The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina connected by a highway which relies on bridges and ferries. As a national seashore, much of it is protected from development and many species of fowl, reptile, and mammals call this place home. One of the significant parts of the history of the Outer Banks is that it was the place that the Wright brothers chose to test some of their early prototypes for flight. There are numerous sand dunes on the island which combined with the coastal breezes made a good place to test their theories on flight. Today, there is a large monument to the Wright brothers and Jockey Ridge is now a state park where you can still spread your wings and hang-glide.
We stopped at Jockey's Ridge on our way down to our destination of Buxton, NC so that we could stretch our legs after riding all afternoon. It was a beautiful day with a stiff breeze and we enjoyed climbing over the dunes. Of course, climbing sand is very different than the hiking I am used to and my calves were screaming by the time we left.
We continued down Route 12 to Pea Island and noticed the encroachment of the sand on the highway. The thing to know about Route 12 is that much of it travels down narrow strips of land and there are sections where you are literally on the beach on the ocean side and the sound is just yards away on the other side. After crossing the impressive bridge at Oregon Inlet, it is not long before you notice the damage from late last summer's Hurricane Irene including a makeshift bridge erected to span the new inlet created by the storm. Further down in Miro, more damage is still very much evident to homes in this area.
When we finally arrived, we quickly unloaded and threw on our swimsuit to spend a little time on the beach before dark. It was a beautiful evening and it framed the Hatteras lighthouse beautifully. We also saw a couple getting married on the beach at sunset just up the beach from us. It was very beautiful.
The next morning found us traveling back up Route 12 to Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Our mission was to sail on a headboat and do some fishing. Unfortunately, the only headboat operating that day doesn't leave the sound and fishing is limited. We sailed around several spots looking for the fish but none was to be had. We did enjoyed watching some dolphins, though, and it was very cool out on the water. When our boat returned to the docks, many of the charters that had went out to the gulfstream were returning and unloading their catch. There were some impressive catches that day and we enjoyed watching them unload the fish.
We then headed back to Buxton and to the beach for more evening time at the beach. Dusk is a beautiful time to be on the beach as it gives everything a different hue.
Next morning found me up bright and early to head to the Orange Blossom Bakery for their famed Apple Uglies. These concoctions are homeade, delicious, the size of dinner plates, and go fast. You must be there early or your chances of getting one are slim. They have many other awesome breakfast sandwiches and pastries, but you have to try the apple uglies at least once.
We enjoyed another full day at the beach and enjoyed playing in the surf. There were excellent waves this weekend and many surfers were out enjoying the surf.
The day of departure arrived and we enjoyed another couple of hours on the beach before hitting the road and heading home. We had a great weekend and everyone should experience the beautiful, unspoiled beaches of the Outer Banks.
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