Fred Fearing and his Rose Buddies

Placing Elizabeth City on the Cruising Map

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We arrived in Elizabeth City around 1300 in late October 2002. We were drying out from yesterday's transit of the Dismal Swamp canal. Being the slow poke that we are, we were the last of the bunch to arrive at the free docks. A swift current and a helpful hand guided us into the end slip: not the ideal location, but good enough.

We stopped at Elizabeth City largely to check out the Rose Buddy thing; a cruising party held nightly by Fred Fearing and his team of volunteers. After we arrived, we decided to have a bit of lunch at Comstocks where we were invited to share a table with an elderly white haired gentleman. We accepted the kind invite and sat down. Bob took his cap off and placed it on the table. The elderly gentleman suggested that "Southern gentleman don’t leave their hat on the table." Humbly, Bob removed the hat and gave to Ann. We met the famous Fred Fearing. After a pleasant lunch, Fred reminded us that the ‘party’ would begin at 1600 and asked us to attend.

Most of the cruisers from the docks arrived at the party tent around 1600. Our gang from the NC Visitor Center (Mistletoe, Celena, Cosmos, Ming, …) were present and accounted for. The Rose Buddies had wine, soda, and snacks laid out for our consumption. Fred had cotton plants for the women and NC pins for the guys. What, no roses? Fred reminded us that roses are hard to find in the late fall. He indicated that the Buddies have been using cotton for years as it is more representative of the area.

Fred and Ann hit it off from the start. He offered her a seat in his golf cart, a second-generation replacement for the one he received from Willard Scott (a national TV celebrity). He invited us to his house to share a fire and conversation, which we gladly accepted. Fred gave a short speech on the history of the Rose Buddies and their desire to assist the cruiser on their trip South (and North). Fred has a feisty streak. A couple of cruisers were talking when he started his speech. He reminded them that he was talking and suggested that they behave. Glad that was not us.

After a delightful time, the party dispersed. Most went to the local restaurant for dinner. We went back to the boat to scrub up for our visit to Fred’s house. We arrived at precisely 1930 and were greeted to a warm fire and comfortable chairs. Fred shared with us many details of his family. He talked often about his beloved late wife Florence. He told us that be started the Rose Buddies in memory of Florence. He showed us the many pictures of his family, the oil portrait of Florence, and the house that Florence designed. The man is still in love nearly 20 years after his loss. Fred lost his son to cancer in August 2002. After such a tragic loss, Fred never missed a step in his dedication to the Buddies concept.

We left Fred’s place around 2300. It was cold outside and it would be cold in the boat. So much for the fire and the warmth. We told Fred that we would see him in the Spring. He seemed pleased.

Cruisers on the ICW should consider Elizabeth City and the dismal Swamp as an alternative to the Virginia Cut. It was a truly enjoyable experience, thanks largely to Fred and his Buddies. Thanks Fred! See you in the Spring!