Fishing on the dock
Molly's backyard
Molly, I have to admit, the East Coast is pretty cool. Although the weather was spectacular and lifted my spirits while I was there, the enjoyable and hospitable company made my stay in Wilmington better than I ever could have hoped. I had been looking forward to visiting my friend Molly for the last five years, ever since I met her in Wyoming. It was crazy to actually be in the place I had heard so much about over the past few years. I stayed with Molly and her parents, Lee and Donna Bost, absolutely awesome hosts!
Molly, I have to admit, the East Coast is pretty cool. Although the weather was spectacular and lifted my spirits while I was there, the enjoyable and hospitable company made my stay in Wilmington better than I ever could have hoped. I had been looking forward to visiting my friend Molly for the last five years, ever since I met her in Wyoming. It was crazy to actually be in the place I had heard so much about over the past few years. I stayed with Molly and her parents, Lee and Donna Bost, absolutely awesome hosts!
Their house is beautiful- ocean blue walls with oars and paintings hanging calmly. Lee designed and built the house himself, and what a great job he did. Kayaks, swings, and hammocks decorate the backyard- not to mention the deck that overlooks the "Bost-built" dock that extends into the marsh behind the property. Gorgeous. And Wilmington is a great little town, with just enough urban hustle-bustle so as not to be too small.
I was so excited to see Molly when I stepped off the train. Molly, Donna, and I had lunch with Molly's step-brother who works in Raleigh. I had a delicious pesto turkey sandwich with a side of great conversation, which ranged from Dylan's kids to meditation techniques. The drive back to Wilmington was accompanied by a long-awaited jam-session/karaoke to Molly's and my favorite songs.
Molly had her first migraine in two years (I hope my arrival didn't cause it!), so while she rested, Lee and I toured a notoriously haunted battleship. I had visited the aircraft carrier at the Alameda Naval Base in California before, but the battleship was much more open for visitors. We explored the deck and many sections of the hull. We read much about the lives of sailors and were lost in the self-contained city found beneath the deck. It was impressive to see how all of the different departments worked together to serve the thousands of young men that once lived on board. I thought about what it would be like to live like this, realizing many of the crew members must have been my age while they served on the ship. Lee was a great tour partner and shared some stories about his time in the air force with me. AND, we got drive the porsche, which Lee knew how to drive quite well :)
Throughout my visit, I got a chances to hang out with Molly's boyfriend, Ryan, who far exceeded all of the great things Molly had told me about him. It was great to chill with his friends and spend time with people my age. The relaxed atmosphere of his house reminded me of the time I've spent at my good friend Zeal's house on my block in Oakland. Thanks for being so welcoming to me, Ryan! Molly, Ryan, and I had a blast- beach photo shoots, ice cream, hot dogs, cruisin' in the convertible, just to name a few...
One night, Lee, Donna, Molly, and I picnicked at an outdoor music concert. I enjoyed the band's covers of several of my favorite songs and even convinced Molly to dance with me for a few! Our walk around the beautiful ex-plantation revealed treasures like a butterfly garden, glass bottle house, and giant trees to climb. Another night, we made pesto pasta, chicken, garlic bread, and Lee's famous secret Caesar salad; resulting in a delicious group effort! Lee and I teamed up against Donna and Molly in Cranium, but fell short in the end when I failed to communicate "lightening" via charades. The four of us must have been quite the amusing scene.
I had re-discovered my love of fishing in Denver, so I was excited to hear that I might have the chance to fish here, too. First, Lee and I fished off the dock in the backyard, but with no success. Another day while fishing by myself, I was excited to feel some tension and bobbing on my line, but it turned out to be only a crab- no fish. The highlight of my fishing expedition, however, was fishing off the coast in the Bost's 36-foot motor boat! We used 3 poles and ended up catching several Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish. I really enjoy the relaxation of waiting, interrupted by unexpected periods of excitement that fishing offers- I look forward to doing more in the future.
Also, Donna and I went to a strawberry patch and picked some fresh berries. I had never picked my own strawberries before and didn't realize how delicious they are right off the plant. We got some ice cream and enjoyed the shade and conversation with an elderly school teacher. We used the strawberries for dessert and smoothies. Thanks for a great afternoon outing, Donna! Sunday was Mother's Day, so we had breakfast on the back deck and had a really interesting conversation about religion and faith. Later, we walked along the waterfront and called my mom, wishing her a happy mother's day.
On Tuesday, Lee got up early and drove me to the train station in Raleigh. The drive gave us a nice time to talk and visiting the train station might have convinced him to take a train trip soon. My stay in Wilmington was definitely a highlight of my trip. I must thank the Bosts for being such hospitable hosts and feeding my huge appetite! I had such a great time!
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