Out on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Another highlight of North Carolina is the Outer Banks. While cold, we were glad to visit during off-season to enjoy seeing the sights with no crowds..actually, more accurately, we were usually the only tourists!

We had received information on Roanoke Island, Fort Raleigh and the Lost Colony at the Wright Bro's. Memorial.

This is the only photo of the visit to Fort Raleigh. The visitors center is under reconstruction, the dramatic interpretation for the Lost Colony is seasonal and the 'fort' is reconstructed dirt mounds that we didn't even take a picture of. The story of the first English settlement is intriguing, if sad but we suggest skipping touring this site until things are restored and in season.

Nearby is an Elizabethan Garden built by the Women's Garden Club of North Carolina to commemorate the unfortunate colonists. Fortunately for the boys' sake, Linda decided it wasn't worth the admission or time to see the garden this early in the growing season.

Although the planned activities didn't work out so well, we did enjoy driving through the island and village. The architecture and beauty demonstrate that while the first colonists didn't fare so well, the current residents are doing quite well in this very lovely spot.

Next was to drive down the outer banks and see the light houses. Bodie Island was under a pretty intense remodel.

Pressing on down the islands, we took the ferry over to Ocracoake Island and saw this one.

We also saw a collection of Ocracoake ponies being kept at one of several national parks.

Last on our journey, but not least was Cape Hattaras.

We also ventured out to the beach at Cape Hattaras, but didn't stay long - very cold!

Now we've moved on to Virginia and have a rental site with water access - too bad we don't have a boat! We still like taking walks to the water...and the boys are still looking forward to catching a fish at some point along our travels...