July 11, 2015
We enjoyed the drive across North Carolina. The rolling hills and lush farm land and tobacco crops were picturesque. Highway 64 took us directly East past Pirate's Cove, across Washington Baum Bridge, past Gum Neck, across Alligator River and Stumpy Creek, where we connected with Highway 12 just below Nags Head, on the 200 mile island called Outer Banks. Highway 12 runs right down the center of this narrow strip of sand land; the Roanoak Sound on our right and the Atlantic Ocean on our left. Unfortunately, the sand berm was so high it obstructed our views of the Atlantic.
We were held up on the low bridge that skims the top of the Sound for several miles by a huge barge carrying excavation equipment and cranes towards the Atlantic. The pass through on the bridge was a long piece that actually swiveled perpendicular to the highway, thus allowing a clear waterway through the highway. This slow moving barge took a while in its approach, but eventually it cleared and traffic resumed.
Resuming our drive south, we continued to pass
alongside beautiful multi-story beach homes and resorts that one can rent for a week at a time, for a hefty price. Many of the houses appear to be constructed atop 8 or 10 foot stilts. I guess when the hurricanes hit, the water level rises and the Atlantic waves can flow under the houses, avoiding too much damage. I'm not sure being inside one of these homes with the Atlantic Ocean pounding the piers would be appealing!
There appears to be much to do along the Outer Banks, including camping, sand buggy riding, fishing, and, of course, that ever popular, surfing in the Shark infested water.
No comments:
Post a Comment