Sunrise to Sunset-Outer Banks
A pictorial of a delightful trip to the Outer Banks. We camped in Cape Hatteras National Seashore area, much quieter than the more northerly parts which contain most of the hotels, houses, shops and restaurants. Also the Wright Brothers National Park which is well worth a visit to see where they actually flew and landed.
The dunes are exactly like the postcards, with occasional gaps to access the miles and miles of beach. Wild grasses help to keep the dunes stable, although they are also maintained by the parks. The dunes are not a natural phenomenon, having been created in the 1930s as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal to get people back to work after the depression. They help stabilize the movement of the Outer Banks which is not shifted as much by storms.
Also abundant bird life who don’t care too much about the humans as they forage on the shoreline or dive for fish.
One of my bucket list items was to see the wild horses of the banks. This involved and excursion to the northernmost section where there are no roads! You can drive on the beach with the correct type of vehicle (4-wheel drive) and if you deflate your tires. If not, you will be one of those who get stuck in the soft ruts and need a tow. If a friendly 4×4 can’t pull you out, its very expensive. Don’t try it in your rental! You can go on self-drive or beach buggy tours which provide you with a safer journey, less risk and interesting local guides.
The sunsets are amazing. Our campsite was on a narrow spit so we could go to the beach in the morning for sunrise, if you were awake in time (not me) and then just cross the road to view the sunset every evening. Truly magical.
With some fishing thrown in for those who do .
