the Civil war there were several controversies concerning the capture (on both the Union and Confederate side).

• Fort Fisher Visitor Center
• Map of Fort Fisher Site
• Map my walk map - Fort Fisher
• Wikipedia Entry - Fort Fisher
• Excellent Battle Maps of Fort Fisher
• Cape Fear Round Table
• Fort Fisher Controversy - Ames and Curtis (NY Times)
• War Veterans at Odds (NY Times)
• General Butler Speeches relevant to Fort Fisher
• The Capture of Fort Fisher - Adelbert Ames
• The Capture of Fort Fisher - Newton Martin Curtis 
• Second Bombardment of Fort Fisher - Daniel Ammen
• Defense of Fort Fisher, North Carolina - William Lamb

2011-09-30 Montly Log

In September, I logged 116 miles. Since I started logging my walks 16 months ago (April 2010), I logged 2,106 Miles.

During September my wife and I vacationed in Myrtle Beach.  I profiled a pair of walks to Southport, NC and Fort Fisher. The two walks are connected by a short ferry ride across the Fear River (at $5 a great bargain). We also visited Brookgreen Gardens which I profiled last year.  And I managed to get a few great beach walks in North Myrtle Beach (also profiled in previous entries).

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My walks during the month included:

• Oakwood Cemetery Loop (4.6 - 5.7 miles), 6 times
• Neighborhood walks (1.7 - 5.7 miles), 10 times
• Voorhesville (5.6 miles), 1 time
• Beach walks at Myrtle Beach (3.6 - 12.1 miles), 6 times
• Local walk at Myrtle Beach  (1.7 - 3.9 miles), 11 times
  
• Fort Fisher, NC (1.4 miles), 1 time
• Southport, NC (1.4 miles), 1 time
• Brookgreen Gardens, SC (3.6 miles), 2 times
• Conway, SC (2.5 miles), 1 time
  

2011-08-31 Monthly Log

In August, I logged 125 miles. Since I started logging my walks 15 months ago (April 2010), I logged 1,973 Miles.

On August 31st I took the Empire State Capital Volkssporters (facebook) on a 10K through Oakwood Cemetery in Troy NY.  Based on feedback I think everyone had a great time.  Some walkers questioned my mileage (in good fun, they thought they should get credit for more than 10k). I used a geo-logger on my android phone to compute the distance, and it was just slightly over 6 miles.

Oakwood is one of my favorite walks.  It's a very beautiful and historic place.  Throughout the year there are guide tours available.  On September 24, Mike Barrett (who gives a GREAT tour) will be leading an excursion that will include the Earl Chapel’s Tiffany windows, Uncle Sam’s grave, and a 100 mile view, as well as ponds, waterfalls, striking gravesite markers and more. To register please call 800-556-6273.

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My walks during the month included:

• Oakwood Cemetery Loop (4.6 - 6.7 miles), 6 times
• Ross Valve Tech Park - Foundry and Back (also through Oakwood, 4.8 miles), 2 times
• Neighborhood walks (1.7 - 5.7 miles), 25 times
• USS Slater - Albany Loop (3.7 miles), 1 time
• Voorhesville (8.0 miles), 1 time
• Zim Smith (5.4 mile), 1 time
• Fort Ticonderoga, Kings Garden  (1.6 miles), 1 time
  
• Clifton Park Center - Library Loop (4.1 miles), 2 times