July 26 - Fun in the Sun on the Outer Banks

Today I had fun in the sun riding the Outer Banks of North Carolina! What an adventure – riding two ferries, crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge, driving between the sand dunes, and getting a little taste of Island living. I spent more time on the water than on my bike but it was time well spent.

Heading south on highway 158 early this morning, I passed Currituck Sound on my left and Albemarle Sound on my right then traversed the Wright Memorial Bridge from Point Harbor to the city of Kitty Hawk. This 2.8-mile bridge gave me the same flavor as the longer Chesapeake Bay Bridge with its impressive engineering and spectacular views of white sandy beaches, blue ocean, and cities in the distance.

Following highway 12 along the Outer Banks was a unique experience as there were often Sand Dunes on at least one side in the road. My favorite parts were the places where I had dunes on each side – I had the sensation of driving my Harley through the Dunes with the wind blowing in my face, the salty smell of the ocean, and little flicks of sand peppering my skin. In one place the sand had blown over the road itself and I had to drive over it to continue on my route.

I took the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island where I enjoyed a blackened fish lunch from a local eatery and enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle around me. Time seemed to move a little slower there with a 25 mile an hour speed limit, more golf carts on the road than cars, and people that did not seem to be in a rush to be anywhere but where they already were.

From Ocracoke, I boarded the ferry to Swan Quarter so I could continue my trip by bike. The ferry ride over was almost three hours and the swells were rather large. So I was relieved when we got to the other side and my bike was still upright. I am spending the night in Greenville North Caroline before heading to Asheville tomorrow.