August 1: Magic of the Outer Banks

Magical, just magical. The outer banks of North Carolina captivated my heart today. I felt transported to a different world as I relaxed in my brightly painted hotel room framed by colorful flowers, rode through the dunes with sand blowing across the road, and enjoyed a fresh blackened fish salad right on the harbor on Ocracoke, one of many of a long chain of barrier islands that make up this national seashore.

This year’s visit to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore was even more fun that last year’s, mainly because I knew more about the ferry schedules and how to best make my way from island to island. Instead of staying further north in Norfolk, I booked a room at the OBX Island Motel in Nag’s Head, a small town on the northern tip of the chain of barrier islands that make up the outer banks, positioning myself for an easy morning departure for the two ferries I would need to catch to make it back to the mainland.

As I headed south on highway 12 towards Hatteras and my first ferry of the day, I marveled at the beautiful tan and honey colored sand dunes on each side of me, the glimpses of the bright blue Atlantic Ocean beyond, and the refreshing feel of the cool wind from the water blowing across the road. As the sand drifted across the road from the ocean breeze and little pieces of it peppered my face, I had the feeling I was riding My Baby through the dunes themselves even though my tires were still on pavement.  

My timing ended up being perfect as I made it to the Cape Hatteras Ferry just a few minutes before departure. The hour-long ride to the island of Ocracoke was pleasant as the cool ocean breeze mitigated the high temperatures and the brightly shining sun made the ocean seem that much bluer. After arriving on Ocracoke, I gassed up at the island’s only gas station, checked in at the ferry terminal to confirm the departure time of the ride to the mainland, and situated myself at a small table in the shade at a restaurant right on the harbor.

I think part of what makes the trip through the outer banks so magical is the way in which time slows down. As I traveled the length of the banks, cars traveled at a low speed, allowing pedestrians to cross the road between little shops and restaurants, talking to each other and waving to people they knew. When eating at the restaurant I was told I could keep my table as long as I wanted to write my blog and relax. Everyone seems to be in a good mood, enjoying the cool breeze, navigating through town on golf carts, playing in the ocean, and fishing.

I’m so glad I picked this route south as I head my way back towards home.