Our destination was a dream trip to the North Carolina Outer Banks, with its famous beaches, lighthouses, wild ponies, and legends.
All four Olsons: Jerry, Keith, Tim and Lorelie, traveled to this unique shoreline area along the Atlantic Ocean. Our experiences were as varied as the scenery!
By Lorelie & Tim Olson
Photo credits: Keith Olson & Lorelie Olson.
OCRACOKE ISLAND
After our ferry ride, we found Ocracoke charming, rustic, and cozy! We checked into the motel, unpacked and took a look around . . .
When we stepped outside our room we discovered amazing views of the harbor, boats, piers, pelicans too!
All this from our deck.
Across the street from our motel, we had dinner at the Jolly Roger, a fun place for seafood, drinks and boisterous diners enjoying themselves.
Filled with good food and good times, we returned to our deck for sunset.
OCRACOKE PONIES
We leisurely drove up the coast and stopped to watch the famous Ocracoke ponies. Descendants of Spanish Mustangs, the ponies roamed freely for centuries and are now contained in an 180 acre enclosure.
OCRACOKE BEACHES & LIGHTHOUSES
Tim’s first time on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Keith’s camera is ready to record the event! Ocracoke has 16 miles of pristine beaches for Tim to enjoy.
A highlight for us was visiting the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Built in 1823, this beacon is one of the oldest light houses still in service in the US. Wow, think of the ships it has guided to safety with a beam that arches 14 miles out to sea!
GOOD-BYE OCRACOKE - - - HELLO HATTERAS
We drove across Ocracoke to catch the Hatteras ferry. The ferry landing had an interesting beach with grassy dunes. When we climbed to the top of a dune we experienced great views: a sailboat, tug, and other vessels.
On the way to our motel and the beaches of Nag’s Head we stopped to see the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. (it was moved 22,900 feet in 1999 because of erosion.)
We arrived at the Comfort Inn on Roanoke Sound, then checked out our view of the beach and went to dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Good-bye Outer Banks, Keith & Jerry and North Carolina! Can’t wait until our next trip!
To read Cathy Ross’s poem, “Beach Meditation” – click here
Wonderful! The photos and narrative made me smile, gasp (looking up at the lighthouse) and marvel! Thanks for letting us share your fun journey!
Such a treat to re-live our glorious adventure with both of you! It’s a fact, the four of us are always eager to explore! OBX beckons the masses as it offers beauty, mystique, and remains a sought-after destination! None of this was wasted on us as was confirmed with your post filled with colorful narrative and photos!! Let’s try to overlook the obvious commercial side! My hope is that the Outer Banks will continue to share all of nature’s natural charm for those who seek it.