Tanker Ship on The Cape Fear River

While driving to the post office today I could not help but notice the giant tanker ship heading up the Cape Fear River. Compared to the tiny buildings in downtown Southport, this tanker ship looked like the New York City Skyline floating by.

Whenever I see a ship heading up the river I always wonder where they came from... how long have they been at sea... what kind of goods or products are they carrying on board... how do their families feel about them being gone for weeks at a time? The reverse is true when I see a ship heading out to sea... where are they heading... how long will it take to get there... are their families anxiously awaiting their return?

It seems many others in downtown Southport share my curiosity. Whenever a large ship sails by people stop to point and stare. The parking lot at Waterfront Park fills ups instantly. Binoculars are at the ready. Old men turn into little boys just for a moment. Then the ship is off to points unknown.