The Outer Banks is 100 miles of ocean shore line on the east coast of North Carolina. Looking at the map it appears the coastline is one long string of towns but in reality there are miles with no development.
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| Outer Banks of North Carolina |
It was after dark when we pulled in a campground in Kill Devil Hills and while setting up for the night, Tucker snuck off and jumped in the canal behind the trailer. Not a surprising event but some of those waterways are homes to alligators.
The following morning we struck up a conversation with a Canadian couple who were driving a 20 foot van purchased from the same company where we bought our Alto trailer. It was the first time we have seen another Safari Condo vehicle on the road or in a campground and we spent an hour comparing notes. (Note: They introduced us to our favorite app, All Stays Camp and RV and is one that we use multiple times a day when we are on the road).
Ten miles south of Nags Head, is the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. As an Atlantic Flyway, this area is well known as a "Birder' s Paradise" and is also home to numerous species of mammals and reptiles. In 2011 Hurricane Irene reeked havoc along this coast but also opened a new inlet.
Steve remembers visiting Cape Hatteras when he and his parents lived in Virginia and took a family vacation. One of his most vivid memories was the visit to the Cape Hatteras Light Station but due to the lateness in the season, we were only able to see it from the ground level. When reading the informational plaques, we discovered that the lighthouse, the tallest in the US, and accompanying buildings had been moved from the original site by the National Park Service to the place we were standing.
Cape Hatteras is a National Seashore with over 70 miles of coastline unspoiled by development. The vistas are incredible walking opportunities almost limitless. A couple near our ages were throwing a ball for their dog and Tucker went to investigate. As anyone who knows Tucker, once he finds out there is no food, he quickly loses interest in the game.
In an initially casual conversation, the woman told me found out that they had been visiting the area for years as a family and now as a couple. She was concerned the predicted rainfall would shorten their visit as her husband was discussing an early departure. Then she shared it would be the eighth anniversary of the death of her then 18 year old son who succumbed to heat stroke; she could not bear to go back home and be surrounded by the memories.
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