Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Before the Storm
Category Archives: Beach
Reflections
Sunrise – Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Patterns in the Sand
Try as I might, I cannot seem to get back on to a regular posting schedule. Even still, I hope you enjoy this sand art, created by the tide off Ocean Isle Beach.
It All Adds Up
Beach
Family
Storms
Food
Drink
Exercise
Photography
Fun
It all adds up to a fantastic family vacation at the beach, one where I used the cell phone more than the camera (but you already picked up on that, huh). Blessed beyond measure!
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I spent a total of two non-consective weeks in North Carolina, a state I have boycotted since the passage of HB2. What do you do when plans have been made for over a year, and deposits were paid before North Carolina decided to pass such a controversial law? You keep your plans and contribute to Equality NC. From here on out, like the NBA, lots of musicians and corporations, I will continue to avoid spending money in NC.
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And now, I’m off to visit all of you!
Jennette’s Pier
I’m out on my morning power walk here on the Outer Banks of NC. What an amazing week: time with friends, delicious food, and gorgeous weather (and the power of Mother Nature during two wicked and wild storms, one while riding the motorcycle – details later).
I’ll share more photos and stories when I get home, but for now am posting this cell phone / straight out of the camera image from inside Jennette’s Pier. First built in 1936, and rebuilt many times after being destroyed by hurricanes and nor’ easters, the pier is a stunning structure, loaded with history, and with educational displays focused on the ocean and all it’s creatures.
Can’t wait to tell you more about it! Hope you all are well, and I’ll look forward to visiting you soon.
** Please visit this link to learn more (and see much better images) of Jennette’s Pier **
Springtime in Florida
For the past 3 years, I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Florida in March. The snow and cold temperatures are left behind, and I am greeted by springtime on the gulf coast. Tons of color, cooling breezes, gorgeous horizons, and dear friends. The trip is never long enough, but 3 full days offers a welcome break from the routine.
I’m even getting comfortable with flying. Yes, as odd as it seems, the woman who rides a motorcycle has a tendency to be a bit nervous on a plane.
The first day in Florida found us enjoying delicious food at Columbia Restaurant, followed by a bit of shopping and walking.
The next morning, after coffee, yogurt, and fresh fruit by the pool (aka hot tub), we were walking Lido Beach.
The camera was rarely out of my hand!!
And thank goodness for that!
This little guy was hunkered down in a footprint.
And this guy seemed to be saying “what are you looking at?”
After a couple hours of walking, it was time to find lunch and to explore some local history.
Next Post: Spanish Point
Standing Tall
What a gift!
Four days on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I’ve got much to share, but also have four days of chores to catch up on.
So for now, say hello to this handsome Great Grey Heron.
❤
There and Back
The five days spent on the Outer Banks was, as you might expect, perfectly wonderful! For those not familiar, the Outer Banks is a 200-mile (320-km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Each year, the GOAs (Girls of August) reunite for food, fun, and fabulous times, and this year our destination was Nags Head.
The 420 mile ride to the beach took me through the small town of Warrenton, NC, where, once they recovered from the shock of “it’s a girl under that helmet”, they pumped my gas for me.
I rode through rain for some of the trip (check out this blog post to read about riding in the dark), but it felt so good to be on the bike for a good, long ride that I didn’t even care. It also felt great to be able to have time to use my camera once I arrived.
One of the reasons that I have always loved the Outer Banks is because it is a more low key, less developed beach community. It is more about the ocean, the wildlife, and nature, and less about shopping and dining out (although you can find that, too, no doubt!)
Clearly, I need to purchase another lens (AFTER the election), but I very much enjoyed seeing this pod of dophins.
Each morning, after coffee and breakfast, we’d load up the cooler and head to the beach. What a treat to put my chair right in the surf, and read my book (the first since starting the campaign!) with cold beverage in hand.
It wasn’t until the last day that we saw a few drops of rain, which of course allowed us to have fun playing Rummy and Charades.
The view of the sunset over the Roanoke Sound was pretty even with the power line.
Despite starting for home in the rain, once the sun came out I enjoyed the colors along the way.
After 30 weeks on the campaign trail, this short visit with dear friends was just the breather that I needed.
I’m so glad that I was able to find a moment to write a post. With any spare time that I have this week, my goal is to visit all of you!
Monochromia: Riding the Storm Out
My contribution to Monochromia this week.
The Roanoke Sound
This was the sky that met me as I left the beach on the bike a couple weeks ago. Even though the rain threatened (and eventually soaked me), I could not resist stopping to take the shot.
Random Colors of Summer
I’ve so many beach photos to work through, yet I’ve been challenged to find the time to get it done.
Rather than go much longer without posting, I thought I’d share a few random shots.
Things that drew my eye,
reminded me of summer,
and lovely times at the beach.
Thanks for visiting today! I appreciate you continuing to drop by even though I don’t post as much as I used to.
I’ll be visiting your blogs soon. If there is a post you are particularly proud of, please include the link in the comment section!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 